Uganda Cranes first choice goalkeeper and assistant captain Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga has special reservations for the wonderful fans who cheered on the national team during the 2-0 home victory over Congo at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Watenga kept a clean sheet and was confident in between the goalposts throughout the match.

“I want to thank God in a special way. I also thank the fans for their effort as we played Congo at Namboole stadium. They really pushed us and we were motivated” Watenga remarked.

Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga issues instructions to the team members during the game against Congo

“We feel at home (at Namboole) and always feel loved. We are so happy to be at home” he added.

Watenga, 29, is currently at South African side Lamontville Golden Arrows, on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Celebrations for Uganda Cranes fans

Uganda Cranes fan having happy times in the stands

Uganda Cranes fans in the stands at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

Joseph Paul Put applauds the fans

Cheer leader Uncle Money and team

Some of the Uganda Cranes fans in the stands

He spoke of the team chemistry gelled right from the Government, federation (FUFA), technical team to the players and the fans.

“I want to thank the Government, FUFA, all the coaches and the players. We have been one unit and these are the fruits” the former Vipers, Sofapaka, Ethiopia Bunna, Chippa United and Marumo goalkeeper added.

Watenga conceded twice against South Africa at the Orlando Stadium and made a number of saves during the 2-all away draw.

At Namboole, he was less troubled by the Congo attackers but he was steady-fast to thwart any form of threat from the opposition.

Uganda Cranes return to action in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers (group K) on 7th October 2024 at home against South Sudan before the return leg a few days later (15th October 2024) at the Juba stadium in Juba city.

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