Uganda Cubs head coach Laryea Kingston has named his final 23-man squad for the CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Ethiopia, and declared that the defending champions are ready to fight for another continental ticket.
The team, which has been in camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru and later in Kampala, departed Entebbe International Airport early Tuesday ahead of the tournament that runs from November 15 to December 2 in Dire Dawa.
Uganda will play in Group B alongside Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Djibouti, starting their title defense against Burundi on November 15 before facing Sudan, Tanzania, and Djibouti.
Kingston expressed confidence in his side after their final training session, saying, “It has been good so far and we have managed to put something together. The regional scouts did a marvellous job and brought in a lot of quality players.”
He added that the team’s final drills before departure showed strong readiness. “Everybody looks very sharp from the warm-up to the technical drills and the game situations. I have so much confidence in the team,” Kingston said.
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson also urged the players to represent the country with pride.
“You are here not as individuals but as Uganda. My appeal is that you give your best and listen to the coaches because Ugandans will see and understand what you are doing,” Watson said.
Goalkeeper Expedito Adrian Ssemugera, defender Trevor Mubiru, and striker Ismail Fahad headline the youthful squad that will carry Uganda’s hopes in Dire Dawa.
Uganda, who won the title on home soil last December, will face Burundi first on Saturday, November 15, before welcoming Sudan, Tanzania and Djibouti.
Uganda Cubs squad
Goalkeepers:
Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team)
Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC SA)
Richard Mukisa (NEC Junior Team)
Defenders:
Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School)
Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team)
Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA FC SA)
Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS)
Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy)
Eze Kombi (Amus College School)
Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy)
Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School)
Midfielders:
Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School)
Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio)
Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team)
Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS)
Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace)
Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS)
Musa Ssuna (Amus College)
Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program)
Strikers:
Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC)
Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy)
Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace)
Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC)
