As the days to the Total AFCON 2019 Finals kick off in Egypt get closer, Uganda Cranes are not taking any chances in regard to preparations and a three-week camp in Abu Dhabi is expected to help head coach Sebastien Desabre tune up the team ahead of the continental showpiece that kicks off next month, June 21 in Cairo.
Upon arrival in the Arab world on Monday afternoon, the Desabre his training schedule with the players which rolled off on Tuesday morning at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Sports complex.
According to Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Head of communication and team’s media officer, the one hour session saw the players undergo drills that involved warm up sessions; running and stretching but with less time on the ball.
The team returned to the same complex for the evening drills to complete the day’s double training schedule. Captain Denis Onyango trained alone under the guidance of goalkeepers Coach Fred Kajoba.
The Memelodi Sundowns goal keeper will be joined by other keepers later including Robert Ondongkara, Salim Jamal and Charles Lukwago.
“It is not easy to adapt to this hot weather but I am happy with the first session. It is the same weather in Egypt, we need to concentrate a lot and prepare well for the tournament. We have two friendlies on June 9th and 15th before we fly out to Cairo,” explained Desabre, who saw stylish midfielder and make-shift defender Kirizestom Ntambi join the camp on Tuesday morning.
The Coffee FC player trained with the rest of the team in the evening. He is the second player to join the camp from Abu Dhabi after Derrick Nsimbambi who joined the team from Cairo, Egypt en route.
Uganda Cranes gets Chiropractor
Meanwhile, Dr. Charles Sebwana has been added on the Cranes’ medical team. The Chiropractor, who specializes in bones and joints, will work with Dr. Ronald Kisolo and Dr. Ivan Sewanyana.
A chiropractor is a health care professional focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
Players in Abu Dhabi:
Denis Masinde Onyango (cpt), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Ass. cpt), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Moses Waiswa, Derrick Nsibambi, Murushid Jjuuko and Kirizestom Ntambi.
