Sekajja's Cranes debut delayed over passport hitch

Aug 07, 2013

UGANDA Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic’s plan to strengthen his striking department by taking on 21-year-old Ibra Sekajja has hit a snag

By Swalley Kenyi

International friendlies

Wednesday

Senegal v Zambia  

Egypt v Uganda  

World Cup qualifier  

September 7  

Senegal v Uganda

UGANDA Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic’s plan to strengthen his striking department by taking on 21-year-old Ibra Sekajja has hit a snag.

The striker who plies his trade in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace has reportedly told FUFA that he will not be available for the upcoming Uganda Cranes matches.

Sekajja does not hold a Ugandan passport but a British one and the only way FUFA can get him to play for the Cranes is by fast-tracking the process to grant him dual citizenship.

Cranes media manager Fred Katende confirmed today that Sekajja may join the Cranes for the international friendly against Egypt but will not feature in the match.

“The federation got in touch with Sekajja and he is willing to play for the Cranes but he does not hold a Ugandan passport,” Katende said. 

He added that a process to enable the youngster get a Ugandan passport that will take three to four weeks, has started.

Previously, midfielder Martin Mutumba, who features for Swedish club AIK was in a similar dilemma like Sekajja’s but it was promptly resolved. 

Meanwhile, Cranes foreign based players are expected to join their colleagues from Kampala for the friendly in Egypt. Micho who is currently in Turkey, will also link up with the team in Egypt.   

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