Teso province step up prep as Malinga hails camp ahead of Kampala clash

Teso Province head coach Richard Malinga is pleased with his squad’s progress in residential camp at Bukedea Comprehensive School as they prepare for Saturday’s FUFA Drum tie against Kampala Province.

Teso opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Tooro Province at Bukedea Comprehensive School Stadium and have set a clear target to secure three points in their away fixtures. Malinga says the 40 players in camp are responding well to the twice-daily sessions.

“I’m impressed by the abundant talent in Teso. We have to give players courage and confidence to play. We still have more sessions until Friday, when we’ll name the starting eleven,” Malinga said. He added that Teso’s strong performances in previous editions give them belief as they aim to defeat Kampala on their home turf.

Team captain Ibrahim Orit emphasized the focus on fitness and cohesion before the team’s planned departure to Gulu. “In the last edition, Teso reached the quarterfinals. This time, the players are ready to challenge any opponent. We call on the people of Teso to come together and support the team,” Orit said.

According to Orit, the squad has been bolstered by national and international players including Tom Ikara, James, Ivan Otude, Pensa Begesa, George Isiagi, Jamil Edi Rashid, Richard Matovu, Michael Siwu, and Moses Oonyu. Other players in camp include Joseph Okiror, Abraham Okello, Patrick Sebusi, Sam Adoa Owalam, Ismail Ajalu, John Otim, Edmond Ejapu, and Misaki Opio, among others.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Knockout ties will be played home and away, with aggregate winners moving on to the semifinals.