By Nabakiibi Dorren Malaika
The Uganda Cranes have set off for Morocco to begin preparations for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The team departed Entebbe International Airport on Sunday evening aboard Qatar Airways for an 11-day residential training camp.
The delegation, led by Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, includes 17 players and the full technical staff. The remaining 13 players will join the squad directly from their clubs abroad.
Key Camp as AFCON Nears
The Morocco camp will feature two international build-up matches, giving head coach Paul Put a chance to test his squad, study player combinations, and fine-tune tactics.
Put said the early start is important as the team sharpens its approach heading into the tournament.
The camp will focus on team shape, match fitness, defensive coordination, and attacking transitions as the Cranes prepare for Africa’s biggest football stage.
17 Players Who Departed
The first group of players includes both home-based and foreign-based players:
- Salim Jamal
- Charles Lukwago
- Isaac Muleme
- Rogers Torach
- Hilary Mukundane
- Allan Okello
- Rogers Mato
- Ivan Ahimbisibwe
- David Owori
- Bobosi Byaruhanga
- Travis Mutyaba
- Jude Ssemugabi
- Shafik Kwikiriza
- Reagan Mpande
- James Bogere
- Ronald Sekiganda
- Denis Omedi
The remaining 13 players will complete the 30-man provisional squad on arrival.
Team Officials on Duty
The technical and support staff traveling to Morocco include:
- Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe – Leader of Delegation
- Paul Put – Head Coach
- Fred Muhumuza – Assistant Coach
- Gerry Oste – Goalkeeping Coach
- Denis Mathieu – Performance Coach
- Frank Arthur Naudts – Fitness Coach
- Jelle Sevenhant – Video Analyst
- Hichem Boumbar – Video Analyst
- Christian Goossens – Sports Scientist
- Emmanuel Nakabago – Team Doctor
- Sven de Wilde – Physiotherapist
- Ivan Ssewanyana – Physiotherapist
- Geofrey Massa – Team Coordinator
- Samuel Mulondo – Kit Manager
- Ahmed Hussein – Communications
- Nathan Ssebutinde – FUFA TV
- Paul Mukatabala – National Teams Officer / Advance Party
- Focus on AFCON Return
Uganda’s return to AFCON has raised optimism among fans, with the Morocco camp seen as a key phase in sharpening the team before final squad selection.
FUFA has committed to full logistical and technical support as the Cranes push for a strong showing at the 2025 tournament.
