With CHAN 2024 set to kick off on August 2 across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, the Uganda Cranes are placing just as much emphasis on leadership and character as they are on tactics.
Currently camped in Arusha, Tanzania for the CECAFA Four-Nations Tournament, the Cranes’ technical team—led by head coach Morley Byekwaso—is building a team culture centered on maturity, discipline, and internal leadership.
“Leadership within the camp has been carefully managed,” said Byekwaso. “We’ve structured it in a way that allows our experienced players to naturally guide the group.”
Among those stepping up are playmaker Allan Okello, defender Rogers Torach, and forward Jude Ssemugabi. These players are not only delivering on the pitch, but also providing calm, maturity, and direction behind the scenes.
Byekwaso credits this leadership core with helping steady the group amid rising expectations of performing well on home soil.
“There’s pressure, yes, but the team is grounded,” he said. “These players are keeping the group focused and aligned with our mission. That kind of leadership is invaluable.”
With just days to go until the tournament begins, Uganda’s final stretch of preparations in Tanzania is leaning on more than just talent. Character and leadership could make the difference in their CHAN 2024 campaign.
