'We're Not Complete' - Paul Put Sweats Over Injuries Ahead of Packed Schedule for Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has acknowledged his squad is far from complete as they head into a crucial week of AFCON 2027 qualifiers, though the Belgian manager remains pleased with the commitment of the players currently in camp.

Put's preparations have been severely hampered by injuries, illness, and the staggered arrival of foreign-based players. This leaves him with minimal time to implement his tactical plans before Thursday's demanding fixture against Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades.

An initial group of seven players from the Uganda Premier League, led by Put himself, has already departed for Tunisia to begin preparations. This domestic contingent includes goalkeepers David Lukwago and Hannington Ssebwalunyo, along with Gift Jonathan Odongo, Geofrey Lubanga Kene, Hillary Mukundane, Richard Basangwa and Frank Sebufu.

They will establish a base in Tunis and will be progressively joined by a large contingent of overseas-based stars flying in from their respective clubs around the world. Despite the disjointed start, Put praised the attitude of the players he has been working with.

"We are not complete, but I’m very satisfied because it’s always more difficult for the players physically when you have fewer numbers," Put stated. "But they did it very well. I’m very, very happy about their performance in training, but also their discipline off the field."

The team's defence has been hit hardest by a series of setbacks, forcing the coach to completely reconsider his backline. Key defender Elio Capradossi is recovering from an injury, while Mustafa Kizza remains sidelined. To make matters worse, experienced German-based fullback Herbert Bockhorn, who was expected to provide stability, was forced to withdraw due to illness.

"First of all, you know we are not complete. We have the absence of Elio, who is injured... Then we have Kizza, who is injured. In defence, these are key players; we have to be honest," Put explained. "And then Herbert was called... I said he brings experience to the group, but he is sick, so he didn't come."

These absences make defensive changes inevitable. However, the coach stressed that the most important adaptation must be a mental one. "That means in defence we have a lot of changes," he added. "But what I can say about changes like that is, it’s also in the head. We have to adapt; we don’t have time."

The Cranes will have little time to recover after their match in North Africa. They are scheduled to fly back immediately to prepare for another vital qualifier against Libya on September 29 at the new Hoima City Stadium.

The clash with Libya will be a landmark event, marking the first-ever international match at Hoima City Stadium. The venue is one of the state-of-the-art facilities being prepared for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

Aware of the tight turnaround and physical toll, Put has called on his players to show mental strength and sacrifice. "Normally, you need 48 hours to recover, so we don’t have this time," he said. "I told the players, with the national team, they know their duties. We need motivation and effort."

"We don't have much time to prepare, so we have to make a consistent effort throughout the match," the coach explained. "They understand that and are willing to do what's necessary."

After the current qualification matches conclude, the Uganda Cranes will have little time to rest. The team is set to travel to South Africa for two high-profile international friendlies against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The first match will take place in Johannesburg on October 2, with the second fixture scheduled just three days later on October 5.