As Uganda’s home-based national team prepares for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, a sense of optimism is spreading among the players and coaches.
The tournament, which Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host, presents a unique opportunity for the Cranes to rewrite their history. Despite making multiple appearances at CHAN, Uganda has never advanced beyond the group stages—a record the team is eager to change this time.
Morley Byekwaso, who serves as Co-Head Coach, acknowledges the intensity of their preparations and the high expectations placed upon the team.
“First of all, I want to thank the Almighty for the gift of life. I also appreciate the hard work of the coaches and players. It’s been a tough journey, but the boys have responded well. The level of focus and fitness we’ve achieved in this pre-season gives us confidence,” he noted.
Byekwaso emphasized that, in addition to physical fitness, the technical team has been training the players on modern tactical demands, such as compact defending when out of possession and creating meaningful attacking patterns.
“We have spent a lot of time observing player combinations, focusing on how they understand each other—from build-up to finishing—and how compact they remain when we lose the ball. Our priority is to get results,” he added.
Leadership within the camp has been carefully fostered, with experienced players like Allan Okello, Rogers Torach, and Jude Ssemugabi guiding the team. Byekwaso stated that despite the pressure of performing on home soil, the team remains grounded.
“This is our senior team, and playing at CHAN is a significant opportunity. However, we are not afraid of the pressure. We are committed to doing what’s best for our nation.”
One of the players expected to play a crucial role is AbdulKarim Watambala, a creative midfielder from Vipers SC, who brings the experience of having participated in two previous CHAN tournaments.
“We have prepared well in camp, and everyone is putting in the effort,” Watambala shared. “Being summoned to the national team is already a huge motivation, but this time we want to make the nation proud. Getting past the group stage would be a significant achievement.”
For Watambala, CHAN is not just another tournament; it is a proving ground for local talent and an important source of national pride.
“It is a high-level competition and a fantastic platform for any locally based player. Personally, I see it as a big opportunity. I want to help the team by scoring or assisting, and more importantly, by encouraging the younger players who are here for the first time.”
He also highlighted the team’s emphasis on mental strength, especially for players unfamiliar with the pressures of a continental tournament.
“Confidence is crucial. Some players may feel timid at first, but the coaches are helping us believe in ourselves and play our natural game.”
As the kickoff for CHAN 2024 approaches, with part of the tournament being held on home turf, the stakes and hopes have never been higher.
