March 3
Tanzania v Uganda

THE national soccer team, the Cranes, start their 2012 Nations Cup build-up with a match against Tanzania, James Bakama writes.

FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson said arrangements have been finalised for the friendly at Mwanza’s Abed Karume stadium.

The following weekend, Uganda will take on Burundi in the Africa Nations Championships. This competition is exclusively meant for home based national team players.

National coach Robert Williamson explained that much as March 3 is a FIFA date for international friendlies, he will focus on the locally-based players.

He stressed that he will use the same team that will play Burundi. “I want to try out various combinations ahead of the Burundi match.”

Meanwhile URA top marksman Henry Kisekka, Villa’s Robert Odongkara and Anthony Bongole have also been called to the national squad that began training last week at Namboole.

Others are H. Muwonge, E. Ssali, H. Kavuma, T. Odur, R. Kimuli, S. Juma, O. Kasule (all Bunamwaya); F. Mulindwa, M. Doka, D. Walulya, J. Mukubya, M. Kaweesa, M. Sserumaga and P. Senfuka (URA); G. Wakabu, N. Ssemakula (Express); S. Masaba, G. Walusimbi (Villa); S. Matovu, S. Mbaziira, P. Edema (Nalubaale); I. Isinde (Victors), M. Mude (Simba), P. Ssennyonjo (Police), B. Olobo (KCC) and Kisekka.

Meanwhile FUFA vice president (technical) Livingstone Kyambadde will from February 23 to 27 attend a coaching instructors’ course in Cairo. Kyambadde will after the course become the tenth Ugandan to attain this qualification.