The Uganda Cubs will write more history tomorrow as they set foot on the Aspire Zone in Qatar to face Senegal in the Round of 32 of the 2025 U-17 Fifa World Cup.
The nation is jubilant while celebrating this milestone. But behind that, there are reflections as well how a generation of talented Ugandan players who were once expected to reach the big leagues or play on such a stage never quite made it.
Among them are former Uganda Cranes stars Ibrahim Saddam Juma, Steven Bengo and goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi.
While their playing careers may not have reached the heights many envisioned, there is renewed hope that their once-gifted feet can now make an impact in a different way through coaching.
The trio, alongside Ghanaian national Kingston Laryea are now on duty as the next generation of Uganda Cubs begins their journey.
They aim to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Cecafa qualifiers kick off this Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Bengo is the first assistant to Kingston as Juma follows while Mugabi will focus on developing the goalkeepers.
The Cecafa qualifier is the first phase of the two-part qualifying process for the 2026 Fifa U-17 World Cup, where the top ten teams from the 2026 U-17 Afcon in Morocco will earn a spot in Qatar next year.
Continuity
Kingston has named a 23-man squad for the qualifiers, starting with the opener against Burundi at 8pm at the Dire Dawa Stadium. The team will also face Tanzania, Sudan and Djibouti in Group B.
‘The players have been acclimatizing to the cold weather but the team is in shape and we believe they will be ready mentally by kick-off,’ Juma said ahead of the opener. ‘We’re only polishing what we built back home to ensure we perform here.’
Kingston has emphasized continuity by bringing along five players from the historic Morocco Afcon finals where Uganda defeated Gambia to qualify for Qatar.
The quintet includes KCCA goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi, defenders Travor Mubiru (Vipers) and Joseph Lamgol, midfielder Ashraf Kyakuwa and forward Thomas Ogema.
All five, who celebrated Cecafa victory in Kampala last year, are within the age bracket for next year’s World Cup, which requires players born on January 1, 2009, or later.
Cecafa U17 Championships
Saturday: Burundi vs. Uganda, 8pm
Other Cubs fixtures
November 18: Sudan vs. Uganda
November 21: Uganda vs. Tanzania
November 27: Uganda vs. Djibouti
Uganda Cubs squad
Goalkeepers – Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA), Richard Mukisa (Nec)
Defenders – Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA ), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College School), Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School)
Midfielders – Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program)
Strikers – Ismail Fahad (KCCA), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA)