Wadada fails to make CHAN squad, Wasswa in

By Swalley Kenyi

DEFENDER Nicholas Wadada has lost the fight to be fit following a battle with a right foot injury and has been dropped from the Africa Nations Championship squad.

The first team player, who sustained the injury last week will now be replaced by Ronnie Kisseka.

Savio Kabugo, who has recovered from an ankle injury, team captain Denis Iguma, Richard Kasaga, Martin Mpuga, Isaac Muleme and Rogers Aloro complete the options in the defence.

Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic has dropped defenders Simon Namwanja and striker Umar Kasumba from the final squad but drafted in former captain and midfielder Hassan Wasswa who joined training two days ago.

Wasswa makes the final 23-man squad despite a bitter feud which erupted between FUFA and KCCA.

The Lugogo-based side wanted the player dropped from the squad after he was accused of absconding from his duties with the club.

“Look, on tactical view you need players like Wasswa in the squad. He has got experience as well as leadership skills both off and on pitch. Remember we are looking at grooming but also we need some experienced figures at a certain level to show those uncapped ones what to do,” Micho said.

Uganda Cranes are in Group B of the 2014 edition alongside Burkina Faso, Morocco and Zimbabwe.

They will play their first match of the championships against the Burkinabe at Athlone Stadium on January 12 and face Morocco in their final group game.

Micho has said that Morocco which is expected to assemble Raja Casablanca’s first team stars such as goalkeeper Khalid Askri, Zakaria El Hachimi, Adil Karrouchy, Issam Erraki, Abdelilah Hafidi, Mohsine Moutaouali and Mouhssine Iajour is Cranes’ biggest challenge in the biennial championship.

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Ochan (SCVU), Ismail Watenga (SC Vipers), Ali Kimera (SCVU)

Defenders: Ronnie Kisseka (KCCA) (Capt.) Denis Iguma (SCVU), Martin Mpuga (SCVU), Richard Kasaga (Kira Young), Isaac Muleme (SCVU), Savio Kabugo (SCVU), Rogers Aloro (KCCA)

Midfielders: Julius Ntambi (Kira Young), Saidi Kyeyune (URA), Allan Kyambade (Express), Vincent Kayizzi (SC Vipers), Yasser Mugerwa (SCVU), Brian Majwega (KCCA), Ivan Ntege (KCCA), Mpande Joseph (SC Vipers), Hassan Waswa (KCCA).

Forwards: Crespo Asiku (Bul FC), Francis Olaki (Soana), Simon Okwi (SCVU), Yunus Sentamu (SC Vipers)