By Nabakiibi Dorren Malaika
Uganda Cranes legend Denis Onyango is back. Not between the sticks, but this time on the touchline. The former captain has temporarily joined the CHAN 2024 technical team to guide the goalkeepers during camp, bringing a wealth of experience and calm authority ahead of Uganda’s seventh appearance at the tournament.
Onyango, fresh off his season with Mamelodi Sundowns, is home on break and will work closely with the four goalkeepers in camp: Joel Mutakubwa, Crispas Kusiima, Denis Kiggundu and Hannington Sebwalunyo. His return, even in a coaching role, has lifted the mood and added depth to the backroom.
Meanwhile, co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza have trimmed the squad to 29 players following intensive sessions at Luzira’s Prisons Ground. The cutdown is part of final preparations ahead of the August tournament co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The final 23-man squad will be named just before kickoff, but this current list offers a strong glimpse into the coaching team’s plans. Vipers SC captain Milton Karisa misses out due to injury, alongside Paul Mucureezi, Enock Walusimbi, Emmanuel Wasswa and David Owori.
Still in the mix are key players like Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Patrick Kakande, Gavin Kizito and Jude Ssemugabi, who are expected to form the spine of the final team.
Uganda is drawn in a tough Group C with Algeria, Guinea, Niger and South Africa. The Cranes will open their campaign on 4 August at Namboole against Algeria.
Uganda has never made it out of the group stage in six attempts. But with home ground advantage, a motivated squad and Denis Onyango now part of the brains trust, fans will be hoping the tide finally turns.
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