Uganda Cranes begin training in Marrakech ahead of friendly matches
- Ronald Lusulire
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
The Uganda Cranes hit the ground running in Marrakech, Morocco, on Tuesday evening, as they kicked off their first training session ahead of two key international friendlies against Cameroon and Gambia.
After departing Entebbe International Airport on Monday night, the team arrived in Marrakech on Tuesday afternoon. Following a brief rest, they headed to the Marrakech Stadium for a one-hour training session. The session was led by assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa, who stepped in for head coach Paul Put, currently sidelined due to illness.
Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick, already in Marrakech when the team arrived, took part in the session. The remaining foreign-based players, including Allan Oyirwoth, Elvis Bwomono, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi, Isaac Muleme, and Bobosi Byaruhanga, are expected to join the squad by Wednesday evening, completing the full roster. The only absentee is Steven Mukwala, who pulled out due to injury.
Despite the fatigue from the long travel, assistant coach Ssimbwa was pleased with the players' performance and attitude during the session, expressing confidence that the team is ready to face the challenges ahead.
Right-back Nicholas Wadada, returning to the Cranes fold after a break, spoke about his excitement to be back and his commitment to helping guide the younger players on the team. He also pledged to contribute his experience to ensure the squad achieves the desired results.
Forward Denis Omedi echoed Wadada’s sentiments, stressing the significance of the upcoming friendlies and assuring fans that the Cranes would give their all to secure positive outcomes.
The Uganda Cranes will face Cameroon on Friday, June 6, and Gambia on Monday, June 9.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers:
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)
Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda)
Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren FC, Scotland)
Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)
Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)
Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic FC, England)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)
Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France)
Forwards:
Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)
Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)
