Germany-based defender Herbert Bockhorn is eager to bring his quality to the Uganda Cranes as he prepares to make his international debut.
The FC Magdeburg right-back was first called up by then Uganda Cranes coach Sébastien Desabre in 2019 but withdrew due to injury.
Seven years later, Bockhorn has finally joined the national team and took part in Wednesday’s training session at Namboole as Uganda prepared for the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers double-header against Botswana.
Born to a Ugandan mother, Jean Marion Nansubuga, and German father, Hartwig Bockhorn, the defender grew up in Germany, where he began his football journey at TSV Melsdorf.
His family has been particularly excited about his decision to represent Uganda.
“They are obviously excited. My mother is Ugandan and she is very excited. My father has always asked me, what about the Uganda National Team? Maybe they are even happier than me to see me in a Ugandan jersey,” Bockhorn said on Wednesday.
The defender is keen to use his experience and quality to strengthen the team as Uganda builds towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I want to bring in my quality and try to help the team as much as I can because we can only achieve as a team. The next step is to play well together and make not only ourselves proud but also the nation. That’s my goal,” he added.
Bockhorn also expressed satisfaction with his reception in the Cranes camp, saying his first impressions had been positive.
“I feel very welcomed. I know it will take some time to get to know everyone better, but my first impression is very nice.”
The defender has previously featured for English side Huddersfield Town and several German clubs, including VfL Bochum, Borussia Dortmund II and Werder Bremen II.
He arrives in camp in good form after coming off the bench to score in FC Magdeburg’s 4-1 victory over St. Pauli in the Bundesliga 2 over the weekend.
Bockhorn is expected to compete with Nathan Asiimwe for the right-back position as the Cranes prepare for the two meetings with Botswana.
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