Ten years ago, Uganda’s story in the U-17 Fifa World Cup was about assistant referee Mark Ssonko who officiated in the tournament hosted in India.
But later today, Uganda’s under-17 team will be making its bow as the first one from the Pearl of Africa, to compete at this stage, when they take on Canada at 6:45pm in Qatar.
This is a watershed moment for Ugandan football, as the Under-17 team, the Cubs aim to go as far as possible against 47 other nations at the tournament, which started on Monday, November 3 and runs up to November 27.
The Cubs team was boosted by the return to its ranks of three vital players: Abubakali Walusimbi, Araphat Nkoola and Brian Ijara (Jjara). The trio were instrumental in the Cecafa qualifiers held in Nakivubo last year, yet missed the Africa under-17 Championship that was held in Morocco.
Even in the absence of Trevor Mubiru, who missed out because of Senior Four examinations, the addition of Edrisah Waibi, John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive), Nuwagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC junior team captain) and Gilbert Mazige, is expected to lift the team’s overall performance.
Head coach Brain Ssennyondo said the added players would also boost the team’s physicality beyond the fact that they are also technically gifted. They were a big miss in Morocco earlier this year.
This is largely owed to the fact that Waibi, Ijara, Nkoola and Walusimbi were starters during the Cecafa qualifiers, and played a pivotal role. That said, the team’s time together did not seem to be ample because of the academic demands on the players, as a host of them are still in school.
Yet, at major tournaments like this, team chemistry, which is built over time of bonding and training together, is important. In group ‘K’ where Uganda is, they are the clear underdogs.
France and Canada are appearing at this big stage for the ninth time, while Chile are making a sixth appearance. In fact, in recent times, France has produced some emerging talents at top clubs.
For example, from the tournament in 2017 were Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Illan Meslier (Leeds United), and Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid). While this is proof of the quality France has produced, it should also be inspiring to Uganda’s under-17 team.
Hamza Ssengooba, who is among the leaders of the Ugandan team, said: “Personal mentality and individual preparation will be key in a hard group that has experienced teams.”
Sengooba emphasized that focus is on approaching the tournament with discipline both on and off the pitch. He believes this will allow, team to perform at this highest level. Sengooba said the right mental approach will shape his performance.
Uganda Cubs has players who have progressed through different age ranks like U-15, playing in the Odilo cup, an initiative by the Fufa for primary school footballers. Players like Enock Bagenda and Nkoola all went through this.
Ssenyondo hopes they bring experience to the team seeing the organic football development they have gone through. After the Wednesday, November 5 game, Uganda will return to action on Saturday, November 8 at 3:30pm against Chile, before concluding their group games against France on Tuesday, November 11 at 3:30pm.
Germany are the defending champions of this tournament, while Nigeria are record five-time champions of the Fifa under-17 World Cup.
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