Kampala, Uganda – Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has unveiled a provisional squad of 36 players in preparation for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). The announcement was made during a press briefing at the FUFA Complex in Mengo on Wednesday.
The squad features a blend of experience and youth, including standout performers James Bogere, Brian Ijara, and Isima Magala, who recently played pivotal roles in the Uganda U17 National Team’s AFCON qualification. Their inclusion underscores the coach’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Training and Selection Process
The team will kick off non-residential training on Friday, 10th January, which will last for three days before transitioning into a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Monday.
Coach Put emphasized the purpose of the initial sessions:
“We will use the first three days to assess the players and finalize the team for CHAN 2024. Those who won’t remain in camp will continue following the program to ensure they stay match-ready.”
The squad will be trimmed to 26 players following the assessment period.
Focus on Youth Development
Speaking about the inclusion of younger players, Coach Put highlighted their potential and the opportunity to integrate them into the senior team:
“These young players have potential, and this is a great platform for them to showcase their abilities. We have seen players of their age breaking into senior teams, and this is their chance to do the same.”
Friendly Matches and Tournament Details
To sharpen their readiness, the team will play two international friendlies scheduled for 17th January and the following week.
The CHAN 2024 tournament will be hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 1st to 28th February 2025.
Provisional Squad Breakdown
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)
Looking Ahead
As the Uganda Cranes prepare for the CHAN 2024, all eyes will be on the young and talented players aiming to make their mark at the tournament. The inclusion of these rising stars signals a promising future for Ugandan football.
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