David GOMBE
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim treated the CHAN contingent to a luncheon at FUFA Complex in Mengo and highlighted several aspects indicating there was evident progress of the team.
Magogo also rated the 2022 CHAN team as the best the country has ever had.
“I have always said that results do not paint the whole picture. We know this team is in a transitional period and whatever we are going through is part of the process. “In my rating, this is the best CHAN performance Uganda has ever had.” In 2014 we also finished with 4 points, competing against Morocco, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso. Look at our opponents this time, Senegal are the Champions of Africa, DR Congo have won this tournament twice and Ivory Coast are perennial contenders. Therefore, we had the chance to be tested at that level and I believe the players benefited.” Said Magogo
He added,
“I have always said that results do not paint the whole picture. We know this team is in a transitional period and whatever we are going through is part of the process. Unfortunately, the fans and everyone wants to win but World over transitions take time. It can even take two or three generations to return to the best.”
“I always give the team that qualified us to AFCON 2017 after 39 years as an example. They tried about six times but both the players and federation kept learning and when the right time came, we qualified.”
“We even reached the knockout stage in the 2019 edition. After that, a number of players have retired and we had to go through transition to create a new team.”
The FUFA President also promised to give the team maximum support to ensure the process of transition is handled well.
The President then revealed that every member of the team (Players and officials) will receive a package of $2,500. The function was attended by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, Exco Members Leader of Delegation to CHAN Algeria Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Ronnie Kalema.
Delegates Hassan Kirunda Kakaire, Nsubuga Brian Miiro, Idrisa Kasalirwe, Sande Moni, Paul Ssali and Hamid Juma (Honorary FUFA Exco Member) were also in full attendance.
