The Uganda Cranes’ head coach, Paul Joseph Put, has named a 36-man provisional squad as preparations heat up for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The announcement, made during a press briefing at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala, signals the team’s intent to excel at the tournament, which runs from February 1 to 28, 2025, across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The squad includes a mix of experience and youth, with four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders, and ten forwards.
Among the notable inclusions are teenagers James Bogere, Brian Ijara, and Isima Magala, who were instrumental in the Uganda U17 National Team’s recent AFCON qualification.
Training plans and selection process
The Cranes will kick off non-residential training on Friday, January 10, and continue until Sunday, January 12. Following this, the team will move to a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Monday.
Coach Put stated that the initial three days of training will focus on player assessment before trimming the squad to 26 players. “We shall use Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to assess the players and then have 26 players thereafter. However, the players that will not remain in camp will continue following our program to make sure they are ever on alert,” he explained.
Opportunities for young talent
The squad features a platform for younger players to showcase their abilities on a major stage. “I believe these players are capable, and I wanted to give them an opportunity to train and compete at such a level. We have seen players at that age featuring for their senior team. Therefore, this is their chance to come and show their abilities,” Coach Put said.
Friendlies and preparations
The Cranes are set to play two international friendlies as part of their build-up, scheduled for January 17 and a week later. These matches will serve as crucial tests for the team as they fine-tune their strategy for the tournament.
The squad in focus
The team includes players from top domestic clubs like KCCA FC, Vipers SC, and SC Villa. Here’s a breakdown of the provisional squad:
Goalkeepers
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC),Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Brian Ijara (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Forwards
Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
