The Uganda Cranes are set to face the Zebras of Botswana today at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in their third matchday of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The game kicks off at 7:00pm .
At a press conference held on Thursday at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put expressed confidence in his team’s preparations.
“We are set for the game against Botswana and the players are all in the right shape mentally and physically to put up the best performance,” Put stated.
He emphasized that the composition of his squad, which includes several home-based players, is well-equipped to perform at this level.
“It doesn’t matter where a player is based here or playing abroad. As a coach, I always look out for performance and attitude in training. I believe everyone has the ability to perform when given an opportunity to play,” Put added.
However, the team will be without their captain, Khalid Aucho, who is ruled out due to injury. Coach Put mentioned that further medical assessments will determine if Aucho can play in Monday’s game against Algeria. Aucho, who attended the press briefing, remained positive, highlighting the unity within the team.
“We are one family and not even my absence can dent our targets. Definitely coming back to Namboole is enough motivation for everyone on the team to make sure we come out victorious,” Aucho remarked.
The team’s preparations received a significant boost with a visit from Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and other dignitaries, including FUFA President Moses Magogo, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, and Bernard Patrick Ogwel, General Secretary of the National Council of Sports. During her visit on Tuesday, Speaker Among handed over UGX 50 million to the team as a motivational bonus.
“When you win all the two games, you will get the same bonus,” Among announced to the excited players. “We are giving you 50 million and when you win, you will get the same winning bonus,” she added.
FUFA President Moses Magogo clarified that the bonus from Parliament is separate from FUFA’s commitments, ensuring the players will receive their entitlements from the Federation.
Allan Okello, speaking on behalf of the players, promised to give their all in the upcoming games. “For us in football, it is one game at a time so Botswana on Friday is the first target for three points,” he stated. “Then after that, we think about Algeria on Monday,” he added.
Uganda currently has three points from their opening two games, having lost 1-0 to Guinea and securing a 1-0 victory against Somalia.
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