Joseph Ochaya gets debut Uganda national team call up

By Ameenu Shardow

Asante Kotoko’s new signing Joseph Ochaya has been called up to Uganda’s senior national team for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia.

The 19-year-old received his debut Cranes call after excelling with the U-20 side in their failed attempt to eliminate Ghana in the African Youth Championship qualifier last month.

It was during Uganda’s failed bid to get pass the Black Satellites that the left-back impressed Kotoko officials who made an immediate swoop in a move reportedly worth $30,000 from Kampala City Council (KCC).

This means Ochaya’s expected return to Ghana this week to commence his career with the Premier League champions is extended to a further date.

Uganda travels to Ndola this weekend to take on the African champions in the first leg of the final qualifier for the Nations Cup to be staged in South Africa early next year.

Uganda squad:

Goalkeepers: Hamza Muwonge, Denis Onyango, Abel Dhaira

Defenders: Andrew Mwesigwa (Capt), Denis Guma, Simeon Masaba, Henry Kalungi, Edward Ssali, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa, Joseph Ochaya and Godfrey Walusimbi

Midfielders: Steven Bengo, Mike Sserumaga, Johnson Bagoole, Dan Wagaluka, Moses Oloya and Tony Mawejje

Strikers: Robert Ssentongo, Hamis Kiiza and Emmanuel Okwi.