The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Ghanaian Laryea Kingston as the new head coach of all Uganda Junior National Football Teams.
The Junior Teams include the U15, U17 and U20.
In a press briefing held at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson unveiled Kingston on a two-year deal.
“We are pleased to announce Mr Laryea Kingston as the new head coach for our Men’s Junior National Teams on a two-year contract,” he stated.
Watson believes that the appointment of Kingston follows a deliberate effort to bring on board a full-time coach who will dedicate himself to building Uganda’s Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 national teams throughout the year.
“We have been categorical in selecting a coach who is neutral, experienced in both African and international football, and capable of identifying and nurturing young talent,” Watson said.
According to the FUFA CEO, Kingston is an ideal fit for the role, highlighting his extensive experience both as a player and as a coach.
Kingston comes from a footballing family, with his brother Richard Kingston (goalkeeper) playing for Ghana between 1996 and 2012.
Laryea Kingston himself represented his country at the U15, U17, U20, and Senior levels. Also, he featured for clubs in Europe, including in Scotland, where he played alongside David Obua at Hearts of Midlothian FC.
He holds a UEFA A and CAF B coaching licence and has previously worked with Ghana’s U17 national team and the Right to Play Academy.
Kingston expressed delight at the opportunity to serve Ugandan Football and spoke passionately about his motivation to become a coach, emphasizing his desire to give back to the game that transformed his life.
“ First of all, I am extremely grateful to FUFA for the opportunity to serve Ugandan Football. The game has been a life changer for me; it took me off the streets and gave me a future. That is why I decided to dedicate my life to helping young players achieve their dreams. My mission in Uganda is to educate, mentor, and empower these young athletes to become better players and responsible citizens,” he stated.
He pledged to prioritize grassroots engagement and collaboration with local clubs, academies, and community structures to identify and nurture young talent.
“We will focus on developing not only technical skills but also discipline, teamwork, and mental strength.”
Kingston becomes the second Ghanaian to take charge of Uganda Junior National Teams. In 2019, FUFA appointed Fabian Kwasi Apaa in a similar role, handling the U17 and U20 Teams.
FUFA CEO, Watson clarified that Brian Ssenyondo, who has been the head coach of the U17 National Team, will continue to serve in that capacity up to the end of the forthcoming FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup.
Uganda, for the first time, will play at this stage in this year’s tournament, slated to take place from November 3-17 in Qatar.
