ABU DHABI – Farouk Miya is the latest addition to the Uganda Cranes team currently camped in Abu Dhabi as they beef up preparations for the upcoming 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Miya is understood to have teamed up with his peers on Tuesday evening, taking the number of those currently undergoing preps to 17.
The Croatian based forward was also on hand to join the other 16 players in a gym session which was supervised by Physical fitness trainer Gerome D’Antonio at the Park Rotana Hotel, where the Cranes are residing.
After the gym session that lasted for 45 minutes per group, all the 17 players were allowed to go swimming and play both Pool and Table Tennis.
The Moslem players who are currently fasting have no issues despite very-hot conditions as compared to those in Uganda.
“It is not difficult for me and my colleagues who are fasting during this holy month of Ramadan, said Cranes vice-captain Hassan Wasswa Mawanda when approached about the issue of fasting.
“Our bodies are set for this period and we knew that training would start during Ramadan.
“The coach has given us a good progamme that favors the entire team for training sessions.
Under the guidance of head coach Sebastien Desabre, the team while continue with their preparations as the rest of the players join camp in the coming days.
Eleven (11) more players are expected to join after the completion of their respective seasons.
The final team of 23 players to Egypt will be confirmed after the two friendly matches in Abu Dhabi.
At the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Uganda is in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, DR Congo and Zimbabwe.
The 17 currently camping in Abu Dhabi
Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Saddam Juma, Moses Waiswa and Murushid Jjuuko, Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Farouk Miya.
Officials in Abu Dhabi
Leader of Delegation – Issa Magola
Head Coach – Sebastien Desabre
Assistant Coach – Matia Lule
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor – Ronald Kisolo
Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein
Physical Fitness Trainer – Jerome D’Antonio
Kits Managers – Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa
The other players expected to join camp later
Goalkeepers
Robert Odongkara (Adama City, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda) Jamal Salim (Al Hilal-Sudan).
Defenders
Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC, Tanzania).
Midfielders
William Luwagga Kizito (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazahstan), Michael Azira (Montreal, Canada), (Coffee FC, Ethiopia), Allan Kateregga (Maritzburg, South Africa).
Strikers
Alexis Bbakka (Carlstad United, Sweden), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania), Abdul Lumala (Syrianska FC, Sweden).
