KAMPALA – Uganda Cranes interim coach Abdallah Mubiru on Wednesday named 34 players to start preparations for a planned an international friendly against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The away game scheduled for June 10, will have striker Emmanuel Okwi taking over the role of captain after the retirement of Dennis Onyango, last month. Okwi turns up for Egypt’s Ittihad.
Mubiru however maintained an earlier decision to leave midfielder Khalid Aucho out the squad. Aucho was suspended for alleged indiscipline ahead of The Cranes’ last two Afcon qualifiers.
Also left out of the squad is Salim Jamal Magoola on the list of goalkeepers, which has Ismael Watenga, Charles Lukwago, Simon Tamale and Mathias Kigonya.
Mubiru named a number of rookies – including Hassan Muhamood, Enock Walusimbi and Innocent Wafula. In addition, he elevated several Hippos’ players including Derrick Kakooza, Richard Basangwa, Ismail Muguluusi and Bobosi Byaruhanga.
The summoned players, according to Fufa’s Communications Director – Ahmed Hussein, will start residential training on Sunday after undergoing Covid -19 ck-ups. The team will hold double training sessions at KCCA playground – Lugogo.
The Summoned players
Goalkeepers: Watenga Ismael (Chippa United), Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Tamale Simon (Bright Stars FC), Kigonya Mathias (Azam FC)
Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (Southend United FC), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City FC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Mustapha Kizza (Montreal Impact FC), Aziz Kayondo (Vipers SC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Murushid Juuko (Express FC), Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Kenneth Ssemakula (BUL FC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Enock Walusimbi (Express FC), Muhamoud Hassan (Police FC).
Midfielders: Taddeo Lwanga (Simba SC), Moses Waiswa (SuperSport United FC), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC), Ivan Sserubiri (URA FC), Bright Anukani (KCCA FC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Ismail Mugulusi (Busoga United FC), Stephen Serwaradda (KCCA FC), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids FC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Joseph Akandwanaho (Bright Stars FC).
Forwards: Emmanuel Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria FC), Richard Bassangwa (Vipers SC), Patrick Kaddu (Youssoufia Berrechid), Derrick Kakooza (Police FC), Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC), Erick Kambale (Express FC) and Allan Okello (AC Paradou).
