Cranes down to 29 players as Onyango joins CHAN preparations

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Former Uganda Cranes captain and legend Dennis Onyango has expressed his excitement after joining the national team’s camp as preparations intensify for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on August 2.

Onyango, who recently returned from the United States, where he was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad at the FIFA Club World Cup, joined the Cranes’ training camp on Sunday at Luzira Prisons Grounds. Despite his team’s early exit from the tournament, the veteran goalkeeper remains upbeat and ready to contribute to the national side.

“I am here to help the team. Today was a light training session, so I mostly observed rather than fully participated. But I am excited to be part of the squad, and I look forward to contributing wherever needed. I also appreciate the warm welcome from the players and coaches,” Onyango said.

Cranes co-coach Morley Byekwaso praised Onyango’s arrival, describing it as a major boost to the camp. He emphasised that Onyango’s experience and leadership would be invaluable, particularly for the younger goalkeepers in the squad.

“Having a legend like him in the camp is a huge boost,” Byekwaso said. “His calibre and experience bring a lot to the team. We hope the goalkeepers can learn from him.”

Currently, 29 players are in camp following the trimming of the initial 41-man squad. Byekwaso explained that the decision to release 12 players was made collectively by the technical team based on performance and readiness.

“The reduction from 41 to 29 players was necessary as we aim to settle on the final 25-man squad,” he said. “It was a tough decision, but it had to be made to ensure we pick the best. The technical team assessed everyone on merit.”

The dropped players include Enock Walusimbi, Emmanuel Wasswa, David Owori, Paul Mucureezi, James Begisa, Mutwalibi Mugolofa, Saidi Mayanja, Charles Lwanga, Aslam Ssemakula, Reagan Mpande, and Jacob Okao.

Monday’s session focused heavily on fitness under the guidance of fitness coach De Wilde Sven Lydia Louis. Several Cranes legends, including Simeon Masaba and Geoffrey Massa, were also present at the session, along with senior national team head coach Paul Put.

The 2024 CHAN tournament, which is exclusively for players active in their home domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from August 2 to 30.

Uganda has been drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, Algeria, Niger and Guinea.