In the wake of the termination of Uganda Cranes Coach Bobby Williamson’s contract by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), sections of Ugandans have come out and reacted. To many, the sacking of Williamson was long overdue while other believe that with or without him as Cranes Head Coach, there is need to find long lasting solutions to Uganda’s football problems or else even the great Sir Alex Ferguson may not succeed in Uganda. Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga writes’ reactions of some of the people he talked to. Let’s get started;
“We shall always remember him for the CECAFA trophies and the attempts he has always made to let Uganda qualify but narrowly missing it out. We have to accept the decision of the federation and thank him for the achievements he made for the country in his term as head coach”. – Uganda Cranes skipper Andrew Mwesigwa.
“As a person, Bobby was a very good guy. I really liked him. But he lost it when he allowed himself to be involved in local football politics. Instead of asking for things to be done right by the federation, he just joined the fray. Like why allow interference in his work? The entire technical committee is to blame.” – John Vianney Nsimbe of The Observer Media Ltd.
“Only us can allow a manager to fail at four (three) Nations Cup campaigns to stay in the job. He had to go. This will open up a chance for someone else to try his luck.” – Former assistant Cranes Coach Sam Ssimbwa.
“It’s very sad to hear that Coach Bobby is leaving the national team. It was an honour working with such a great manager and person. I just wish him all the best. He has done great things for our country and hope we can be grateful for that. God bless him and will miss him.” – Uganda Cranes defender Henry Kalungi
“Scot sacked but it’s a case of the accused making a ruling on the accused. While Bobby has failed in three attempts to deliver Cranes to Afcon – a similar feat by Fufa, his four-year tenure at the helm has been riddled with interference from the federation, albeit, the coach always covering up for them”. – Andrew Mwanguhya of The Daily Monitor.
“It is sad to see him go, he is a very good coach. He has done so much for the national team and deserved to stay there for a very long time. In football though, things happen for a reason and at times you have to part ways and move on. I think that we will miss him and the way he does his things.” – Gor Mahia FC striker Daniel Sserunkuma
What is your reaction to Bobby Williamson’s sacking?