International Build-up matches
-Sunday, 09-06-2019 – Uganda vs Turkmenistan 10pm (Played behind Closed doors) at New York University in Abu Dhabi
-Saturday, 15-09-2019 – Uganda vs Ivory Coast (Open to public) –Venue to be communicated
ABU DHABI – Maritzburg FC midfielder Allan Kateregga is the latest player to join the Uganda Cranes camp in Abu Dhabi as the team continues their preparations for the 2019 AFCON Finals in Egypt.
The on-loan Cape Town City player arrived on Tuesday morning but didn’t take part in the training session as the team had already left for the stadium.
His arrival takes the number of players currently in camp to 22 with only 6 more, yet to show up.
Kateregga arrived just hour after Swedish based duo of Abdu Lumala and Alexis Bbakka jetted in.
Emma Okwi and Nicholas Wadada who ply their trade in Tanzania are expected later today.
Kateregga, Bakka and Lumala will also have to visit the medical personnel in Abdu Dhabi for the exercise. Okwi and Wadada completed their medicals in Kampala.
Six (6) more players are expected to arrive in Camp later this week as they are yet to be released by their respective clubs.
For goalkeeper, Charles Lukwago, he is still with the COSAFA Cranes who are in South Africa.
Sebastien Desabre and his technical team will name the final 23 man squad 10 days before the kick off of the final tournament.
The Cranes have now been in Abu Dhabi for over a week. They will play two international friendlies as part of their preps for the AFCON finals.
On Tuesday, the team held another training session after which, Salim Jamal and forward Farouk Miya had this to say;
Salim Jamal
“It is a great opportunity for us to prove ourselves this time round.
“The goalkeeping department is very competitive and I look forward to welcoming my other teammates Charles Lukwago and Robert Odongkara in camp.
“We are having great training here and the camp is fantastic.
Faruku Miya
“I think we are preparing very well.
“We are following the coach’s instructions and this helps the entire team.
“We shall be in great shape for the kickoff of the tournament. We look forward to the group action.
The 22 players currently camped 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, Kizito Luwaga, Salim Jamal, Alexis Bbakka, Abdu Lumala, Allan kateregga.
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).
Defenders
Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC, Tanzania).
Midfielders
Michael Azira (Montreal, Canada).
Strikers
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania).
