The Uganda Cranes’ elimination from the ongoing CHAN tournament is undoubtedly a bitter disappointment, not only for the players and coaching staff but also for the millions of Ugandans who rallied behind the team with unwavering hope and belief.
Football, like any sport, has no shortcuts. Success is the result of diligent preparation, discipline, and meaningful investment — all of which become evident when the stakes are at their highest. While the tournament did not go as we had hoped, there were still positives to take away from this journey. The team demonstrated resilience, unity, and moments of pride, even amidst challenges, including some difficulties arising from less-than-ideal organizational conditions( LOC Sub committees).They reminded us of the passion football continues to ignite across the nation.
Moving forward, it is essential that both players and officials, along with FUFA, use this setback as motivation to push for greater achievements. Fans deserve more than just participation; they expect true competitiveness at the highest levels. Now is the time to take that energy and turn it into long-term progress — not only for the national team but for football at all levels across Uganda.
As the domestic leagues resume next month, we hope to see stadiums packed with passionate supporters, eagerly scrambling for matchday tickets to cheer on their favorite teams. More importantly, we must ensure that our players are more motivated than ever to deliver their best performances. By addressing these key areas, this painful moment can serve as a catalyst for long-term success.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for his generous motivation packs for the players. We hope that such gestures can be extended to other sporting disciplines in the future, ensuring that all athletes receive the support they deserve.
To the players and officials: we understand how disappointing this outcome is. You may feel as though you have let the nation down, but know this — you gave your all. You fought for every ball and displayed the kind of determination and passion that Ugandans have been longing to see in the local game.
Thank you!
Dixon Okello
Team no fitina.
The writer is a FIFA Accredited football security service provider.
