David GOMBE
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Moses Magogo has confirmed that the government of Uganda has granted the release of funds for FUFA to work on the naturalisation of players.
According to Magogo the funds will enable FUFA to get players who have an attachment with Uganda to feature for the national team
Magogo confirmed the development while appearing on CBS FM Akaati Kebyemizannyo show on Wednesday.
“I want to confirm that we have had engagements with Government for naturalisation of players who have an attachment with Uganda but have been raised in Europe and elsewhere. The money we asked for is 1.5 billion, and that will be given to us,” he stated.
Magogo added that naturalization of players helps identify quality players just like countries like Africa’s top footballing countries such as Senegal and Morocco have done.
“When we told the public we want this money, there was a lot of discontent, but I want to tell you that this is what other countries like Morocco, Senegal and others are doing. If you look at our National Team currently, you can see that there are several players like Elio Capradossi who have agreed to play for Uganda, and you can see that their quality is better.”
The FUFA President also revealed that the process has been ongoing and there are several players they are talking to.
Mathias Ndawula is in charge of identify players who have an attachment to Uganda across Europe.
Divine Tayon Mahogany Mukasa who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for EFL Championship club Leicester City, on loan from Premier League club Manchester City along with Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL Championship club Wrexham are some of the players being monitored by the federation.
