|
Listen to this Article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
KCCA FC has reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse of Ugandan football, contributing a remarkable eight players to the Uganda Cranes’ provisional squad for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. This milestone underscores the club’s unparalleled ability to nurture and develop talent for both domestic and international football.
The initial squad announcement included seven KCCA FC players: Saidi Mayanja (Midfielder), Gavin Kizito (Defender), Sadat Anaku (Forward), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (Forward), Joel Sserunjogi (Midfielder), Brain Jjara (Midfielder), and Mutwalibi Mugolofa (Goalkeeper). The tally rose to eight following the late inclusion of Usama Arafat Kiza (Forward), further solidifying KCCA FC’s position as the club with the highest representation in the provisional squad, followed by Vipers SC (six players).
The spotlight shines particularly bright on Brain Jjara, the youngest of the KCCA FC contingent, who has delivered exceptional performances for both club and country. The former Uganda U17 Cubs midfielder was instrumental in Uganda’s triumph at the CECAFA U17 Championship, which secured a spot for Uganda at the upcoming AFCON U17 tournament. At KCCA FC, Jjara has proven his mettle, featuring prominently in matches like the 2-0 victory over Mbarara City and earning the Man of the Match accolade during his debut against Maroons FC, a match KCCA won 5-0 at home. His inclusion in the CHAN provisional squad speaks volumes about his potential and the club’s commitment to youth development.
The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is a tournament unlike any other, exclusively showcasing players competing in their respective domestic leagues. This unique format provides a platform for local talent to shine on an international stage, reinforcing the significance of grassroots football development across Africa.
The 2024 edition will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from 1st to 28th February 2025, marking a historic collaboration among the East African nations. For Uganda, the tournament presents an opportunity to highlight the depth of talent within its domestic leagues while striving for excellence on home soil.
The journey to CHAN 2024 officially begins on 15th January 2025, when the tournament draw takes place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya. Scheduled for 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT / 19:00 Cairo time), the draw will reveal Uganda’s group-stage opponents, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling competition.
KCCA FC’s impact on the Uganda Cranes is undeniable. With eight players in the provisional squad, the club has once again demonstrated its commitment to producing top-quality talent capable of competing at the highest level. This contribution is a testament to KCCA FC’s robust youth development programs and a clear indicator of the club’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Ugandan football.
Young players like Brain Jjara epitomize the club’s success in nurturing talent. His rise from the KCCA FC U17 Soccer Academy to the KCCA FC senior team, then the Uganda U17 Cubs to the Cranes senior provisional CHAN squad exemplifies KCCA FC’s dedication to player growth and its ability to provide a seamless pathway to professional football.
As the Uganda Cranes’ preparations intensify, Head Coach Paul Joseph Put is keen on giving every player a fair opportunity to showcase their abilities. Speaking about the selection process from the FUFA website, he remarked, “We shall use Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to assess the players and then have 26 players thereafter. However, the players that will not remain in camp will continue following our program to make sure they are ever on alert.”
Coach Put also highlighted the significance of integrating young players into the team, adding, “I believe these players are capable, and I wanted to give them an opportunity to train and compete at such a level. We have seen players at that age featuring for their senior team. Therefore, this is their chance to come and show their abilities.”
With competition for the final 26-man squad expected to be fierce, KCCA FC’s eight representatives are poised to make their mark. Their inclusion not only underscores their individual abilities but also reflects the club’s contribution to the national cause.
As Uganda prepares to host CHAN 2024, the focus will be on selecting a squad that can compete with the best from across Africa. For KCCA FC, the tournament represents a chance to highlight its influence on the local game and the immense potential of its players.
About the Author
