The Uganda Cranes Select Squad has been unveiled for the upcoming FUFA Super 8 Tournament, set to kick off on August 2nd, 2024. Comprising 29 players, the squad features mainly local-based talent and free agents, supplemented by a few foreign-based players.
This selection will compete against the top seven clubs from the 2023/2024 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
The Teams
The FUFA Super 8 Tournament will see the Uganda Cranes Select side face off against reigning champions SC Villa, BUL FC, Vipers SC, Kitara FC, KCCA FC, Maroons FC, and NEC FC. The tournament is sponsored by MTN and Nile Special and serves as a preparatory competition for the new season.
Player Assessment and Opportunity
Ahmed Hussein, FUFA Communications Director, emphasized the dual purpose of the tournament: assessing players for potential inclusion in the Uganda Cranes senior team and allowing clubs to fine-tune their squads. “The players in the Select squad will be assessed by the Uganda Cranes technical team with an eye on impressing to break into the senior team for the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers starting in September,” he stated. “The clubs will use the tournament to fine-tune their squads for the new season.”
Training and Venues
The Uganda Cranes Select squad will begin non-residential training on Tuesday, July 23rd, at the Lugogo MTN Omondi Stadium. The sessions will start at 8:00 am under the guidance of Uganda Cranes Assistant Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa and his team of officials.
Three venues have been designated for the tournament: Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, and MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo. The games will be played on a home-and-away basis, with matches scheduled for 5 PM and 8 PM.
Squad Composition
Here is the full list of the Uganda Cranes Select squad for the FUFA Super 8 Tournament:
Goalkeepers:
Matovu Hassan (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Ssekajja Bashir (Wakiso Giants FC)
Magada Abdu (URA FC)
Defenders:
Begisa James Penz (URA FC)
Kizito Gavin Mugweri (Free Agent)
Tebandeke Christopher (UPDF FC)
Bwangani Amisi (URA FC)
Kato Samuel (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Buule Warren (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Matovu Faisal (Lugazi FC)
Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes B, Spain)
Midfielders:
Kayondo Ronald (UPDF FC)
Fiat Cleophus (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Kakande Shafic (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Aliro Moses (URA FC)
Mugulusi Isma (Free Agent)
Kisolo Innocent (URA FC)
Ssekibengo Godfrey (URA FC)
Mutebi Hakim (Free Agent)
Ssenyonjo Hassan (Wakiso Giants FC)
Tibiita Laban (URA FC)
Strikers:
Bunyaga Bruno (URA FC)
Ogwang Isaac (Police FC)
Ahimbisibwe Ivan (URA FC)
Akandanwaho Joseph (Mbarara FC)
Ssemujju Joseph (URA FC)
Alpha Thierry Ssali (Express FC)
Lutalo Umar (Free Agent)
Basangwa Richard (Free Agent)
Technical Team
Sam Ssimbwa – Assistant Head Coach
Kiggundu Stephen – Goalkeeping Coach
Balyejusa Ayub – Trainer
Massa Geoffrey – Team Manager
Nakabago Emmanuel – Team Doctor
Gumisiriza Michael – Physiotherapist
Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager
Lusulire Ronald – Media Officer
Tournament Fixtures
The tournament will kick off with Maroons FC facing BUL FC on Friday, August 2nd, at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende. On the same day, Vipers SC will host NEC FC at Kitende. Kitara FC will host KCCA FC in their first leg on Saturday, August 3rd, at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. The Uganda Cranes Select Team will face SC Villa at the same venue.
Return leg fixtures are set for August 6th and 7th at MTN Omondi Stadium and Mandela National Stadium respectively.
The FUFA Super 8 Tournament promises to be an exciting prelude to the new season, offering both fans and clubs a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming Uganda Premier League season.
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