Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has named a 36-player provisional squad as the team prepares for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The squad, announced at a press briefing at the FUFA Complex in Mengo on Wednesday, includes a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent.
The list features four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders, and ten forwards.
Notably, James Bogere and Isima Magala, fresh from guiding the Uganda U17 National Team to AFCON qualification, have also been included.
The Cranes will commence training on Friday, January 10th, at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
Coach Put emphasized that the initial three days will focus on player assessment before the squad is trimmed down to 26 players.
“We shall use Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to assess the players and then have 26 players thereafter,” Put stated. “However, the players who are not selected for the camp will continue to follow our program to ensure they remain ready.”
Regarding the inclusion of the young players, Coach Put expressed his belief in their potential.
“I believe these players are capable, and I wanted to give them an opportunity to train and compete at this level. We have seen players at that age featuring for their senior teams, so this is their chance to showcase their abilities,” he added.
The team is scheduled to play two international friendlies on January 17th and a week later.
CHAN 2024 is set to take place from February 1st to 28th, 2025, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda serving as the host nations.
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), 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)
