BY FRED KAWEESI

VIRTUALLY all the successful footballers that have prominently rocked Ugandan football over the years at one stage or another had a football figure they looked out to for inspiration.

Cranes captain Ibrahim Sekagya idolised Jimmy Kirunda, while David Obua had always looked out to the father’s abilities for encouragement.

The two internationals have gone on to cement reputations as some of the finest stars in Europe.

They have built reputations every youngster in the football squads at the Ambrosoli International school and Kiswa Primary in Bugolobi would want to match or even better in future after meeting the Cranes team last week.

The entire Cranes Squad, led by the coach Bobby Williamson, met the youngsters with intension of improving their football knowledge.

“We wanted our children to be inspired by the team and it was success,” Nicci Martin, business manager at the Ambrosoli International School stated yesterday.

“They taught them different techniques and skills.”

The Cranes not only showed the youngsters incredible tricks and skills, but also played a match before holding an open question and answer session.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our football squad and it will certainly be a day to remember,”

The Cranes are currently preparing for the second leg of their Africa Nations Championship against Burundi next week.

The two sides played out to a 1-1 draw in the first leg and all that Cranes need is a goalless draw or win to progress to the second round of the tournament meant for the local-based players.

The match will be played at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.