Uganda Cranes CHAN 2024: Squad, Preparations, and Key Insights
Uganda Cranes CHAN 2024: The Uganda Cranes, on their route to the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship, officially got underway when Head Coach Paul Joseph Put called a 36-player provisional squad in a press briefing at Mengo-Kampala’s FUFA Complex. The team that comprises both seasoned professionals and emerging young stars is a reflection of Uganda’s desires to make statements in the continental tournament.
With Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania sharing the hosting responsibilities from February 1st to February 28th, 2025, CHAN 2024—with just participants competing in their native countries—will take place in East Africa. This is not only about displaying their skills but also an opportunity for the Uganda Cranes to take advantage of their home ground in what looks to be a very competitive event.
Provisional Squad: Experience Meets Youth
The provisional squad unveiled by Coach Put features a balanced composition of four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders, and ten forwards, ensuring depth and versatility in each department. Among the notable inclusions are James Bogere and Isima Magala, who were instrumental in securing AFCON qualification for Uganda’s U17 team.
Coach Put spoke about the squad selection, emphasizing the importance of giving young players the opportunity to step up:
“I believe these players are capable, and I wanted to give them a chance to train and compete at this level. It’s crucial to provide a platform for young talent to grow. We’ve seen players of this age making significant contributions to senior teams globally, and this is their moment to prove themselves.”
The inclusion of young players highlights the team’s forward-looking approach, blending youthful energy with the experience of established names.
Training Schedule and Player Assessment
Training begins on Friday, January 10th, 2025, with non-residential sessions running through the weekend. From Monday, January 13th, the team will transition into a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
The initial three days will focus on player assessment, after which the squad will be trimmed to 26 players. Coach Put shared insights into the process:
“Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be used to assess the players’ fitness and readiness. From there, we will select the best 26 players for the next phase. However, those not selected will remain in the loop, following our training programs to stay ready for future opportunities.”
The rigorous assessment underscores the competitive spirit within the camp, pushing players to give their best to secure a spot in the final squad.
Key Preparatory Matches
The Cranes have lined up two international friendlies for January 17th and a week later to get ready for the challenges of CHAN 2024. These games will give players great chances to develop strategies, test their abilities against tough opponents, and strengthen team cohesion.
Coach Put emphasized the importance of these games:
“International friendlies are crucial for evaluating the team’s readiness and identifying areas for improvement. These matches will simulate the intensity of tournament play and prepare the team both physically and mentally.”
Uganda’s Hosting Advantage
With CHAN 2024 set to take place across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, the Cranes have a unique advantage as one of the host nations. Playing on home soil offers a boost in terms of crowd support, familiarity with conditions, and minimized travel fatigue. The tournament also provides a significant platform for Uganda to showcase its footballing infrastructure and talent to the world.
Provisional Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers
- Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC)
- Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC)
- Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
- Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders
- Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC)
- Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
- Moses Aliro (URA FC)
- Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC)
- Enock Walusimbi (URA FC)
- Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
- Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
- Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
- Walter Ochora (BUL FC)
- James Begisa Penza (URA FC)
- Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
- Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
- Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
- Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC)
- Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC)
- Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC)
- Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa)
- Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
- Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
- Brian Ijara (KCCA FC)
- Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
- Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Forwards
- Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa)
- Milton Karisa (Vipers SC)
- Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)
- Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
- Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
- Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC)
- Isaac Ogwang (Police FC)
- James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC)
- Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC)
- Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
What is CHAN?
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a prestigious tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN exclusively features players competing in their domestic leagues, making it a critical platform for local talent development.
Key Takeaways
- Youthful Energy: The inclusion of players like Bogere and Magala highlights Uganda’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
- Preparation is Key: The training sessions and international friendlies are meticulously planned to ensure the team is ready for the challenges of CHAN 2024.
- Home Advantage: Hosting duties provide Uganda with a unique opportunity to leverage home-ground support and familiarity with local conditions.
