Denis Mugerwa’s dream is to become the best goalkeeper there is in Uganda, the CECAFA region, on the continent and elsewhere.

The Rays of Grace Academy goalkeeper has already proved that he is the right system having won the best goalkeeping gong at the 2024 national schools’ meet in Masaka city.

Deservedly, he was summoned on the provisional squad of the U-20 national team that pitched camp at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru for a fortnight.

Goalkeeper Denis Mugerwa in action for Rays of Grace

After thorough grueling sessions under the goalkeeping trainer Steven Billy Kiggundu and other coaches, he made the final cut for the traveling 20-man squad to Tanzania for the final tournament of the CECAFA U-20, a vital qualifier for the Afcon U-20 championship.

Now at St Mary’s Kitende and Vipers Junior Team, Mugerwa, an exceptional game reader and commander is among the three goalkeepers on the final team.

Denis Mugerwa in national team training at the FUFA Technical Center, NjeruRays of Grace Team. Denis Mugerwa is on front row (third from left)

The other two include Abdu Magada (Uganda Revenue Authority) and Kataka’s Chris Ronald Nsubuga.

Uganda is the defending champion and is pooled in group B alongside Ethiopia, Burundi, and South Sudan.

The Hippos commence their title defence against Ethiopia on Monday, October 7th, at the Azam Complex, kick-off at 18:00 EAT.

The delegation departed from Entebbe International Airport aboard Uganda Airlines on Friday evening.

Uganda Hippos players in training at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru

Uganda U-20 Delegation:

Players:

Goalkeepers: Abdu Magada (URA), Chris Ronald Nsubuga (Kataka), Denis Mugerwa (Rays of Grace Academy & Vipers Junior Team)

Defenders: Steven Namaisi (Kataka), Charles Okello Batibwe (Gaddafi), Swabiru Mpasa (BUL), Brian Toto Majub (Amus College School), Sowedi Lwenda (BUL), Louis Anguti Amagu (Coastal Union, Tanzania)

Midfielders: Rayan Figo Kizito (Police), Innocent Kisolo (URA FC/ Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Godfrey Ssekibengo (URA FC/ Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Elvis Ssekajugo (Express FC/ Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Abubakar Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Allan Oyirwoth (Brooke House College and Academy)

Forwards: Richard Okello (BUL FC Junior Team), Mansur Bashir (Amus College School), Johnson Kabagambe (URA), Denis Kisiriko (URA), John Paul Ddembe (BK Hacken, Sweden)

Matia Lule, head coach Uganda Hippos head coach

Team Officials

Head of Delegation: Samuel Mpiima

Head Coach: Matia Lule

Assistant Coach: Simeon Massa

Goalkeeping Coach: Stephen Billy Kiggundu

Trainer: Noah Kasule

Team Manager/Safeguarding Officer: Bashir Mutyaba

Team Doctor: Michael Gumisiriza

Physiotherapist: Rashid Kebba

Kit Manager: Frank Bumpenje

Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire

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