Uganda Cranes preparations for the Total 2018 African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals in Morocco saw the new head coach Desabre Sebastien take full charge of the team at Maroons Grounds in Luzira on Friday afternoon.
The Frenchman who was unveiled on Thursday at FUFA House had a full sight of the entire squad summoned for National team duty except for defender Savio Kabugo.
The one and half hour session involved players featuring in 11 aside games with different teams formed from the 38 players who trained today.
Sebastien’s assistant Matia Lule and Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba were on duty too.
Sebastien addresses media after the training session on Friday
My job is to be on the pitch. It is important for me and the technical team to assess the players during this first session. It was a good session. We have started official work today until when we play our first game against Zambia during the CHAN Finals in Morocco.
We have about four days left to forward the players’ list to CAF but we need 2-3 three days to take a good decision on the final squad.
I can evaluate players when there is competition and that is what I saw today in training.
Character will be a key element for the entire team but I have seen quality players during training.
Players’ reactions after the training session on Friday
Milton Karisa-Vipers SC
The players expect to learn a lot from the new coach. It is natural that when a new coach comes in, he will deliver on new tactics. It has been good session.
Saddam Juma-KCCA FC
We tried to show the coach what we have in stock in terms of talent and skills. I am looking forward to work with the new coach Sebastien.
Muwanga Bernard –SC Villa Jogoo
It was good experience with him on the first day. We can pick up the language easily with what he says. Communication was very good.
Sheif Batte-Bright Stars FC
It was nice to train with the new coach. He is very technical. He told us to believe in ourselves. Let us wait for tomorrow’s session again.
Thomas Ikara-K-Jinja SSS FC
I expect the team to look different because the coach looks good. However we need to work hard to see that we don’t let down our country. An appearance in Morocco for the CHAN Finals is what all players here are dreaming about.
