Magogo: We shall continue with development of CECAFA U15 champions

By George Mangula

The newly crowned CECAFA U15 challenge Cup champions returned home on Monday evening and were received at Entebbe Intentional Airport by the FUFA Deputy CEO/Football Decolas Kiiza amidst cheers from adoring fans.

From the airport, the team was led to Jevine Hotel in Rubaga where it was hosted to a ‘welcome dinner’ to celebrate their triumph.

Uganda won the CECAFA U15 challenge championship hosted in Asmara, Eritrea after seeing off all opposition in style in six games, scoring 23 goals and conceding none.

At the dinner, the Leader of the Delegation Ms. Agnes Mugena praised the team spirit, discipline and effort that helped them to glory.  She called on the Team Captain Vincent Mulema to hand over the trophy to the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at the high table who was flanked by second Vice President Darius Mugoye and the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.

The dinner was also attended by some of the players’ parents.

“I would like to congratulate you on this achievement. We always got daily reports and your discipline is very commendable.  Early this year we narrowly missed out on qualifying for the U17 FIFA World Cup and so preparations for the next U17 AFCON had to start early, you are the group that is going to play in the qualifiers. Our vision is to be the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the field and this success aligns with that.  We shall continue with the development of this group,” said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.

 “I met you before you left for Eritrea and I would like you to keep in school and study hard. We also wish to see you get clubs and start playing in the rebranded U17 FUFA Juniors League as this will help you develop as players. Development of players at your stage is on a done on a daily basis,” Magogo further said. 

The players were each rewarded with a ball and a new pair of boots. FUFA guidelines do not allow monetary incentives to players at this age.

Also, goal nets were handed to the players for their schools as a contribution to the efforts towards the players and a FUFA branded cup as a souvenir for their parents who allowed them to represent the country.

Uganda’s Abbas Kyeyune finished as the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals while Travis Mutyaba had six.