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Uganda U17 boys National Team, Uganda Cubs entered residential training on Saturday at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru ahead of AFCON U17 Zonal (CECAFA) Qualifiers 2024.
Cubs in training at the FTC in Njeru
The tournament that will be hosted by Uganda between 14th and 28th December 2024 will see a couple of names from the FUFA Juniors League (FJL) in action.
However with a provisional squad of 37 players, three have had a taste of senior team football this season with their Uganda Premier League clubs and these are; Brian Ijara (KCCA FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC) and Richard Okello (BUL FC).
Brian Ijara in game against Maroons FC.
The three were easy names to be considered by the team manager Bashir Mutyaba and new Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo who has worked with a number of young players in his early coaching stages with Synergy FC.
And these three will surely looked as the base of this side on the outside, Ijara is a completely new name to many having played most of his games in the FJL but the other two, Walusimbi and Okello have Captain their Junior teams and played at some junior National levels with some Club football senior debuts in the mix.
Abubakali Walusimbi.
Richard Okello.
Another player that seen as one who will have huge impact on the team is Wanyama Simon with his ability to create and score goals, recently won the USSSA Nationals with St Julian Mukono but before had a spell with St Mary’s School, Kitende having featured for them in the CAF U15 school qualifiers.
Simon Wanyama taking the penalty.
Wanyama being handed his ball after netting a hattrick.
Teams in the CECAFA region tournament will fight for one available ticket to the 2025 AFCON U17 tournament.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Lukyamuzi Ashiraf, Waibi Edrisah, Masaba Herbert, Kirungi Eden
Defenders
Ssesazi Tom, Steven Oyirwoth, Ssemakalu Sudais, Kigoye Ronald, Kalule Moses, Torach Elvis, Oyirwoth Pius, Sengooba Hamuza, Kombi Eze, Godi Akbar Musa, Musaazi Marvin, Garang Alfred Feni, Budali Reagan
Midfielders
Murungi Elton, Ijara Brain, Atendele Bob Jeliga, Ssebagala Ibra, Saviour Mungujakisa, Kabiito Marvin, Magala Isima Mulala, Ogema Thomas, Owino Brian John, Walusimbi Abubakali, Ntege Abdul Lukenge
Forwards
Okello Richard, Bagenda Enock, Wanyama Simon, Bogere James, Nkoola Arafat, Ssetimba Waiswa Morgan, Maturu Ivan, Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio, Austin Amani
