Only four players turned up on the first day as the Uganda Cranes started preparations for the forthcoming Afcon 2021 qualifier games away to Burkina Faso and Malawi at home on November 13 and November 17 respectively.
Head coach Johnathan McKinstry named a 25-man squad for the doubleheader which had only five local-based players. The team started training on Wednesday at the StarTimes stadium, Lugogo, and only Emanuel Okwi, Tadeo Lwanga and assistant captain Hassan Wasswa tuned up for the scheduled morning training.
“Some of the leagues are still ongoing but will join us starting on Thursday. We know Burkina Faso is strong but we are also training harder for victory. We have recently learned the art of winning away from home and we are confident we can get good results in both matches,” noted Hassan.
Cranes head to Katakwi
Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes team of local-based players will play North East Select side this Sunday at Katakwi grounds in the Nile Special and Artel-Uganda sponsored Cranes regional tour. The match will prepare the squad for the forthcoming CHAN finals in Cameroon and also intends to take the Cranes brand to local fans. The team will train today before heading to Katakwi on Friday for the Sunday match.
Fixture adjustments
In the same way, Uganda premier league has postponed StarTimes Uganda premier league fixtures that involve table leaders Vipers SC, reigning champions KCCA FC and URA FC as the three sides have three (or more) players on the Cranes team to Katakwi.
URA was to host Express this Friday, KCCA was set to host Police on Saturday while Vipers had to visit Maroons on Saturday. Whereas a new date for the fixtures having URA and Vipers SC will be communicated, KCCA asked to play their game without the three summoned players which UPL gave a green light.
Cranes squad to Katakwi
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and James Alitho (URA FC)
Others are; Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Halid Lwalilwa (Vipers SC), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC), Revita John (KCCA FC), Kato Samuel (KCCA FC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Nicolas Kasozi (KCCA FC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Hassan Senyonjo (Wakiso Giants), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Allan Okello (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Joachim Ojera (URA FC), Vianne Sekajugo (Wakiso Giants), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers SC), Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Fahad Bayo (Vipers SC) Ashraf Mandela (URA FC) and Edrisa Lubega (Proline FC)
