Uganda Cranes Regional Tour 2017:
Sunday, 23rd April
- West Nile Select team Vs Uganda Cranes
- At Bar Okoro Stadium, Zombo (4:00 p.m)
A swarm of players flooded the Phillip Omondi Stadium on Thursday morning.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic alongside his assistants Moses Basena and the goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba were on a task to screen out the players suitable to don the national team jersey during Sunday’s regional tour of West Nile, away in Paidha.
77 players of the expected 79 turned up for training with the exception of Masavu Football club towering defender Brian Nsubuga (Malaria) and Nkumba University goalie Frank Yiga.
As Kajoba warmed up with the goalkeepers, Micho and Basena were taking the outfield players through the paces and they keenly monitored their progress.
“I have belief that Uganda has quality players. I will continue to assess the players from all the possible angles – mentally, theoretical understanding of the game, physical fitness,” Micho told the media after close to four hours of intense training and close scrutiny.
“If today was the x-ray test, tomorrow (Friday) will the MRI scan to further know who is ready and who is not,” Micho added in relation to Friday morning’s last training session.
68 players were retained after Thursday’s session ahead of the Friday session.
The final team of 22 players will be named on Friday before traveling Saturday morning.
Micho has indicated he will add to the traveling team some players from the Uganda Premier League to beef up their team with particular emphasis on Kirinya-Jinja S.S’ goalkeeper Tom Ikara who has so far managed 11 clean sheets for his side despite playing for a struggling club.
Other top flight players expected to be part of the Paidha trip are Onduparaka’s duo of Shaban ‘Deldon Jaggarson’ Muhammed and Rashid ‘Mertsacker’ Toha.
The national team shall play against West Nile select team in Paidha at the Bar Okoro stadium, Zombo district.
Players expected for Friday morning training:
Solomon Okwalinga, Onesmas Andama, Anwar Ntege, Yusuf Abatoo, Yusuf Wasswa (Goalkeeper), Solomon Wafula, Allan Anguyo, Pius Obuya, Safiq Vawa, Kiwanuka Henry, Nsubuga Brain, Kisuju Isaac, Kalema Mahad, Felix Okot, Simon Bazibu, Brian Ahebwa, Kapampa Eddy, Kyangori Ivan, Joakul Yusuf, Joakul Ojera, Sekeba Mahad, Okuklu Ronny, Ahibimbisbwe Ivan, Mwesigwa Stewart, Kimera Abdul, Timothy Sebudde, Patrick Kaddu, Douglas Muganga Sam Kayongo, Kasozi Nicholas, Muhammed Yiga, Komakech Serial (Goalkeeper), Ahumuza Roger Miller, Mubunga Abdauk Latif, Mukibi Ali, Pepson Bryan, Brian Lubega, Tongi James, Orom Henry, Muhammed Kiwuwa, Opoka Austine, Mugalu Rinald, Yiga Carl David, Muwonge Amos, Kifumba Moses, Zimuza Jalil, Nelson Mandela, Kawawulo Ismael, Aziku Joshua, Ogwang Jonathan, Komakech Rafael, Apau Ivan Jonathan, Shafik Magumba, Lubwama Joshua, Davis Mayanja, Tusubira Abraham, Bwoji Sharp Edgar, Daudi Mtani, Muhamood Nduga, Mawaje Timothy, Mwesigwa Emmanuel, Kenneth Kunya, Mukwala Steven Dese, Kigozi Joshua, Sula Ssekamwa, Albert Mugisha, Balaza Morish, Ronald Odonkonyero