The Uganda Cranes have kicked off their non-residential training sessions ahead of the much-anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with head coach Morley Byekwaso and captain Milton Karisa expressing early optimism about the team’s readiness and spirit.
The opening session was held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Luzira Prisons Grounds, with all summoned players in attendance.
Coaches Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza took charge of the drills, which included body limbering, ball work, and small-sided games.
Byekwaso described the first day as a promising start to what he expects to be an intense and progressive training period.
“We have had our first session and it progressed well,” the coach noted. “The turn up has been overwhelming and the response by all the players is convincing. As we continue with the sessions, I expect the players’ reaction to increase.”
Vipers SC captain and Cranes winger Milton Karisa echoed his coach’s sentiments, urging fans to rally behind the team.
“We have started the training and it is good. I promise our dear fans the best. I urge them to rally behind us at all times,” Karisa said.
Uganda will co-host the belated CHAN 2024 tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Tanzania will stage the opening match on August 2, 2025, Kenya will host the final on August 30, while Uganda has been allocated the third-place playoff.
Drawn in Group C, the Cranes face a tough test against Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger.
Despite making six previous appearances, Uganda has never progressed past the group stage; a barrier the team is determined to break this time on home soil.
Training continues on Tuesday, June 24, at the same venue, as the Cranes intensify their preparations for what could be a defining tournament in their CHAN history.
