By Denis Turyahebwa
The Uganda Cranes camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi has received a major boost with the timely arrival of team captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi as well as the KCCA Football Club duo of midfielder Abubakar Gift Ali and utility player Denis Iguma.
Okwi joined the teammates at Kisaasi on Monday evening as Iguma and Ali reported on Tuesday.
Whereas Okwi and Ali trained with the rest of the team at the KCCA Football Club home venue in Lugogo during the Tuesday morning session, Iguma joined the team at the hotel.
The Tuesday morning training session lasted for close to two hours with emphasis on ball work and a couple of match situations.
Okwi expressed delight in joining the national team in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers as well as the international friendly matches planned.
‘‘I am humbled to report for national team duty. When I entered the camp on Monday and found the morale in high gear for the players and coaches. We are preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches and international build-ups as the team’s bonding and building go on,’’ Okwi disclosed.
Morocco-based striker Patrick Henry Kaddu feels humbled to be part of the youthful team that is being assembled.
‘‘I am very happy to be part of the team being built. As they teach a thing or two to the junior players, we also learn from them. Football is teamwork and together, we shall achieve,’’ Kaddu noted.
Uganda is set to travel to Jordan for two international build-up matches against Syria on 23rd and 26th August 2021.
Then, after three days, there will be another build-up against Ethiopia on 29th August 2021 in preparation for the FIFA World Cup group E match against Kenya in Nairobi.
Players In Camp:
Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA), Simon Tamale (Soltilo Bright Stars), Nafian Alionzi (URA)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (KCCA), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Eric Ssenjobe (Police), Azizi Kayondo (Vipers), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Garvin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Hassan Muhamood (Police).
Midfielders: Ibrahim Orit (Vipers), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA), Nicholas Kasozi (Kyetume), Abubakar Gift Ali (KCCA).
Forwards: Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Unattached), Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkene), Jude Ssemugabi (Mbarara City), Richard Basangwa (Vipers), Steven Dese Mukwala (URA FC).
