Uganda Cranes Arrive in Uzbekistan for Navruz Invitational Tournament

Uganda Cranes contingent has safely arrived in Namangan, Uzbekistan ahead of the Navruz Invitational Tournament.

The Uganda Cranes delegation of 38 people left Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday for the Navruz Cup in Uzbekistan between 25th to 29th March 2022.

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The delegation led by FUFA Executive Committee Member Issa Magoola Kakaire departed aboard the Turkish Airlines flight TK 612.

The team is currently accommodated at Akhsikent Hotel. pic.twitter.com/hgzYWGZExl

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 23, 2022

Uganda Cranes will play in the four-nation tournament that has Tajikistan, hosts Uzbekistan and Kyrgz Republic as a precursor of the upcoming AFCON 2023 and CHAN 2023 qualifiers.

“We are using the Navruz Cup to assemble the teams that will feature in the qualifiers of CHAN 2023 and AFCON 2023 tournaments. There is a balance of players in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League as well as those featuring in the diaspora leagues,” head coach Micho revealed.

Head coach Milutin Sredojevic talks to Emmanuel Okwi moments after check-in

The team has 13 players featuring for the different clubs in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and 11 of those are foreign-based.

Uganda Cranes had on Sunday played a regional tour match against Buganda region select at the Naama playground in Mityana (ended 1-1).

Rogers Mato Kassim, one of the locally-based players on the team

Uganda Cranes open the Cup campaign with Tajikistan on 25th March 2022. On the same day, Uzbekistan shall take on Krygz Republic.

The third-place play-off and final matches will then be held on 29th March 2022.

All matches will be played at Markaziy stadium in Namangan.

L-R: Milton Karisa, Halid Lwaliwa and Emmanuel Arnold Okwi

Abdul-Aziz Kayondo (left) and Moses Waiswa

Uganda Cranes Delegation to Uzbekistan Tour (21^st to 30^th March 2022)

Full Traveling Contingent:

Officials:

Leader of Delegation: Magoola Issa Kakaire (FUFA Executive Committee Member)

Head coach: Milutin Sredojevic

Assistant coach: Moses Basena

Goalkeeping coach: Kajoba Fred Kisitu

Team coordinator: Massa Geofrey

National Teams officer: Mukatabala Paul Nantulya

Team Doctor: Nakabago Emmanuel

Team Physiotherapist: Ssewanyana Ivan

Kit Managers: Balyejusa Ayub & Mulondo Samuel

Delegates: Tabu Santos Bobo & Muyanja Sunday Moni

FUFA Staff: Namutebi Nsubuga Phionah

Media officer: Lusulire Ronald

Players: Goalkeepers: Lukwago Charles (St George, Ethiopia), Alionzi Nafian Legason (URA, Uganda), Ochan Benjamin (KCCA, Uganda).

Defenders: Mugabi Bevis Kristofer Kizito (Motherwell, Scotland), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo (Vyskov, Czech Republic), Achai Herbert (KCCA, Uganda), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jurua Hassan Alidro (KCCA, Uganda), Mulondo Livingstone (Vipers SC, Uganda).

Midfielders: Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers SC, Uganda), Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Marvin Joseph Youngman (Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Uganda), Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi (SuperSport United, South Africa), Serwadda Steven (New York Red Bulls II, USA).

Strikers: Bayo Fahad Aziz (Bnei Sakhnin, Israel), Faruku Miya (Lviv, Ukraine), Milton (Vipers SC, Uganda), Okello Allan (Paradou AC, Algeria), Kakooza Derrick (Valmiera, Lativa), Okwi Emmanuel Arnold (Kiyovu Sports FC, Rwanda), Mato Rogers (KCCA, Uganda), Kizza Martin (Express FC, Uganda) and Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt).

Source: FUFA