URA FC coach Alex Isabirye has named his CAF Confederations Cup squad and knows that it is a huge challenge for Ugandan teams in continental assignments but he says the team will have to push for a respectable show. Striker Robert Ssentongo is the only notable absentee.
The team also has ball players Yasser Mugerwa and Noah Semakula who were signed from SC Victoria University and Express FC respectively.
The tax collectors will play in the first preliminary stage of the competition and will begin their quest against Elgeco Plus from Madagascar.
The winner will then play Orlando Pirates (South Africa) in the last 16 stage.“We shall have to win our first game in Madagascar,” Isabirye said at the team’s training grounds at Hormisdallen Primary School in Gayaza.
Veteran fullback Simeon Massa (L) will skipper the squad
URA FC will start their campaign on February 13 Home in Kampala with the return leg on February 27 in Madagascar. “I have little knowledge about them but we’ll look to a better game such that we advance to the next round,” he added.
“I have no choice but to ensure that we give everything we have to make a good campaign.”Isabirye was attending a CAF coaching course at Njeru and resumed training with the team on Monday. The four-time Uganda Cup champions will not have major friendlies ahead of the task.“It is important that the boys know what to expect,” he noted.
URA qualified to represent the country in the Confederations Cup after winning the Uganda Cup. League champions KCC will represent Uganda in the Caf Champions League.
Goalkeepers: Brian Bwete, Sulait Luyima & James Ssetuba
Defenders: Sam Sekitto, Simeon Massa (Capt.), Allan Munaaba, Jimmy Kulaba, Sam Senkoomi, Jonathan Mugabi, Dan Othieno & Martin Opolot.
Midfielders: Yasser Mugerwa, Oscar Agaba, Saidi Kyeyune, Godfrey Buni, Ali Feni, Elkanah Nkugwa, James Kasibante & Ilic Milos.
Strikers: Ronald Kigongo, Frank Kalanda, Patrick Ochan Peter Lwasa & Noah Ssemakula.
Meanwhile, the team on Tuesday sealed two strategic partnerships which have been hailed by the authority’s Commissioner General Doris Akol.
Akol said she was delighted for the club which she witnessed right from the start.
“I have long been involved in this club since it started in Lyantonde,” Akol, who was re-assuring players and support staff of the Authority’s commitment to the team recalled.
URA Boss Doris Akol paid her first courtesy visit to the club’s training grounds at Hormisdallen Primary School in Gayaza.
She was there to receive Hema Beverages, the manufacturers of Hema drinking water, who announced their one-year support to the club.
According to the company’s marketing manager Poojari Uday, Hema will offer drinking water to the team for one year.
“We are happy to be associated with URA FC, a leading club in Uganda,” Uday said. “We look forward to working with you forever,” he added.
Akol also launched a club initiative where Verma Co, importers of Boxer motorcycles in Uganda will supply boda-bodas to the team.
“We know we pay you a salary but we want to complement your earnings. Use them well such that you can also have something to boast about,” she noted.
40 URA FC staffers including players will each receive one motorcycle in the team’s attempt aimed at supplementing salaries.