Uganda Cranes defender Arnold Odong has called for maximum effort, discipline and unity as the national team steps up preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking after a training session, Odong praised the tough sessions being led by coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza, saying they are vital if Uganda is to succeed in a tough Group C.
“The first week of camp has not been easy,” Odong admitted. “The intensity has increased, training has become tougher, but it’s good for us. We appreciate it because it’s going to help us perform better as a team in the coming games.”
Odong stressed that hard work has been the coaches’ top demand and said the players are responding well.
“Our coaches believe a lot in hard work, and that’s exactly what it takes to compete,” he said.
The 24-year-old, who helped SC Villa win the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title, also highlighted the importance of team chemistry.
“It’s a very good thing as a team to enter camp because it has brought us all together,” he explained. “The players are working together, bonding, getting to know each other more. It’s really helping us grow as a team.”
Odong, who featured during Uganda’s AFCON 2023 qualification campaign, says his past national team experiences are helping the current squad.
“I got to play with top players, learned from them, and understood how the national team operates. That same style of play is now being used for CHAN,” he said. “I come in with a bit of insight I can share with the squad to help us work better together.”
With Uganda drawn alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger, Odong knows the challenge ahead.
“We’re home and we need to give it our all,” he said. “We need to work really hard to get out of the group and go far in the tournament.”
