Uganda Cranes’ management has named its squad that will embark on preparations ahead of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region.
The Cranes, who came in second in Group K with 13 points, will host the upcoming African Cup of Nations U17 Zonal Qualifiers 2024.
The Uganda head coach, Brian Ssenyondo, announced a 37-player provisional squad, which was confirmed by the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) on its official X-handle on Friday, November 22, 2024.
“The team is set to begin residential training as they aim to clinch the regional title and secure qualification for the continental tournament,” he said.
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According to FUFA authorities, the players will report to FUFA House in Mengo before proceeding to the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru to commence their training.
Nine nations are expected to participate, including host nation Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania.
The tournament, which is scheduled to take place from December 14-28, 2024, will have the best two teams book slots to represent the Zone at the continental tournament.
Ssenyondo will be the team’s leader with assistance from experienced coach Ronald Ssali and goalkeeper coach Keneth Magada. Fitness coach Simeon Massa, trainer Dennis Kizito, and team doctors Michael Gumisiriza and Ivan Kulika. Bashir Mutyaba Bash will be the team manager, Joel Cornerious Kivumbi will be the campaign’s media officer, and Veron Ddamba will be in charge of equipment.
Uganda’s Provisional Squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Ashiraf Lukyamuzi, Edrisah Waibi, Herbert Masaba, and Eden Kirungi Eden
Defenders: Tom Ssesazi, Steven Oyirwoth, Sudais Ssemakalu, Ronald Kigoye, Moses Kalule, Elvis Torach, Pius Oyirwoth, Hamuza Sengooba, Eze Kombi, Godi Akbar Musa, Marvin Musaazi, Garang Alfred Feni, and Reagan Budali
Midfielders: Elton Murungi Elton, Brain Ijara, Atendele Bob Jeliga, Ibra Ssebagala Ibra, Saviour Mungujakisa, Marvin Kabiito, Magala Isima Mulala, Thomas Ogema, Owino Brian John, Walusimbi Abubakali, and Ntege Abdul Lukenge
Forwards: Richard Okello, Enock Bagenda Enock, Simon Wanyama, James Bogere James, Arafat Nkoola, Ssetimba Waiswa Morgan, Ivan Maturu Ivan, Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio, and Austin Amani.
In the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-17 Zonal qualifiers held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022, Somalia beat South Sudan 3-1 in the final.