By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
Kampala: The Uganda Cranes CHAN team resumed training on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Lugogo in preparation for the return leg against Burundi.
On the team are two new faces from Vipers FC, that is Abdul Karim Watambala and Wakiso Giants’ Kirizestom Ntambi.
These replace Muzamiru Mutyaba (injury) and Allan Kayiwa who had been part of the earlier preparations.
Uganda cranes won their first match with 3-0 against Burundi in Bujumbura and now they are in preparation of their return leg which will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Nambole Stadium.
There are three goalkeepers selected, that is; KCCA’s Charles Lukwago, URA lanky shop stopper James Alitho and Kyetume’s Joel Mutakubwa.
Eight defenders have been maintained and they include; Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Arafat Galiwango (Police), Mustapha Kizza (KCCA), John Revita (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Mbowa (URA) and Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline).
Watambala and Ntambi are the key additions in a pool of talented midfielders.
Other midfielders are; Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Said Kyeyune (URA), Yusuf Ssozi (Police), David Owori (SC Villa), Allan Okello (KCCA), Shafique Kagimu (URA), Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants), Bright Anukani (Proline) and Mbarara City’s Ibrahim Orit.
The Vipers striking duo of Fahad Bayo and Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma are joined by KCCA’s on-form Mike Mutyaba as the forwards on the team.
The team has returned with non-residential training on Monday morning at Lugogo under Abdallah Mubiru who was joined by Jonathan McKinstry and Charles Livingstone Mbabazi.
Midfielder Ntambi will join the team on Tuesday after returning from Ethiopia where Uganda Cranes bet their hosts 1-0 during an international friendly match scored by Emmanuel Arnold Okwi.
Summoned Team:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA), James Alitho (URA), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume)
Right Backs: Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA)
Left Backs: Arafat Galiwango (Police), Mustapha Kizza (KCCA)
Central Defenders: John Revita (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Mbowa (URA), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline)
Holding Midfielders: Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Said Kyeyune (URA), Yusuf Ssozi (Police), David Owori (SC Villa)
Creative Midfielders: Bright Anukani (Proline), Kirizestom Ntambi (Wakiso Giants), Allan Okello (KCCA), Shafique Kagimu (URA)
Wide-men: Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants), Abdul-Karim Watambala (Vipers), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City)
Strikers: Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma (Vipers), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA)