At the blow of the final whistle at Nakivubo stadium during the CAF U-17 qualifier between Uganda and Zambia, there was no visible celebration from the two camps.
For obvious reasons, the Ugandan camp and the mammoth fans in the terraces were as gloomy as a leper stranded in a desert.
Much as the Zambia’s young Chipolopolo had overcome Uganda 1 – 2 on the day, winning 4 -1 on aggregate, there was little expression of the joy of victory as they are not yet sure of a slot at CAF’s U-17 finals.
This emanates from Uganda’s petition to CAF questioning the true ages of the young Zambians.
As the post match interviews and player reactions went about, fans gathered in different groups were discussing about the future for many of the Ugandan youngsters.
In the 3 fixtures played against Seychelles, Rwanda and Zambia, they amassed a total of 14 goals, conceding just 6.
“The boys have a promising future but who cares about them any more after a luckily elimination?” wondered Zaidi Hussein, of Kisenyi.
The head coach, Matia Lule has already assured the public, the Zambian back to back losses were not the end of the road for the Cubs players.
“We have a 4 year plan with these boys and many out there who have not yet been exposed in the limelight”, Lule told the media after the final whistle.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president, Moses Magogo plans of starting a youth U-17 league by next January.
“We can not neglect these boys. We plan a youth U-17 league with a pilot project of Kampala district” Magogo told Kawowo Sports.
The campaign has helped to unearth the abundant potential of promising young footballers the country is endowed with.
Zambian coach, Chris Kaunda appreciated the talents in Uganda but urged for special care and training programmes for them.
“No doubt Uganda has young potential. The young lads are too good, but it is high time the Federation or any other concerned party planned for them. Some of these players are ready to be assimilated in upcoming Uganda Premier league teams, like we do in Zambia”, Kaunda advised.
Virtually all the boys on the Ugandan team are students with the exception of Emmanuel Olinga and Hassan Ssenyonjo who are with Gor Mahia and Aspire football academies in Kenya and Qatar respectively.
The campaign unearthed players from as far as West Nile (Bashir Asiku, Muhammed Shaban, Ezra Bidda), Northern Uganda (Alex Komakech, Pius Obuya, Joel Jangeyambe, Luwalo Kipper), Andrew Okiring (East) to the west in Frank ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye.
“The potential in Uganda is there and we call for a collective responsibility task to develop more of similar products”, Peter Onen, the assistant coach of Cubs, based in Gulu adds.
The billion dollar question will remain, after the hitherto successful CAF U-17 qualifying campaign, where and how best will this cream of players be maintained???
