Uganda Cranes defender Elio Capradossi's international future is uncertain after being omitted from coach Paul Joseph Putt's latest squad. Putt attributed the defender's absence to injury, but the circumstances surrounding Capradossi's latest omission are likely to keep the debate alive. Capradossi was not involved in Uganda's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, despite being part of the squad that helped the Cranes qualify for the tournament.
There were reports that Capradossi had a heated disagreement with Fufa officials over promised payments to players following qualification. However, sources close to the Cranes camp offered a different explanation for his absence, indicating that Capradossi suffered an injury during training ahead of a group game against Tunisia. This episode has continued to affect his international career, with no official confirmation that he was dropped due to the payment dispute.
On September 7, Capradossi was named among the substitutes for his Romanian club Universitatea Cluj in their 0-4 top-flight defeat. Uganda's latest squad was announced two days later, raising questions about Capradossi's fitness and availability for international duty. Putt's explanation of injury has sparked skepticism, given Capradossi's recent involvement with his club.
Capradossi is not the only notable absentee from the latest squad, with Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Rogers Bobosi Byaruhanga, and Jude Ssemugabi also left out. Putt explained that some players are without clubs or have recently completed transfers, while others are recovering from lengthy injuries. However, Capradossi's situation carries greater significance due to his previous importance to the Cranes.
Uganda faces a demanding international window, starting with an away meeting against Tunisia on September 24, followed by a match against Libya in Hoima on September 29. The Cranes will then face DR Congo in two friendly matches on October 2 and 5. These matches offer Putt an opportunity to reshape his squad and test alternatives, while also leaving Capradossi with a narrowing window to convince the coach of his value.
Putt's official explanation for Capradossi's omission is injury, but with the defender repeatedly absent, questions arise about whether this is a temporary setback or the beginning of the end of his Cranes journey. Capradossi's international career has been marked by uncertainty, and his latest omission has raised concerns about his future with the team.
The Cranes' upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the team's dynamics and Capradossi's potential involvement. As the team prepares for the international window, Putt will need to make key decisions about his squad, including whether to include Capradossi in future plans. The coach's choices will likely have a significant impact on the team's performance and Capradossi's international career.
Key points
- Elio Capradossi's international future with Uganda Cranes is uncertain after being omitted from coach Paul Joseph Putt's latest squad due to injury.
- Capradossi's absence has raised questions about his fitness and availability for international duty, given his recent involvement with his Romanian club Universitatea Cluj.
- The Cranes face a demanding international window, with matches against Tunisia, Libya, and DR Congo, which will provide Putt with an opportunity to reshape his squad and test alternatives.
