Crystal Palace youngster Sekajja gets Cranes call up

By Pius Arinawe

20 year old Crystal Palace forward Ibra Sekajja has been called up to the Cranes squad for the upcoming international friendly against Egypt and the World Cup qualifier against Senegal.

Ugandan-born Sekajja has been on the newly promoted Premier League side’s books since 2007 and signed professional terms with the club in 2011 and enjoyed a memorable debut when he scored moments after coming off the bench.

Sekajja is currently involved in Crystal Palace’s pre-season preparations and scored a late goal in the Eagle’s 4-0 win over Waterford United on Saturday.

He spent the last half of the 2012-13 season at League Two side Barnet under the tutelage of former Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids after a spell at MK Dons earlier in the season but was restricted to just one appearance.

Sekajja is eligible to play for England and has represented the Three Lions at Under 16 level.

The preliminary 31 man squad includes some players who impressed in the recent CHAN qualification campaign such as Frank Kalanda, Richard Kassaga, Savio Kabugo and Joseph Mpande.  

There was also a surprise call up for Sudan based midfielder Joseph Kabagambe who plays for El Mereikh. Kabagambe impressed as his side finished third at the CECAFA Kagame Cup in June.

The squad will further be trimmed before Cranes face Senegal in the final Group J match in Morocco.

Locally based players are expected to begin training later this week as coach Micho Sredojevic looks to improve their fitness after they were granted time off after the win against Tanzania.

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).