COSAFA Cup 2019-South Africa
Quarter Final
Uganda vs Lesotho
LUGOGO – Uganda Cranes care-taking coach Abdallah Mubiru conducted his first training with the COSAFA bound team on Tuesday, 14th May.
After the morning session held at the StarTimes stadium in Lugogo, the Police FC tactician lauded the players who attended training.
“I am happy with the boys as everyone is working hard to represent his country at the COSAFA Championship, said Mubiru.
“Their fitness levels have been down but it is normal because the season has already ended.
“Am not worried because, after a few days, they will have regained the necessary fitness.
Only 14 players took part in the first training with all the five KCCA FC players that were summoned, missing.
Mustapha Kizza, Muzamir Mutyaba, Hassan Musana, Nicholas Kasozi and Filbert Obenchan were involved in KCCA FC’s trophy parade which took place on the same day.
The other one who was absent was Vipers’ striker Dan Sserunkuma.
Sserunkuma was summoned to the senior team that is also currently in camp at the Kabira Country Club as they beef-up preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
Mubiru who who was brought in, as Cranes head coach Sebastian Desabre helps prepare the AFCON provisional squad, took the players through several tactical sessions on day-one.
Asked about his approach for the COSAFA Cup, the former KCCA FC and Vipers SC tactician had this to say;
“We shall approach every game according to our opposition.
“We are mainly working on build-up play from defence to attack and then also counter attacking play.
Currently, Mubiru is being assisted by former Uganda Cranes striker Geoffrey Massa, whose appearance the tactician described as inspiring.
“Massa (Geoffrey) inspires the team more as he is a big name and has the experience.
“Sharing it with the boys, i think it’s an advantage to everyone.
Uganda was invited to take part in this year’s COSAFA competition that runs from May 20th to June 6th as the guest Nation.
However, they will not feature in the Group stages but will rather start at the quarter final stage.
In the Last 8, the Cranes will take on Lesotho, one of the other five nations that will also not be part of the Groups.
To complete the squad which initially had 20 players, some those (players) from the initial preliminary AFCON Squad will be considered for COSAFA tournament if they don’t travel to the United Arab Emirates.
The players who took part in training on Tuesday
Said Keni (Sc Villa), Willa Paul (Police), Revita John (Express FC), Eyam Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Owori David (SC Villa), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Bashir Mutanda (SC Villa), Mucuurezi Paul (Mbarara City FC), Mbowa Paul Baker (URA FC), Isinde Isaac (KJSSS FC), Senkatuka Nelson (Brights Stars FC), Kagimu Shafik (URA FC), Kayiwa Allan (Tooro United FC), Birungi Michael (Express FC)
