Bengo, Sadam Juma Join Uganda U-17 Technical Bench Ahead of CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers
By Haba Plan
Former Uganda Cranes stars Steven Bengo and Sadam Juma have been appointed as assistant coaches for the Uganda U-17 national football team (The Cubs) ahead of the upcoming CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers slated for November 15, 2025, in Ethiopia.
The two ex-internationals will work alongside newly appointed head coach Laryea Kingston, a Ghanaian tactician with a strong youth development background. Their appointment, confirmed by a FUFA Competitions Department document released on October 30, 2025, is part of an effort to strengthen the technical setup with experience and mentorship drawn from former national team players.
FUFA announced an 11-member technical team to guide the Cubs through the qualifiers, combining expertise from both Ugandan and international football.
The full technical team comprises:
- Laryea Kingston – Head Coach
- Steven Bengo – Assistant Coach
- Sadam Juma – Assistant Coach
- Hamuza Lutalo – Assistant Coach
- Yasin Mugabi – Goalkeeping Coach
- Joram Katende – Team Manager
- Vincent Tumusiime – Team Coordinator
- Patrick Ssenfuka – Kit Manager
- Innocent Jjeje – Team Doctor
- Rashid Kebba – Physiotherapist
- Aloy Byamukama – Media Officer
The inclusion of former Cranes playmakers Bengo and Juma has been hailed as a positive step towards empowering ex-players to shape the next generation of Ugandan footballers.
“We’re excited to bring experienced former players into our youth setup. Their insight will be vital in nurturing discipline, tactical understanding, and national pride among the young boys,” said a FUFA official familiar with the appointments.
31 Players Called to Camp
A total of 31 players have been summoned to the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, where they began residential training on October 30, 2025, in preparation for the regional showpiece.
The squad features four goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 11 midfielders, and five strikers — drawn from top school and academy setups across the country, including Vipers SC Junior Team, Buddo SS, Amus College, Rays of Grace, and St. Julian High School.
The called-up players include:
Goalkeepers: Akisam Ndaye (Rays of Grace), Muhammad Masabo (Volf Academy), Adrian Ssemugera (Solitilo Bright Stars JT), Richard Mukisa (NEC JT).
Defenders: Musa Matovu Musisi (NEC FC JT), Frank Katongole (St. Julian High School), Elisa Mukisa (St. Julian High School), Enock Mwesigwa (Volf Academy), Abulhafie Ukasha Jjemba (JCCA FC JT), Mudawakali Sumaku (Bukedea CS), Eze Kombi (Amus College), Hilala Agiga (Amus College), Musa Ssuuna (Amus College), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Trevor Mubiru (Vipers SC JT).
Midfielders: Joseph Langol (Lugazi FC JT), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Academy), Bob Jerica Atendele (Edgars Youth Academy), Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC JT), Habert Cherotim (Bukedea CS), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College), Roy Olala (Buddo SS), Ashiraf Kyakuwa (Vipers SC JT), Owen Mukisa (Vipers SC JT), Victors Kahinda (Express FC).
Forwards: Shakur Ngobi (Vipers SC JT), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Geofrey Wasswa Ssenfuka (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (St. Julian High School), Ibrahim Ali Nangalama.
Road to Ethiopia
The CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers will feature teams from across the East and Central African region, with the top sides earning a place at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda’s U-17 side — known for its strong performances in regional youth competitions — will be aiming to replicate its previous successes after lifting the CECAFA U-17 title in 2018 and 2020.
Uganda last appeared at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in 2021, and qualification this year would mark another significant milestone for FUFA’s long-term youth development program.