The Uganda Cranes have safely arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against the Botswana Zebras, scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Francistown Stadium.
The team departed Entebbe International Airport early Sunday morning at 2:45 a.m., with a delegation made up of locally based players and Jude Ssemugabi of Jamus FC in South Sudan. Upon arrival, the contingent checked in at Avani Resort Hotel in Gaborone.
The foreign-based players are expected to link up directly with the squad in Botswana. The team is under the leadership of FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema, who serves as the Leader of Delegation.
Head Coach Paul Put will lead the technical bench, assisted by Sam Ssimbwa, Team Manager Geoffrey Massa, Team Doctor Emmanuel Nakabago, and other FUFA officials.
Uganda currently sits second in Group G with 15 points, just four points behind group leaders Algeria. The group also includes Guinea, Somalia, Mozambique, and Botswana.
A win against Botswana will keep Uganda’s hopes alive as they aim to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. After the Botswana match, the Cranes will travel to Algeria for their final group fixture on October 14, 2025.
Speaking before departure, one of the senior players expressed confidence in the team’s preparation:
“We know what is at stake. Our focus is on getting maximum points in Botswana and finishing the job in Algeria,” he said.
Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan).
Ronnie Kalema (Leader of Delegation), Paul Put (Head Coach), Sam Ssimbwa (Assistant Coach), Geoffrey Massa (Team Manager), Emmanuel Nakabago (Team Doctor), Ivan Ssewanyana (Physiotherapist), Samuel Mulondo (Kits Manager), Alex Kasirye (Media Officer), Isiah Misanvu (FUFA TV), John Baptist Khidu (FUFA Staff).
Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay, South Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Sibbick Toby (Burton Albion FC, England), Elio Capradosi (FC Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho (Singida United FC, Tanzania), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Ronald Sekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Joseph Mpande (PVF CAND FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Ikpeazu Uchechukwu Mubiru (St Johnstone FC, Scotland), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania).
The Cranes’ camp is reportedly in high spirits, with players showing strong commitment and focus during the early training sessions in Gaborone. Head Coach Paul Put emphasized the importance of teamwork and discipline:
“Every game now is a final. We have to stay organized, play smart, and give everything for the country.”
Uganda last appeared in the final round of World Cup qualifiers in 2018, and fans are hopeful that this generation of players can make history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
