The newly appointed Uganda U17 National Team (Cubs) Head coach Paa Samuel Kwesi Fabin conducted his first training session with the team on Tuesday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. The Ghanaian, who was unveiled on a year term last Wednesday, arrived at Njeru on Monday before conducting his first drills the following day as the Cubs resumed their preparations on a high note ahead of the 2019 AFCON U17 finals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from April 14-28.
The drills were led by new team physical fitness coach Derrick Osei-Owusu, who came along with Kwesi. “I am impressed with what I have seen, the coaches have done very well and the boys are in shape. We are talking more position, supportive play and finishing. We shall be looking at how we defend, initiate attack. If we work a little harder, this team will get results,” noted Kwesi. The top two teams in each of the two groups in the tournament will qualify automatically for the U17 FIFA World Cup that will be held in Brazil. The Cubs entered camp on Saturday and train at the same pitch with the Crested Cranes that are preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic women football qualifier double header against Ethiopia –starting with a visit on April 3 before hosting the return leg on April 6 at the StarTimes stadium, Lugogo.
Cubs U17 AFCON Finals Group fixtures
Angola vs Uganda
Uganda vs Tanzania
Nigeria vs Uganda
Groups:
Group A: Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, and Uganda
Group B: Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Morocco
Cubs squad in camp:
Goalkeepers: Oyo Delton (Kirinya Jinja SS FC), Jack Komaketch (Ndejje University FC), Ssemwogerere Daniel (Bright Stars FC), Mubiru Patrick (Bright Stars FC), and Sinalya Ben (Express FC)
Others: Kevin Ssekimbegga (Express FC), Ibrahim Juma (KCCA FC), Kasozi Samson (Bright Stars FC), Kizito Mugweri Gavin (Vipers SC -Cpt), Kiddawalime Saul (Super Cubs), Wasswanga Shafik (Ndejje University FC), Opira Innocent (Ndejje University), Ssekajja Davis (Bright Stars FC), Ziraba Ronnie (Express FC), Kakaire Thomas (Bright Stars FC), Iddi Abdul Wahid (Cagliari FC – Italy), Mwaka Polycarp (Ndejje University FC), Opaala Edwine Mukisa (Kirinya Jinja SS FC), John Kokas Alou (URA FC), Mukisa Owen (BUL FC), Jarieko James (Paidha Black Angels FC), Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Yasin Abdu Owane (Vipers SC), Mugulusi Isma (Kirinya Jinja SS FC), Lubega Derrick (Express FC), Mugisha Rogers (Mbarara City FC), Kakande Shafic (Bright Stars FC), Opira Justine (KCCA SA) Kawooya Andrew (Vipers SC)
Team officials:
Paa Samuel Kwesi Fanin – Head Coach
Magera Jackson – 1st Assistant coach
Hamuza Lutalo – 2nd Assistant coach
Mubarak Kiberu – Goalkeeper coach
Osei-Owusu Derrick – Physical fitness coach
Emmanuel Nakabago – Team Doctor
Bashir Mutyaba – Team Manager
Omaria Bosco – Team Media Officer
Bumpenje Frank – Kit Manager
