Uganda Cranes will jet out on Monday for a boot camp in Dubai where coach Jonathan McKinstry plans for a distraction-free training blitz before their back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan in November.
McKinstry, a Northern Irishman, has designed the 10-day training camp programme to prepare the Ugandans for the crucial Nations Cup qualifiers and 2020 Africa Nations Championship finals.
McKinstry is expected to fly out with 12 players who will link up with twelve foreign-based players to embolden the squad for the camp that will benefit them from the change in scenery and intensity of the regiment.
The team was initially set to depart on Sunday and had embarked on their journey, however, delay in processing the travel entry clearance to Dubai caused a set-back in the arrangements.
“The travel plans for Uganda Cranes contingent to Dubai have been rescheduled to Monday 5th October 2020 due to a delay in acquiring the travel entry clearance to UAE,” said FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein in an interview with the federation’s website.
“However the entire team that passed the Covid-19 tests carried out on Thursday has now travelled back to the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi where they will spend the night and also observe the SOPs set for the camp by the health officials before flying out tomorrow.”
The team has been in residential camp since Thursday.
Ahead of the resumption of Nations Cup qualifying matches, Both Uganda and Burkina Faso have four points on Group B but the former are on top courtesy of a better goal difference.
The Flames of Malawi have three points while South Sudan has zero points ahead of match-day three action.
Full Uganda Delegation:
Players
Goalkeepers:
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Hilal Omdurman, Sudan), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume, Uganda), Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda),
Defenders:
Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Alex Kakuba (Desportivo Cova De Piedade, Portugal), Elvis Bwomono (Southend, United, England), Nicholas Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Samuel Kato (KCCA, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Patrick Mbowa (URA, Uganda)
Midfielders:
Shafiq Kagimu (URA, Uganda), Karim Watambala (Vipers, Uganda), Saidi Kyeyune (URA, Uganda), Allan Kateregga (Erbil, Iraq), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor, Turkey), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers, Uganda), Jayden Onen (Reading, England), David Owori (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (KCCA, Uganda)
Forwards:
Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda), Alexis Bbakka (Umea, Sweden), Edrisa Lubega (Paide Linnameeskond, Estonia)
Officials:
Leader of Delegation: Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Executive Committee member)
Johnathan McKinstry (Head coach), Abdallah Mubiru (Assistant Coach), Livingston Mbaabzi (Assistant Coach), Ibrahim Mugisha (Goalkeeping Coach), Alexander McCarthy (Fitness Trainer), Felix Ayobo (Sport Scientist), Emmanuel Nakabago (Doctor), Regan Innocent Baluku
