Since January 14th 2017 when the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Gabon, the routine of work has been the same, tiring though interesting.
Being the first AFCON tournament I am covering, it has been a learning experience of sorts.
The fact that the tourney was hosted miles away from home (East Africa) more so in a Francophone country made the experience more fun filled and a bit challenging due to language hurdle.
Slowly but steadily, I have grasped basics of the rich French language for instance I can easily order my favorite dish ‘Donnez-moi du poulet et du riz s’il vous plait’
Thursday and Friday were the first official rest days for the tournament after the group stages as we head to the quarter finals on Saturday and Sunday.
On Thursday, I returned from the forested town of Oyem to the capital city, Libreville. I happened to have been on the same flight with the Uganda Cranes who were connecting back home.
Throughout the journey from Bitam to Oyem Airport then to Libreville Airport, I could see faces of champions. Majority of the Uganda Cranes players have mastered how to confidently speak to the media.
All shared a champions’ smile and a large fraction I spoke to, managed to pick and cite positives from their journey to Gabon.
It was saddening, of course, to witness my country return home as I continued with the work tasks in Gabon till the final day on 5th February 2017.
Good enough, I felt joy when the Uganda Cranes team was well received at Entebbe International Airport by the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, FUFA first vice president Justus Mugisha and a multitude of fans.
For the two resting days, it was not real rest for me.
On Thursday, as returned to my AirBnB apartment in Ambowe, Libreville, I rested for a few hours as I compiled my notes for the next publication on www.kawowo.com.
The next day on Friday was time to attend the CAF press conference at Radisson Blu Hotel in Libreville.
While at the press conference, I was glad to learn that two Uganda Cranes players Geofrey Massa and Dennis Onyango were appointed by CAF as the ambassadors to front the massive immunization campaign for children across Africa.
I can not wait for the quarter final line of games.
Saturday has Tunisia against Tunisia at the Stade De L’Amitie in Libreville as Senegal takes Cameroon at Franceville.
Then on Sunday, Ghana will play DR Congo at Stade D’Oyem before Egypt will entertain Morocco at the sandy Stade De Port Gentil.
Am confused to predict who will win.
