Uganda Cranes arrived in Annaba on Wednesday evening and have settled in well as kickoff for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship draws closer.
With the tournament getting underway on Friday, players and the technical staff are making the final preparations. Equally for CAF, they are making final touches to have a memorable Championship.
On Thursday, the team had an orientation engagement with CAF officials covering aspects like matchday operations, doping, laws of the game, communication, marketing, safety and security among others.
Later in the day, the team also conducted its first training session in Annaba at Stade Chabbou.
Uganda, placed in Group B will kick start the tournament against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday at Stadium 19th May 1956.
Here are some pictures from the day’s events
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa (Right) sharing notes with a CAF Official.L-R: Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba and Nelson Senkatuka.Selfie Moment: Forward Moses Aliro (Yellow) and Goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi.Nelson Senkatuka (seated) and Marvin Youngman during the CAF Photoshoot.Defender Kenneth Ssemakula all smiles while on phone.Midfielder Titus Ssematimba taking pictures using his phone.Defender Geofrey Wasswa all smiles.Abdu Karim Watambala (Left) and Bright Anukani share a light moment.Midfielder Moses Waiswa NdondhiUganda Cranes having a bonding session before training at Stade Chabbou.Team Media Officer Ahmed Hussein(red jacket) and National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala (grey coat).Coach Milutin Sredojevic passing on instructions in training.Players getting ready for training.Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa chest controls the ball.Titus Ssematimba controls the ball in training.Training at Stade Chabbou in Annaba.
The Uganda U20 football national team, The Hippos have on Wednesday entered residential camp at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru ahead of the 2023 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.
The team that departed from FUFA House, Mengo, is expected to spend 10 days in Njeru, which the technical team will use to fully assess and examine the players before shifting base to Cranes Paradise Hotel after reducing the number.
Some of the players pose for photos before setting off
A total of 50 players were summoned by head coach Jackson Mayanja on Tuesday, with only one player (Muhammad Nsereko) from the winning team in Sudan missing.
Most of the summoned players reported apart from skipper and Greek based Isma Mugulusi, Italy based forward Oscar Mawa, Titus Ssematimba and Travis Mutyaba who are currently with the Cranes CHAN team in Algeria.
The Hippos qualified for the second successive time after finishing as runners up in 2021 in Mauritania.
They are in Group B along with the Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, and South Sudan.
The tournament will run from February 19 to March 11 in Egypt, in the cities of Cairo, Ismailia, and Alexandria.
Lukwago Haruna (KCCA FC) Opiru Justine (URA FC) Mpanga Sula (Maroons FC) Ibrahim Juma (FC Leganes, Spain) Ssemayange Simon Kato (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Jimmy Ndalambi (Blacks Power FC) Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC) Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC) Kakogwe Apollo (Wakiso Giants FC) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC) Enyou Allan (Elite Falcons FC, Dubai) Kibande Cyrus (Teranova Soccer Academy) Kitariko Kiano (Kedleston Road, Derby campus, UK)
Midfielders
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC) Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende) Allan Kiggundu (Bul FC) Kyazze Faizo (Manyangwa FC) Mugulusi Isma (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Jemba AbduShakur Ramsey ( International House Football Academy, Manchester) Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC) Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa) Faisal Wabyoona (KCCA FC) Andrew Kawooya (KCCA FC) Mutebi Hakim (St. Mary’s Kitende) Nyanzi Marvin (Wakiso Giants FC) Mukisa Owen (Bul FC) Christian Mulindwa (Rangers FC)
Forwards
Kasinde Ibrahim (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC) Kakande Patrick Jonah ( SC Villa) Hassan Mubiru (Express FC) Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC) Umar Lutalo (SC Villa) Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Kyeyune Abas (UPDF FC) Oscar Mawa (Italy) Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC) Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC) Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20) Kato Shaun Senkubuge (Tottenham Hotspur FC) Alpha Ssali (Unattached) Ssevume Simeo (Rubaga High School), Kakaire Thomas (Unattached).
Officials
Head Coach: Jackson Mayanja Assistant Coach: Massa Simeon Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu Fitness Coach: Kasule Noah Team Manager (Mutyaba Bashir) Team Doctor: Gumisiriza Michael Kamu Physiotherapist: Kyasimire Darline Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire Kits Manager: Bumpenje Frank
Uganda Cranes concluded their ten-day training camp in Sousse, Tunisia on Tuesday as part of preparations for African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022.
The team comprised of only players featuring in the domestic league first had a ten-day training camp in Kampala before moving to Sousse on 1st January 2023.
While in Tunisia, Uganda Cranes has had three friendly games with the aim of fine tuning the players.
The games included Sudan (2-2), Cameroon (1-1) and Mali (0-0).
Leader of Delegation, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe who is also a member of the FUFA Executive Committee highlighted the importance of the foreign camp ahead of a tournament like CHAN.
Leader of Delegation Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe (L) upon arrival in Tunis.
“Like it has always been a norm at FUFA that prior to any major tournament, we take National Teams to a foreign camp and try to create a situation that would give players the competitive mind. I believe the camp in Sousse has been fruitful, the coaches have been able to mould the team and also the players have developed the bond necessary to take them into CHAN,” he stated before adding.
“In addition, we have acclimatized to things like weather and food because Tunisia and Algeria are neighbours, we believe this was a perfect choice of venue to camp. The friendly games have shown improvement and chemistry of the team and we are hopeful of doing better than the previous editions.”
Ahimbisibwe also lauded Government of Uganda for availing funds to help the team have good preparations.
“As FUFA, we are grateful to the Government of Uganda for providing the funds in time to aid the team in having good preparations. The ball in now in the hands of the players to deliver. We call upon all Ugandans back home and across the World to rally behind the team and support the boys when the tournament starts.” He stated.
Uganda Cranes contingent will departed Tunisia for Annaba, Algeria on Wednesday morning. The Team will be based at Ben Mustapha Aouda Hotel.
The first Group game will be against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, 14th January 2023.
Uganda is in Group B that has Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes CHAN squad
Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penz (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
Uganda Hippos head coach Jackson Mayanja has named the provisional squad ahead of the final tournament in Egypt next month.
A total of 50 players have been summoned by Mayanja with only one player (Muhammad Nsereko) from the winning team in Sudan missing.
SC Villa exciting forward Travis Mutyaba, Ivan Asaba, Andrew Kawooya Alpha Ssali, Saidi Mayanja, Oscar Mawa and Ivan Irinimbabazi are some of the other notable additions in the squad.
The team will enter residential camp tomorrow (Wednesday) at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru, for a couple of days before shifting base to the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.
"We are going to use this time to fully assess and examine the players and all decisions we shall make will be based on merit, meaning players must work hard to prove the technical team." – Uganda Hippos Head Coach Jackson Mayanja pic.twitter.com/CVHnKVBJ9H
Lukwago Haruna (KCCA FC) Opiru Justine (URA FC) Mpanga Sula (Maroons FC) Ibrahim Juma (FC Leganes, Spain) Ssemayange Simon Kato (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Jimmy Ndalambi (Blacks Power FC) Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC) Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC) Kakogwe Apollo (Wakiso Giants FC) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC) Enyou Allan (Elite Falcons FC, Dubai) Kibande Cyrus (Teranova Soccer Academy) Kitariko Kiano (Kedleston Road, Derby campus, UK)
Midfielders
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC) Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende) Allan Kiggundu (Bul FC) Kyazze Faizo (Manyangwa FC) Mugulusi Isma (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Jemba AbduShakur Ramsey ( International House Football Academy, Manchester) Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC) Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa) Faisal Wabyoona (KCCA FC) Andrew Kawooya (KCCA FC) Mutebi Hakim (St. Mary’s Kitende) Nyanzi Marvin (Wakiso Giants FC) Mukisa Owen (Bul FC) Christian Mulindwa (Rangers FC)
Forwards
Kasinde Ibrahim (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC) Kakande Patrick Jonah ( SC Villa) Hassan Mubiru (Express FC) Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC) Umar Lutalo (SC Villa) Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC) Kyeyune Abas (UPDF FC) Oscar Mawa (Italy) Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC) Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC) Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20) Kato Shaun Senkubuge (Tottenham Hotspur FC) Alpha Ssali (Unattached) Ssevume Simeo (Rubaga High School), Kakaire Thomas (Unattached)
Officials
Head Coach: Jackson Mayanja Assistant Coach: Massa Simeon Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu Fitness Coach: Kasule Noah Team Manager (Mutyaba Bashir) Team Doctor: Gumisiriza Michael Kamu Physiotherapist: Kyasimire Darline Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire Kits Manager: Bumpenje Frank
In a bid to improve Women’s football in the country, the Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA), in conjunction with the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), organized a football administration and management course one (FAMACO1) for stakeholders involved in the Women’s game.
More than 40 participants graced the three days course that started on Wednesday January 04, 2023 and successfully ended at the FUFA SIGs offices Mengo on Friday 06th January 2023.
The participants in the course included current women football players and coaches. They were taken through various modules including finance, human resource, communication, FUFA and its roles, marketing, club administration and governance, among others with the FUFA electoral committee chairman – Yusuf Awuye the lead instructor.
“I am quite sure all the participants have benefited from this course, and I believe a very good breed of football administrators will come from this class,” Mr. Awuye said at the closing function of the course.
UWFA chairperson – Margret Kubingi Kebba Fatia is optimistic the stakeholders that have been trained have had their mindset towards football administration changed and they will put what they have been taught to practice when they go back to their communities and clubs.
“We organised this course to enable people change their mindset because they have been thinking negatively. We believe whoever has attended the course is a changed person now and can ably manage their clubs well,” she said.
A one Crested Cranes and She Coperate defender – Phoebe Banura was excited after finishing the course and she believes the knowledge she acquired will help her serve football in a different capacity when curtains fall on her playing career.
“I am glad to have completed this course. I didn’t only come to study but also to prepare for life after football. As girls, we play football but we can’t play it for too long. The course has been so good and I believe it will be a good cornerstone to usher me into sports administration after my playing career special thanks to Uganda Women Football Association UWFA’ Banura said.
Chairperson of the Uganda Coaches Football Association – Livingston Kyambadde was the chief guest at the course’s closing function.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho has confirmed the final squad that will feature at this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The coach confirmed a final team of 23 players from the squad that is currently having preparations in Tunisia.
From Tunisia, the team will connect to Annaba, Algeria on Wednesday where Uganda is pooled in Group B alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda has featured at CHAN on five occasions namely; 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.
Uganda Cranes Final Squad CHAN 2022
Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
Uganda and Mali played out a goalless draw on Sunday as the two sides faced off in a friendly game played at Jabel Stadium, Monastir in Tunisia.
In a closely contested game, either side created chances but could not find the much needed breakthrough.
It should be noted that both Uganda and Mali used the game as part of preparations for African Nations Championship (CHAN) which starts this Friday in Algeria.
Coach Micho made several changes in the team that had started against Cameroon on Thursday.
Nafian Alionzi returned in goal and played the first 45 minutes before Jack Komakech also got a run out.
Ashiraf Mandela and Isa Mubiru started as right back and left back respectively with Gift Fred maintaining his slot at the heart of defence playing alongside Hillary Mukundane.
The midfield trio had Marvin Youngman, Najib Yiga and Titus Ssematimba while Travis Mutyaba, Moses Aliro and Nelson Ssenkatuka formed the front three.
Uganda started on a bright note with Ssematimba making several inroads into Mali’s back line.
The crafty forward had two good attempts at goal forcing saves from the Mali custodian.
Yiga got injured midway through the first half and was replaced by Kenneth Ssemakula.
In the second half, the coach made more changes bringing on James Begisa, Bright Anukani, Rogers Mato, Frank Ssebufu and Ibrahim Orit.
The best chance of the game fell to Mandela early in the second half when he made a good run on the right wing but his feeble shot could not go beyond the goalkeeper.
This was the third friendly match for Uganda in Tunisia having drawn 2-2 against Sudan before playing out a one all draw with Cameroon.
The coach is optimistic that the games have shaped his charges well and they are ready for the final tournament.
Uganda Cranes will leave Tunisia on Wednesday to connect to Annaba in Algeria where the team will be based for their group B games against Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Nafian Alionzi, Ashiraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Gift Fred, Hillary Mukundane, Marvin Youngman, Najib Yiga, Titus Ssematimba, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Travis Mutyaba, Moses Aliro
Substitutes Jack Komakech, Joel Mutakubwa, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Ssemakula, Geoffrey Wasswa, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Ibrahim Orit, Rogers Mato, Milton Karisa
Defender Rashid Toha and striker Fred Amaku were on target as West Nile beat Lango Province 2-0 in the FUFA Drum first leg final at Greenlight Stadium.
Starting XI’s – West Nile Province v Lango Province
The Arua Hill SC captain netted directly from a free kick in the opening half before Amaku sealed it with a screamer towards the end of the tie.
Rashid Toha scores and celebrates with team mates
The home side was dominant in the early stages of the game and got a couple of chances, but Lango goalie Emmanuel Odongkara was alert.
Lango’s best chance in the game came towards the end of the game when Denis Omedi’s attempt hit the crossbar.
The result meant West Nile took the first leg with a two-goal advantage before the return leg at Akibua Stadium in Lira.
Fred Amaku celebrates with team mates
Goal Highlights
https://youtu.be/dy6rphaBcBc
Below is the road map to the final for both provinces.
West Nile Province
Round 16
West Nile Province 5-0 Karamoja Province Karamoja Province 0-1 West Nile.
Quarter Final
West Nile Province 4-0 Kampala Province Kampala Province 0-2 West Nile Province
Semi final
West Nile Province 1-0 Acholi Province Acholi Province 1-1 West Nile Province
Lango Province
Round 16
Lango Province 0-0 Ankole Province Ankole Province 0-1 Lango Province
Quarter final
Bugisu Province 1-0 Lango Province Lango Province 3-0 Bugisu Province
Semi final
Tooro Province 2-2 Lango Province Lango Province 1-0 Tooro Province
2018 finalists West Nile Province will host Lango Province this Saturday in the first leg final at the Greenlight Stadium, Arua in a highly anticipated encounter.
It will be the second meeting between both sides with the first coming in the second edition in 2019 in the quarter final with West Nile winning 3-1 at the Akiibua stadium thanks to Fred Amaku, Rashid Agau and Tabu Vitalis goals before Fahad Badiro got the consolation for Lango.
Prior to the final, both sides have played six matches which started at the round of 16 with West Nile winning five and drawing once, scoring a total of 14 goals and conceding one.
On the other hand, Lango have registered three wins, two draws and one loss, netting seven times and conceding three times.
The tie will also see the two current leading scorers both on four goals face off that is Westnile Province Ibrahim Dada and Lango’s Allan Okello.
Allan Okello of Lango Province & Ibrahim Dada of West Nile Province are the current leading scorers of this edition's FUFA Drum with each tied on 4️⃣ goals.
Both sides will miss out on the services of key players who are with Uganda Cranes in Tunisia for CHAN preparations that is inspirational custodian and skipper Nafian Alionzi for Westnile Province and so is Rogers Mato and Moses Aliro for Lango.
Fact: West Nile goalkeeper and skipper Nafian Alionzi has kept five clean sheets out of six in this edition's FUFA Drum Tournament with his side scoring 14 goals so far.#CelebratingOurAncestrypic.twitter.com/QpscDCsjUx
It’s the second time Westnile Province will be apprearing in the final following their first in the first edition in 2018 which they lost to Buganda over two legs while for Lango Province it will be their first time here.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will be crowned champions.
Buganda Province and Acholi Province won the first and second edition in 2018 and 2019 respectively before COVID-19 hit the World.
Midfielder Moses Waiswa Ndondhi was on target for Uganda Cranes in the friendly game against Cameroon played on Thursday.
The crafty midfielder came off the bench to curl home from a free kick as Uganda came from a goal down to draw one-all against Cameroon at Stade Chedly Zouiten in Tunis.
It should noted that both Uganda Cranes and the Indomitable Lions are preparing for the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) that starts next week in Algeria.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho rang seven changes from the team that had started against Sudan two days ago.
Joel Mutakubwa started in goal ahead of Nafian Alionzi while James Begisa Penza started in the right back position.
The other changes included Gift Fred, Kenneth Ssemakula, Titus Ssematimba, Najib Yiga and Bright Anukani all starting.
Cameroon took the lead in the 40th minute through Kemaju Debami who rushed into the area to head the ball beyond Mutakubwa.
Uganda returned an improved side after recess with the coach making changes including bringing on Wasiwa for Anukani.
The move paid off with Rogers Mato and Waiswa combining for Uganda’s goal.
Mato was fouled on the edge of the box and Waiswa curled home from the resultant free kick, ten minutes from time.
Coach Micho believes the two friendly games played so far help in forming the core of the team and knowing what needs to improve.
“After 180 minutes, we have scored three goals and that is important. We have seen the areas we need to address going forward. We gave some players who didn’t start against Sudan some time and this gave us a proper assessment of where we stand.” He said.
Uganda will have another friendly game on Sunday, playing against Mali who are also preparing for CHAN.
Starting XI Joel Mutakubwa (GK), James Begisa, Penza, Geoffrey Wasswa, Gift Fred, Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bright, Anukani Karim Watambala, Titus Ssematimba, Najib Yiga, Frank Ssebufu
Substitutes Nafian Alionzi (GK), Jack Komakech (GK), Ashiraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Hillary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Moses Aliro, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit
Uganda and Sudan settled for a scoring draw as the two teams faced off in an international friendly game played on Tuesday in Tunisia.
It should be noted that the two teams are preparing for the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) that gets underway on Friday next week in Algeria.
Uganda opened the scoring in the game played at Jamel Stadium thanks to a close range finish by Karim Watambala inside the first minute.
However, the lead was short lived with Sudan levelling matters five minutes later through Muhammad Abdulrahman who converted from the spot after Derrick Ndahiro had fouled in the box.
In the 13th minute, Ibrahim Orit restored parity for Uganda when he found space inside the area before choosing to take a low drive into the bottom left corner.
Milton Karisa in action against Sudan.
A well laid cross from Ndahiro on the left found Orit unmarked and he took his time to direct a ground effort into the back of the net.
The Cranes held on to lead 2-1 at the break and the coach made some changes upon resumption.
The first changes saw Marvin Youngman and Moses Aliro replace Siraje Ssentamu and Orit respectively.
Uganda Cranes celebrate one of the goals against Sudan.
In the 65th minute, Sudan were able to find the equalizer through Siddig Kuwa.
There were further changes for Uganda with James Begisa, Isa Mubiru, Najib Yiga, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Bright Anukani and Travis Mutyaba all coming on in the second half with Ashiraf Mandela, Ndahiro, Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu and Karisa paving way.
Karim Watambala attempts to go past two Sudanese players.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic was impressed with the performance picking some positives
“We have been able to identify our strengths and grey areas. We created several chances but we couldn’t put them away. It is one area we need to address ahead of the next two friendlies,” he said.
Uganda Cranes will have two more friendly games against Cameroon and Mali on Thursday and Sunday respectively before leaving Tunisia for Algeria.
Uganda is in group B alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Nafian Alionzi, Ashiraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Geoffrey Wasswa, Hillary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Ibrahim Orit, Milton Karisa (C)
Substitutes Jack Komakech(GK), Joel Mutakubwa(GK), James Begisa, Isa Mubiru, Gift Fred, Kenneth Ssemakula, Marvin Youngman, Bright Anukani, Najib Yiga, Nelson Senkatuka, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Rogers Kassim Mato
Main Photo: Uganda Cranes starting XI against Sudan at Jamel Stadium in Monastic, Tunisia
As we inch closer to the FUFA Drum final, a new winner will be witnessed between West Nile and Lango Province over two legs.
The starting XI’s of West Nile and Lango during the semi-finals second leg
The first leg final will come this Saturday 7th January 2023 at Greenlight Stadium in a highly anticipated tie before the return at Akiibua Stadium in Lira.
It will be the second time Westnile are playing in the finals after featuring in the first edition against Buganda Province which they eventually lost over the two legs.
Lango will be appearing in their first final with high hopes of winning it but will have to do this in Arua without key men Rogers Mato and Moses Aliro who are on national duty with Uganda Cranes and so is custodian Nafian Alionzi for West Nile.
Photos from the semi-finals second leg
In this edition, West Nile who are still unbeaten have scored (13) and only conceded once.
Uganda Cranes contingent safely arrived in Tunisia on Monday as preparations for the forthcoming African Nations Championship in Algeria hit a new gear.
Players and officials set foot in Tunis at midday before moving to Sousse where the team will have ten days of camping.
Defender Kenneth Ssemakula upon arrival in Tunis.
Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, a FUFA Executive Committee member who is the Head of Delegation lauded Government for offering financial support in time to help the team prepare well.
Leader of Delegation Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe.
“We thank God that the team has arrived in Tunisia safely. As FUFA, we want to give good preparations to the players because our target is to perform well at CHAN. We extend our appreciation to the Government of Uganda for availing the finances in time to enable us have such kind of preparations.” He said.
Upon arrival in Sousse, the team had a light training session at El Mouradi Palace pitch. Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho indicated this phase will help the team in so many ways.
Players and officials having a prayer after training.Coach Micho giving instructions to players during training.
“After ten days of camping in Kampala, we have shifted to Tunisia for yet another phase of our preparation. We hope to achieve so many things in the next ten days the team will be here,” he started.
“We chose Tunisia because they are neighbours with Algeria and have so many things in common including weather and food. Therefore, we want the players to acclimatize to certain things before entering the final tournament.” Micho added.
Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa in training.
The coach also confirmed the set of friendly matches Uganda will have in a bid to fine tune the players.
“We are looking at three competitive matches starting with Sudan on Tuesday, they have been second runners up at CHAN twice. On Thursday, we shall have a game against Cameroon to have a feel of teams from Central Africa before taking on Mali on Sunday. We looked at our opponents at CHAN and selected friendlies that will give us a semblance of what we expect to face in Algeria.”
Uganda is in Group B with Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Squad in Tunisia
Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Ssemakula(SC Villa), Geoffrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
Uganda Cranes Head coach has confirmed the team that will travel to Tunisia for a training camp as preparations for African Nations Championship (CHAN) continue.
After eleven days of rigorous training in Kampala, the coach has a squad of 25 players at his disposal that will travel on Sunday, 1st January 2023 for another training camp in Sousse, Tunisia.
While in Tunisia, the team will have at least three friendly matches lined up with the aim of fine tuning the players for CHAN.
Uganda is in Group B alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
It should be noted that this will be the sixth time Uganda will be featuring the finals of CHAN having played at the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions.
Travelling squad Goalkeepers Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Ssemakula(SC Villa), Geoffrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho has on Thursday morning reduced the provisional squad that is preparing for the 2022 African Nations Championship.
After nine days in residential camp the squad is starting to shape and today, it was reduced by seven players.
The rest of the group will continue with preparations up to Saturday, 31st December when the final travelling squad will be confirmed.
On New Year’s day, the team will travel to Tunisia for another training camp with a number of friendly games lined up.
Uganda is in Group B of CHAN 2022 alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast
FUFA has received from Government of Uganda UGX 2 Bn as part of arrears to assist in preparations for Uganda Cranes squad ahead of the CHAN Finals in Algeria.
Part of the funds will also help in settlement of arrears accrued as a result of the team’s earlier international engagements.
H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni juggles the ball during the visit of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
FUFA is allocated UGX 17Bn in the Annual National Budget but only UGX 4.8 Bn has been disbursed.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
‘ I thank the Government of Uganda led by HE President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni , First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni, Parliament of Uganda, Ministry of Finance, Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports and various Government organs for playing a key role in the release of the funds’ said FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
We are glad to receive this timely support from Government as the Uganda Cranes CHAN Squad is already in camp preparing for CHAN Finals due next month in Algeria’ added Magogo.
Richard Basangwa celebrates after scoring against Tanzania.
The Cranes fly out on 1st January 2023 for build up matches in Tunisia before connecting to Algeria.
World Football governing body, FIFA has always been tough on doping, putting into effect the guidelines set by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).
For any player found in breach of the set principles, sanctions or suspensions are put into effect.
It is upon this background that FUFA always finds it necessary to organize anti doping sessions for National Teams prior to any competition.
With the Uganda Cranes in camp preparing for the forthcoming African Nations Championship in Algeria early next year, players and officials on Saturday had an interactive and educative session regarding doping.
Uganda Cranes listening attentively during the anti doping session.
The facilitators included Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe who is also a FUFA Executive Committee member, Christopher Edward Mboowa and Patricia Tendo Nanteza.
The session had topics ranging from anti-doping code, prohibited list of substance and methods, therapeutic use Exemptions, dangers and consequences of doping, the doping control process and rights plus responsibilities of athlete among others.
Dr. Apollo cautioned players to always be transparent in whatever they do to avoid any concerns.
Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe.
“You could be having an health problem but before using any drugs, please make consultations and get advise from the team doctors to avoid future challenges. You may not necessarily use a certain drug to enhance performance but it could contain substances that are banned by WADA.” He stated.
Mboowa explained that doping tests are done randomly and players should never desist when called upon.
Anti Doping Expert Christopher Edward Mboowa.
“The doping tests are done randomly. Do you remember after the game against Rwanda in Kitende, Fahad Bayo was picked up and taken to have a test. You are going to CHAN but when they select you, please do not desist because that would call for sanctions.” He indicated.
Nanteza a therapist and life skills coach cautioned players against bad practices such as usage of drugs and also asked them to be disciplined.
Patricia Tendo Nanteza
“You are lucky to be part of this set up. How many players are not here that would have loved? You should thank God that your talent has elevated you to this level and when you go out to compete, give in your best. Do not take drugs to enhance performance because they affect your body.” She said.
Uganda is in Group B of the 2022 CHAN tournament alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
