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CAF
7 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Odong's championship mindset lifts Uganda in CHAN 2024 build-up
Fresh from helping SC Villa clinch the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title, defender Arnold Odong is now channeling that same intensity into Uganda's preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Odong, who played a pivotal role for SC Villa last season with 24 appearances, believes the high-intensity training camp underway at the FUFA Technical Centre in Kisasi is sharpening the Cranes for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament. The camp is part of the team's final build-up to the continental event, which is reserved for players plying their trade in their home countries. 'The first week of camp has not been easy,' Odong admitted. 'The intensity has increased, training has become tougher, but it's good for us. We appreciate it because it's going to help us perform better as a team in the coming games. Our coaches believe a lot in hard work, and that's exactly what it takes to compete.' Under the watchful eye of co-coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza, Uganda's locally-based stars have embraced the demands of the residential camp, blending tactical drills with physical conditioning. Odong says the camp is also creating vital chemistry in the squad. 'First of all, it's a very good thing as a team to enter camp because it has brought us all together,' he explained. 'The players are working together, bonding, getting to know each other more. We're able to train collectively and the coaches can monitor what each and every player is doing. It's really helping us grow as a team.' The 24-year-old defender brings more than domestic pedigree to the squad. Odong featured for Uganda during their 2023 AFCON qualification campaign and friendlies against continental heavyweights such as Cameroon and Gambia—experiences he believes have equipped him with insights that are now benefiting the CHAN squad. 'Moving with the team during AFCON qualification gave me a lot of experience,' he said. 'I got to play with top players, learned from them, and understood how the national team operates. That same style of play is now being used for CHAN, so I come in with a bit of insight I can share with the squad to help us work better together.' Placed in a tricky Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger, Uganda will need every ounce of grit, unity, and tactical clarity to progress. 'We're home and we need to give it our all,' Odong added. 'We need to work really hard to get out of the group and go far in the tournament.' With Odong's blend of leadership, league-winning experience and international exposure, the Cranes may well have the defensive backbone needed to make a strong CHAN 2024 run.
CAF
09-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know the Coaches – Morley Byekwaso & Fred Muhumuza (Uganda)
Uganda's technical bench for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) is now led by a dynamic coaching duo: Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza—two of the country's most respected local tacticians with deep roots in Ugandan football. Their appointment signals a new chapter for the Cranes, one built on local knowledge, developmental excellence, and tactical acumen. With both men having extensive experience at club and national youth level, the Uganda FA is betting on continuity, cohesion, and a distinctly Ugandan identity on the touchline. Together, Byekwaso and Muhumuza will aim to guide the Cranes beyond the group stage at a major tournament and restore belief among fans. Fact File Name: Morley Ochama Moses Agge Byekwaso Nationality: Ugandan Age: 48 Current Role: Co-Coach Name: Fred Muhumuza Nationality: Ugandan Age: – Current Role: Co-coach Career Highlights A former Uganda Cranes midfielder, Byekwaso enjoyed a storied playing career with clubs such as KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Express FC before transitioning to management. He rose through the coaching ranks to guide Uganda's U20 side to a historic AFCON final in 2021, and has also led top clubs including KCCA FC and SC Villa to domestic success. Fred Muhumuza, his assistant, is one of Uganda's most respected developmental coaches. Known for his calm presence and tactical discipline, he previously earned Coach of the Tournament honors in the FUFA Drum after guiding Tooro Province to the semifinals. At club level, he helped transform URA FC into top-five contenders and was part of a domestic double-winning campaign at Vipers SC. Together, they bring a balanced mix of flair, structure, and a deep understanding of Uganda's footballing ecosystem. Coaching Style Byekwaso emphasizes structured play, technical discipline, and fast transitional football—values he's honed through years with Uganda's youth and senior sides. Muhumuza complements him with a methodical, results-driven philosophy rooted in team organization and tactical adaptability. Both coaches prioritize youth development, positional awareness, and mental toughness—key pillars in their combined vision for Uganda's progress on the continental stage. Impact on the Team Since taking over, Byekwaso and Muhumuza have stabilized Uganda's performances, building a team identity rooted in local talent and tactical clarity. The Cranes' qualification for CHAN 2024 as hosts has renewed optimism and belief across the country. Their focus on cohesion, team discipline, and giving young players a platform has reshaped the narrative around Uganda's national team. Fun Fact Byekwaso is a former Uganda Premier League winner as both player and coach. Muhumuza once led a school team, St. Leo's College Kyegobe , to the East African Games for the first time in their history. Both coaches hold CAF A coaching licenses and have committed to developing a long-term technical blueprint for Ugandan football. Conclusion As Uganda prepares for CHAN 2024, the synergy between Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza could prove decisive in the Cranes' quest for continental recognition.
CAF
12-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda name squad for Mozambique, Guinea ties
Uganda have reshuffled their squad and made seven changes to a 25-man squad for this month's FIFA World Cup qualifiers, recalling six players and handing uncapped midfielder Enock Ssebagala a chance for an international debut. The British-based duo of centre backs Elvis Bwomono and Tobby Sibbick are back along with striker Muhammad Shaban, who missed out on the last four TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last October and November because of injury. Back-up goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, who has two caps, also returns to the squad selected by coach Paul Put, as does the attacking midfielder Abdu Karim Watambala and left wing Patrick Kakande. Uganda are up against Mozambique in Cairo on March 20 and then host Guinea in Kampala five days later. Dropping out of the squad from the Cranes' last outings in the Cup of Nations qualifiers are goalkeepers Charles Lukwago and Mutwalibu Mugolofa; defenders Halidi Lwaliwa and Geoffrey Wasswa; midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga, Taddeo Lwanga and Saidi Mayanja and the strikers John Paul Dembe, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza and Derrick Nsibambi. Uganda are on six points in Group G of the qualifiers with two victories and two defeats, and three points off the top of the table. Squad: Goalkeepers: Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Isima Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa), Defenders: Timothy Awany (Ashdod, Israel), Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland), Aziz Abdu Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Gavin Kizito (Kampala Capital City Authority), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Cyprus), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic, England) Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Allan Okello (Vipers), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia), Enock Ssebagala (National Enterprise Corporation), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers) Forwards: Calvin Kabuye (Mjallby, Sweden), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa), Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Steven Mukwala (Simba, Tanzania), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar, Libya), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara).
