ABU DHABI – Preparations for the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are currently going on as planned for the Uganda Cranes.
The team departed for a camp in Abu Dhabi on Monday, May 27th, morning and are now understood to have arrived safely in the United Arab Emirates.
The delegation of 24 personnel which includes 14 players and 10 officials touched down at 1455hrs on Monday.
Upon arrival, they headed to Park Rotana Hotel where they will accommodated throughout their stay in Abu Dhabi.
A few hours after arrival, they were joined by Egyptian based striker Derrick Nsibambi to take the tally of players currently in camp to 15.
The team is understood to be preparing for their first training session on Tuesday at 9:30AM. They will hold another session in the afternoon at 5:30pm.
Upon arrival, team captain Denis Onyango said that he believes the camp in Abu Dhabi will help them get better.
“The players have trained well in Kampala for two weeks to boost the fitness levels. Said Onyango.
“I believe the cam in Abu Dhabi will further help the team and polish us. Also the weather will be a great deal for acclimation just like that in Egypt.
While in Abu Dhabi, the team is expected to play two build up games before departing for Ivory Coast where they will hold a mini camp on their way to Cairo, Egypt.
The final team of 23 players to Egypt will be confirmed after the two international 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 15 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
Officials
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), Faruku Miya (HNK Gorica, Croatia), Michael Azira (Montreal, Canada), Kirizestom Ntambi (Coffee FC, Ethiopia), Allan Kateregga (Maritzburg, South Africa).
Strikers
Alexis Bbakka (Carlstad United, Sweden), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania), Abdul Lumala (Syrianska FC, Sweden).