Anaku celebrating a goal for KCCA FC. Photo by KCCA FC media.
KCCA FC forward Sadat Happy Anaku’s wait to represent Uganda on the international stage may be prolonged yet again.
Despite being named in head coach Paul Put's 36-man provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to take place from February 1 to 28, 2025, co-hosted by Uganda, Keny and Tanzania, an untimely injury threatens to derail his chances of finally donning the national colors.
Anaku, widely regarded as one of Uganda's most exciting attacking talents has had his national team ambitions consistently hindered by injuries. This time, though he reported to the non-residential training camp at Luzira Prison Ground on Friday, Anaku was unable to participate in any sessions, including Saturday’s at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
A Career of Promise and Tribulations Nicknamed “Ada” by his peers, Anaku first captured national attention during his time at the KCCA FC Junior Team in the FUFA Juniors League between 2016-19, where he cemented his name as the all-time leading scorer with an incredible 83 goals in 52 games.
However, despite his remarkable record, he surprisingly never got a chance to represent Uganda at any youth level. Promoted to KCCA FC’s senior team in 2019, Anaku wasted no time showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
He netted six goals in 17 games in his debut season, followed by nine goals in 20 matches during the 2020/21 season and seven goals in 23 matches in the 2021/22 campaign. In 2022, Anaku became the first KCCA FC player to join a Scottish club when he signed for Dundee United.
Despite being summoned to the national team during his stint abroad, injuries once again denied him the opportunity to feature for Uganda. He returned to KCCA FC in October 2024 after being released by Dundee United and has since scored three goals in the ongoing StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
Hopes dashed once again with CHAN approaching, Paul Put included Anaku in his provisional squad hoping his recent performances could translate into the national setup.
Unfortunately, injuries have kept him sidelined during the opening training sessions, casting doubt on whether he will be fit in time to make his much-anticipated debut.
The football fraternity remains hopeful that Anaku can overcome these setbacks and fulfill his potential on the international stage. For now, the wait for Sadat Anaku’s first appearance in national team colors continues, a story of both promise and perseverance.
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