Uganda gets Ready For Ghana

Coach Mike Mutebi's desire to have Jamir Kyambadde in the Cranes camp has borne fruit. Kyambadde indicated yesterday that he would be available for the Ghana game.

The Cranes resumed residential preparations yesterday at Mandela Sports Hotel but were still without a training ground after the Namboole management said that the Ministry of Education examiners were using the stadium.

Uganda hosts Ghana's Black Stars on July 3 at Namboole in a group two 2006 World Cup/Africa Nations Cup qualifier. The gifted left-footed midfielder arrives in the country at the weekend to boost the Cranes camp.

Kyambadde will however not travel alone, although this is not a condition for his answering the national call. Kyambadde and Andy Lule turn up for Vietnamese side Dong Tham in the V-Strata League. They were both part of Uganda's U-23 team which took part in the All Africa Games in Johannesburg in 1999.

"I am proud to be a Ugandan and I can assure you that I will travel to Kampala without any conditions. I applaud coach Mutebi for the confidence he has in me, and I will pay back dearly by demonstrating my skill," Kyambadde, who sounded confident and happy on receiving the message for the national call, told The Monitor on phone yesterday.

Kyambadde said that all the four players plying their trade in Vietnam can compete favourably for places on the national team. Sam Kawalya and Ronald Katsigazi are the other two after most left for Bangladesh.

"I can assure you that it's not only me who is fit for the national team, but all of us. Our approach is more professional and that's why we out-compete other Africans, especially Nigerians," he said.

Kyambadde's team Dong played their last game in the league against AC Bank yesterday. Coach Mutebi said that he was excited that Kyambadde had accepted to join the national team.

"What can I tell you now? I am sure he would add something to the team. He is the most coveted player we have around at the moment. It's good that he is coming," said Mutebi who however added that the others would be judged after their arrival. Meanwhile, the Cranes will today play a select side from two Rwandan clubs, Kiyovu and Les Citadans.

The two sides travelled to Kampala to take part in the inter-city tournament which flopped. Kampala deputy mayor Dr. Hashib Takuba Kabuye will preside over this build- up as the chief guest. Entrance for today's build up is Shs 2,000.

Wanted in Cranes camp:

I. Mugisha, P. Omwony, H. Muwonge, S. Tenywa, J. Kitamirike, N. Kizito, S. Serunjogi, I. Emuge, A. Mwesigwa, T. Batabaire, I. Ssekajja, N. Kasule, D. Mubiru, A. Bajope, J. Bagoole, J. Kabagambe, D. Obua, T. Ojara, H. Mubiru, A. Kadogo, M. Nsubuga, P. Ssozi, J. Odoch, T. Mawejje, J. Katajwa, A. Tabula, R. Sejjemba, J. Kyambadde and E. Ssepuuya.