Uganda Cranes’ head coach, Paul Joseph Put, orchestrates an intense training session. Players dash across the pitch, each tackle and pass embodying the determination of a team ready to conquer the continent. For many of these homegrown talents, the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) represents not just a tournament but a rare chance to etch their names into the annals of African football.
After a rigorous three-day assessment, the provisional squad of 28 players has been chosen to enter residential training at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi starting Monday. This marks a crucial phase in their preparations for the CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The championship, set to run from 1st to 28th February 2025, is exclusive to players competing in their domestic leagues, making it a unique showcase of raw, local talent.
With each session, the Cranes sharpen their tactics, bolstered by the camaraderie and resilience that define their playstyle. Yet, challenges remain. The squad, featuring a mix of seasoned defenders like Enock Walusimbi and promising forwards such as Arafat Usama, must gel into a cohesive unit to face the formidable competition ahead. As the old adage goes, “It is the early bird that catches the worm,” and the Cranes’ commitment to early, focused preparation could prove the difference on the pitch.
The spotlight now shifts to Nairobi, Kenya, where the tournament draw will take place on Wednesday, 15th January. For the Cranes and their passionate fans, anticipation hangs thick in the air. Their dreams are clear: to fly high and claim CHAN glory, proving that Uganda’s footballing future is brighter than ever.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC),Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC),Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima
Forwards
Arafat Usama (KCCA FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
Photo: FUFA Media
