Just months ago, 17-year-old James Bogere was part of the triumphant Uganda U17 squad that secured AFCON qualification. Today, he joins the senior provisional team, eager to etch his name into the annals of Ugandan football history. His story is a testament to the power of youth and opportunity, as the Uganda Cranes gear up for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The 36-man provisional squad, announced by Head Coach Paul Joseph Put, reflects a fine balance of youth and experience. Among them are seasoned defenders like Gavin Kizito Mugweri and rising midfield stars such as Allan Okello. The inclusion of teenage sensations like Bogere, Brian Ijara, and Isima Magala Mulala highlights the coach’s intent to blend fresh legs with veteran savvy. “This is their chance to show their abilities,” Put remarked, underscoring the belief in fostering talent from grassroots to glory. Training kicks off this Friday with a non-residential phase, culminating in a 26-man squad ready for the CHAN battlefield.
Provisional 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), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders:
Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Brian Ijara (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Forwards:
Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
Yet, the road to CHAN 2024 is no walk in the park. Set to unfold in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the tournament is a litmus test of the Cranes’ mettle. With friendlies scheduled for January 17 and the following week, Paul Putt aims to fine-tune his team for the continental stage. “Those who leave the camp will remain on standby, ready to answer the call of duty,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. The squad’s spirit and strategy will be vital as they chase the championship, knowing well that fortune favors the prepared mind.
For the young players, this platform offers a chance to soar where eagles dare. As the Cranes prepare to fly the flag high, their stories, like that of Bogere, remind us of the age-old adage: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” With the stakes higher than ever and the nation’s hopes pinned on their shoulders, this squad is set to write a new chapter in Uganda’s football legacy—one driven by dreams, determination, and the unyielding spirit of the game.
Photo: FUFA Media
