Africa-Press – Uganda. Joseph Akandwanaho stands to become the second electrical engineer in the Uganda Cranes team after Taddeo Lwanga.
The in-form Soltilo Bright Stars winger is yet to come to terms with the reality that he is a national team player.
“I still have that shock of putting on the Uganda Cranes jersey (training kit) for the first time but I believe I will gradually cope with the pressure,” he said.
“I feel happy, this is everyone’s dream, my good club form has earned me this, I want to learn more with the Cranes.”
Akwandanaho is one of 14 players that reported for the Cranes first training session yesterday at Lugogo. The Cranes are preparing for an international friendly away to South Africa on June 10.
He is one of the league’s best performers and is set to earn his first taste of life in the senior national team that is undergoing a transition after an unexpected 2020 Afcon qualification catastrophe.
The engineer
The former Nyamityobora forward, with a diploma in electrical engineering from Uganda Military Engineering College, Lugazi, has helped lift Bright Stars to fifth in the Uganda Premier League table after scoring eight times with five assists.
His trickery and dazzling runs have also helped reinvent striker Samuel Ssekamatte and Cranes coach Abdallah Mubiru will want him to carry the same form to the national team.
“The competition for the slots will inevitably be tough but I want this to be the start of my regular call-up to the national team,” Akandwanaho revealed.
The 25-year-old midfielder will jostle for a starting berth with Ivan Sserubiri, Bright Anukani, Shafik Kagimu, Isma Mugulusi (Busoga United) and Steven Serwaradda (KCCA).
Akandwanaho on the up
Born to John Muhumuza and Jenipher Kansiime of Isingiro District in 1996, Akandwanaho has played for Bushenyi Young Stars, Sun City and Nyamityobora before getting his major breakthrough at Bright Stars this season.
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