URA FC and Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Alionzi Nafian has set his sight on being the first choice custodian of the national team as they intensify training for upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.
Alionzi had earlier been rumoured to be on his way to South Africa following an influx of Ugandans that since crossed over to the neighbours.
His being part of camp however shows his commitment to holding allegiances to the pearl of Africa. He relishes the opportunity to represent in the iconic black and red colours.
During a short interview at the Kabira Country Club playground, the shot-stopper joined a host of players to show gratitude to head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic for the summon.
“I am honoured to be summoned to the team under the new management and it is a pleasure for me to get to work under coach Fred Kajoba. He highlighted.
He would continue to say: “The coaches are indeed trying their very best to put us in shape after the off-season. We only need persistence so as to prepare ourselves for the matches against both Kenya and Mali.”
When asked about the level of competition in the goalkeeping position which has been sparked by Denis Onyango’s retirement from the national team, the URA custodian was quick to indicate his desire to fight to be number one.
“Am really ready to cement my position here and I am fighting for that. Of course it’s a hierarchy that has to be followed but I see myself being there as time goes by.” Alionzi confirmed.
He will also have an avalanche of games to feature in for URA who have to face Ethiopian Coffee in the Preliminary round of the CAF Confederations Cup shortly after the qualifiers. Alionzi believes that the training here will help prepare him for the new season as well.
Uganda Cranes are preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers games against Kenya and Mali in Group E. They will however have to play a couple of friendly games with Ethiopia on the horizon.
