Innocent Wafula’s nationality debate settled after call up

Former Gor Mahia utility player Innocent Wafula has been called up to the Uganda Cranes squad ahead of their International Friendly against South Africa.

The midfielder cum defender currently turns out for Mbarara City in the Ugandan Premier League and has had an outstanding season, with the team sitting comfortably in midtable.

There has been a lot of debate about Wafula’s nationality after he was dropped from the Harambee Stars squad by Bobby Williamson after doubts about his nationality back in 2015.

Reports claimed that Wafula is from Teso in Busia County but went to school in Uganda, participated in an East African Secondary Schools ball games tournament representing a Ugandan school.

Uganda Cranes head coach Abdallah Mubiru has named a provisional team of 34 players with their friendly against Bafana Bafana slated for Saturday 12 June.

Wafula is part of three players handed a maiden call up including Soltilo Bright Stars’ Joseph Akandwanaho and Express forward Erik Kenzo Kambale.

Like Wafula, Kambale also had doubts about his nationality but recently acquired Ugandan citizenship after previously featuring for the Democratic Republic of Congo U-20 side.

In the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango who recently called time to his Cranes career, Ittihad Alexandria winger Emmanuel Okwi has been named the skipper. 

Provisional Team:

Goalkeepers: Ismael Watenga, Charles Lukwago, Simon Tamale, Mathias Kigonya

Defenders: Elvis Bwomono, Innocent Wafula, Mustapha Kizza, Azizi Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Ssemakula, Patrick Paul Mbowa, Enock Walusimbi, Hassan Muhammad

Midfielders: Tadeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa Ndohondhi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ivan Sserubiri, Bright Anukani, Shafik Kuchi Kagimu, Isma Mugulusi, Abdu Lumala, Ibrahim Orit, Joseph Akandwanaho

Forwards: Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Captain), Richard Basangwa, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Derrick Kakooza, Yunus Sentamu, Erick Kenzo Kambale, Allan Okello