Photo Credit: Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
The Uganda Cranes have officially kicked off their training camp in preparation for their decisive AFCON 2025 qualification matches against South Africa and Congo.
The team entered residential camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi on Sunday, November 10 and began their training today with a morning recovery session followed by a field workout in the evening at the Mandela National Stadium’s outdoor training field.
Out of the 27 players summoned by head coach Paul Put last week, 20 were present for the first day of camp.
The absent players included Sweden-based forwards John Paul Dembe and Calvin Hope Kabuye along with Kenneth Semakula, Rogers Mato, Bevis Mugabi and Halid Lwaliwa who are all expected to arrive in the coming days. KCCA FC’s Shafik Nana Kwikiriza was also unavailable as he is reportedly sitting for his UACE exams at JIPRA SS.
Photo Credit: Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
Today’s session, which lasted two hours saw the squad undergo intensive drills and tactical exercises.
Another training session is scheduled for tomorrow evening at the same venue to fine-tune their strategies.
Video Credit: Ronald Lusulire
The Cranes are set to host South Africa on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 4 PM EAT at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. This fixture follows a 2-2 draw in the first leg held in Johannesburg.
The team will then travel to face Congo four days later in the final match of their group stage campaign.
Topping Group K with 10 points, Uganda only needs one point from these two games to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco. South Africa trails by two points, while Congo and South Sudan have four and zero points respectively.
Paul Put acknowledges fatigue challenges in Uganda Cranes' first training, confident team will be ready for South Africa showdown
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has openly discussed the initial challenges faced in the team’s first training sessions, with many foreign-based players arriving fatigued from long-distance travel. However, despite the jet lag, Put praised the determination and commitment shown by the squad during today’s rigorous drills at the Mandela National Stadium.
"Travel fatigue is always a factor when we bring in players from various leagues worldwide but the players’ dedication to train despite this shows their readiness for the task ahead," Put commented while addressing the media.
However, he expressed optimism that by Friday’s game against South Africa, the squad will be physically prepared and mentally sharp. With only three days of training left, Put remains focused on refining strategies and ensuring players recover fully as Uganda looks to return to Africa’s biggest football stage after a two-tournament absence.
Video Credit: Ronald Lusulire
Allan Okello calls for unity ahead of crucial AFCON Qualifier against South Africa
As the Cranes prepare for their pivotal 2025 AFCON qualifier against South Africa, star midfielder Allan Okello rallied both the team and the fans. Speaking about the upcoming match while addressing the media after the team’s first training session at Namboole Stadium on Monday evening, the Vipers SC player emphasized the squad's dedication and unity:
“The mood is high in training as everyone is doing their best to ensure we qualify. We all have the same mentality and that is qualification...We need this match against South Africa more than any other,” he added, urging fans to show up and support the team. “We call upon all our fans to come and give us the much-needed support so that we qualify in front of them.”
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