By Aldo Esilu aka The Aldo Guy
The Uganda Cranes, the pride of Ugandan football, embarked on a journey in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. However, there’s a lingering sentiment among sports pundits that Uganda lacks the solid foundation seen in other sports like Rugby, Netball, and Athletics, and this lack of structure has its repercussions, particularly in soccer.
The Uganda Cranes have had their moments of glory in past AFCON tournaments, but their inconsistency has raised questions about the nation’s football system. While other Ugandan sports, like Rugby, Netball, and Athletics, have shown more consistent performances, football seems to be caught in a perpetual state of uncertainty.
The AFCON qualifiers are a crucial pathway to Africa’s most prestigious football event, and they often serve as a litmus test for a nation’s footballing prowess. For Uganda, this was a chance to prove their mettle on the continental stage.
Truth be told, expectations were not sky-high for the Uganda Cranes in the recent AFCON qualifiers. Critics argue that the team lacks the established systems and structured approach seen in other sports in Uganda. In rugby, netball, and athletics, we’ve seen consistent results, but in football, it’s a different story altogether.
Throughout the qualifiers, the Uganda Cranes displayed a haphazard approach in friendly games, team selection, starting lineups, and even player incentives like air tickets and allowances. These inconsistencies further fueled doubts about the team’s potential.
While there were flashes of brilliance, Uganda’s journey through the qualifiers was far from smooth. Key matches were marred by erratic performances and questionable tactics, leaving fans and pundits scratching their heads.
It’s essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by the Uganda Cranes during the qualifiers. These challenges, including injuries, suspensions, and logistical issues, undoubtedly took a toll on the team’s overall performance.
In light of the team’s struggles during the qualifiers, there’s a stark contrast in expectations. Even if Uganda had managed to qualify for AFCON 2023, it’s fair to say that they would have been there more to participate than to compete. The lack of a strong foundation and consistent approach continues to be a stumbling block for the Cranes.
In conclusion, the Uganda Cranes’ recent journey through the AFCON qualifiers has highlighted the challenges faced by Ugandan football. While other sports in the nation boast established systems and consistent results, football seems to be lagging behind due to a lack of structure and a haphazard approach.
While the Uganda Cranes may not have met the lofty expectations of fans, it’s essential to recognize the potential for growth and development in Ugandan football. With the right investments in infrastructure, coaching, and player development, the Cranes can aspire to compete on a more level playing field at future AFCON tournaments. Until then, the nation’s football enthusiasts will continue to hope for better days ahead.
