Uganda Cranes defender Toby Sibbick is confident as the national team gears up in Botswana for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The Cranes arrived in Gaborone with 8 players Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), and Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan) on Sunday October 5.
On Monday October 6, Sibbick among the foreign-based players joined camp with captain Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Semakula, Nafian Alionzi, and Steven Mukwala.
Uganda faces Botswana’s Zebras on Thursday, October 9, at Francistown Stadium, before concluding their campaign in Algeria on October 14.
Second in Group G with 15 points, Uganda trails leaders Algeria by four but remains in contention for a historic qualification.
For Sibbick, the goal is simple, win both matches and keep the dream alive.
“We know there are two games left, and we want to win both to put ourselves in the best position,” he said. “Who knows, we could still top the group, so we have to keep believing.”
He added that the fixtures are crucial not only for World Cup qualification but also as preparation for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“If we win these two games, it will put us in good form heading into AFCON,” Sibbick noted. “Playing against top players across Africa has helped me grow.”
Sibbick also praised the team’s spirit, recalling how Uganda has consistently defied expectations this campaign.
“People might have written us off, but we’ve kept belief and earned big wins. Hopefully, we can do the same against Botswana and Algeria,” he said.
He ended with a message to fans, thanking them for their unwavering support.
“I’m grateful for the support, we see it online and feel it wherever we go. Hopefully, you get behind us again, and we’ll fight to make you proud.”
