Uganda’s U17 national football boys’ team, the Cubs have started preparations for the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations with their first training session at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The training session, held on Wednesday morning starting at 7 am, featured the provisional squad that reported to camp on Tuesday, and was conducted by as head coach Laryea Kingston.
This marks the beginning of residential preparations as the technical team assesses players and lays the groundwork for the squad that will represent Uganda at the continental tournament set for April 25 to May 15 in Morocco.
Uganda earned their place at the tournament after an impressive campaign in the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers last year.
The Cubs confirmed qualification with a convincing 3-0 semifinal victory over Ethiopia, a result that secured their ticket to the continental showpiece.
The Africa U-17 Cup of Nations will also serve as a pathway to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, with expanded qualification slots available for African teams. Uganda will therefore target a strong campaign in Morocco in pursuit of a place at the global tournament.
Kingston’s provisional squad brings together promising young talents drawn from schools and youth academies across the country, including St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende, Buddo Secondary School, Amus College School and Bukedea Comprehensive School.
The team is guided by a technical bench that includes assistant coaches Steven Bengo and Ibrahim Juma Sadam, together with goalkeeping coach Yasin Mugabi and fitness coach Felix Ayoba.
The residential camp in Njeru will help the technical team monitor player progress and gradually shape the final squad ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
