Paul Puts focus on squad integration for friendly matches

FOOTBALL | As the Uganda Cranes intensify their preparations for the upcoming friendly matches against Comoros and Ghana, head coach Paul Put is integrating new players into the squad.

The team held their first training session on Monday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech training ground.

With the arrival of several foreign-based players in the camp -including debutants Nathan Asiimwe and Toby Sibick - coach Put highlighted the initial process of integrating the new arrivals.

"We have many new players, so you can see they are not used to playing with each other," the Belgian tactician said after the team's first training session.

"It's always difficult to analyse at the start, but I think we'll give them a few days. As you can see, they got a little bit tired, especially due to travelling as well."

Put added: "Normally, you have to slow down, but because we are playing two games soon, we have to push a little bit more. We still have three or four players to come to give us more perspective and help us balance the team.

"Despite the challenges in some positions due to player injuries, I am confident that these players can bring out something special on the field."

Uganda will play Comoros on Friday, March 22, before facing Ghana four days later.

The matches will be used to prepare Uganda Cranes ahead of a busy international schedule this year that has AFCON 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaigns.