Uganda Cranes CHAN Preparations: A Step Towards Continental Glory

Uganda Cranes CHAN host country, is seizing this enormous chance to succeed on native ground alongside Kenya and Tanzania, East African counterparts. Scheduled for February 1st to February 28th, 2025, CHAN 2024 is a platform for Uganda to highlight its football skills and motivate millions of supporters, not only a competition.

The Uganda Cranes are setting themselves for success with a well-selected 36-player provisional team, a mix of seasoned veterans and new stars, and smart planning.  

Provisional Squad Overview

Head Coach Paul Joseph Put revealed the 36-player preliminary list during a press conference in Kampala. This squad guarantees the depth and adaptability required for the competition by reflecting a mix of experience and creativity.

Goalkeepers

The squad features four skilled goalkeepers, including:

• Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC)
• Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC)
• Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
• Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

These players bring strong defensive instincts and exceptional reflexes, forming the backbone of Uganda’s defense.

Defenders

A robust defensive lineup ensures the Cranes are well-prepared to neutralize their opponents. Key players include:

• Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC)
• Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC)
• Enock Walusimbi (URA FC)
• Walter Ochora (BUL FC)

Their ability to read the game, execute precise tackles, and provide defensive stability will be crucial in CHAN 2024.

Midfielders and Forwards

The midfield and attack boast an array of talent. Names like Allan Okello (Vipers SC) and Milton Karisa (Vipers SC) promise creativity and dynamism in the middle of the park. Forwards such as Denis Omedi (Kitara FC) and Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC) bring scoring prowess and sharp instincts to the team.

Key Focus Areas in Preparation

The Uganda Cranes’ preparation strategy is rooted in discipline, rigorous training, and attention to detail. Here are the core elements driving their journey:

• Training Sessions

The team’s training sessions focus on physical fitness, tactical drills, and team cohesion. With many players recently participating in local club matches, the initial sessions emphasize recovery and building stamina.

Coach Put stressed the importance of balancing fitness with tactical awareness. He said:
“Training is not just about physical readiness. It’s about understanding our game plan, building team chemistry, and instilling a winning mindset.”

• International Friendlies

The Cranes have booked two international friendlies for January to replicate the high-pressure CHAN 2024 atmosphere. These games will act as an evaluation for the team’s preparedness, offering analysis of areas needing improvement.

Coach Put elaborated on their significance: “These games are invaluable. They help us assess the team’s performance under competitive conditions and fine-tune our strategies.”

• Tactical Adaptability

The coaching staff is also focused on including newcomers into the squad and making sure they fit the tactical structure of the team. Given Uganda’s fierce opponent in the competition, this adaptability will be vital.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Finding capable leaders inside the squad is a key component of the Uganda Cranes’ preparations. Allan Okello, a midfielder, has become a potential CHAN 2024 captain. Wearing the captain’s armband during Uganda’s qualifier against Burundi, he clearly displayed leadership traits.

Coach Put praised Okello’s ability to lead on and off the pitch:

“Okello embodies the qualities of a great leader. He leads by example and inspires his teammates to give their best.”

While Okello remains a top candidate for captaincy, experienced players like Milton Karisa and Enock Walusimbi are also being considered, highlighting the depth of leadership within the team.

Home Advantage

As co-hosts, Uganda has a unique opportunity to leverage home-ground advantage. Playing in familiar conditions with passionate fans cheering them on provides the Cranes with an edge. This support will be crucial as they aim to advance beyond the group stages—a milestone they have yet to achieve in CHAN history.

The team is also focusing on mental preparedness to handle the expectations and pressures of being hosts. This involves cultivating resilience and a never-give-up attitude among players.

Milton Karisa’s Optimism

Forward Milton Karisa, who returns to the national team, expressed his enthusiasm about representing Uganda on such a prestigious stage. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming friendlies:
“These matches will give us the chance to evaluate our readiness and identify what needs improvement. I’m excited to be part of this journey.”

Karisa’s words echo the collective determination of the squad to perform at their best and make the nation proud.

The Road Ahead

The Uganda Cranes face a challenging yet promising journey. The tournament draw, set to take place in Nairobi next week, will determine their group-stage opponents. Regardless of the outcome, the Cranes are committed to giving their all to achieve success.

Key milestones leading up to CHAN 2024 include:

1. Fine-tuning Team Strategies: The coaching staff will use insights from friendlies to refine tactics.
2. Player Integration: Ensuring all players understand and execute their roles effectively.
3. Community Engagement: Building fan support through outreach programs and media campaigns.

Tournament Goals

The Cranes have set clear objectives for CHAN 2024:

1. Progress Beyond the Group Stage: This remains the team’s primary goal, marking a significant achievement in Uganda’s football history.
2. Showcase Emerging Talent: The tournament provides a platform for young players to gain international exposure.
3. Build Team Legacy: Success at CHAN 2024 could lay the foundation for future triumphs in African football.

Optimizing for Success

The Uganda Cranes’ preparations are about more than just football. They symbolize a nation’s pride and aspirations. Every training session, friendly match, and tactical adjustment is a step toward a brighter future for Ugandan football.

As fans rally behind the team, the players carry the hopes of millions. With strategic planning, unwavering determination, and the support of their home crowd, the Uganda Cranes are ready to soar to new heights.