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Opiro has played for Uganda at the U17 level, playing at the U17 AFCON in Tanzania, and will be among a select group of players who will achieve that same feat.
Defender Justin Opiro says the opportunity to represent the Uganda Hippos at the U20Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt is not one he is taking lightly.
The 19-year-old defender is among 25 players selected by head coach Jackson Mayanja to try andachieve qualification for the U20 World Cup.
Despite theexpectations of becoming the first Ugandan team to qualify for a world cupweighing heavily, Opiro insists that in the short term, he is not allowing thehope of realizing a boyhood dream to restrict his natural instincts.
“It hasbeen something I have always dreamt of as a boy growing up,” Opiro who was bornand raised in Gulu said, adding; “I am grateful to be with the team and hopefor the better.”
“I havegained and learnt a lot with the team since I joined camp, and I think thathelps me to do better and be useful to the team.”
Opiro, who predominantlya right back but can still ably fill in at left back played 45 minutes in the Hippos’ 1-1 draw against Egypt on Monday.
Opiro has playedfor Uganda at the U17 level, playing at the U17 AFCON in Tanzania, and will beamong a select group of players who will achieve that same feat.
The othersare goalkeeper Oyo Delton (SC Villa), defenders Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC) and IbrahimJuma (Leganes CD, Spain).
Forward Rogers Mugisha and midfielder Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece) who alsoplayed at the 2019 U20 AFCON where Uganda finished as runners up.
The Hipposare now in Ismailia where they will play their matches in group B againstCentral African Republic, Congo Brazaville and South Sudan.
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