By Robert Kayindi James
A contingent of 27 players out of the 40 players summoned turned up on day one of the official kickoff of the Uganda Cranes preparation programme for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals that will be hosted in Gabon.
The team kicked off the day with a gym session at Paradise fitness gym at Acacia mall on Monday morning before undertaking field drills at Kabira play ground in Bukoto for about an hour.
The Cranes later on in the day had an evening training session at IUIU University grounds in Kabojja, Wakiso district. Tusker FC’s Shafik Batambuze sat out the training session at Kabira due to a minor stomach ache.
Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic expressed his joy on the training kick off. “I am happy for the start although not impressed with the first session but I believe as other players jet in we shall mentally and tactically get effective,” he remarked.
The full team on day one
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Ochan, Ismael Watenga.
Defenders: Isaac Isinde, Ronald Mukiibi, Joseph Ochaya, Nicholas Wadada, Halid Lwaliwa, Rashid Toha, Godfrey Walusimbi, Shafik Batambuze, Richard Kasagga, Joseph Nsubuga, Denis Iguma Hassan Wasswa, Timothy Awany.
Midfielders: Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, Tabu Vitalis, Kezironi Kizito, Martin Kiiza.
Strikers: Yunus Sentamu, Erisa Sekisambu, Edrisa Lubega, Muhammad Shaban, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi.