FUFA cannot help but recall former professional players to the squad to face Tanzania in the Africa Nations Championship qualifier next month.
Hakim Magumba
Owen Kasule, Hassan Wasswa, Anthony Bongole, Joseph Owino and Tonny Odur have all been recalled to spearhead Uganda’s first ever qualification for the CHAN tournament.
The players hadn’t featured in the competition meant for home based players after turning professional few years ago but were today named alongside 29 others due to start preparation for the first qualifying match.
“We needed experience in the squad and these players will provide it. The players are all eligible to play in CHAN because all of them are playing in the domestic league at the moment,” FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa said.
The biggest surprise though is the inclusion of veteran midfielder Hakim Magumba, who is expected to return to the national side for the first time since 2005 to link with new Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic who was also his boss at Villa Park.
Uganda is due to host Tanzania in the 1st leg encounter on June 22 before the return leg early in July to determine who advances to the second qualifying round. South Africa will host the tournament.
Meanwhile FUFA has dropped U 17 national team assistant coach Asaph Mwebaze and replaced him with Peter Onen in a mini reshuffle announced today. Richard Wasswa will remain the head coach.
FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa also announced Hamuza Kalanzi as the U-20 goalkeeper trainer replacing Stephen Kigundu, who is out of the country. Paul Nkata will keep his position as the head coach.
Squad
Goalkeepers: H.Muwonge, A.Kimera, M.Olungat, C.Lukwago, M.Kigonya
Defenders: N.Wadada,D.Guma, H.Kavuma,S.Mukiibi, H.Magomu,I.Kazibwe, R.Kasaaga, Y.Mukisa, J.Owino, R.Malinga, Muwanga, F.Kawooya, A.Kisalita
Midfielders: S.Kyeyune, I.Ntege,O.Kasule, S.Sentamu, H.Sempala, M.Birungi, A.Feni, B.Nkumbi, B.Majwega,R.Kimuli, H.Wasswa, J.Mpande,H.Magumba,R.Muganga
Strikers: H.Wasswa, T.Odur, F.Kalanda,C.Okhuthi, A.Bongole, P.Edema,E.Sekisambu, W.Wadri
Africa Nations Championship qualifier
June 22: Uganda v Tanzania
By Swalley Kenyi, The New Vision
