Assistant coach Fred Muhumuza and forward Shafik Nana Kwikiriza have shared encouraging updates as the Uganda Cranes continue their preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on August 2.
Following the team’s fourth non-residential training session held on Thursday at the Luzira Prisons Grounds, Muhumuza described the as productive and focused primarily on conditioning.
“Today was the fourth day and it has been a conditioning week,” Muhumuza said. “The boys are responding well after the break they had when the season ended. There are positives and the team is improving every day.”
The Cranes have a 41-man provisional squad, composed entirely of locally-based players, in line with CHAN regulations.
Muhumuza expressed confidence that by the end of the two-week training camp, all players will be physically at par and ready for the next phase of preparation.
Kwikiriza, one of the forwards in camp, praised the intensity of training and called on fans to rally behind the team ahead of the tournament.
“We started our training a few days back, and the team is in good shape,” he noted. “To our supporters, we’re thankful for your support and we shall need that support when we start the CHAN tournament.”
The Cranes have never progressed beyond the group stage in their previous six appearances at CHAN, but spirits remain high this time around.
All eyes are on head coach Morley Byekwaso and his technical team as they aim to build a competitive side capable of making history.
Uganda is in Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger. The Cranes will host all their group matches and the third-place playoff at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
