Uganda Cranes coach is optimistic about inexperienced team

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By Swalley Kenyi

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Wednesday

Zanzibar v S. Sudan

Kenya v Ethiopia

Thursday

Burundi v Somalia

Tanzania v Zambia

Friday

Sudan v Eritrea

Uganda v Rwanda

Uganda Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic heads to the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Kenya with only four experienced players at the international stage but the Serb is convinced they will leave a mark in Nairobi.

Other than Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Emmanuel Okwi, Vincent Kayizzi and Hamis Kizza, the rest of the players on the squad comprise newcomers in the competition.

“Uganda has fielded majority of professional players in the last two editions. But I have only three this time because we are looking at a double faced team ahead of the CHAN and the next Africa Nations Cup qualifiers,” Micho said.

“Yes, the team may be inexperienced but we will do anything to emerge the best among the teams in the Challenge Cup.”

Micho hopes to bank on his own experience in Rwanda and Sudan.

“I have looked at the Sudan squad. I have coached at least 11 of their players while a number of Rwandan players have also gone through my hands. I cannot compare teams here but we will do our best,” he added.

The Cranes will open with Rwanda as they face off for the second time in a month following their goalless clash in an international friendly at Namboole a fortnight ago.

Uganda and Rwanda are pooled together with Sudan and Eritrea in group C. Kenya will play Ethiopia in a Group A fixture on the opening day.

Zambia’s Chipolopolo are a guest team in the regional event.

Squad: B. Ochan, I. Watenga, F. Oringa, J. Ntambi, N. Wadada, I. Muleme, G. Walusimbi, R. Kasagga, S. Kabugo, I. Kizza, M. Mpuga, K. Aucho, G. Kizito, S. Kyeyune, J. Mpande, B. Majwega, V. Kayizzi, H. Kizza, E.Okwi, D. Serunkuuma. Officials: C. Muyinda (team manager) Coaches: M. Sredojevic, K. Kisaala, F. Kajoba, Ronald Kisolo(team doctor), K. Muwanga

(media officer)