Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named his squad for the September–October international window, expressing confidence in a group he believes has the quality, fitness and commitment to compete for positive results. He has selected a competitive squad for a busy period that will see Uganda face Tunisia and Libya in qualifiers, before taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in two international friendly matches.
For Put, the selection is not only about names but also about the current condition of the players. The coach says he is satisfied with the form and fitness of those called up and believes their commitment gives Uganda a strong foundation going into the upcoming assignments however, the squad comes with several notable absences.
Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi will miss the window through injury, with Put wishing both players a speedy recovery, captain Khalid Aucho is also among the regulars left out, alongside Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi. Put explained that the decision was largely influenced by the players’ current circumstances rather than a permanent change in their status with the national team, some of the players are currently without clubs or have recently completed transfers and therefore have not had enough competitive playing time. Others are coming back from lengthy injuries and are still working towards regaining full match fitness and rhythm.
The coach, however, made it clear that the national team door remains open that could be important as Uganda continues building a squad capable of competing consistently at the highest level. For now, Put’s focus is on the players available and ready to take on the challenges of the coming international window with qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya on the schedule and two friendlies against DR Congo providing another opportunity to assess the team, Uganda enters the window with plenty at stake.
The message from Put is clear: selection is based on readiness, but no player’s international future has been closed.
For the players selected, the upcoming matches provide another chance to make their mark in the Uganda Cranes shirt and perhaps strengthen their place in the coach’s plans for the bigger challenges ahead.
The squad is out. The work now begins.
