Uganda Lacrosse Cranes head coach Patrick Oriana is confident that the 26-man squad selected for the World Lacrosse Men’s Championships in San Diego, USA, will live up to the task.

“We have experience and knowledge of the game and the final team selected is a complete definition of the type and style I want us to put up at the games,” remarked Oriana.

The players have started vigorous training with barely two months left before the start of the games.

Uganda defeated rivals Kenya 9-8 at Kenton College Preparatory School in Nairobi to secure a place at the 2023 World Lacrosse Championships.

The team also has the USA-based trio of George Ogik, Yosef Ngowe and Paul Mbusa and others who were part of the U-20 men’s team that took part in the U-20 world championships in Ireland.

Oriana made an effort to clear the air about the selection policy after accusations that players absent from the qualifiers, were not being called up on merit.

“The players in question bring a lot of skillsets and we missed them a lot in the qualifier against Kenya last year,” Oriana stressed.

Max and Fin Phillips were not permitted to play for Uganda last year after World Lacrosse extensively queried whether they had spent enough time in Uganda to complete their naturalisation and feature for the national team.

However, their father Jeremy Phillips revealed that the American-born siblings were earlier this year cleared to feature for Uganda.

“I opted for the players I was with in Ireland last year due to their resilience, hard work, discipline and determination,” Oriana said.

George Ogik from Westcliff University is set to lead the team from midfield after his power shot against Kenya got Uganda over the line in Nairobi. He possesses a keen eye for goal, swift moves and good ball-passing skills that complement his speed and agility.

Training sessions are being held on weekends as Uganda Lacrosse Association looks for funding for the team’s pre-tournament training activities and tourney expenses.

Goalkeepers: Andrew Asimwe, Allan Amone, Daniel Otimu.

Defenders: Innocent Anyala, Shaban Pitta, Benard Otim, Phillips Max, Damson Lyaleng

Midfielders: Chris Palanda, Micheal Ochan, Solomon Adiyo, Francis Odong, Martin Komakech, Roger Anywar, Keith Lubangakene, Owen Waluku, John Brian Mukaga, George Ogik, Yosef Ngowe, Paul Mbusa, Edward Komakech, Aaron Lyaleng.

Forwards: Swaibu Meliga, Benjamin Ojok, Faisal Nsubuga, Finn Phillips.