Categories: Sports

Micho Backs His Young Uganda Team

Micho takes his charges through training at Namboole.

Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says he is in a tough group for the CHAN tournament in South Africa, but believes his young side could surprise people.

The team is expected to fly out on Thursday for the tournament that starts on Saturday with the Cranes playing 24 hours later against West African side Burkina Faso.

Cranes will be based in the coastal city of Cape Town, largely acknowledged as the most beautiful place on the African continent. Micho in every likelihood will be hoping that Uganda Cranes enjoy a beautiful campaign in South Africa.

Uganda will clash with Burkina Faso, Morocco and Zimbabwe in what Micho says is “a very tough group”.

“Look, we have camped for three weeks in Kampala so we did prepare well and we are looking forward to the tournament,” said the Serb.

“Uganda is always producing good players and we expect those guys to shine in this event.

“We are in a tough group just like everyone else. Morocco, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe. A very tough group but I think it is tough for everyone.

“We start with Burkina Faso and we want to do well and see how it goes. I think my guys are motivated and want to do well.”

“We still have few days to polish up, but those selected know what is expected of them and they will hold the national flag high,” explained the Coach.

Micho said although some of the players will be making their debuts in a big tournament, the likes of Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan who have featured in South African teams before will carry the team.

“My players know that this tournament might be a ticket to go somewhere like to the PSL or Europe because there will a lot of scouts watching,” Micho continues.

“Our mission is to first make it through the Group stage then we start planning for the knock out stage,” he added.

In the 2011 event held in Khartoum, Sudan, the Cranes failed to make it out of the Group stage.
CHAN Squad
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Ochan (SC Victoria), Ismail Watenga (SC Vipers), Ali Kimera (SC Victoria)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (SC Victoria), Richard Kasagga (Kiira Young), Martin Mpuga (SC Victoria), Isaac Muleme (SC Victoria), Savio Kabugo (SC Victoria), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (KCCA FC), Ronnie Kisekka (KCCA FC), Nicholas Wadada (SC Vipers)
Midfielders: Julius Ntambi (Kiira Young), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Allan Kyambadde (Express FC), Vincent Kayiizi (SC Vipers), Yasser Mugerwa (SC Victoria), Brian Majwega (KCCA FC), Ivan Ntege (KCCA FC), Joseph Mpande (SC Vipers)
Strikers: Crespo Asiku (Bidco FC), Francis Olaki (Soana FC), Simon Okwi (SC Victoria), Yunus Sentamu (SC Vipers)
Staff Writer

Recent Posts

Police Confirm Arrest of NUP Buganda Region President Muwanga Kivumbi

Police have arrested National Unity Platform (NUP) Buganda Region President, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, in connection…

2 days ago

Amid Uganda’s Gold Scam Storm, EuroGold Refinery Plants Flag in Dubai

As Uganda continues to battle persistent gold fraud scandals that have left foreign investors counting…

3 days ago

ON THE BRINK! Leaked DR Forms from contested 18 stations paint DOOM for NRM Whip Obua

The political ground is shaking in northern Uganda as leaked Declaration of Results (DR) forms…

3 days ago

FINAL COUNTDOWN! Uganda’s giant UAE-backed $4bn refinery deal poised to make it East Africa’s fuel king!

Uganda’s long-awaited national oil refinery has entered its most decisive phase yet, as the government…

3 days ago

Coca-Cola raises eyebrows after funneling billions of dollars to offshore firm

Coca-Cola transferred another 4.4 billion euros ($5.17 billion) from its operation in Ireland to an…

3 days ago

IRAN PROTESTS! Dark clouds gather over MTN

MTN should cut its losses and exit Iran, as it faces either reputational or financial…

3 days ago