Bwomono looking forward to first taste of Uganda action

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Oct 06, 2020. 13:00

English-based defender Elvis Bwomono says he is looking forward to having his first taste of action with the Uganda national team.

The 21-year-old, who plays his club football with Southend United in England’s League Two (fourth tier), has been included in the Cranes’ selection for a training camp in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Bwomono received his first international call up back in March, but Uganda’s fixtures were scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now he is looking forward to training under coach Jonathan McKinstry as the team prepares for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan.

“It’s a proud honour for me and especially my family,” said Bwomono, as quoted by the Echo.

“Growing up as a kid you want to put a smile on the face of your parents, and this is something that I wanted to do for myself and them.

“It was very pleasing that I get the chance to come out and appear for my national team because I was going to go in March, but coronavirus stopped that happening.

“It was devastating at the time but obviously now the games are going ahead in November and I’m out here for the training camp now.

“The Africa Cup of Nations is the pinnacle of football in Africa and something I want to represent my country in.”

Bwomono’s call-up means he will miss Southend’s next two matches against Portsmouth and Exeter City, leaving United manager Mark Molesly with mixed emotions.

“It’s fantastic for Elvis,” said Molesley. “He’s a proud young man and I know what an honour it is for him and we need to fully support him in this.

“It’s great for him and another feather in the cap for the club to show how well they’ve done with another young player.

“It’s great for him but frustrating for us because we can ill-afford another player to be missing and, unfortunately, he won’t be with us for the next 10 days.

“It’s fantastic on one hand but slightly frustrating on the other that we’re going to be missing a key player.

“But look, it’s great for the club and it shows how well they’ve done with another young talent.”