Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put has shown confidence in Kitara forwards Denis Omedi and Jude Ssemugabi, retaining both players for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers despite their club’s struggles in the Uganda Premier League.
Kitara currently sit 14th on the league table, managing only four points from seven matches, a performance that led to the dismissal of head coach Brian Ssenyondo.
However, Omedi and Ssemugabi’s impact on the national stage appears to have outweighed their recent club form, securing their spots in the national squad for the clashes against Congo and South Africa.
Denis Omedi has featured in six league games for Kitara this season, contributing one assist but yet to find the back of the net.
Nevertheless, Omedi has proved his worth with the Uganda Cranes, scoring two goals during the qualifiers.
He netted once against South Africa in the first leg and again in Juba, against South Sudan, showing his knack for crucial goals on the international stage.
His national team performance has likely bolstered Put’s faith in Omedi, who brings experience and a demonstrated scoring ability in high-stakes games.
Jude Ssemugabi, meanwhile, also made a strong impression in the qualifiers, scoring the second goal in Uganda’s 2-0 victory over Congo at Mandela National Stadium.
At the club level, Ssemugabi made an impressive start to Kitara’s season, scoring a brace in the opening win over Lugazi. However, that match remains Kitara’s only victory this season.
Coach Put’s decision to retain the Kitara duo may well reflect his prioritization of their recent contributions to Uganda’s qualification campaign, as both players have risen to the occasion when representing their country.
With Uganda just a point away from securing a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Put’s trust in Omedi and Ssemugabi signals his belief in their ability to deliver in key moments, regardless of their current club form.
