Kizito and Anyama set sights on 2024 CHAN glory as Uganda prepares for historic home campaign

With just four days left until the kickoff of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), excitement is reaching fever pitch in Uganda as the national team intensifies preparations. Monday marked a pivotal moment in the Cranes’ journey, as head coach Morley Byekwaso unveiled his final 25-man squad that will represent Uganda in the tournament co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from 2nd to 30th August 2025.

Among those who made the final cut are two spirited and determined players both turning out for KCCA FC, defender Gavin Kizito and forward Emmanuel Anyama who couldn’t hide their joy and ambition ahead of what promises to be a defining tournament for Ugandan football.

Gavin Kizito: “We want to make history”

Kizito, a composed right back, expressed heartfelt gratitude for being included in the final squad.

“I feel so happy making the final squad and I thank God for the opportunity,” Kizito said before Monday’s training session. “Playing at home gives us a big advantage because we shall be with support from our own fans and that will help us qualify from the group stages.”

As Uganda gears up to face football powerhouses like Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger in Group C, Kizito believes the home support will be the team’s secret weapon.

“I want to contribute to the team to see that we come out of the group for the first time in history and see what happens next,” he added. “It’s really a big opportunity and a proud moment for me.”

Emmanuel Anyama: “We’re going for the trophy”

For striker Emmanuel Anyama, the moment is even more personal. Having received his first senior team call-up, the energetic forward is determined to leave his mark.

“It’s by the Grace of God that I made it to the final squad. It takes a lot of determination, prayer, and hard work to be here,” he said. “Playing from home and having our fans around is really an advantage. We are determined to work hard and give our best for our nation.”

Anyama, who brings physicality, hunger, and goal-scoring instinct to the squad, is not holding back on his ambition.

“My target is nothing but to win. Fans should expect the trophy with their huge support,” he declared boldly. “Being a striker, fans should expect goals that can push the team to the next level.”

Aiming for a Historic Breakthrough

Uganda’s CHAN history has been filled with near-misses, but this time, the team enters with renewed purpose. This will be Uganda’s seventh appearance at the tournament, yet they are still chasing their first qualification out of the group stage.

With over a month of intensive preparations under their belts, the Cranes believe this is the year to rewrite history.

Uganda opens their Group C campaign against Algeria on August 4th at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, before taking on Guinea, Niger, and South Africa in what is arguably the group of death.

But with passionate players like Gavin Kizito and Emmanuel Anyama, fueled by the roar of a home crowd, the dream of a deep CHAN run may finally be within reach.