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Uganda’s Enock Ssebagala and Usama Arafat aren’t just
chasing national selection—they’re following the tracks of family legends on
CHAN’s continental stage.
Zig Diaries Sports
Date: Monday, 28 July 2025
Time: 11:30 WAT
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Uganda co-hosts CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, spotlighting homegrown
talent ahead of kickoff on 2 August.
For
many footballers, a national team call-up is the dream. But for Uganda’s rising
stars Enock Ssebagala and Usama Arafat, the TotalEnergies
African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is not just about pride—it’s a family affair.
Both
players are gearing up for a chance to represent the Uganda
Cranes, just like their elder brothers—Manko
Kaweesa and Isima Watenga—did
in past editions of CHAN.
With
the tournament returning to East Africa from 2 to
28 August, and Uganda sharing hosting duties, the emotional
weight of performing at home adds to the duo’s motivation.
A Brother’s Footsteps: Ssebagala’s Rise
Vipers
SC midfielder Enock Ssebagala
is stepping into his brother’s footsteps. Manko
Kaweesa featured in Uganda’s 2011 CHAN squad, and though Uganda
exited early, Kaweesa’s journey still inspires.
“If
you’re recognised among 40 million Ugandans, you must be grateful,” Kaweesa
said. “CHAN is a tough tournament. I urge Ssebagala to focus, be disciplined,
and score goals.”
After
leading NEC FC to a second-place finish last
season, Ssebagala earned a move to league champions Vipers. His consistent
performance earned him a senior debut against Gambia,
coming on in a 1-1 friendly.
“Being
called up for CHAN is a major achievement,” said Ssebagala. “My brother
inspired me. I want to represent Uganda and make my family proud.”
Usama’s Turn to Shine
KCCA
FC winger Usama Arafat also has family footsteps to follow.
His elder brother, Isima Watenga,
represented Uganda in CHAN 2016
and 2018.
“CHAN
changed my life—and it can change his,” Watenga said.
Known
for his speed and flair, Usama has already shown glimpses of brilliance in the
domestic league. Now, he’s poised to prove himself on the continental stage.
Two Brothers. Two Dreams. One Mission.
CHAN
2024 isn’t just a tournament for Ssebagala and Usama—it’s a stage to honour
their family names, elevate their careers, and write their own chapters in
Ugandan football history.
🏷️ Tags: African Football, CHAN 2024, ZigSports, Uganda Cranes, Enock Ssebagala, Usama Arafat, Family Legacy
#CHAN2024 #ZigSports #UgandaCranes #LegacyInFootball #AfricanFootball
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