The Uganda U20 football national team, the Hippos have kick started their preparations for the upcoming Africa cup of nations tournament in Mauritania.
Uganda will be among the nations competing at the tournament which will be hosted between 14th February and 6th Match-2021, in Mauritania.
The team started training on Thursday, January 21 at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Thirty seven players took part in the day’s session, including five goalkeepers and 32 outfield players.
The one individual who missed out was UK based Nathan Odokonyero who features for Lincoln City.
Odokonyero is yet to arrive for camp but Samuel Kitaka who plays at University side Loughborough, also in UK, was present at the session.
The other absentees were Aziz Kayondo and Bobosi Byaruhanga, who are currently with the Cranes team at the 2020 CHAN tournament in Cameroon.
The two are will report to camp after Uganda exits the CHAN tournament.
Speaking after Thursday’s training, Hippos head coach Morley Byekwaso noted that he is hopeful the team will achieve it’s desired targets.
“We have started our training today (Thursday) for the U20. He stated.
“We have started with 37 players with five goal keepers and 32 outfield players.
“The training has gone well. We started with looking at all departments including defence, midfield and attack.
“We have been impressed altogether and it has given us hope that we will achieve our desired goals.”
The Hippos are currently camping at Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
Uganda qualified for the U20 AFCON tournament after winning the Regional qualifiers in Tanzania this past December.
The Provisional Squad that was announced on Tuesday, January 19
Goalkeepers
Komakech Jack (Ascent SA), Kiberu Ronald (Synergy FC), Oyo Delton (Busoga United FC), Ssenyondwa Denis Kaala (SC Villa), Ochama Daniel (Boro Boro Super Sport FC), Kato Peter (Super Cubs FC)
Defenders
Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Semakula Kenneth (Busoga United FC), Kayondo Abdu Aziizi (Vipers SC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC) Kafumbe Joseph (KCCA FC), Kitabalwa Robert (Vipers SC), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC), Baligeya Simon (Kibuli SS), Bbosa Richard (Express FC).
Midfielders
Mugulusi Isma (Busoga United FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC), Sserwadda Steven (KCCA FC), Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC), Lutalo Umar (Aspire Academy), Alou John Kokas (URA FC), Okur Swamadu (Kataka FC), Eyamu Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Kawooya Andrew( KCCA FC), Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC), Ssekajja Davis (Bright Stars FC), Wabyoona Faisal (Big Talent SA).
Forwards
Bogere Ivan (Proline FC), Ssenyonjo Samuel (KCCA FC), Kakooza Derrick (Police FC), Basangwa Richard (Vipers SC), Odokonyero Nathan (Lincoln City FC U18-UK), Kitaka Samuel Moses (Loughborough University-UK), Bukenya Joseph Kizza (KCCA FC), Onyai Raymond (Mbarara City FC), Mulindi Ashiraf (Kataka FC), Mukisa Emmanuel (Kataka FC), Ssali Alpha Thierry (Proline FC).
OFFICIALS
Byekwaso Morley – Head Coach
Masaba Simeon – Assistant Head Coach
Kiggundu Steven Billy – Goalkeeping Coach
Katumba Yahaya – Doctor
Mutyaba Bashir – Team Manager
Kasirye Alex – Team Media Officer
Bumpenje Frank – Kits Manager
