Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put summoned a squad of 28 players for double header clashes against South Africa and Congo. The squad is a mash up of grizzled veterans and budding youngsters. One such youngster is Calvin Kabuye who has been called up for the very first time. Who is he?
Kabuye,full names Hope Calvin Ddamulira Kabuye was born on 28th March 2003,making him twenty one years of age.He is of diverse heritage,eligible to play for Uganda,Rwanda,Burundi and Sweden.He has actually featured for Sweden at underage level.
He currently plays as a forward for Swedish second tier club Sandvikens IF.He is a versatile player,capable of operating as a striker or winger on either flank.He is able to do that courtesy of his skillset,which is a combination of elusive tricky dribbling,incisive passing and potent finishing.
He started his career in 2021 at top flight side AIK.He had loan spells with Vasalunds and Ostersunds FK before joining his current club this year.
Ugandans will be intrigued to see what he will bring to the national team if he makes his debut in the upcoming international break.If his creativity and finishing can translate to the international stage,he could be a valuable member of the team for the foreseeable future.
For now,his immediate objective will be to usurp the likes of Muhammad Shaban,Steven Mukwala and Denis Omedi from the starting line up.And with the Cranes amidst a transition to a more youthful team,he will have a major advantage over of them.Especially in the long term.
Kabuye’s versatility will also serve him favorably as it increases the number of potential avenues for his breakthrough into the team.His inclusion in the squad means wingers Travis Mutyaba,Joackiam Ojera and Rogers Mato face increased competition for their places.
