The Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Museveni has applauded the Government of Uganda led by H.E the President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the efforts it has invested in sports and the kind of motivation that has seen individuals and teams excel at different events.
She made the remarks while handing over the new luxurious and executive Uganda Cranes bus pledged by the President when he ho9sted the team at his country home in Rwakitura in January 2018.
‘I hope that the team (Uganda Cranes) will be excited about this bus. I am excited handing over this bus because it surely shows the Government’s commitment towards the development of sports in this country. I want to thank the Government and specifically the President for the immense support that has been extended to sports’ remarked the First Lady.
Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni in a meeting with FUFA and NCS officials at Statehouse Nakasero before she handed over the Uganda Cranes bus.
The brief function held at State House Nakasero was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and sports led by minister of state for sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, officials from the National council of sports with their chairman Bosco Onyik and acting General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel.
The FUFA delegation was led by 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha who received the keys for the 49 seater bus from the First Lady.
The second vice President Darius Mugoye, third vice president who also doubles as state minister for youth and Children Affairs Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi, Ex Com member Hamid Juma, deputy C.E.O Humphrey Mandu and Finace Director Decolas Kiiza witnessed the ceremony.
Uganda Cranes Vice Captain Hassan Wasswa represented the players. Assistant Uganda Cranes coach Matia Lule also attended.
Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni greets Uganda Cranes Vice Captain Hassan Wasswa Mawanda at Statehouse Nakasero.
In his acceptance speech Justus Mugisha thanked the Minister on behalf of Government for the consistent support to sports in the country that has resulted into enormous achievements.
Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni greets FUFA Vice Preident Justus Mugisha who led the FUFA Delegation to Statehouse, Nakasero.
‘We are here to thank you and the Government for the consistent support you have given to sports in Uganda. Thank you also for offering to host us in Rwakitura at the start of last year for that visit has changed sports in unimaginable ways. Your support has enabled us achieve so much. We also want to thank NCS and the ministry for the support. However we have one other request, now that we have qualified let the funds be released on time such that the preparations start right away otherwise we promise you we are going to continue making you proud.’
Minister of Education and Sports (L) Mama Janet Museveni with Minister of Youth and Children Affairs also FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon Florecne Nakiwala Kiyingi at Statehouse Nakasero.Hassan Wasswa, Decolas Kiiza and Uganda Cranes bus driver Ahmed Kabali enjoying the comfort of the new bus.Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni coming out of the new Uganda Cranes bus.Minister of Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni in a group photo with the teams that attended the brief ceremony at Statehouse Nakasero.
The Crested Cranes entered day five of residential training on Friday at the FUFA Technical Center Njeru.
This is in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic games qualifier tie against Ehtiopia due on April 3 in Addis Ababa.
Twenty seven of the 30 summoned have been going under the technical guidance of head coach Faridah Bulega, assisted by Edward Kaziba, Olive Mbekeka and James Magara.
Trainer Olive Mbekeka in the theory session
On Friday morning, the players had the first session before going for a five hour long theory class, conducted by the head coach and the assistants.
In the theory session, the players were taken through different aspects of the game including attacking and defending, and also taken through the videos of their last year’s games in both CECAFA and COSAFA.
Of the three foreign based players, Fazila Ikwaput reported to camp in time on Monday, while Sandra Nabweteme and Yudaya Nakayenze are also expected anytime.
Faridah Bulega comments about a match situation during a theory session
Head Coach Bulega will be tasked to name a 20-man team from the 30 players, to make the Ethiopia trip, before the second leg on April 6 in Kampala.
The winner of the two legs will qualify to meet Cameroon in yet another knock out meeting to determine who makes it to Japan next year.
Croatia based Faruku Miya joined the Uganda Cranes squad on Thursday morning and later trained with the rest of the team in the evening.
It is now a full camp at the Cranes’ base in Egypt with Miya’s arrival.
“We are ready for the task ahead of us on Sunday and I know Tanzania will come with full force wanting to win the match to secure qualification but we also want to finish on a high. We shall give it our best shot’ Miya noted.
Having played a practice match against El Gaish on Wednesday, Uganda Cranes also trained for the fourth day running in Cairo ahead of their last Group L 2019 AFCON qualifiers match against Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
Desabre (M) monitors defender Halid Lwaliwa through the pacesTeam captain Dennis Onyango in training on Thursday evening
Uganda Cranes plays Tanzania Taifa Stars on Sunday evening in National Stadium, Dar er Salaam at 6pm
In the last meeting between both sides, the game ended in a goalless draw at Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Uganda has already qualified for Africa’s premier tournament set for June in Egypt this year.
Full Uganda Cranes squad
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Magoola (Al Hilal, South), Robert Odongkara (Adama City, Ethiopia)
The Uganda Cranes will on Wednesday March 20, 2019 play a test match against Egyptian Premier League outfit Tala’ea El Gaish Sporting Club at 5pm (East Africa Standard Time).
Head coach Sebastian Desabre reasons that this trial game will help him further assess the fitness level of his players.
‘On Wednesday, 20th March 2019, we will play a friendly game in the afternoon. It is totally a free friendly because it is against El Gaish and we help us assess some players fitness and continue to work on some principles in line with Sunday game against Tanzania.’ Sebastian Desabre, Head Coach, Uganda Cranes
Sebastien Desabre monitors Muhammed Shaban going through the pacesSalim Jamal in training with the goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba
All the foreign based players have reported to camp apart from Farouk Miya who is expected to join later on Tuesday evening.
On Tuesday morning, the team for close to two hours in the first of the double session.
On Monday, the Uganda Cranes team held their first training session at the sports complex of the Tolip Hotel and Spa Ismaila Forsan Island.
Team captain Dennis Onyango was among the foreign based players that joined the training camp and took part in the training session whose main objective was to relax the muscles, stretch well and condition the bodies.
Day two will be intensified with a double session in the morning and afternoon as more players join the camp.
Here are some of the training photos from day one.
Talk and prayer session before the start of trainingThe warm up drills for the playersDenis Onyango, the team captain passes the ball in trainingThe players in a warm up drillMoses Waiswa and Allan Kyambadde in training
Uganda Cranes trainer Jerome D’Antonio demonstrates drills to the players in a physical sessionUganda Cranes goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba (left) with Dennis Onyango before the start of the sessionEmmanuel Okwi and Murushid ai, both players at Simba in Tanzania during trainingThe players were engaged in a light limbering sessionAllan Okello, Joseph Ochaya and Hassan Wasswa Mawanda through the paces
The Uganda Cranes team currently in Egypt for the training camp ahead of the final group L AFCON 2019 qualifier against Tanzania held their first training session on Monday afternoon at the training complex of the Tolip Hotel and Spa Ismaila Forsan Island.
Coach Sebastian Desabre and the technical team concentrated on a light session for muscle relaxation and ball possession drills.
More foreign based players joined the camp with the likes of Edris Lubega, Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, as well as goalkeepers Salim Jamal and Denis Onyango (Captain).
The Uganda Cranes first training in EgyptDenis Onyango, the team captain passes the ball in training
The ten local based players who left Entebbe were joined by three Tanzania based stars Murushid Juuko, Emmanuel Okwi and Nico Wakiro Wadada in Addis Ababa.
Assistant Captain Hassan Wasswa Mawanda is confident they will overcome Tanzania on Sunday.
‘We are not under any pressure. They (Tanzania) are the team on pressure. We shall fight for nothing but maximum points in Dar es salaam’ noyed Mawanda.
The other foreign based players who were expected by Monday night include; Milton Karisa, Robert Ondongkara, Moses Opondo, Faruok Miya and Shaban Mohammad.
The team will engage in another training session on Tuesday before playing a practice match on Wednesday against a local club.
Uganda Cranes contingent in Egypt safely traveled from Entebbe to Cairo via Addis Ababa Ethiopia in the wee-hours of Monday.
This was after a successful week long non-residential training at KCCA stadium in Lugogo that climaxed with a trial game against Kampala Region Select a game The Uagnda Cranes comfortably won 4-0.
The team is accommodated at Tolip Salfotsan Hotel in Cairo City, Egypt.
‘We traveled very safely and everybody here is in good state. We are ready for the mission ahead of us and make our fellow countrymen happy. It took us close to 6 hours of travel having connected from Entebbe to Ethiopia then settled in Cairo like at 3 am in the Monday morning.” noted Hamid Juma, the leader of delegation upon arrival.
The team training will resume on Monday March 18, throughout the week and the team will thereafter switch to Tanzania on Saturday ahead of AFCON Qualifiers game on Sunday.
Joseph Ochaya, Emmanuel Okwi and Juuko Murushid all joined the team in Ethiopia while other missing players will join the rest in the course of the week.
Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes tactician Sebastian Desabre has tasked players to make use of this camp and finish the qualifiers on a higher note.
Players in camp so far;
Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Timothy Awany (KCCA, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Unattached), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Unattached), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers, Uganda), Ibrahim Sadam Juma (KCCA, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (Vipers, Uganda), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA, Uganda), Allan Okello (KCCA,Uganda), Henry Patrick Kaddu (KCCA, Uganda)
The Uganda Cranes pool of home based players warmed up for the up-coming AFCON 2019 group L qualifier against Tanzania with a 4-0 win over Kampala region select side at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Saturday.
Dan Sserunkuma scored twice with Allan Okello and second half substitute Bright Anukani adding the other two goals.
All the goals came in the second half after Kampala region had staged a gallant fight in the opening 45 minutes.
Allan Okello (middle) scored the second goal
Sserunkuma, a first half substitute combined with Brian Majwega who had come on at the start of the second half for the opener after 57 minutes.
Okello had a great curl past the goalkeeper six minutes later.
Ismael Bukenya and Julius Poloto
Sserunkuma completed his brace with 17 minutes left on the clock with another Majwega assist before Anukani completed the misery for Kampala after combining with David Owori.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo led the inspection
The well attended match was also graced by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, first vice president Darius Mugoye, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, Executive Committee members, delegates and general public.
The final team to travel for the training camp in Egypt will be confirmed by the head coach Sebastien Desabre.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Kampala Region:
Charles Lukwago (G.K), Paul Willa, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Captain), Musitafa Mujjuzi, Tadeo Lwanga, Julius Poloto, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Bashir Mutanda, Allan Okello, Juma Balinya
Subs:
Nicholas Ssebwato (G.K), James Alitho (G.K), Filbert Obenchan, Mustafa Kizza, Patrick Paul Mbowa, David Owori, Bright Anukani, Ivan Eyam, Joel Madondo, Dan Sserunkuma, Michael Birungi
Kampala Region Select XI
Kampala Region XI:
Hamza Lutaaya (G.K), Ismael Bugembe, Allan Bukenya, Brian Sajjabi, Douglas Bithum, Timothy Sempira, Sadat Mukwaya, Owen Kasule, Yafesi Mubiru, Rogers Bugeza (Captain), Faisal Ssekyanzi
Subs:
Mike Matovu, Fahad Kizito, Ivan Mayanja, Brian Kasule, Bosco Kanyiike, John Ssekyaaya, Rogers Ndiwalana, Isaac Miiro, Frank Ndugwa, Hassan Katumba, Ivan Kiggundu, Saidi Mayanja
Match officials and the captains pose fbefore kick off
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre looks at the last AFCON 2019 qualification match as a do or die affair.
Desabre addressed the media during the official press conference at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala on the third day of the team’s non residential training.
Flanked by the FUFA communications manager, Ahmed Hussein, Desabre assured the media upon the essence and significance of the match against Tanzania.
The players engaged in a match situation during training at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo
‘We need to finish the AFCON 2019 qualification on a strong note and finish very well in Tanzania. We are going for maximum points. It is a good opportunity to play in Tanzania. Tanzania will be under pressure, stadium will be full.We have two targets at the same time. AFCON last group qualifier and the CHAN 2020 Preparation. We have so far trained for three days. On Saturday, we have a trial match against Kampala Select. After Saturday, the team will travel to Ismaily in Egypt for training camp. I thank the Federation led by Eng. Moses Magogo for the training camp opportunity where the players will gel together as I continue to monitor them. This is also early preparations for the Uganda Cranes team well ahead of AFCON 2019 tournament. This will also be a moment for me to assess new players on the team with Christzom Ntambi, Shaban Muhammed, Robert Odongkara and others. We plan a friendly match against a league one club next Wednesday in Egypt’ Sebastien Desabre noted.
Ahmed Hussein (left) with the Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre at Lugogo
They were joined the Vipers players Moses Waiswa, Tadeo Lwanga, Halid Lwaliwa and Dan Sserunkuma as well as Express’ Michael Birungi as well as Bright Anukani of Proline.
Mbarara City’s Ivan Eyam did not train with the rest of the players because he traveled for the club’s home Star Times Uganda Premier League engagement against newly promoted Ndejje University at Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara.
Defender Timothy Awany and midfielder Ibrahim Sadam Juma vie for the ball during trainingUganda Cranes players in a team bonding session
After the Uganda Cranes play a test match against Kampala regional select, a pool of 9 players will be selected to join the 15 foreign based legion in Egypt for the training camp.
Brian Majwega takes on KCCA’s Fillbert Obenchan during the sessionL-R: Charles Lukwago, James Alitho, Nicholas Ssebwato and Saidi Keni in trainingAssistant coach Mathias Lule (left) joined the head coach Desabre in the one and a half session on Thursday
On Wednesday, the national team marked the third day of non-residential training at Lugogo.
The team training resumes on Thursday morning starting by 9 AM at Lugogo.
MAIN PHOTO: Sebastien Desabre gestures as he addresses the media at Lugogo on Wednesday.
A group of 24 players have kick started non residential training drills for the TOTAL AFCON 2019 qualifier away to Tanzania due on Sunday 24th March 2019.
The players, many of whom locally based from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League clubs trained for two hours at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala.
With the exception of Vipers SC, Proline FC and Express FC players, the rest of the summoned players turned up with the inclusion of Solomon Walusimbi of Maroons Football Club
Addressing the media after the session, Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre expressed gratitude about the response from the players who turned up.
David Owori (L) and Paul Willa (R) fight for the ball possession
‘It is good to see the players turn up with a good attitude and willingness to compete’ Desabre noted after the training in an interface with the media.
‘I am delighted to be part of the team. I will give my best because this is a dream for us players to play for the National team’ Police FC’s Juma Balinya told the media.
Ibrahim Sadam Juma (L) with Ivan Eyam (R)
Training resumes on Tuesday morning starting 9 am at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.
The 24 players who trained on Monday morning:
Nicholas Sebwato (Onduparaka Fc), Saidi Keni (Sc Villa), James Alitho (URA FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), Obenchan Filbert (KCCA FC), Willa Paul (Police FC), Samson Mutyaba (Maroons FC), Kizza Mustafa (KCCA FC), Majwega Brian (Maroons FC), Godfrey Walusimbi (Unattached), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA FC), Mbowa Paul Baker (URA FC), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Unattached), Ibrahim Sadam Juma (KCCA FC), Eyam Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Okello Allan (KCCA FC), Owori David (Sc Villa), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Poloto Julius (KCCA C), Balinya Juma (Police FC), Kaddu Henry (KCCA FC), Madondo Joel (K-Jinja SS), Bashir Mutanda (Sc Villa), Solomon Walusimbi (Maroons)
Training programme
11th -15th March 2019 training at Lugogo (Local based players)
13th March- FUFA Press Conference at 12.30pm- Uganda Cranes coach addresses media at Lugogo
16th March 2019- Regional Tour match: Uganda Cranes vs Kampala Regional Select team, 9 players will be selected from this local camp to join the 15 foreign based players inCairo.
17th March 2019-Uganda Cranes Squad flies to Cairo for residential camp
18th-22nd March 2019- (24 man Uganda Cranes Squad camp in Cairo, Egypt)
23rd March 2019- (24 man Uganda Cranes Squad flies to Tanzania)
24th March 2019 Tanzania vs Uganda (AFCON Qualifier in Dar es Salaam)
CHAN 2020 Qualifiers: Uganda to Play South Sudan in First Round
Total African Nations Championship 2020
Uganda vs South Sudan
Dates to be confirmed
Uganda will face neighbours South Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers of the 2020 Total African Nations Championship(CHAN).
This comes after the draws for the biennial tournament were held on Wednesday at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
Like the format has been in the previous editions, teams will play qualifiers in their respective regions. This means Uganda and her neighbours are in Central Eastern Africa zone.
Uganda Cranes and the Bright Stars of South Sudan faced off in the qualifiers of the 2018 Total Africa Nations Championship and the former won 5-1 on aggregate.
The first leg in Juba ended goalless but Uganda won the return leg at StarTimes stadium 5-1 courtesy of Derrick Nsibambi and Paul Mucurezi(scored four goals).
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and South Sudan will face either Rwanda or Somalia in the second and final qualifying round.
The dates for the game against South Sudan are yet to be confirmed. Ethiopia will host the 2020 Total African Nations Championship.
Uganda has qualified to the final tournament four times failing only once in 2009 at the inception of the championship.
The tournament features only footballers that play in the domestic leagues of each country on the African continent.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes at the 2018 CHAN Finals in Morocco
Three hundred and sixty five days is no mean feat in any ordinary life. A lot happens in between that period with broad smiles, grey areas and challenges as well.
For Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre, he is celebrating a year in office today for such a demanding albeit prestigious job in Ugandan football.
The highlight of his tenure thus far as Uganda Cranes head coach is securing the slot to the Total AFCON 2019 tournament, unbeaten with a mean defence (no goal conceded in five games) and Uganda Cranes making the final three team short list for the CAF National team of the year 2018 alongside Mauritania and Madagascar.
www.fufa.co.ug congratulates the Frenchman currently on holiday in France as well as tracks back his entire journey from 28th December 2017 thus far in a captivating colourful pictorial:
Sebastien Desabre is greeted by the Minister of Sports and Education Hon. Janet Museveni at RwakituraFirst radio Interview in Uganda: Coach Desabre in the studios of 102.1 FUFA fm after he was unveiled on 28th December 2017First ever Press conference to unveil his plans: L-R: Ahmed Hussein (FUFA Communications Manager), FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Sebastien Desabre and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson during a press conference at FUFA House in Mengo.Desabre meets his assistant Mathias Lule on the day he was unveiled as head coach at Namboole stadium outer pitch.The unveiling of the new coach drew a mammoth crowd of journalists from the different media housesThe FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo with the Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre at the country home of President Museveni in RwakituraSebastien Desabre with his luggage at Entebbe International Airport prior an international duel as the Cranea flew out to Morocco for CHAN FinalsUganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre during the post match press conference at the CHAN 2018 tournament in MoroccoUganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre in Morocco during CHAN Finals in the team’s dressing room. Smartness is part of his menu.Uganda Cranes head coach Sebestien Desabre talks to former Vipers SC head coach Miguel Da Costa during the FUFA UPL Symposium at Serene SuitesDesabre during a training session in MoroccoSebastien Desabre smiles during the press conference held at the 2018 TOTAL CHAN Tournament in MoroccoL-R: Sebastien Desabre, assistant Mathias Lule, stand-in goalkeeping coach Sadiq Wassa and trainer Gerome D’Antonio prior to the match against Malawi during an international friendly match at Namboole.Sebastien Desabre gives instructions to the players during training at Namboole StadiumL-R: Former KCCA Chairperson Julius Kabugo, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre celebrate KCCA FC’s CAF Champions League victory at the Star Times Stadium, LugogoUganda Cranes captain on the day Hassan Wasswa Mawanda with the head coach Sebestien Desabre during the post match press conference after an international build up match in NigerFUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo greets Sebastien Desabre during the pre-matchUganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre addresses the media at the FUFA UPL SymposiumDo it this way: Desabre with Emmanuel OkwiDesabre is always involved during the drillsSebastien Desabre (M) with his assistant Matia Lule and support staff Saidi Lugolobi before the training session in Niger on Tuesday 29th May 2018.
Uganda Cranes with Desabre as Head coach since December 2017
17th November 2018: Uganda Cranes 1-0 Cape Verde (Group L AFCON 2019 Qualifier)
16th October 2018: Lesotho Likuena 0-2 Uganda Cranes (Group L AFCON 2019 qualifier)
13th October 2018: Uganda Cranes 3-0 Lesotho Likuena (Group L AFCON 2019 Qualifier)
8th September 2018: Uganda Cranes 0-0 Tanzania Taifa Stars (Group L AFCON 2019 Qualifier)
2nd June 2018: Niger 2-1 Uganda Cranes (International Friendly)
30th May 2018: Central African Republic 1-0 Uganda (International Friendly)
27th March 2018: Uganda Cranes 0-0 Malawi (International Friendly)
24th March 2018: Uganda Cranes 3-1 Sao Tome and Principe (International Friendly)
22nd January 2018: Uganda Cranes 0-0 Ivory Coast (CHAN 2018)
18th January 2018: Uganda Cranes 0-1 Namibia (CHAN 2018)
14th January 2018: Zambia 3-1 Uganda (CHAN 2018)
10th January 2018: Uganda Cranes 0-1 Congo (International Friendly)
6th January 2018: Uganda Cranes 1-1 Guinea (International Friendly)
Striker Nelson Senkatuka attempts to dribble past head coach Sebastien Desabre in training while in MoroccoDesabre talks to Allan Kateregga and defender Murushid JjuukoNoel Nasasira (left) recieves his FUFA Big League accolade from Desabre at the Airtel FUFA Awards 2018Always keen: Coach Desabre watches over trainingHead coach Sebastien Desabre in the new team officials’ attireHead coach Sebastien Desabre (in black holding the ball) issues instructions during the team’s training at Namboole StadiumHead coach Desabre poses for a group photo with aspiring young players during Uganda Cranes national regional tours in Bugiri Eastern UgandaDesabre keenly looks on as Faruku Miya dribbles during the Cape Verde match at NambooleMemorable Moment: Uganda Cranes players carry aloft the coach after sealing the Total AFCON 2019 slot at Namboole StadiumThe coach enjoys a light moment with school children during a Uganda Cranes regional tourUganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre issuing instructions during training at LugogoThe coach is joined by the Uganda Cranes players to applaud the fans after sealing the ticket to the 2019 AFCON Finals.
The National Senior Football Team (The Uganda Cranes) and skipper Denis Onyango have been shortlisted for Team of the Year and African Player of the Year ahead of the CAF Awards due on 8th January 2019 in Dakar Senegal.
L-R FUFA CEO Edgar Watson , FUFA EXCO Member Ariga Rasoul, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha displaying the 2016 CAF Team of the Year Award at FUFA House Mengo
Uganda was nominated together with Mauritania, Kenya, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar and Zimbabwe for the CAF Team of the year award
The Cranes won the CAF Best Team of the year 2016 accolade for the first time in history on 5th January 2017 at Abuja International Conference Nigeria.
Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango nominated for 2018 African best player Award
Apparently, Uganda is the only African team yet to concede a goal in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers and has already qualified for the finals with a game left in Group L.
The Cranes haven’t lost any game with 13 points in 5 games and scored 7 goals. Only Uganda, Senegal Mali and Burundi still holding unbeaten runs in the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango is also on the nominees’ list of CAF Best player of 2018.
Onyango who won the African best player based on the continent for 2016 has kept 5 clean sheets with Uganda Cranes in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers.
Onyango is competing with 33 other African players including current holder Mohammad Salah of Egypt.
Africa’s finest goalkeeper Denis Onyango with a routine save during a Uganda Cranes game
CAF Technical & Development Committee, Media Experts, Legends and Coaches of the quarter-finalists of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, Coaches and Captains of the national teams of the 54 Member Associations have already voted on their choices for African player of the year.
Meanwhile in the newly released FIFA Rankings on Thursday 29th November, Uganda improved by 4 places from 79th to 75th with 1320 points.
African Player of the Year Nominees list
Abdelmoumene Djabou (Algeria & ES Setif)
Ahmed Gomaa (Egypt & El Masry)
Ahmed Musa (Nigeria & Al-Nassr )
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria & Arsenal)
Andre Onana (Cameroon & Ajax)
Anis Badri (Tunisia & Esperance)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco & Hebei China Fortune)
Ben Malango (DR Congo & TP Mazembe)
Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Fanev Andriatsima (Madagascar & Clermont Foot)
Franck Kom (Cameroon & Esperance)
Jacinto Muondo Dala ‘Gelson’ (Angola & Primeiro de Agosto)
Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax)
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal & Everton)
Ismail Haddad (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)
Jean-Marc Makusu Mundele (DR Congo & AS Vita)
Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli)
Mahmoud Benhalib (Morocco & Raja Club Athletic)
Mehdi Benatia (Morocco & Juventus)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
Moussa Marega (Mali & Porto)
Naby Keita (Guinea & Liverpool)
Odion Ighalo (Nigeria & Changchun Yatai, Nigeria)
Percy Tau (South Africa & Union Saint-Gilloise)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Arsenal)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Manchester City)
Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
Taha Khenissi (Tunisia & Esperance)
Thomas Partey (Ghana & Atletico Madrid)
Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia & Saint-Étienne)
Walid Soliman (Egypt & Ahly)
Wilfried Zaha (Cote d’Ivoire & Crystal Palace)
Yacine Brahimi (Algeria & Porto)
Youcef Belaili (Algeria & Esperance)
Men’s National Team of the Year
Guinea Bissau
Kenya
Madagascar
Mauritania
Uganda
Zimbabwe
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes team that played against Cape Verde in 2019 Group L AFCON Qualifiers at Namboole on 17th November 2018
As celebrations for Uganda Cranes’ back to back qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations continue across the country, congratulatory messages, praises and honors continue to flood through.
On Thursday afternoon, Parliament of the Republic of Uganda passed a motion to honor the Uganda Cranes team.
The plenary session chaired by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga, saw Hon. Hamson Denis Obua MP Ajuri Constituency table the motion on the floor.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Allan Sewanyana (Makindye West) and Hon. Nalule Safia Jjuuko (PWDs-NRM).
FUFA strong delegation to Parliament that witnessed the moment when Uganda Cranes was honored on Thursday. L-R Rogers Byamukama, Darius Mugoye, Justus Mugisha, Bernard Muwanga, Chris Kalibbala and Hamid Juma
The Uganda Cranes triumphed over Cape Verde in their Group L fixture on Saturday at Namboole to qualify for the continental showpiece slated for May 2019 in Cameroon.
The Head of State Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady- also Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni were among the very first people to send through their congratulatory messages to the team and FUFA for the team’s successful AFCON 2019 qualification campaign.
A 9 man strong delegation from FUFA led by the 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha was in attendance and followed the afternoon session from the Parliament’s public gallery. CHAN team captain Bernard Muwanga represented the players.
Other members of the delegation; FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, Executive Committee members; Chris Kalibbala, Hamid Juma, Rogers Byamukama; staff members; Humphrey Mandu (Deputy CEO), Ahmed Hussein (Communications Manager) and Patrick Ntege (National Teams Officer).
MAIN PHOTO: Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga chairing the afternoon session that honored Uganda Cranes.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre named the 18 man team set to face Nigeria Super Eagles on Tuesday.
The two goalkeepers who traveled with the team were Salim Jamal and Charles Lukwago.
The team departed on Sunday morning at 9am after the flight was delayed by six hours ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly match.
Traveling squad to Nigeria:
Goalkeepers: Salim Jamal, Charles Lukwago
Other players: Nico Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Moses Waiswa, Patrick Kaddu, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Denis Awany, Isaac Isinde, Allan Kyambadde, Taddeo Lwanga, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Milton Karisa, Allan Kateregga, Derrick Nsibambi
Uganda Cranes qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament with a 1-0 victory over Cape Verde at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday.
KCCA FC striker Henry Patrick Kaddu headed home the priceless goal in the 78th minute off Godfrey “Jajja Walu” Walusimbi’s delivery on the left flank.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Thiery Graca who plays at Estoril Praia in Portugal is closed down by Patrick Henry Kaddu during the game
The different Government and cultural leaders leaders have since come out to officially congratulate the national team, the players, technical staff as well as the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni:
Congratulations to Uganda Cranes for not only defeating Cape Verde this evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole but also qualifying for the Africa Nations Cup 2019 in Cameroon. Thanks to the coach, football management and the fans for rallying behind the team
Janet Kataha Museveni – First Lady & Minister of Educations and Sports
Congratulations Uganda Cranes for qualifying to AFCON 2019. The country is proud of this achievement. May God grant the Cranes success at every step during AFCON 2019.
Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga
I congratulate the Uganda Cranes upon their victory and our qualification for AFCON 2019. I commend Captain Onyango and all players; Manager Desabre and entire technical team; FUFA President Magogo and his team; and more importantly, all supporters. We go to Cameroon to make a mark. Cranes TULUMBE.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, NRM Secretary General:
I am delighted to learn that our National “A” Football Team – The Uganda Cranes has this Saturday qualified for the AFCON Finals slated for next year in Cameroon after its brilliant performance against visiting Cape Verde.
I want to pay special tribute to the gallant players, the technical bench, the sponsors and the Federation administration for the job well accomplished. NRM treasures your commitment that has earned us a second consecutive qualification into such a prestigious sporting category on the continent.
To all the loyal and passionate fans who sacrificed their time and money to express their patriotic support to the team, I salute them for being part of such a historical moment. The NRM Government will continue playing its role in ensuring the team’s thorough preparations ahead of the finals next year.
#TuddeyoMuAFCON
Hon. Peter Ogwang – Member of Parliament, Usuk County, Katakwi District
Congratulations Uganda Cranes for making it to the AFCON 2019 finals in Cameroon for the second time in a row. We are proud of you.
Hon. Moses Grace Balyeku, Member of Parliament, Jinja West:
I congratulate Uganda Cranes and the relentless supporters upon this historic 1-0 Win over Cape Verde. AFCON 2019 Cameroon calls, Godspeed boys!
Uganda Cranes XI vs Cape Verde: L-R [Standing] Denis Iguma, Khalid Aucho, Murushid Jjuuko, Moses Waiswa, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Denis Onyango (Captain). Front Row: Patrick Henry Kaddu, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Faruku Miya, Godfrey Walusimbi and Isaac Muleme
The Uganda Cranes team is set to face Cape Verde in a crucial group L qualifier for the Total AFCON Cameroon 2019 championship.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre supervises the team in training
They held their final training session on Friday morning at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole before the opponents (Cape Verde team) trained in the evening hours.
Denis Onyango, team captain for the Cranes disclosed to the media during a press conference at the Namboole board room about the willingness;
“The team is 100 percent focused on the task ahead. We know the kind of game we are going to face. There are no easy games in Africa of late. We therefore expect a tough challenge from Cape Verde but were determined. We have got no chance but to win the match and qualify for the AFCON once again” Onyango stated.
Uganda Cranes players in the last training at Namboole Stadium on Saturday
‘All the players are motivated. They know what they want and we have prepared well. They are ready to deliver beyond 100 percent because we all know the weight and significance of the match against Cape Verde. We are ready to die alittle for the country and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament again‘ Mathias Lule, assistant coach told the media.
Meanwhile, the official pre-match meeting involving the match officials (referees and commissioner) with the Uganda and Cape Verde team officials took place at the Namboole board room starting at 6 PM.
The match referees are from Tunisia.
Entrance for the match is 15,000/= (ordinary), 40,000/= (VIP) and 150,000/= (VVIP).
The entire Uganda Cranes team in a limbering sessionAssistant coach Mathias Lule supervises the players in a warm up session at Namboole Stadium on Friday
The Uganda Cranes Squad:
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and Nicholas Sebwato (Onduparaka FC)
Defenders: Isaac Isinde (Kirinya Jinja SS), Murushid Juuko (Simba SC), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA FC), Denis Iguma (Kazma FC), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Godfrey Walusimbi (Kaizer Chiefs) FC, Isaac Muleme (Haras El Hodood), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe), Hassan Wasswa (El Geish)
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Church Hill Brothers, India), Ibrahim Sadam Juma (KCCA FC), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Allan Kateregga (Cape Town City), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica), Moses Waiswa (Vipers SC)
Forwards: Milton Karisa (MC Oujda), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Emma Okwi (Simba SC), Edrisa Lubega (SV Ried), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha) and Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC)
As the Uganda Cranes get closer to Saturday’s Total AFCON Cameroon 2019 qualifier against Cape Verde, the mood in the camp at Kabira Country Club, Bukoto is impressive and promising.
All the players are fully fit (physically and mentally) for the game that Uganda requires to win or pick at least a point to seal the AFCON slot, for the second time in a row.
Captain Denis Onyango leads by example with instructions to the teammates during training
From the basis of Thursday’s training session, all the players expressed their readiness to take on the opponents with spirited display in training whose focus included pressing, playing under minimal spaces, inter-play, shooting and lots of stretching.
There is one last training session on Friday morning before the visitors who arrived on Thursday afternoon also take to the field later in the evening.
Uganda Cranes leads group L with 10 points and a point would be good enough to seal qualification.
Tickets go for 15,000/=, 40,000/= and 150,000/= in the ordinary, VIP and VVIP categories.
The players in stretching exercise under the watchful eyes of the trainer Jerome D’AntonioHead coach Sebastien Desabre (in black holding the ball) issues instructions during the team’s training on Thursday at Namboole Stadium
Meanwhile, the management of Mandela National Stadium has also indicated their readiness to host the big game come Saturday.
“We are ready to host Uganda Cranes play Cape Verde. It is an important game for the country. From the playing surface to other facilities at the stadium, everything is in order. I urge fans to come in early and avoid the last minute rush” Namboole Stadium manager Jamil Ssewanyana noted.
The joy and bond as exhibited by the Uganda Cranes in training is another testament of the team work component
The Uganda Cranes Squad:
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and Nicholas Sebwato (Onduparaka FC)
Defenders: Isaac Isinde (Kirinya Jinja SS), Murushid Juuko (Simba SC), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA FC), Denis Iguma (Kazma FC), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Godfrey Walusimbi (Kaizer Chiefs) FC, Isaac Muleme (Haras El Hodood), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe), Hassan Wasswa (El Geish)
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Church Hill Brothers, India), Ibrahim Sadam Juma (KCCA FC), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Allan Kateregga (Cape Town City), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica), Moses Waiswa (Vipers SC)
Forwards: Milton Karisa (MC Oujda), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Emma Okwi (Simba SC), Edrisa Lubega (SV Ried), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha) and Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC)
