Werder Bremen player Melvyn Lorenzen turns down Cranes offer

Stories of foreign based football players of Ugandan origin usually end the same way. German based Melvyn Lorenzen's case is no different.

The player will not appear in Uganda's 2017 AFCON qualifier against Botswana on Saturday as he has turned down an opportunity to don the Cranes jersey in a competitive game.

The Germany club Werder Bremen striker whose scoring potential impressed coach Micho Sredejovic despite the Cranes 2-0 defeat to Zimbabwe in Harare, has decided he is not going to play for Uganda.

Although FUFA insists that the over 6ft tall striker has asked to be given more time to make up his mind, sources confirmed that the player has made it clear that Uganda is not his dream destination.

But officially Lorenzen said, "I am honoured to have been received and accepted by players, coaches, officials. I am aware of the team's objectives but in order to help me take such a big decision, I definitely need more time to reflect and take the big decision. So far I am extremely impressed."

Lorenzen reportedly required permission from Germany where he is a citizen, to clear him for Uganda but it has not been granted to him.

Lorenzen is not the first foreign based player of Ugandan descent to have turned up for the Cranes only to disappear for unclear reasons.

In 2004, English Premier League club Chelsea FC teenager Joel Kitamirike was summoned to play against DR Congo in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but he failed to impress. Sweden based Martin Mutumba Kayongo's situation was not different.