On Sunday, 5th June 2016, I was among the thousands at the Zimbabwe National Stadium in Harare when the Zimbabwe Warriors booked a place at the AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.
Zimbabwe easily extinguished the Malawi Flames with a 3-0 drubbing with a one inside the opening quarter hour and two second half strikes.
As I enjoyed the mouthwatering fixture from the famous general wing of the lively crowd, I kept mirroring the performance in the shape of a typical Uganda Cranes match at Nelson Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
One noticeable eye catching scene was the enthusiasm of the crowd with the famous Mexican wave decorating the stadium at different periods throughout the 90 minutes of the game.
Zimbabwe needed the three points at home off a hard fighting and physical Malawi outfit which they got by the end of day to secure qualification to the African Cup of Nations in Gabon come the year 2017.
Uganda Cranes find themselves in a similar situation Zimbabwe were in over the weekend.
On 3rd September 2016, the entire nation will grace Nelson Mandela National stadium others will keep glued to the television and radios sets whereas majority will follow the Uganda versus Comoros game on the fast sprouting social media.
Uganda needs to borrow a leaf or two from Zimbabwe.
First, it is down to preparations. Zimbabwe prepared well in time.
The Zimbabwe Football Federation (ZFF) organized an international friendly match with Uganda which they also managed to win.
The local media and fans were supportive of the players and Federation at all times.
Often times, they would point out to the shortcomings with positive and constructive criticism.
Players were tasked to perform as expected and ZFF warned to change the match from the astro turf of Rufaro to the natural green national stadium in the interest of players.
At the stadium on match day, fans estimated to be 40,000 graced the match with numerous endless songs of praise.
Even at times the team struggled on the field of play, the fans chanted and performed the eye catching Mexican wave.
On the field of play itself, the mood was no different.
The players were relaxed, passed the ball round with patience, confidence and composure.
It wasn’t surprising therefore the Warriors picked the much needed three points with three goals courtesy of Knowledge Musonda (penalty), the exciting Khama Billiat and second half substitute Cuthbert Malajia.
The lessons learnt from the Zimbabwe – Malawi match are so much applicable to the Ugandan scenario.
From the approach to the game, patience and urgency to attain the result on the field of play, backing from stake holders – Government, sponsors, fans and the media – the home side was spot on.
I learnt later on that the Government of Zimbabwe facilitated the players’ air tickets through the ministry of sports.
Such a calm and well-designed setting will surely drive Uganda to the desired land – AFCON after 39 painful years of near misses and real tears of agony.
Players’ air tickets may to be sent well on time like it has always been. Allowances and living conditions provided.
We need to pay special attention to the very small details that have always derailed us at the last minute.
The preparations have to start now and today.
For God and My Country
MUJJE TULUMBE
