Reasons why Ugandan coaches are not adequately prepared to lead the Uganda Cranes

Moses Basena has handled the Uganda Cranes before on an interim basis, guiding Uganda to the 2018 CHAN finals in Morocco | BBC Image

OPINION Reasons why Ugandan coaches are not adequately prepared to lead the Uganda Cranes

Clive Kyazze • 10:33 - 12.09.2023

A crucial question arises in the heart of Uganda's football community: Should local coaches be responsible for guiding the Uganda Cranes? It is a shared aspiration, but the practicality may need to align with our hopes.

The current crop of coaches, who have the potential to lead the national team, honed their skills in amateur environments. While their passion is commendable, their need for more refined experience in the professional game is evident.

Transitioning from an amateur player to a professional coach is an arduous journey that spans a lifetime. Football, much like life, is constantly evolving. To thrive in today's dynamic landscape, coaches must embrace change.

They must not only prioritize winning but also focus on imparting the beautiful game and developing a distinct style of play that sets their teams apart.

Reasons why Ugandan coaches are not adequately prepared to lead the Uganda Cranes
Abdullah Mubiru (in grey) smiles along with Cranes players during a training session at Lugogo, Mubiru was in charge of the last two games of the 2021 AFCON qualifiers | FUFA Image

A select few coaches, such as Mike Mutebi, Asaph Mwebaze, John Luyinda, Nelson Magera, Livingstone Mbabazi, and Douglas Bamweyana, place significant emphasis on teaching and nurturing the fundamental aspects of football. They shine as beacons of hope amidst the prevailing desire for immediate success. 

Nevertheless, it is not all despair and gloom. A new generation of coaches is on the rise, boasting experience in professional football as both players and staff.

Names like Ibra Ssekagya, Mike Azira, David Obua, Tony Mawejje, Sadam Juma, and Denis Onyango (when he decides to retire) are on the horizon, eagerly awaiting their chance to contribute.

Only when this promising generation fully emerges, persisting with the idea of appointing a local coach to manage the Cranes may prove futile.

The track record of local coaches handling junior national teams has yet to yield the desired results. They are often driven by a mindset fixated on victory rather than imparting the proper fundamentals of football to the next generation.

Reasons why Ugandan coaches are not adequately prepared to lead the Uganda Cranes
Former Uganda Cranes captain, Ibra Sekagya during a training session at Red Bulls II | NYR II Image

Perhaps it is time to awaken from this dream. For now, achieving success for the Uganda Cranes may require seeking coaching talent beyond our borders until the day arrives when the next generation of homegrown coaches finally comes forth, prepared to usher in a new era of football excellence.

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