Micho eager to beat England to Sekajja

By Swalley Kenyi

International friendlies

August 14  

Senegal v Zambia  

Egypt v Uganda  

World Cup qualifier  

September 7  

Senegal v Uganda

SINCE taking over as the Uganda Cranes coach in May, Micho Sredojevic has been desperate for a fast and fearless striker. The Serb believes he will get it in 21 year old Ibra Sekajja.

The striker who plies his trade in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace is Micho’s latest inclusion to the Uganda Cranes provisional squad that he summoned before leaving for Turkey on Monday.

Sekajja is among six strikers that make up the mammoth 31 man squad which is expected to start training on Saturday. 

Micho is expected to trim the squad to 21 players that will travel for the Cranes build up match against Egypt due in El Gouna City next week.

Micho couldn’t hide his eagerness to have Sekajja in the squad to prepare for Cranes’ final Group J game against table toppers Senegal on September 7.

“I believe he will add something onto the team. We want to get him before England snatches him,” Micho said.

But the federation is yet to get in contact with the player.  Sekajja spent part of last season on loan at Barnet.

Among new faces Micho has added on the senior squad are winger Brian Majwega, Nicholas Wadada, Savio Kabugo, Joseph Mpande, Richard Kassaga and Frank Kalanda after they impressed in the Africa Nations Championship qualifiers.

The squad

GOALKEEPERS: Robert Odongkara (St. George), Denis Onyango (Bidvest Wits), Abbey Dhaira (Simba SC), Hamza Muwonge (Vipers).

DEFENDERS: Nicholas Wadada (Vipers), Denis Iguma (SCVU) Godfrey Walusimbi (Don Bosco), Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko), Andy Mwesigwa (Ordabasy), Isaac Isinde (St. George), Henry Kalungi (Richmond Kickers), Savio Kabugo (SCVU), Richard Kassaga (Kiira Young).

MIDFIELDERS: Hassan Wasswa (KCCA), Geofrey Kizito (Sai Gon), Tonny Mawejje (IBV), Martin Mutumba (AIK), Joseph Mpande (Vipers), Said Kyeyune (URA), Moses Oloya (Sai Gon), Brian Majwega (KCCA), Kizito Luwaga (Leixoes), Joseph Kabagambe (El Mereikh Al Fasher), Vincent Kayizi (Motor Lublin), Patrick Ochan (TP Mazembe).

STRIKERS: Frank Kalanda (URA), Emma Okwi (Etoile du Sahel), Robert Ssentongo (St. George), Hamis Kizza (Yanga), Geofrey Massa (Yenicami), Ibra Sekajja (Crystal Palace).