AFCON: Lumala's stock rises

Uganda Cranes midfielder Abdu Lumala is one of the in-demand players during this transfer window, following his impressive performances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Lumala, 21, who made his national team debut in the two international friendlies against Turkmenistan and Ivory Coast in Abu Dhabi, has been one of the exciting players at the Africa Cup of Nations with his high-speed dribbling and urge to take on any defender.

News coming in from Uganda Cranes' camp indicates that day in day out, people who claim to be scouts of different clubs are being chased away from Radisson Blu Hotel in Cairo where the Cranes are staying.

The so-called scouts resorted to going straight to the hotel receptionists and asking them to call straight on Lumala's telephone line in his hotel room.

But efforts have been made to deny them access to Lumala to allow him to stay focused.

The stylish midfielder currently plies his trade for Syrianska Football Club on loan from Kalmar Football Club (both clubs are in Sweden).

Syrianska currently plays in the Superettan League which is the second highest league in the Swedish men's football.

"Lumala is such a joy to watch with his speed on the ball. I am not surprised by his superb performances at this Africa Cup of Nations because I have known him way back during his time with the Kampala Junior Team. "With him, we have a good player in the team," FUFA official, Hamid Juma said at the team's training base at Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo.

With his superb performances for Uganda Cranes' at AFCON 2019 and his loan deal at Syrianska ending on July 31, 2019, Kalmar are apparently reluctant to part ways with him as they plan to give him a chance in the top tier league.

Among Lumala's suitors is Portuguese 2018/2019 League champions, Benfica which makes it even more tricky for Kalmar to deny Lumala a move away from Sweden.

Other players who have drawn interest from other clubs across Europe is KCCA striker Patrick Kaddu and Faruku Miya who currently plays for HNK Gorica in Croatia's top tier league.

Miya who is also one of Uganda Cranes' key players, has a chance to play in the French Ligue 1 next season as a number of clubs including Nantes are reportedly chasing for his signature.