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That Uganda is by far the most polished footballing side in East and Central Africa region is never debatable.
The Uganda Cranes have won more regional titles than any other side, only rivalled by Kenya who have won six East and Central Senior Challenge titles, almost half of what the western neighbours have.
And while Kenya has been to more Africa Cup of Nations appearances, it is Uganda who have gone to the finals of the competition in 1978 losing to Ghana. Kenya is yet to go past the first round in five appearances.
Uganda will be in Gabon in January, making their frst appearance in the continental soccer fiesta for the first time in 38 years.
They have waited for so long, but finally they made it and in style qualifying from a group that had Burkina Faso-the finalists in 2013.
But as they struggled to make a return to the African soccer showcase, Uganda were building a strong foundation, one that may as well ensure they end up becoming the first side in the region to qualify to the World Cup. a week ago, Uganda beat Congo by a solitary goal, a result that followed their previous barren draw with Ghana in Accra and as it stands now, Uganda and Egypt are on the driving seat for a ticket to Russia 2018.
But what is Uganda doing right than other regional nations like Kenya arent?
According to Uganda soccer commentator Andrew Kabuura, Uganda players are known to be hardworking, discipline and physically gifted.
“The federation may have their shortfalls but they have given the national team all the support it needs,” said Kabura.
“Then the government too creates the ample environment for the team to train well. The welfare of the players is well catered for and their immediate needs met,” he added.
But beyond that, Kabura states, Uganda players are extremely patriotic and would die for the national jersey.
Kabura says there is cohesion within the national team and all players work for each other.
In ten years, Uganda has lost at the Namboole Stadium only once. giant sides like Nigeria have been beaten in Kampala and Kabura says, Uganda fears no foe when they are playing the Nelson Mandela Stadium in namboole.
The consistency and continuity in the team is also one of the strengths.
“We have maintained the same group of players over the last three to four years. Of course there are new introductions but the core has stayedb the same. And I feel that cohesion has been crucial. The brilliant run we have in Namboolem where we have lost only once (to Togo in 2014) is mainly because of the pride our players have when they are representing the country,” observes Kabura.
“Then of course the home support has been everything . I doubt if there is any other national team with passionate support like the Cranes.”
Kabura says the coaching department has been very consistent. Before the coming of coach Miluitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, Uganda had Scot Bobby Williamson who was at the helm for five years. Micho has now been in charge for three years and has already won a ticket to the Africa Cup of nations.
“Micho has been very conservative in many games. He has built a team that can not only win atb home but also get the results away.”
According to Kabura, Uganda has the talent and it is evident with the performance of their exports.
In Kenya, the performing players are Ugandans. From the days of Majid Musisi and Tim Ayieko to Dan Sserunkuma and Khaliod Auchop Uganda players have made a name in Kenyan football. Uganda today has a Africa Champions League winner in goalkeeper Dennis Onyango-never mind his second name.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, it has been infighting at the federation and disorganisation that has cost the nation from growing into a soccer powerhouse.
While this is expected to change with a new management at the federation, Kenya is paying the price of years of lack of investment in the game and the governments disinterest in supporting the development of the game.
Kenya will be watching as Uganda play in the AFCON and fight for a ticket to the world cup.
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa says the country will pick up.
“We have set a target of playing in the 2022 World Cup and we must achieve that. We are doing everything to reach there,” he said.
Mwendwa’s dreams are valid but as it is now, Kenya continues to play second fiddle in the region as Uganda rules.
