Uganda head coach Paul Put has explained the absence of several players from his squad for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifier against Botswana. The Belgian coach pointed to logistical difficulties and pending administrative procedures as the main reasons behind his decisions.
Put specifically addressed Noble Okello’s absence, explaining that the midfielder recently faced quarantine restrictions in Canada and only rejoined his club a few days ago. “I had a conversation with him, and he faced some issues during his last visit here. He was placed under quarantine in Canada and only returned to his club a few days ago. Calling him up for this training camp would have meant he would have to go through the same process again,” the coach explained. He added that both parties understood the situation and hoped to have Okello available for the matches in March next year.
Meanwhile, Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi and Souleymane Diaby must also wait before joining the Ugandan squad. Both players featured in friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but their applications for a change of sporting nationality remain under review by FIFA. As a result, Put cannot yet include them in his plans for the upcoming qualifier against Botswana.
