The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), after multiple delays, is finally set to kick off on August 2, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
But as the Uganda Cranes gear up for the tournament, there’s growing concern within the camp regarding the availability of several players initially summoned for duty.
CHAN is a tournament reserved strictly for home-based players, only those active in their domestic leagues are eligible.
However, the timing of this year’s edition presents a unique challenge, falling right in the middle of the transfer window, with some players out of contract and others finalising moves away from their clubs.
One of the first casualties was Ronald Ssekiganda, who had run down his contract at SC Villa.
Though he was part of the original squad, he has since completed a move to Rwandan giants APR FC, forcing the technical team to call up NEC midfielder Shamir Kimwero as his replacement.
Ssekiganda might be the first, but he’s unlikely to be the last.
There are still a number of players in the trimmed CHAN squad who are in similar contractual situations, and with the transfer market wide open, more exits could be on the cards.
“It’s a challenge, but on the other hand, it’s an opportunity,” said FUFA President Moses Magogo while addressing the media last week.
“These are players selected to represent the national team in a big tournament, based on their performances throughout the season.”
“The coaches believe they can help us build a strong, competitive side.”
“But we’re also in a transfer window, players are moving around to finalise deals.”
“It’s the market, and it’s the reality. There’s not much we can do.”
“We’re trying to manage the situation within our means,” he added.
“We’ve spoken to some of the players, and we’re still in talks with others, trying to delay their International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) since most foreign leagues haven’t started yet.”
“But it depends, some will agree to stay, others will choose to move on.”
Despite the disruptions, Magogo acknowledged the upside for the players.
“To a larger extent, it’s a big opportunity.”
“These players getting deals abroad is something we wish for them.”
“The more they play at a professional level, the more it helps grow our game.”
For now, players who are still active in the Uganda Premier League, even if they’ve switched clubs domestically, remain eligible to feature at CHAN.
That includes the likes of Enock Ssebagala, Chrispas Kusiima, Bwambale Lazaro, Herbert Achai, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, and Ronald Otti.
However, striker Jude Ssemugabi remains one to watch.
He’s been heavily linked with a move to Jamus FC in South Sudan, with several media reports suggesting the deal is nearly done.
Until it’s officially confirmed, Ssemugabi remains in camp, but links to Vipers and KCCA still linger in the background.
His situation could shift quickly with CHAN fast approaching.
Elsewhere, a number of key players are currently out of contract, putting their CHAN availability in doubt.
These include the Vipers duo of Karim Watambala and Yunus Sentamu, KCCA’s Usama Arafat, and SC Villa’s Patrick Kakande, all of whom are reportedly exploring opportunities outside Uganda.
In conclusion, Magogo admitted that more departures are expected before the tournament kicks off.
“We expect that more players will secure moves abroad and leave the camp.”
“It’s the stage we’re at now, and we just have to manage it.”
“It’s not ideal from a team preparation perspective, but in the bigger picture, it’s good for the players and good for Ugandan football.”
As the countdown to CHAN 2024 continues, the Cranes technical bench will have to keep a close eye on the transfer market, with squad stability hanging in the balance, a juggling act between national duty and professional progress.
