Uganda’s Slovenia-based star backs Hippos for regional glory

As one of 11 foreign-based players in the Uganda U20 squad, Ocen Genesis Odiya brings valuable international exposure to the side.

Edwin Kiplagat, Marabou News Agency

Slovenian-based Ugandan youngster Ocen Genesis Odiya is confident in the Uganda U20 national team, the Hippos’ chances ahead of the upcoming CAF U20 CECAFA regional championship, scheduled for September 15 to 25 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

As one of 11 foreign-based players in the squad, Odiya brings valuable international exposure to the side while relishing the chance to test himself against his regional peers.

“I think it’s been a really good experience, and we’re preparing really well for CECAFA and the coaches, everyone at the facility are really lovely and the players are ready mentally and we’re ready to go,” said the attacking midfielder.

“It is really a good opportunity for all the young players, for myself, for coaches to prove that we are good and we are really the best team.”

Odiya’s move to Slovenian second-division outfit NK Tabor Sežana in August from Gambian side Mbollo FC marked a major step in his career.

Speaking on his transition, the Ugandan youngster highlighted differences in club and international football.

“The coach’s playing style is almost the same with the Slovenian team I play for. I think the difference is our coaches coach a little bit younger players and the other ones are much older players, so they understand more and this the coaches have to keep pushing but we really understand what the coach wants us to play and I think it is really progressing with the same set up in Europe,” he added.

Odiya and Uganda have been placed in Group B alongside Djibouti and Sudan. Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Rwanda are in Group A, while South Sudan, Kenya, and Burundi are in Group C.

Uganda finished as runners-up at the previous CECAFA U20 qualifiers.

The CECAFA tournament also doubles up as qualifiers for the 2027 U20 AFCON set to be hosted by Ghana.

Marabou News Agency

The post Uganda’s Slovenia-based star backs Hippos for regional glory appeared first on Sports Network Africa.