FUFA wants pros in Cranes squad

By N. Katende, P. Corry and Reuben OlitaIRELAND-based Livingston Mbabazi, and other foreign-based professionals who include Ibrahim Sekajja (Argentina) and Sulaiman Tenywa (USA) have been welcomed to join The Cranes.FUFA secretary Haruna Mawanda yesterday told the weekly Nile Special Super League press conference that Mbabazi, a striker with an Ireland club had shown interest in joining the national team and they will surely take him on if funds permit.Mbabazi, currently in the country for a holiday, plays for Saint Patrick Athletic while Ibrahim Sekajja is due to be signed by Buenos Aires giant side River Plate. Sula Tenywa plays for Dallas Burn in the American Major Soccer League. Tenywa has had other stints with Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire.“Most foreign-based players are more interested in joining the national team than our local players. We definitely need there services but this will depend on availability of funds,” Mawanda said.Earlier on, national coach Paul Hasule had wished that foreign-based players be called up to boost The Cranes ahead of the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.Cranes, who arrived yesterday from participating in a four-nation tournament in Sudan start training today ahead of their weekend build-ups with Kenya's Harambee Stars in Kisumu on Saturday and Mumias Sugar FC on Sunday. Kenya and Uganda will use the matches as part of their preparations for the Nations Cup qualifiers. Cranes takes on Ghana while Kenya play Togo both on September 7.Uganda last took part in the Nations Cup finals in 1978 in Ghana. They lost the final 2-0 to the hosts.Mumias Sugar are using the Cranes game to prepare for their Moi Golden cup semi final match against Utalii. The winners of the cup that will also pit Tusker against Kenya Pipeline will represent the country in next year's Africa Cup Winners Cup.Meanwhile, all females and students in uniforms will have a free entry to the U-20 -Hippos return leg match against Egypt next Saturday at Nakivubo.“We want more cheers to encourage our team on,” said Mawanda.