Kayondo Rallies Cranes Fans to Show Up in Big Numbers on Saturday Against Botswana
Uganda Cranes’ dominant wing-back Abdul-Aziz Kayondo has called on national team fans to turn up in big numbers for the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers clash against Botswana at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, November 14.
Speaking after today’s training, he noted: “I am happy that I am back with the national team. Today we are done with our recovery session and everyone is in a good mood to go against Botswana this Saturday.”
Aziz Kayondo- courtesy Photo
“I call on national team fans to come and cheer us up because football is not only played on the pitch, but also the role of fans behind the team is instrumental. We will not take their presence lightly, but we will do our best to make them feel good. We are ready for the game here in Uganda and the return leg in Botswana next week.”
The team, camping at Marriott Hotel in Nsambya, started training ahead of the games on Tuesday, November 10 at Mandela National Stadium Namboole’s Annex Pitch, with some players still arriving in the country from their respective clubs.
Uganda Cranes and the entire nation are intensifying preparations to co-host the 2027 PAMOJA AFCON, with the qualifying matches at home working as teasers for the major event slated for between mid-June and mid-July next year.
Abdul-Aziz Kayondo, together with Travis Mutyaba, Nathan Asiimwe, Toby Sibbick, Denis Onyango, Majub Toto, Abdoulaye Sissako, Kelvin Boateng and Arnold Vula, are the foreign-based players to join their fellows in the local league in the first session in preparation for the Botswana games.
Aziz Kayondo in celebration after he had scored for his side Slovan Liberic in Chech Republic Chance Liga
Full Squad
Uganda vs Botswana Double Header
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – South Africa)
Kingdom Osayi (Asariyska FF – Sweden)
David Lukwago (SC Villa – Uganda)
David Udoh Akpan (Mosta FC – Malta)
Defenders
Abdul Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Republic)
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England)
Jonathan Odong (Entebbe UPPC – Uganda)
Rogers Torach (CC Constantine – Algeria)
Kenneth Ssemakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria – Egypt)
Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City – England)
Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC – Uganda)
Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United FC – Kenya)
Majab Toto (Atlanta United FC – USA)
Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC – Uganda)
Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg – Germany)
Midfielders
Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1969 Spor – Turkey)
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots FC – USA)
Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC – Scotland)
Joseph Sseremba (Nairobi United FC – Kenya)
Khalid Aucho (Sidama Bunna – Ethiopia)
Abdoulaye Sissako (St Truidense VV – Belgium)
Forwards
Allan Okello (AS FAR Rabat – Morocco)
James Bogere (AGF Aarhus FC – Denmark)
Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia)
Kelvin Boateng (FK Austria Vienna – Austria)
Roger Mato (Hearts – Scotland)
Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks – USA)
Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia – Kenya)
Frank Ssebuufu (SC Villa – Uganda)