Fufa wants Shs3b for Uganda Cranes-Comoros Afcon fixture
Cranes forward Farouk Miya (R) would have progressed much further with career guidance.
What you need to know:
Soccer. Federation plans to give each player at least Shs33m in bonuses should the team qualify for Afcon
KAMPALA.
Local soccer governing body Fufa are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare for the big day – September 3 - when Uganda Cranes face Comoros in their last 2017 Afcon qualifying match at Namboole.
Fufa have tabled a Shs3b budget to government to prepare the team for the match, according to a source, who asked to remain anonymous.
On Tuesday, Fufa president, Moses Magogo, accompanied by Sports Minister, Charles Bakkabulindi and NCS officials, met with representatives of President Museveni’s advisor on security, Gen Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh, and handed over their budget. Although refusing to reveal the actual figures, Fufa publicist, Hussein Ahmed, said the budgeted funds are to cater for player bonuses, tickets and accommodation.
“Those players may get bonuses to the tune of $10,000 (Shs33m) each and we want to have enough finances as we prepare to erase the 39-year jinx,” Hussein added. Uganda Cranes are tied on 10 points with Group D leaders Burkina Faso and a win at Namboole will guarantee coach Micho Sredojevic’s team an appearance at the continental showpiece in Gabon. President Yoweri Museveni gave Shs771m to Cranes last year ahead of their 1-0 away win over Comoros. Micho returned from leave yesterday to kick start the qualification bid preparations.
Meanwhile, Ajuri County MP, Hamson Obua, also tasked Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, on the issue of Cranes’ funding yesterday. “Uganda last played in the African Cup in 1978 and we are now left with 54 days to the last game of the qualifiers. Just like our country earmarked Shs1b towards the campaign of AU chair, how much have we earmarked to support our national team in preparation for the campaign come the match day?” Obua asked during the weekly Prime Minister’s Question Time, in Parliament.
Rugunda responded: “You may be aware that government has been very generous in making money available to support Uganda Cranes in these tournament especially in the African Cup. Government will do all is possible to support the Uganda team and ensure success,” he said.
CHURCH JOINS CRANES CAMPAIGN
Relatedly, Seeta Archdiocese head, Venerable Enos Kitto Kagodo, announced their plans to stage a marathon on August 13 in Mukono as part of the Uganda Cranes mobilization drive. “We are going to pray for Cranes from now until the match day and we believe a miracle (progressing) will happen this time. The army commander (Gen Katumba Wamala) will be the chief runner and proceeds will go to renovation of the school for the needy at Seeta C/U,” Ven.Kagodo said at the Fufa Press conference in Mengo yesterday.
