Danish based midfielder Moses Opondo has spoken out to the Ugandan media for the first time after his maiden call up to the senior men’s National team, the Cranes.
The Vendsyssel FF young star only learnt about the call up through his mum.
“I was happy when i got a call from my mum who told me that she had just Spoken to the National team’s assistant coach Matia Lule.
“She told me that i was supposed to get back to him (Lule) as soon as i could because they were planning on having me as part of the training camp in Niger.
“Talking to him, i said yes and that is one of my happiest moments as a footballer so far.
About the reception upon arrival and how he is adapting to his new team mates, Opondo had this to say.
“I just had my first session with the Boys and i felt good and comfortable, as if i have always been here.
“They are initiating me in well and taking good care of me so it feels nice knowing that i am welcome.
“I have also been surprised by some of them especially the quality they posses on the ball which is amazing.
On his future with the team:
“This is my first call up so the coach has to see what i can do and wait to see if i fit for his plans.
“So my future plans is to do good here and see what happens later.
The 20 year old has been playing his trade in Denmark for over three years, starting it all at Aalborg’s youth team before moving for regular first team football.
Meanwhile, the team continues its preparations for the two upcoming friendly games with Central African Republic and Niger.
The Cranes play CAR on Wednesday and then Niger on Saturday, both at theStade General Seyni Kountche.
These are all preparations for the next AFCON qualifying window that starts in September with a home tie against Tanzania.
Uganda currently tops group L with three points from one game while Tanzania is second.
The Full Squad that was summoned.
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns-SouthAfrica), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Marriek-Sudan), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC-Uganda).
Defenders: Denis Iguma (AL-Nabi Sheet Clun-Lebanon), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Vipers-Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Simba-Tanzania), Bevis Mugabi (Yoevil Town-England), Timothy Denis Awany (KCCA FC –Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Alassiouty Sport- Egypt).
Midefielders: Joseph Benson Ochaya (Lusaka Dyanmos-Zambai), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Tala’ea El Gaesh-Egypt), Khalid Aucho (Free Agent), Taddeo Lwanga(Vipers-Uganda), William Kizito Luwagga (CSM Politechnica Lasi-Romania), Milton Karisa (Vipers-Uganda), Allan Katerega (Cape Town City-South Africa), Faruku Miya (Stardard Liege-Belgiium), Moses Opondo (Vendsyssel FF –Denmark), Allan Kyambadde (SC Villa Jogoo-Uganda).
Strikers: Emmanuel Okwi (Simba-Tanzania), Yunus Sentamu (KF Tirana-Albania), Shaban Muhammad (KCCA FC-Uganda) & Edrisa Lubega (Floridisdorfer AC-Austria).
The Technical team and other Officials:
LOD: Issa Kakaire Magoola
Head Coach: Sebastien Desabre
Assistant Head Coach: Mathias Lule
Goalkeeper Coach: Fred Kajoba
Physical Fitness Instructor: D’Antonio Gerome
Team Physician: Ronald Kisolo
Team Physiotherapist: Ivan Sewanyana
Team Coordinator: Crispus Muyinda
FUFA Delegates: Jamal Ngobi (Eastern Football Association) & Johnson Fairfax Nyiria (North East Football Association)
FUFA Secretariat: Richard Nandigobe Semanda
Media Officer: Hamzah Nsereko Kawuma Afriqana
