Latest news with #PamojaEastAfrica
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda turn to Byekwaso-Muhumuza coaching duo for CHAN 2024 mission
Published: Friday, 27 June 2025 Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso have been appointed to jointly lead Uganda's home-based national team at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Uganda Football Federation (FUFA) has announced. The coaching duo will take charge of the Uganda Cranes squad set to compete in the tournament from 2–30 August 2025, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the 'Pamoja East Africa' initiative. Their appointment marks a significant show of confidence in local coaching talent, with FUFA opting for continuity and chemistry by reuniting the pair who briefly oversaw the Cranes during international friendlies against Mali and Zambia in October 2023. Morley Byekwaso, a respected figure in Ugandan football, brings a strong track record of nurturing youth. He guided Uganda to the final of the 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations and led the team to silver at the 2024 African Games. Muhumuza, meanwhile, is a long-serving technical figure in the domestic game, known for his tactical awareness and deep understanding of local players. The duo will operate under the overall strategic direction of senior head coach Paul Put, who retains overarching responsibility for Uganda's technical vision at CHAN. FUFA has indicated that the full backroom staff and the final player list will be confirmed in the coming weeks. This appointment signals FUFA's faith in a collaborative approach and builds on the country's drive to promote homegrown coaches on the continental stage. Hosting part of the tournament on home soil gives Uganda a rare opportunity to combine tactical ambition with the power of home support — and FUFA is hoping this experienced local partnership can help deliver. CHAN 2024 is reserved exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues. Uganda, with its strong local base and growing technical leadership, will aim to make a deep run in front of home fans. The announcement comes at a time when East Africa is in the spotlight, with the CHAN tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be co-hosted by the region. FUFA says the Cranes' preparations will intensify in the coming weeks, with local training camps and friendly matches expected to help shape a competitive squad.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ngatsono returns to helm as Congo names new coaching staff for CHAN
Published: Friday, 27 June 2025 Barthélémy Ngatsono has been named head coach of Congo's A' national team as the country prepares for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a major technical overhaul by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT). Ngatsono's appointment marks a return to national duty for the seasoned tactician, who previously led the senior Red Devils and now steps into a pivotal role as Congo eye their fifth appearance at the CHAN finals. He will be supported by assistant coach Cédric Nanitelamio, both of whom recently earned CAF A coaching licenses, aligning Congo's ambitions with continental standards. The decision by FECOFOOT to completely revamp the coaching structure—retaining only physical trainer Éric Moukouyou from the previous setup—underscores a desire to reset and re-energize the team's prospects ahead of the tournament in East Africa this August. The 2024 CHAN will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 2–30 August under the 'Pamoja East Africa' initiative. Congo has been drawn into Group D, widely considered the competition's 'group of death,' featuring reigning champions Senegal, West African giants Nigeria, and Sudan. Despite the former technical team having guided the Red Devils A' to qualification, FECOFOOT's leadership opted for experience and freshness, signaling a shift toward tactical discipline and renewed intensity. Ngatsono's knowledge of the local game and history with the national side are expected to provide much-needed direction and confidence. The appointment also comes at a time when African federations are placing increasing trust in homegrown coaching talents. With both Ngatsono and Nanitelamio products of CAF's elite licensing programme, Congo joins a growing list of nations backing local expertise to compete at the highest level of continental football. CHAN 2024 is exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues, offering a critical platform for unearthing hidden talent and strengthening national league development. For Congo, the pressure is on to progress from the group stages—a feat they've managed just once since their CHAN debut in 2014. With a revamped technical crew and seasoned leadership, Congo's Red Devils A' are aiming to not just participate, but to make a bold statement on the continental stage. Full Red Devils A' Technical Staff: Head Coach : Barthélémy Ngatsono Assistant Coach : Cédric Nanitelamio Physical Trainer : Éric Moukouyou Goalkeeping Coach : Narcisse Bakoua Team Doctor : Auguste Ndoki Physiotherapist : Kevin Yembangoye Steward : Aimé Bopiel Media Officer: Ruffin Louemba
