ABU DHABI – The Uganda Cranes squad currently camping in Abu Dhabi is slowly but steadily taking shape.
On Tuesday, Ethiopian based versatile midfielder Krizestom Ntambi joined the team as they continue with their preparations for the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ntambi who is also understood to be a free agent after his contract with Ethiopian top tier side Ethiopian Coffee ran out over the weekend, becomes the 16th player to join camp after Derrick Nsibambi took that tally to 15 yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Cranes held a training session on Tuesday morning at the Sheikh Zayat stadium -Abu Dhabi Cricket Sports complex.
They are understood to be having issues with the hot weather conditions but head coach Sebastien Desabre is hoping the players come to terms with weather.
“It is not easy to adapt to this weather as it is hot, said Desabre after Tuesday’s morning session.
“It is important for the boys to adapt to the weather but I am happy with the first session today.
“It is the same weather they will find in Egypt. They need to concentrate a lot.
“We need to prepare well for the tournament as we have two friendlies on 9th and 15th June before we fly out to Cairo.
The Cranes held another training session at the same venue in the evening.
Preparations for the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are currently going on as planned.
The team departed for a camp in Abu Dhabi on Monday, May 27th, morning and are now understood to have arrived safely in the United Arab Emirates.
The final team of 23 players to Egypt will be confirmed after the two friendly matches in Abu Dhabi.
At the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Uganda is in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, DR Congo and Zimbabwe.
The 16 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.
Officials
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), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica, Croatia), 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).
