Speaking to journalists at Hoima City Stadium, Put said the team was in good spirits and determined to win against Botswana.
Buganda Princess Sarah Katrina Ssangalyambogo and Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango have rallied Ugandans to turn up in large numbers to support the national team as it faces Botswana in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier today, Saturday, November 14, at Hoima City Stadium.
The encounter will also mark the international farewell of former Cranes captain Khalid Aucho, who is retiring from international football after years of service to the national team.
Princess Sangalyambogo boosted the players’ morale when she visited them in camp in Hoima on Friday, November 13, as they put the final touches to their preparations for the encounter.
The visit came as head coach Paul Put and Onyango called on fans to fill Hoima City Stadium, saying strong home support would give the players additional motivation to secure maximum points.
Speaking to journalists at Hoima City Stadium, Put said the team was in good spirits and determined to win against Botswana.
He, however, cautioned that the visitors were a strong side that should not be underestimated, noting that Botswana remained competitive even when playing away from home.
Put said the players were taking the encounter seriously and would work hard to collect all three points, dedicating the anticipated victory to Aucho in recognition of his contribution to Ugandan football.
He also appealed to the media and football fans to turn up in large numbers, saying their support provides additional motivation and confidence to the players.
Onyango thanked Ugandans for the support they extended to the team during their previous AFCON qualifier against Libya in Hoima on September 29, urging them to fill the stadium once again.
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He welcomed the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) decision to recall Aucho for a farewell appearance, describing it as a commendable gesture that could inspire younger players to work hard and earn similar recognition.
Onyango said honouring former players for their contribution to the national team should become a tradition, expressing hope that more footballers who have served the country would receive similar recognition.
He further revealed that Aucho would automatically reclaim the captain’s armband when he steps onto the pitch, saying the players still regard him as their leader because of his longstanding service to the country.
He described Aucho as a patriotic footballer whose dedication and achievements have inspired many young Ugandans.
Onyango added that Aucho’s presence in camp had boosted the team’s morale, expressing hope that he could remain involved with the squad during preparations for next year’s AFCON, although he said this would depend on FUFA, the technical team and other stakeholders.
The Cranes captain said the players were determined to collect maximum points and keep a clean sheet against Botswana as a fitting tribute to Aucho during his farewell appearance.