StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

UGANDA CUBS BEGIN DUBAI CAMP AS FIFA U17 NEARS KICKOFF

The Uganda U17 Cubs have arrived in Dubai for a final 10-day training camp before their historic FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. The squad will play friendlies to prepare for Group K.

Uganda Cubs Begin Dubai Camp As FIFA U17 Nears Kickoff
The Uganda U17 Men’s National Team is at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 Qatar - COURTESY/PHOTO

In preparation for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which takes place from November 3 to 27, the Uganda U17 Men's National Team, known as the Cubs, has safely landed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The 38-member team, headed by Rasoul Ariga, a member of the FUFA Executive Committee, arrived in Dubai on Tuesday night and will participate in a rigorous international training camp for the next 10 days. There are 12 officials and 26 players in the gr
oup.

An important turning point in Uganda's historic route to their first appearance at the world showcase is this final camp.

The team will perform a series of high-intensity training sessions and play numerous friendly matches against elite youth sides, with fixtures to be revealed soon.

Before the team's World Cup debut, head coach Brian Ssenyondo stated that the emphasis in Dubai will be on honing strategies, increasing physical conditioning, and developing mental toughness.

"The youngsters get a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against various styles and boost their confidence at this camp. The team is committed to representing Uganda with pride as we approach the finish line, he said.

The Cubs defeated Amus College School 5-0 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, to conclude their domestic camp before departing for Dubai.

Abubakali Walusimbi and Kamurungi Nuwagaba also scored goals, and James Bogere scored a hat-trick.

Since October 7, the Cubs have been housed at the FUFA Hotel Kisaasi. Before the team travels to Qatar, the final 21-player roster will be announced following the Dubai camp.

Along with Canada, Chile, and France, Uganda has been assigned to Group K. On November 5, the Cubs will play Canada in the World Cup opener.

Officials: Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim, Leader of Delegation; Brian Ssenyondo, Head Coach; Mutyaba Bashir, FA Football Development Director/Team Manager; Ssali Ronald, Assistant Coach; Massa Simoen, Fitness Coach; Magada Kenneth, Goalkeeping Coach; Gumisiriza, Team Doctors Michael Kamu and Kulika Ivan; Kizito Dennis, Physical Trainer; Ddamba Noah Veron, Equipment Manager; Kivumbi Joel Cornerious, Team Media Officer; Kakairi Emmanuel Julius, FUFA TV Production

Team Players 


Goalkeepers: Edris Waibi (Buddo SS), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), and Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC)

Defenders: Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC), Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), and Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC).

Midfielders: Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Brian Jjara (KCCA FC), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), and Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC).

Forwards: James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), and Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College).

LIFE AFTER OKELLO: HOW ABDULKARIM WATAMBALA BECAME VIPERS' NEW MIDFIELD COMMANDER

Vipers SC dismantled Police FC 4-1 at Kitende, led by a stunning AbdulKarim Watambala goal to extend their lead at the UPL summit.

top-news
Watambala’s screamer against Police trending as UPL Goal of the Season

Vipers came out flying, up 3-0 by halftime against a stunned Police squad. Once again, AbdulKarim Watambala pulled the strings in midfield, making everything tick.

With this 4-1 thumping at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, Vipers held onto their three-point lead at the top of the Startimes Uganda Premier League heading into the last games of the first round.

Honestly, what was supposed to be a top-of-the-table clash turned into a breeze for the defending champions. They probably played their best half of football since Ivan Minnaert took over as head coach last July.

Watambala, who’s looked like a new man since his close friend Allan Okello left, set up the opener for Milton Karisa with a clever through ball. Karisa made no mistake, poking the ball past a scrambling Mathias Muwanga in the 32nd minute.

Then came the moment of the night. Watambala picked up a pass from Enoch Ssebagala just outside the box, and with police defenders backing off, he smashed a rocket in off the underside of the crossbar. That was his third goal in two games, after his brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win over URA.

Right before halftime, Odili Chukwuma put the game to bed, heading in Usama Arafat’s cross after nutmegging Richard Matovu.

Police barely threatened all evening, but Saidi Kyeyune managed to pull one back with a low shot just four minutes into the second half. It didn’t matter much. Vipers stretched their lead again in the 77th minute, when substitute Yunus Sentamu headed the ball across for Usama to tap in their fourth.

The win pushes the Vipers to 33 points. Police drop to third with 27. KCCA move into second place after brushing aside UPDF 4-0. Sammy Ssebaduka grabbed two goals, with Joel Sserunjogi and substitute Alpha Ssali also on the scoresheet.

UPL UPDATES: KCCA FC HELD IN LUZIRA WHILE POLICE FC CLOSE THE GAP AT TOP

Police FC move to second after beating Calvary, while KCCA is held to a goalless draw by Maroons in a rusty MD13 clash.

top-news
Vipers, KCCA, and Police tied on points

After beating Calvary, Police moved up to second place in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. KCCA didn't score against Maroons, and Entebbe UPPC beat UPDF, keeping the title race close on match day 13.

Police grabbed second place in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League after a 2-0 win against Calvary at Kiira Road on Wednesday.

Breaks during the season are usually a time for teams to regroup and let players rest after many games in a short time. But for the Uganda Premier League, there hasn't been much going on since mid-December, partly because of the 2025 AFCON.

Today's game between Maroons and KCCA in Luzira was different. Both teams seemed out of practice, which might explain the dull game that ended with no score.

Neither team seemed ready to push for a win, and there were few chances to score.

KCCA and Maroons each played one game between December 17 and today, losing to Police and Buhimba United Saints, respectively. That's just one game in 35 days.

Maroons played a physical game, preventing KCCA from controlling the ball and playing their usual style. This could be why coach Brian Ssenyondo took out Ashraf Mugume and Saidi Mayanja at halftime, replacing them with Brian Jjara and Derrick Nsibambi.

The home team kept KCCA away from the goal, and even when they brought in another striker, Emmanuel Anyama, later in the second half, they didn't get many chances.

Maroons defended well as a team to earn a point, putting them in seventh place with 16 points.

For KCCA FC, this result is a setback in their chase for the title. They are tied for first place with 27 points, the same as Police, who beat Calvary FC, and Vipers, who have two games left.

Wednesday's results:

Maroons 0-0 KCCA

Police 2-0 Calvary

UPDF 0-1 Entebbe UPPC

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News