In the quiet training grounds of Namboole, where dreams take flight, Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put watched intently as the players perfected their passes under the golden afternoon sun. The rhythmic thud of boots against leather and the echoes of focused instructions painted a clear picture: Uganda’s finest homegrown talents were gearing up for battle. With the 2024 CHAN Qualifiers on the horizon, the Cranes’ mission is crystal clear—conquer Burundi in the two-legged tie scheduled for December 26th and 29th.
The 26-man squad, unveiled with a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, demonstrates a balance of experience and hunger. Leading the defense is the ever-reliable Gavin Kizito of KCCA FC, alongside Vipers SC duo Rogers Torach and Hillary Mukundane, who will stand as the team’s wall of steel. Midfield maestros like Allan Okello and Abdul Karim Watambala will pull the strings in the middle of the park, ensuring Uganda’s engine room ticks with precision. The forward line, spearheaded by the in-form Milton Karisa and Hakim Kiwanuka, promises goals aplenty as Uganda hunts victory against the Burundians.
Speaking to reporters, Coach Paul Put exuded confidence, emphasizing the importance of homegrown talent. The CHAN tournament is about showcasing Uganda’s domestic strength, and this squad reflects the best of the local leagues. The boys are ready, and they know what’s at stake. Indeed, for Uganda, the CHAN qualifiers are more than just football matches; they are a proving ground for the nation’s future stars, a stage where dreams can bloom under pressure.
As the countdown begins, fans across the Pearl of Africa eagerly anticipate a performance that will make the country proud. With determination in their hearts and their boots laced for glory, the Uganda Cranes carry not only their coach’s expectations but the hopes of a nation that believes, as the saying goes, he who fails to prepare, prepares to fail. Come December, the Cranes will look to spread their wings and soar above Burundi, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for CHAN qualification.
