All is set for the second International friendly home game slated for Tuesday March 28th between Uganda and Malawi at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda Cranes overcame Sao Tome & Principe 3-1 last Saturday with Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko and debutant Abraham Ndugwa on target.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre gives instructions to the players during training on Monday at Namboole stadium
The match against Malawi comes another day for Sebastian Desabre’s battalion to showcase talent and readiness for competition of places in the starting lineup ahead of African Cup of Nations qualifiers in September 2018 against Tanzania and Lesotho.
During Monday’s training session, Desabre centered most on players agility, players urgency with and without ball, defending and attacking in numbers, diagonal play, creating scoring opportunities and goal scoring techniques amongst other football aspects.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre with Simba Sports Club forward Emmanuel Okwi during the last training on Monday
This is the second national team encounter for the Senior Team A, The Cranes Coach Sebastian Desabre is taking charge at home and he is looking at these matches to assess the players ability and potential.
The Confederation of African Football Association (CAF) Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee meeting held at Protea Hotel (Marriott Hall), Entebbe, Uganda on Monday, 26th March 2018 has successfully concluded with key proposals deliberated upon.
Eng. Moses Magogo, the FUFA President and CAF Executive Committee member chaired the meeting, deputized by Tanzanian, Leodegar Tenga.
L-R: Leodgar Tenga, Eng. Moses Magogo and CAF General Secretary, Amr Fahmy
In attendance also was the CAF General Secretary, Amr Fahmy, his deputy Anthony Baffoe as well as the Futsal and Beach Soccer committee members and the FUFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Edgar Watson.
‘We are glad as a country that Uganda requested to host such a committee meeting which was granted in line with the ideology of CAF President Ahmad Ahmad’s rotational policy of hosting these meetings. We discussed key proposals which will forwarded to the CAF Executive Committee’ Eng. Magogo briefed the media after the historic meeting.
L-R: Edgar Watson (FUFA CEO), Leodegar Tenga, Eng. Moses Magogo, Amr Fahmy and Anthony Baffoe
The group thereafter officially commissioned the FUFA Beach Soccer Arena at Kitubulu on the shores of Lake Victoria.
The committee members toured FUFA Headquarters at Mengo and later watched a futsal match at the Futsal International Courts, Mengo – Kampala.
Parakeets overcame Typhoons 4-3 in an action packed game full of life and passion.
There will be a farewell dinner for the visiting delegation later on Monday evening before departure.
On Saturday, 24th March 2018, the Uganda Cranes convincingly won 3-1 against West Africans Sao Tome and Principe in the first of the two international build up matches planned for the international break.
Goals from Joseph Benson Ochaya (Lusaka Dynamos, Zambia), Murusid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania) and Abraham Ndugwa (Masavu, Uganda) won the day.
Jose Varelea scored the consolation for the visiting team.
Here is the full pictorial:
Sao Tome and Principe team players inspection before kick offL-R: Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre, assistant Mathias Lule, stand in goalkeeping coach Sadiq Wassa and Fitness trainer Gerome D’AntonioFUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo embraces Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango during inspection timeUganda Cranes XI vs Sao Tome and Principe: [L-R – Front Row]: Milton Karisa, William Luwagga Kizito, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi. Standing back row [L-R]: Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Bevis Kizito Mugabi, Murushid Jjuuko, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Joseph Ochaya and Denis Onyango (Goalkeeper and Captain)Sao Tome and Principe XIEmmanuel Okwi (right) takes on Dasneves Enilson during the gameL-R: Ferdinand Chacha (First Assistant Referee), Denis Onyango (Uganda Cranes captain), William Oloya (Fourth Official), Elly Sasil (Center Referee), Sousa Pontes (Sao Tome and Principe captain) and Ally Kinduli (Second Assistant Referee)Vipers’ winger Milton Karisa in action for Uganda Cranes against Sao Tome and PrincipeL-R: Uganda flag, FIFA Flag, CAF flag and the Sao Tome and Principe flagUganda Cranes winger Milton Karisa (23) shields the ball away from Sao Tome and Principe’s Dilson QuaresmaUganda Cranes substitutes passionately sing the national anthemOfficials greet the match referees prior to kick off of the game at Mandela National Stadium, NambooleA section of fans graced the match at Mandela National Stadium, NambooleWilliam Luwagga Kizito jumps high to head the ballUganda Cranes players celebrate a goal at Namboole stadium
Uganda Cranes has whipped visiting Sao Tome and Principe 3-1 during an international build up match at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday.
Left winger Joseph Ochaya opened the scoring with a 20th minute goal after a great assist by Nico Wakiro Wadada on the right flank.
Uganda Cranes players celebrate the opening goal at Mandela National Namboole stadium against Sao Tome and Principe
Defender Murushid Jjuuko headed home the second goal on the stroke of half time after a curling corner kick from Ochaya.
Second half substitute Abraham Ndugwa scored Uganda Cranes third goal on the day on 82 minutes.
Ndugwa had come on for William Luwagga Kizito after 57 minutes.
Vipers’ winger Milton Karisa in action for Uganda Cranes against Sao Tome and Principe
The visitors pulled a goal in the dying minutes from Jose Varelea following a good counter attack.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre and the rest of his technical team made a couple of changes in the second half.
Sentamu replaced Emmanuel Okwi, Ndugwa came on for Luwagga Kizito, Tadeo Lwanga was Baba Kizito’s replacement and Alex Kakuba replaced Godfrey Walusimbi.
Meanwhile, Fahad Bayo took Milton Karisa’s place and Timothy Awany took over debutant Bevis Mugabi’s center back slot.
Mugabi, Bayo and Ndugwa earned their first caps with the Uganda Cranes.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo greets the Uganda Cranes players prior to the game at Namboole stadi
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo was among the high profile guests during the match. Others were Kalungu East Member of Parliament (MP), Joseph Ssewungu
Uganda Cranes will play in the second international build up this Tuesday against Malawi at Namboole.
The game against Malawi will kick off at 4 pm.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Sao Tome and Principe
Team Line ups:
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi (68′ Alex Kakuba) Murushid Juuko, Bevis Mugabi (88’ Timothy Dennis Awanyi), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Milton Karisa (80’ Fahad Bayo), Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito (67’ Tadeo Lwanga), William Kizito Luwagga (57’ Abraham Ndugwa), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (56’ Yunus Sentamu), Joseph Benson Ochaya
Uganda Cranes substitutes passionately sing the national anthem
L-R: Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre, assistant Mathias Lule, goalkeeping coach Sadic Wassa and trainer Gerome D’AntonioSao Tome and Principe XI
A section of fans graced the matchL-R: Ferdinand Chacha (First Assistant Referee), Denis Onyango (Uganda Cranes captain), William Oloya (Fourth Official), Elly Sasil (Center Referee), Sousa Pontes (Sao Tome and Principe captain) and Ally Kinduli (Second Assistant Referee)
Match Referees:
Center Referee: Elly Sasil (Tanzania)
1st Assistant Referee: Ferdinand Chacha (Tanzania)
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) continues to positively engage local communities and the general public via its appealing and strong marketing department arm.
As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) cause, FUFA has reached out to millions of people in rural and urban settings through the various projects and programmes specifically designed for that noble cause.
On Thursday, FUFA through the powerful brand of the national senior men team, the Uganda Cranes has partnered with US based WildAid International, the agency fighting poaching of wild game and other world endangered species.
The Uganda Cranes players currently in training at Mandela National Stadium in preparation for a busy international break with two high profile build up matches (against Sao Tome & Principe and Malawi) have been involved in the cause through a photo-shoot and filming.
This is intended to convey a strong message to the general public against the illicit acts of poaching on wild game in a country better known to the rest of the world as the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
‘We try to shout out to those who do wildlife trade to stop. Our help can be recognized in any manner and in this way we have contributed to the wild life protection to maintain tourist attractions to our mother country Uganda’ team captain Denis Onyango, who plies his professional trade with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns noted.
Hassan Wasswa Mawanda during the photo shoot
FUFA Marketing and Sales manager Esther Musoke lauded WildAid for the opportunity and appreciating Uganda Cranes brand that they can add value to this campaign in Uganda.
‘Am so glad that WildAid chose us over other many brands out there. This gives us (Uganda Cranes) confidence and to work even more to maintain ourselves there. To be a brand worth associating with’ Musoke said.
WildAid head of Corporate Affairs Kilachand Nayantara was thrilled with the move taken towards helping the campaign of fighting against wild life trading through Uganda Cranes brand.
We thought about it and we gave it a try. We thank God that everything has worked out exceedingly well.
I want to thank FUFA, the Uganda Cranes Technical team, administrators, players for this wonderful opportunity. We shall live to look forward at working with you again
Meanwhile, the team will continue with Day 4 residential training on Thursday evening at 4 pm at Mandela National Stadium Namboole.
The Uganda Cranes players being briefed by an official from WildAid before the shoot out at Mandela National Stadium on ThursdayWildAid Filming crew on duty at Namboole
ABOUT WILDAID
WildAid is an international anti poaching agency based in the U.S.
They also work with Governments and partners to protect fragile marine reserves from illegal fishing and shark finning, to enhance public and political will for anti-poaching efforts, and to reduce climate change impacts.
The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global industry largely driven by consumer demand in expanding economies.
While most wildlife conservation groups focus on scientific studies and anti-poaching efforts, WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts.
They believe that when the buying stops, the killing can stop too.
The first ever Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) summit was held on Monday, 12th March 2018 at Serene Suites in Mutundwe.
The Summit is part of the FUFA 5 year strategic plan that was passed by the Assembly in 2016 in Luweero.
Here is the pictorial from the summit:
Participants in a group sessionRogers ByamukamaGroup recommendationsDr Yahaya Katumba with a presentation of Sports Science and medicineFUFA CEO, Edgar Watson shares a light moment with the participantsSports Performance Analysis by Marvin Clive KatondwaciHamid Juma with some of the Ex-Internationals who attended the FUFA SummitUganda Cranes head coach Sebestien Desabre talks to Vipers Sports Club head coach Miguel Da CostaDr. Ronald Kisolo (left) talks to KCCA Chairperson Aggrey AshabaFUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo presents during the FUFA Football SummitL-R: Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Mandela National stadium manager, Jamil SsewanyanaStone Kyambadde
Former Uganda Cranes Coach Moses Basena and the current goal keeping coach Fred Kajoba will fly out tonight to the United States of America for a coaching course.
The will spend three weeks at the New York Red Bulls Football Club which features in the US Major League Soccer.
While talking to www.fufa.co.ug, Basena was grateful of FUFA for the financial support and former Uganda Cranes Skipper Ibrahim Sekagya for the great opportunity rendered to him to add on his knowledge as a football coach.
‘It is such a great opportunity for me as an individual and the game of football in Uganda. I expect to learn a lot from the coaches at Red Bulls because they are ahead of us as regards to professionalism and football dynamics’ said Basena
Basena issues instructions during one of the Uganda Cranes training sessions
He added that he looks forward to share what he will learn with fellow Ugandan Coaches thus help them cope with the modern game.
While the excited Kajob said that he will have a double gain because he serves as a goalkeeping coach for the Uganda Cranes and Head Coach at Uganda Premier League side Bright Stars FC.
Fred Kajoba (left) and Moses Basena at Entebbe International Airport prior to departure for U.S
‘This is a lifetime opportunity, thanks to FUFA and legendary Sekagya for the opportunity which any coach would like to land on. Ugandan football will not be the same again after the course’ emphasized Kajoba
FUFA catered for the coach’s return air tickets, accommodation and the allowances while in the USA.
MAIN PHOTO: The FUFA President Eng Moses greets the Uganda Cranes coaches Fred Kajoba and Moses Basena prior to kick off of the return legof the 2018 CHAN Qualifier against Rwanda.
The Uganda Cranes delegation at the TOTAL CHAN 2018 tournament in Morocco safely and successfully returned home on Wednesday afternoon aboard Qatar Airways on flight QR 1387 via Doha to Entebbe International Airport.
The players and officials were warmly welcomed by the FUFA national teams’ officer Patrick Ntege and Muhammod Blatter Kalema at around 2:30 p.m.
Bernard Muwanga, the team captain upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday
The delegation also had on board the FUFA President and CAF Executive Committee Member Eng. Moses Magogo and Hamid Juma, a FUFA Executive Committee member.
Milton Karisa at the Entebbe International Airport Arrival lounge
‘We learnt a lot of things while in Morocco. This CHAN tournament was good for the exposure of players as well as a platform to prepare for the future tournaments. There is an official press conference planned after the CHAN tournament that will be addressed by the FUFA President and the head coach Sebastien Desabre. The date and venue will be notified to the members of the media’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Communications manager told the media at the Airport.
Ahmed Hussein addressing the media after the Uganda Cranes team arrival from Morocco
After checking out, the players and officials were then received by their friends and family members.
The Uganda Cranes bus drove the team to Kampala at the FUFA headquarters.
Meanwhile, head coach Sebastien Desabre is in Europe where he will continue with the official duties as he interacts with many of the European based players.
TOTAL CHAN 2018 Championship (Group B final matches):
Uganda 0-0 Cote D’Ivoire
Zambia 1-1 Namibia
Uganda Cranes and Cote D’Ivoire played to a goal-less draw during the final group B match played at Marrakech stadium on Monday night.
The starting team named by head coach Sebastien Desabre had two key changes from the previous line up.
Aggrey Madoi and Musitafa Mujjuzi were the new players introduced.
Derrick Nsibambi races away from the Ivorian players during the gameIbrahim Sadam Juma had a decent game against Cote D’Ivoire
Uganda Cranes created a couple of chances which fell to Sadam Ibrahim Juma, Milton Karisa, Allan Kyambadde and second half substitute Muzamiru Mutyaba.
There were only two substitutions made in the game. Mutyaba replaced Kyambadde with 30 minutes left and Nelson Senkatuka came on for Derrick Nsibambi, the scorer of the only goal Uganda left with in the tournament.
Action from the Uganda – Cote D’Ivoire match on Monday night
The Uganda Cranes head coach told a post match press conference that he is pretty sure the team will improve a great deal given the exposure at CHAN 2018. He also hinted on how he will continue to monitor all the players including the others playing outside Uganda and test them out in the March international friendly designated days.
We came into this game with positivity to finish above Ivory Coast. We created chances but never utilized them.
My boys are learning the style of play we need to display.Such competitions are good for the players. CAF organised a good tournament. We shall not be the same after this tournament. FIFA dates in March will help me to continue evaluating the players including the foreign based.
Players from the 2016 CHAN helped the new kids on the block for this tournament.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre during the press conference
Meanwhile, Zambia played to a one all draw with Namibia to finish top and second respectively.
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Cote D’Ivoire
Relatedly, the team travel lite-nary back home will be communicated in the due course and the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo alongside the head coach Desabre will address the media on a confirmed date and venue.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda XI: Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Aggrey Madoi, Musitafa Mujjuzi, Bernard Muwanga (Captain), Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Juma Sadam Ibrahim, Allan Kyambadde (60’ Muzamiru Mutyaba), Derrick Nsibambi, (75’ Nelson Senkatuka), Isaac Muleme
Subs Not Used:
Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Abubakar Kasule, Joseph Nsubuga, Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Paul Mucureezi, Seif Batte
Injured: Muhammad Shaban, Keni Saidi (G.K)
Suspended: Timothy Dennis Awany
Head coach: Desabre Serge Louis Sebestien (France)
Namibia defeated Uganda Cranes 1-0 during the two countries’ second group B matches at the TOTAL CHAN Championship in Marrakech, Morocco on Thursday night.
Panduleni Nekundi scored deep in added time of the second half to see the Brave Warriors to their second win in the tournament.
Bernard Muwanga leads the rest of the Uganda Cranes team from the dressing rooms
Uganda Cranes had been the better side for long spells of the game with Milton Karisa, Derrick Nsibambi and Allan Kyambadde coming close on different moments.
Derrick Nsibambi in action
Head coach Sebastien Desabre had called for only one change from the team that lost 3-1 to Zambia.
Goalkeeper Isma Watenga replaced Benjamin Ochan on the starting list with the rest of the players maintained.
Uganda Cranes’ defender Timothy Awanyi was sent off after a foul with about 14 minutes left on the clock.
Uganda Cranes XI vs Namibia
Zambia who had earlier defeated Cote D’Ivoire 2-0 thus progress to the quarter finals with Namibia.
Uganda’s final group B match will be held on 22nd January 2018 against Cote D’Ivoire.
A section of passionate Uganda Cranes fans in the terraces during the match against NamibiaSebastien Desabre, Uganda Cranes head coach
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Namibia:
Isma Watenga (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Dennis Timothy Awanyi, Bernard Muwanga (C), Taddeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Muzamir Mutyaba (85′ Sheif Batte), Derrick Nsibambi, Ibrahim Sadam Juma (56′ Paul Mucureezi), Allan Kyambadde (74′ Nelson Senkatuka)
Subs Not Used: Saidi Keni (G.K), Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Aggrey Madoi, Rahmat Senfuka, Joseph Nsubuga, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Shaban Muhammed, Mubarak Kasule, Moses Waiswa
Uganda Cranes kicked off its preparation for the Total 2018 CHAN Finals with a 1-1 draw against West African side Guinea in a match played at the FUS Stade Molay E Hassan Stadium.
The weather wasn’t the friendliest on the evening for a 6pm kick off time (9pm in Uganda) on day that was punctuated by heavy rains right from 5am in the morning. However there were no rains during the game but the biting cold was a menace though the players put on a spirited show to earn a draw.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI vs Guinea on Saturday in Rabat
Head coach Sebastien Desabre used the chance to assess his players further before he names his final 23 man squad for the CHAN Finals. He has one more practice game against Congo on Tuesday still in Rabat before travelling to Marakesh.
With Ismail Watenga set to miss out the opening fixture against Zambia, KCCA FC shot stopper Benjamin Ochan’s experience will come in handy for the team. He started and played the entire game.
Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awanyi and skipper Bernard Muwang were in charge of the back four. Taddeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa, Milton Karisa, Saddam Juma, Allan Kyambadde and Derrick Nsibambi are the other players who completed the starting line-up.
There were early exchanges of short crisp passing of the ball involving Saddam, Kyambadde and Lwanga which resulted in a free kick after Nsibambi was fouled. The resultant free kick never yielded any result as Saddam kicked it in a forest of defenders.
Karisa forced goalkeeper Abdoulaye Kante to parry his shot over the bar but there two moments where Guinea could have taken the lead only to be saved by both the post and cross bar in a space of one minute all in the second half.
Second half substitutes Shaban Muhammad, Senkatuka and Paul Mucureezi never gave Guinean backline any chance to rest. Their sheer speed and skill resulted into a goal for Nelson to tap in Mucureezi’s assist.
Mucureezi (with ball) provided the assist for Nelson Senkatuka to score the equaliser
Guinea’s goal was scored by Camara Saidouba Bissiri.
In brackets players who came on. Subs made: Waiswa (Rahmat Senfuka), Karisa (Muhammad Shaban), Saddam (Muzamiru Mutyaba), Taddeo (Kasule), Nsibambi (Nelson)
Only Masiko Tom and Mustpha Kizza watched from the stands.
Head Coach Sebastien Desabre
‘We had two good chances in the first half where we enjoyed possession. Our second half wasn’t the best in the opening 20 minutes but we changed the strategy and system to 4-4-2. From then on the game was so open to both sides. I liked the attitude, mentality and character of the team. This game has given me chance assess players further which allows me to make a choice on the squad and line up’
Captain- Bernard Muwanga
‘It has been good game despite missing out on a win. We have learnt a lot but my department needs to be alert in the next game to avoid conceding. Today’s game has helped us learn a lot as we have targets for CHAN Finals’
Goal scorer-Nelson Senkatuka
‘It is good to score. We were a better side in the first half. The boys enjoyed the strategy passed to them by the coach. I think we could have won the game if it has stayed 0-0. It wasn’t an easy match as we conceded a sloppy goal’
Saturday, 6th January 2018: Uganda Cranes Vs Guinea
Tuesday, 9th January 2018: Uganda Cranes Vs Congo
*Both matches will be played in Rabat City
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirms the two practice matches that Uganda Cranes will play before the TOTAL CHAN tournament in Morocco.
‘On Saturday, 6th January 2018, Uganda will face Guinea before taking on Congo on Tuesday, 9th January 2018’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Spokesman, who also traveled with the team to Morocco noted.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre believes the two practice matches will help fine tune the team ahead of the 2018 TOTAL CHAN tournament.
‘These two build up matches are geared towards assessing the players’ readiness for the main tournament.’ Sebastien said in an earlier interview.
After the two build ups, the final team of 23 players will be communicated by the head coach who is working closely with his other technical staff (Fred Kajoba and Mathias Lule).
The team left Entebbe via Doha on Wednesday for a 10 day training camp in Morocco.
At CHAN 2018, Uganda Cranes is in group B alongside Zambia, Cote D’Ivoire and Namibia.
Uganda Cranes TOTAL CHAN 2018 Fixtures (Group B)
Uganda Vs Zambia – 14th January 2018 (Marrakech)
Uganda Vs Namibia – 18th January 2018 (Marrakech)
Uganda Vs Ivory Coast – 22nd January 2018 (Marrakech)
The Uganda Cranes delegation for the TOTAL CHAN 2018 tournament left on Wednesday afternoon.
The players and some officials pose for a group photo at Entebbe International Airport shortly before checking in
There were 25 players from whom the final 23 will be named after the two international build up matches against Congo and Cameroon.
This followed an early morning training session at the Africa Bible University (ABU) play ground in Lubowa before head coach Sebastien Desabre and captain Bernard Muwanga addressed the media.
Some of the Uganda Cranes players at the Entebbe International Airport departures lounge pointSome of the players led by Muzamiru Mutyaba (left) and Ibrahim Sadam Juma walking to the departures section at Entebbe International AirportUganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre with his laggageSome of the team officials pose for a group photographSheif Batte (left) and Nelson SenkatukaThe delegation in a group photograph at Entebbe International Airport shortly before checking in
Head of delegation is Mr. Hamid Juma, a FUFA Executive Committee member.
The team coordinator Joseph Kasana traveled ahead of the team to assist in the crucial team preparations programmes.
Delegation to Morocco:
Players:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ochan Benjamin and Saidi Keni
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre has named a total of 25 players for a 10 day training camp in Rabat, Morocco.
The team left on Wednesday afternoon to Morocco in preparation for the Total CHAN 2018 championship.
This was after an early morning training session on Wednesday morning at the Africa Bible University (ABU) play ground before the 25 traveling players were named by head coach.
‘For the period i have worked closely with the team, i have at least assessed every member on the team. I will continue to monitor the fitness and mental readiness of the players as we play two international build up matches against Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon in Rabat’ the head coach noted after the final training session.
The two build up international matches will be played in Rabat city as part of the preparation for the team before the final 23 man team will be named.
The team left aboard Qatar Airways with stop overs in Kigali and Doha.
Team coordinator Joseph Kasana traveled ahead of the team.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Hamid Juma is the leader of delegation.
Some of the players and officials at the Entebbe International Airport shortly before departure
Delegation to Morocco:
Players:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ochan Benjamin and Saidi Keni
Hours after entering the residential camp at the African Bible University (ABU) in Lubowa, the Uganda Cranes optimally utilized the available time with a one hour morning session held at the nearby International School of Uganda play ground.
All the 27 players in the camp responded well to the training session that involved ball work, game situation and lots of stretching drills.
New head coach Desabre Sebastien was fully in charge of the drills, closely assisted by his support staff Mathias Lule (first assistant) and Fred Kajoba (Goalkeeping coach).
Sebastien Desbare demonstrates to the players on 1st January 2018 at the International School of Uganda play ground
The squad will be reduced further to 23 players for the final submission to CAF by 3rd January, 2018.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes delegation will head to the country home of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Rwakitura on Monday afternoon following the invitation from the head of state.
Allan Kyambadde (left) shields the ball away from Moses Waiswa during the Monday morning training session
The players in camp:
Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ochan Benjamin and Saidi Keni
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) appointed a new Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre on a three year contract. The Frenchman will handle a National team for the first time in his coaching career but has vast experience garnered from some of Africa’s best football clubs.
FUFA Communications Department caught up with the 41 year old tactician and here are excerpts of the Interview.
FUFA: Since your arrival in Uganda, how has the reception been?
Sebastien: Ugandans are wonderful people. From the airport to where I stay now-the people are so friendly. I have received a warm reception. I love the environment.
L-R: FUFA Executive Committee Member Hamid Juma, Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson
What was your playing career like and how did you become a coach at such a young age?
Sebastien: I played briefly in France in the semi-professional league as a left footed playmaker and soon I made up my mind to focus on the tactics interpretation and at only 26 years I started coaching but with a big dream of coaching a team in the world cup.
I came to Africa, then worked with some of the biggest clubs, won so many titles, gained enough experience and have now switched my focus onto coaching National teams and surely want to win titles with a National team.
FUFA: You have stated that your dream was to become a National team coach at 40 years. Did you ever believe that an African Country would be your first team?
Sebastien: I started my coaching career at a tender age of 26 in France, thereafter I got an opportunity to take charge of a big African team in Ivory Coast- ASEC Mimosa and this marked the beginning of my career in Africa but all along I have harbored a dream of managing a National team.
Before I could do this I needed to first understand the game in different countries. I am pleased that moment finally arrived for me to coach a National team and here we are now.
FUFA: How easy was it for you to choose International football with a National team especially Uganda Cranes?
Sebastien: I needed to take this step at some point and I think it’s a strong choice for me. It is a great moment for me to take charge of a National team that has potential because in this case Uganda Cranes has a nice and promising project. I feel ready to start given my experience.
Uganda Cranes XI against Ghana Black Stars at Namboole Stadium (2018 FUFA World Cup Russia Qualifier). Sebastien will be in charge of the Uganda Cranes.
FUFA:You have been in charge of some of the best clubs in Africa. As you come here Uganda was the best team in 2016 CAF Awards and undoubtedly the best in the region. What magic attracts you to the best teams?
Sebastien: For a coach it is very important to always strive to improve your knowledge and that is only achievable with big teams because you understand the functioning of so many things. For my last experience in Egypt, I stayed for 6 months and could have stayed longer but such opportunities don’t come every day and most importantly I felt the time was right to achieve one target of my career with a National team.
Sebastein during the Interview
FUFA: How hard was it for you to leave Ismaily FC, a good run of form, on top of the league log only to say bye to the fans after a 5-0 win?
Sebastien: Yes sure, I stayed there for only six months but had a great time and good working relationship with the players, my support staff and the fans. I had no choice at that moment, there was an opportunity befitting in my career target, a very big step in my career.
This team finished I think in the sixth position last season, I left them on top of the table after a very good run surely it was a hard choice but I feel I gave them the best in the time I was there. I would understand the fans’ feeling but now I focus on my new job because we have a very big project and a lot of work we intend to do.
FUFA:When did you fall in love with the Uganda Cranes to the extent that you could actually apply for the coaching job and later get it?
Sebastien: I enjoyed life in Ivory Coast, Angola and Cameroon. These countries have very many things in common with Uganda. FUFA has done a good job and consequently the team has performed very well in the past few years. My choice to come to Uganda was an easy one simply because the team has very great potential. First I am going to try to understand the functioning and organization of FUFA, local football as a whole and see how well I can implement my philosophy and methodology of the game.
Sebastien believes that FUFA has a good football project that he would want to take to another level. The FUFA Executive and Secretariat staff in Njeru shortly after the 16th Executive meeting this month.
FUFA: How easy was it for you to convince FUFA that you were the right man for this job?
Sebastien: The target of FUFA here is to develop and increase professionalism in the country which aligns very well with mine. The previous coach did a commendable job but now it is important for me to bring knowledge and add my input. I am happy and think it is a perfect project for me. I believe with my experience, my assistants and FUFA we can do a good job and go a long way.
FUFA: Working with local coaches as your assistants, how important could they be in this project?
Sebastien: It is very important for me. I need some time to understand so many things and how they are done. For that matter they (my local assistants) are going to be the link between me and the atmosphere (local football). It is also very important for me as a foreign coach to share my experience with the local coaches as well as learning from their experience. In life everybody has something or two that you can learn from one another.
FUFA:Uganda is up against Zambia, Ivory Coast and Namibia in the Total CHAN final 2018 in group B. How do you rate our chances?
Sebastien: I need to first evaluate my players. I know the Zambian team as well as Ivory Coast. They are strong opponents. I am going to check out Namibia and thereafter prepare my team very well. The ultimate target would be to win the competition, maybe it is possible maybe it’s not but we will work very hard to do well in the competition. The players are fresh from CECAFA and I am going to watch the videos. The two friendly games we are going to have before CHAN finals will help us to work on the weaknesses and adjust tactics.
The Uganda Cranes team that started against Rwanda in the return leg at Stade De Kigali during the 2018 CHAN Qualifiers. Sebastien is already wrking with the local crop.
FUFA: The Uganda Cranes boasts of a very huge fan base and confident of winning games when their team plays at home. What philosophy of football should the players and fans expect?
Sebastien: I have one Philosophy and One Methodology. Each coach actually has his style but may adjust accordingly depending on the situation or opponent. Personally I believe in the offensive style of play but in football it is very important to remain compact and to have defensive discipline as you play your fancy football. But this depends on the atmosphere of play, game, type of players, their level of skills, technical abilities among other things. All in all I like winning with style.
FUFA: Prior to your arrival here, we are certainly sure there could be some Ugandan players that caught your eye
Sebastien: I have watched many games in the past months, and can identify a number of them though no particular ones per say. However going forward it is going to be important to work with two axes; one in the local leagues as well as follow those who play outside. As a coach it is my role to identify new talent in the country but first I am going to focus on CHAN finals as this competition is at hand. I am going to use it to evaluate these players and thereafter embark on the road map to develop football in Uganda perhaps starting with the U20s and U23 teams.
FUFA: Denis Onyango, Uganda Cranes captain and the best goal keeper on the continent. Do you have a word about him?
Sebastien: Denis Onyango’s position is very important for the team and for me a goal keeper contributes about 50% to the team. That position is so vital because so many teams concede from set pieces so you need to have a keeper who can lift the team from the back. Onyango has great experience and spirit and personally feel very proud to have such a player on my team especially for the young players to learn from him. Immediately after CHAN I will have to speak with some of these players to explain to them this project because it is also important for cohesion of the coach and such star players of the team.
Sebastien values Denis Onyango highly between the Uganda Cranes posts
FUFA: What kind of message did you deliver to your players the first time you met them a few hours after being unveiled as Uganda Cranes coach?
Sebastien: I asked them to be professional and by this I want change of mentality, attitude as well as develop self confidence. Uganda has very good and talented players like I have already seen in my brief interactions so far. With discipline and right attitude on the pitch and outside they can be better players and we will achieve this step by step.
Sebastien Desabre with FUFA CEO Edgar Watson at Nambole on Thursday shortly after the unveiling ceremony
FUFA: Football in Uganda boasts of the biggest sports fan base in the country as you will see on one of those days in Namboole when Cranes is in action. What message do you have for the Uganda Cranes fans?
I believe in the saying; One team, one federation, One player, one ball, one staff and the fans. Without fans it is impossible to do those crazy things and create those fantastic stories.
One thing I have admired about Uganda in the time I have followed Ugandan football is the love for their National team. I want the fans to support the team 100% and also believe in the project we are going to work on.
I always labour to make my players understand that each minute on the field of play should be dedicated to the fans and the country.
A section of fans at the Buhinga stadium in Fort Portal during Uganda Cranes regional tourSebastien expects the players to give in 100% committment while donning the Uganda Cranes jersey.
FUFA: Any final message?
Sebastien: First I want to thank the federation (FUFA) for the confidence and trust they have invested in me. Secondly I thank Uganda as a country for the warm welcome since I stepped in the country on Thursday 28th December, 2017, it is been fantastic and I feel so proud. My promise to you all is that I will give the maximum of my possibilities to do a good job with this team and make everyone proud of Uganda Cranes.
The Uganda Cranes team has officially commenced training at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Thursday.
A total of 38 players attended the one and a half hours’ session held at the outside training facility under the coaches Mathias Lule and Wasswa Bbosa.
Newly named head coach Sébastien Desabre, fresh from the official unveiling hours earlier at FUFA House also attended the session for at least 40 minutes.
The players in a stretching drills after the training session on Thursday
Sébastien also spared time and shared his experience with the players.
‘I am happy to meet you. I am ready to serve the national team. I call upon professionalism from each one of you to have a great time together. You are good players ready to face anybody’ the coach who was accompanied by the FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson, Hamid Juma, Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Executive Committee members), Patrick Ntege Kaweesa (National Teams’ manager), Joseph Kasana (Team Coordinator), and the team’s Media officer Ahmed Hussein.
After a few minutes, he was accompanied back to his hotel for rest ahead of Friday afternoon training session alongside his assistants Lule and Fred Kajoba (goalkeeping coach).
Assistant coach Lule expressed delight upon the arrival of the new coach.
New coach Sébastien greets Mathias Lule at Namboole stadium outside training ground on Thursday
‘We are happy to recieve our brother Desabre. We shall give him all the necessary due support as we build a winning team. We are all ready to learn from each other’ Lule stated.
Mathias Lule addressing the media
The final team to Morocco shall be constituted of 23 players.
The 41 players summoned (In Red are the new inclusions):
Third Place play off Match: Zanzibar 1-2 Uganda Cranes
Uganda Cranes settled for third place at the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup championship.
This was after a hard fighting show when the CECAFA record winners (with 14 titles) recovered from a goal down to win 2-1 against Burundi in the third place play off match at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday.
Pierre Kwizera’s 23 minute opener was neutralized by Ibrahim Sadam Juma’s brace in the second half.
Sadam’s first goal arrived in the 48th minute with a well timed volley off Nelson Senkatuka’s assist.
The second goal and the match winner was a perfectly curled free-kick on 75 minutes.
Uganda finish third for the 7th time since the tournament inception in 1926.
The other years when Uganda Cranes took bronze were 1983, 1984, 1987, 1991, 2007 and lately 2010.
Kenya won their 7th title after overcoming Zanzibar 3-2 in post match penalty kicks. Normal time ended 2 goals each.
The Uganda Cranes delegation will return home on Monday.
