Uganda has announced its final squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place from November 3 to 27 in Qatar. The Uganda Cubs, the only team from the CECAFA zone, will compete in Group K alongside Chile, Canada, and France. Coach Brian Ssenyondo expressed confidence in the players' potential to perform well on the global stage.
The Uganda Cubs have finalized their roster ahead of their debut appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, featuring a record 48 teams in Qatar. Coach Brian Ssenyondo highlighted the team's preparations, which included international friendlies in Dubai against teams from different continents.
The Cubs drew 1-1 with Venezuela and lost 2-1 to Panama in the U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge, providing valuable exposure. Their next friendly is against Paraguay on October 28. Ssenyondo noted the benefits of these matches: “We gained lots of exposure in the friendly matches because the teams are also from a different continent and with a different style of play.”
Placed in Group K with Chile, Canada, and France, the coach emphasized the tournament's importance. “Every match we shall play in Qatar will be like a Cup final and we must treat it with high regard. We need to put in a lot of effort because it will be our first time to appear in a World Cup and we must treat it with a lot of seriousness,” Ssenyondo said.
He believes the squad has the talent to shine: “We have been preparing for sometime now and I believe the players we have can perform well at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Playing at the World Cup is another good platform for the players to do their best and be able to be identified by scouts from around the world.”
The full squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Adrian Mukwanga, Edrisa Waibi
- Defenders: Gilbert Mazige, Mukisa Jovan Nsereko, Hamza Sengooba, Steven Oyirwoth, Elvis Torach, Derick Ssozi
- Midfielders: Abubakali Walusimbi, James Bogere, Isima Magala Mulala, John Asiimwe, Muweagaba Kamurungi, John Brian Owino
- Forwards: Richard Okello, Simon Wanyama, Shakur Magogo, Arafat Nkoola, Enock Bagenda, Waibi Edrisah