Salim Jamal Magoola stood on the training pitch in Morocco with the calm authority of a man who has seen Ugandan football at its best and its toughest.
As the Uganda Cranes prepared for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the experienced goalkeeper quietly emerged as the steady voice guiding a squad balancing expectation and transition.
The Cranes summoned a 30 man provisional squad, though the mid year club calendar delayed arrivals.
FIFA’s directive that clubs release players only by December 15 left several coaches frustrated. Still, by Thursday the group had grown to 21 after Denis Onyango and Steven Mukwala joined camp, bringing fresh energy.
Speaking through FUFA media, it was Salim Jamal who painted the clearest picture of where the team stands.
Morocco feels familiar to him, full of memories from Uganda’s last two AFCON qualifications, yet this camp carries a new sense of purpose.
“It was a great experience,” he said, recalling those previous tournaments.
“I’ve been around when the team qualified for the past two competitions. The atmosphere is different here, and we have a task to make.”
That task, he insisted, is to build on Uganda’s 2019 run, the last time the Cranes were on the continental stage.
“We managed to go through the stages, so we need to continue from there. We need to work hard so we beat that record. The guys here are focused and motivated to do the best for the nation.”
With years behind him and a new generation around him, Salim Jamal knows his role has grown.
He is no longer just a shot stopper; he is the grounding force for players stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
“With my experience, I’m trying to push everyone and give confidence to the young ones,” he said.
“Today young boys are more talented and exposed to competitions. Before, players didn’t have much time, but now you have young players who can start games and play.”
He speaks about them with admiration, having watched them grow and claim space in leagues across the region and abroad. To him, their boldness is Uganda’s biggest strength.
“They have really done well. They’ve shown their ability, and everywhere in the world you see young players standing up for their nation,” he said.
“These talented young players, we only have to keep them spirited and motivated. They can deliver for us. That’s the talent we have as a nation, and we have to believe in them.”
Uganda has every reason to prepare with intent. Drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria, the Cranes face a demanding path.
They open against Tunisia on December 23, meet Tanzania on December 27, and close the group stage against Nigeria three days later.
However before all this FUFA has lined up two build up games between AS FAR on Saturday December 13 and Gabon at Maamora Stadium on Wednesday December 17 at Berrechid Stadium.
