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Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has offered an explanation for the absence of several notable players from the latest national team setup, stressing that selection decisions have been influenced by players’ current club situations, fitness levels and lack of competitive match rhythm.
Addressing the notable absentees, Put explained that some players are currently going through periods of transition, while others are still working their way back to full fitness following lengthy spells on the sidelines.
“Some players are currently without clubs or have just completed transfers & haven't had enough playing time while others have recently returned from long injuries & are yet to regain full match rhythm with limited minutes in recent games.”
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The coach’s comments suggest that the omission of certain established names is not necessarily a permanent decision. Instead, the technical team appears to be placing significant emphasis on players being active, match-fit and regularly involved at club level.
For players who have recently changed clubs, the transition period can make it difficult to immediately establish themselves in a new team. Similarly, footballers returning from serious injuries often require a gradual increase in playing time before reaching their previous competitive level.
Put’s approach highlights the importance of match fitness and rhythm in his selection policy. Regular competitive minutes are particularly important for international football, where players are expected to adapt quickly to a high-intensity environment.
The Uganda Cranes will therefore continue to monitor the progress of the absent players, with opportunities likely to arise once they secure regular club football, regain full fitness and demonstrate consistent performances.
