The Uganda Cranes team preparing for the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt are currently into their 5th day of camping in Abu Dhabi.
Sebastien Desabre’s side has seen the arrival of three more players, taking the tally of those in camp to 17.
On Thursday, they undertook more training sessions but before the first one, in the morning, Desabre had a few motivational words for them!
“You need to understand the importance of this camp in Abu Dhabi, said the Frenchman.
“I am happy with the attitude and the response to training. You are representing millions of fans back home and around the globe.
“They (Ugandans) want to see you perform to your best.
Thursday’s morning session mainly consisted or endurance before ball work later in the day.
Goalkeeper Denis Onyango continued to train on his own under the guidance of Fred Kajoba as the other three goalkeepers Salim Jamal, Charles Lukwago and Robert Odongkara are yet to report in Abu Dhabi.
Lukwago is still with the COSAFA team that will take on Lesotho on Saturday while Jamal and Odongkara are expected to report in the coming days.
After the morning session, defenders Murushid Juuko and Bevis Mugabi spoke about the camp.
“We have trained a few times and the intensity has picked up, noted Mugabi.
“We struggled on day one but all is fine now.
“We are working as a team and with a target to deliver. I request the fans to encourage us so that we can get the best results.
Mugabi is the only player who plays in England that was summoned to the team.
He currently features for League Two side Yoevil Town.
For Tanzania based-Juuko he mainly spoke about the weather, emphasizing the fact that after the Abu Dhabi camp, the team will be able to enjoy the conditions in Egypt.
“The atmosphere is good so far.
“Adapting to this environment will help us to gradually enjoy the weather in Egypt when the team reports for the AFCON Finals.
“We have played all the three teams in the past and we know what they can offer but we trust our coach with what he is technically sharing with us in training, Continued Juuko when asked about the AFCON Group A opposition.
Currently, there are 17 players in camp with 11 more expected to join in the coming days.
At the finals which start on the 21st of June, Uganda is in Group A along side Egypt, DR Congo and Zimbabwe.
The 17 currently camping in Abu Dhabi
Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Saddam Juma, Moses Waiswa and Murushid Jjuuko, Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Farouk Miya.
Officials in Abu Dhabi
Leader of Delegation – Issa Magola
Head Coach – Sebastien Desabre
Assistant Coach – Matia Lule
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor – Ronald Kisolo
Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein
Physical Fitness Trainer – Jerome D’Antonio
Kits Managers – Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa
The other players expected to join camp later
Goalkeepers
Robert Odongkara (Adama City, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda) Jamal Salim (Al Hilal-Sudan).
Defenders
Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC, Tanzania).
Midfielders
William Luwagga Kizito (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazahstan), Michael Azira (Montreal, Canada), (Coffee FC, Ethiopia), Allan Kateregga (Maritzburg, South Africa).
Strikers
Alexis Bbakka (Carlstad United, Sweden), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania), Abdul Lumala (Syrianska FC, Sweden).
