The Uganda Cranes contingent has safely arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against the Zebras this Thursday, October 9, 2025.
The team, which departed Entebbe International Airport in the early hours of Sunday morning, landed safely and settled in at the Avani Resort Hotel in Gaborone. The traveling group comprised locally based players alongside Jude Ssemugabi, who plies his trade with Jamus FC in South Sudan.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema is leading the delegation, which also includes Head Coach Paul Put, Assistant Coach Sam Ssimbwa, and Team Manager Geoffrey Massa. The team’s medical and technical staff are also part of the traveling party.
The foreign-based players are expected to link up directly with the squad in Botswana ahead of Thursday’s encounter, which will be played at the Francistown Stadium.
Uganda currently sits second in Group G with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria. A win against Botswana would strengthen the Cranes’ bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
After the Botswana fixture, the Cranes will conclude their qualification campaign with an away game against Algeria on October 14, 2025.
The traveling squad from Entebbe included players from top local clubs such as Vipers SC, KCCA FC, and SC Villa. The team is expected to hold its first training session in Gaborone later today as preparations intensify for the decisive clash.
