The fleet-footed attacker believes he has much to offer the team as they seek maiden qualification to a World Cup tournament.
SC Villa attacker Umar Lutalo made the final Uganda Cranes team that travelled to Morocco for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Uganda will take on Guinea and Somalia in the first games of the qualifiers on Friday and Tuesday next week, respectively.
Lutalo, who received his first major summon with the Cranes, is especially enraptured that the opportunity came at such a gigantic stage.
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"It’s truly a dream come true. Representing my country at such a prestigious event is an honor, and I’m thrilled to contribute to Uganda’s journey in the World Cup qualifiers," Lutalo told the SC Villa media.
The fleet-footed attacker believes he has much to offer the team as they seek maiden qualification to a World Cup tournament.
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"I believe my versatility on the field and ability to adapt to different positions will be an asset. I aim to give my best, whether it’s in defence, midfield, or supporting the attack."
"Teamwork and a strong work ethic will be crucial to our success, and I’m ready to contribute in any way the coach sees fit," he added.
"The team has been putting in much hard work on and off the field. Our preparation involves studying Guinea’s and Somalia’s playing style, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses."
Lutalo further attributed the milestone to the chance Villa has offered him to showcase his potential.
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"Playing for SC Villa has been invaluable. The competition in domestic leagues is intense, and it has helped me develop both as an individual player and as part of a team."
"The experience gained in high-pressure situations will undoubtedly be beneficial on the international stage."
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"Personally, I aim to give my best performance, make a positive impact, and contribute to our success in reaching the World Cup," he added.
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"A successful campaign would not only be a source of pride for us players but also inspire the next generation of footballers in Uganda. It could potentially elevate the status of Ugandan football on the global stage," Lutalo summed.
Lutalo is among the three Villa players on the team, with the rest being defenders Gavin Kizito Mugweri and Kenneth Semakula.