Uganda Hippos head coach Morley Byekwaso has revealed the 23-man squad that will be carrying the country’s flag in the Dire Cup.

The tournament is to sharpen the boys ahead of the 2023 All-African Games set to happen in Accra, Ghana.

The 23-man squad is made up of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards who will be tasked to score the goals.

The boys have spent six days in intensive training at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru and they will be now going for real action in Ethiopia.

The tournament will have four nations including Uganda, Djibouti, Kenya, and the hosts Ethiopia.

Byekwaso said that the Dire Cup tournament is a great platform to fine-tune the boys ahead of the bigger challenge.

“The (Dire Cup) tournament in Ethiopia is more than just a contest. It’s a strategic opportunity to fine-tune strategies and assess their dynamics before the All Africa Games,” he said.

“The tournament is a crucial phase in our journey. Selecting the final 23 was challenging, and narrowing it down to 20 for such a major tournament is even a more indicating task. However, I believe in the potential of this team and we aim to harvest the best for the All Africa Games,” he added.

Travelling Squad to Ethiopia

Goalkeepers

Abdul Magada (Gaddafi FC), Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Humphrey Oyirwoth (Bukedea Comprehensive School)

Defenders

Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes), Enock Luyima (Vipers SC), Ronald Madoi (SFK Pierikos), Apollo Kagogwe (Wakiso Giants FC), Cyrus Kibande(SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Innocent Kisolo (URA FC), Ivan Irinimbabazi (SFK Pierikos), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Allan Oyirwoth (Brook House College), Hakim Mutebi (SC Villa), George Isiagi (Brook House College)

Forwards

Abbas Kyeyune (SC Villa), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC), Darious Ojok (Maroons FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafiq Magogo (Kitara FC), Alpha Thierry Ssali (Express FC), Bruno Bunyaga (URA FC)

Uganda U20 National Men’s Team (Uganda Hippos) have been invited to take part in the new Dire Cup.

The tournament is set to take place starting from Saturday, February 24 until February 28, 2024.

The development was made published today Monday, February 19 via the official FUFA website.

“FUFA has confirmed that the Uganda U20 men’s national team will take part in an invitational football tournament organised for the inauguration of the Dire Dawa International Stadium,” the website quoted.

Uganda will be part of the four-team tournament that also has Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti.

According to FUFA Communications director, Ahmed Hussein added that the team will travel this Wednesday, February 21, since the opening game is on Friday.

Uganda will also use Gofere-branded kits during the tournament which will be used by both the men’s and women’s teams.

Later the team will take part in the forthcoming All-Africa Games that are to take place in Ghana next month.