Cranes intensify training for first AFCON show in 38 years

 

 As days draw closer to the eagerly awaited Total Africa Cup of Nations 2017, the Uganda National football team, Uganda Cranes, completed day five of their residential training on Friday.

Cranes will be returning to the competition after 39 years. But the draw has not been kind with them, as they have been pooled in a very tight group that comprises of big names like Mali, Egypt and Ghana. But altogether the team is full with ambition.

Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda Cranes coash says: “Our goal, after 39 years, is to score the first goal, to score first, to be the first to win and to be the first to reach the quarter-finals. Once through to the quarters, everything is possible afterwards.”

The coach is counting on the motivation of his players who cannot hide their joy to take part in the biggest football competition on continental scale.

“This is the first time I’ll be playing here. I’ve always dreamed of playing with the best in Africa. And today that’s what it means to me, the AFCON, to play with the best in Africa,” says Tonny Mawejje, Cranes midfielder.

This determination is reflected for the time being by the intensity of their preparations. The Ugandans know that the whole country will be behind them, and concentration will therefore be key to their success.