By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Some of the Uganda Cranes players on the preliminary squad in preparation for the training camp in Jordan and Ethiopia ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya have entered residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
With the exception of KCCA and Express players currently in Dar-es salaam, the rest of the players turned up.
As a routine to safeguard against the Coronavirus, all the players and officials were subjected to the COVID-19 test and each was isolated ahead of Monday’s training session at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Vipers’ midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga expressed delight to work under the new coach Milutin Sredojevic and envisages the national team opportunity as a bold step in his career.
‘’Once again, I am very humbled to be summoned for the national team. This is a great opportunity to learn from my seniors and excited to work under coach Micho,’’ Byaruhanga disclosed.
Soltilo Bright Stars goalkeeper Simon Tamale, one of the four goalkeepers on the team alongside Joel Mutakubwa, Charles Lukwago and Nafian Alionzi confessed that his second summon to the national team gives him the confidence ahead of the future.
‘‘I am humbled to be called at the Uganda Cranes for the second time. This is a blessing and at the same time a chance that gives me confidence to even work hard for a brighter future. (Clonazepam) I thank my teammates, coaches, management at Soltilo Bright Stars for standing with me all the time,’’ Tamale expressed.
The results from the COVID-19 tests by due by Sunday, 15th August 2021 ahead of the first training session on a subsequent day.
Preliminary summoned Team:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA), Simon Tamale (Soltilo Bright Stars), Nafian Alionzi (URA), Joel Mutakubwa (Express)
Defenders:Â Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Eric Ssenjobe (Police), Azizi Kayondo (Vipers), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Murushid Juuko (Express) Garvin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Hassan Muhamood (Police), Denis Iguma (KCCA), Enock Walusimbi (Express)
Midfielders:Â Ibrahim Orit (Vipers), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids FC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers), Muzamiru Mutyaba (Express), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA), Nicholas Kasozi (Kyetume), Ali Abubaker Gift (KCCA)
Forwards:Â Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkene), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Unattached), Yunus Ssentamu (Vipers SC), Jude Ssemugabi (Mbarara City FC), Richard Basangwa (Vipers SC), Steven Dese Mukwala (URA FC), Martin Kizza (Express FC)
2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers| Preparations
Friday, 13th August 2021 – Preliminary squad of local-based players plus foreign-based players currently in Uganda summoned.
Saturday, 14th August 2021 – Team enters residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel after undergoing COVID-19 tests.
Monday, 16th August 2021 – Team starts training (Venue will be communicated).
Saturday, 21st August 2021 – The team departs for foreign training camp in Jordan (2 build-up games against Syria will be played here on 23rd and 26th August).
Friday, 27th August 2021 – Team departs for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The majority of the foreign-based players will join the team there
Sunday, 29th August 2021 – Friendly game against Ethiopia
Tuesday, 31st August 2021 – The team arrives in Nairobi for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kenya.
Thursday, 2nd September 2021 – Kenya Vs Uganda at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi