FUFA pledge an impressive 2013

By Swalley Kenyi

DESPITE another failed attempt to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup finals in 2012, FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa remains optimistic that 2013 will present tremendous success.

While issuing his 2012 end of year speech this morning, Mulindwa called for a joint effort from Ugandans to ensure that the Cranes qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Uganda has so far gathered two points from their two games against Angola and Senegal with four matches to play. 

The Cranes will face Liberia in two home and away fixtures before engaging Angola and Senegal later in the year.

Mulindwa hinted that to achieve international success for the national side, FUFA will need more support from volunteers.

“I commend Uganda Cranes Initiative (UCI) and Mr. Robert Kabushenga in particular for their effort to uplift the Cranes status. What has happened before is that when Cranes fail, people come out with all sorts of artillery against FUFA. UCI took a different approach aimed at solving failure,” Mulindwa said.

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Mulindwa hsnds over referees' badges to Brian Nsubuga at the FUFA offices in Mengo

“Let more Ugandans join us (FUFA/UCI) to get many more formulae that will enable the Cranes to qualify (for Nations and World Cup finals). My vision is to take the Cranes to Nations Cup or the World Cup,” Mulindwa added.

During Mulindwa’s eight year reign at the helm of Ugandan football, the Cranes have narrowly missed qualification, sparking off criticism from sections of football fans.

He however feels that with joint effort from football fans in the country combined with the emergency of new talent that includes youngsters like Godfrey Kizito, Joseph Ochaya, Robert Ssentongo, Saidi Kyeyune, Nicholas Wadada and Moses Oloya, Uganda will achieve its dream.

FUFA will go to polls later this year and Mulindwa has said that he will be seeking his third and final term at the helm of the federation.

“We want to organise free and fair elections,” Mulindwa stated.

Among the 2013 resolutions, FUFA plan to qualify for the CHAN Championships and develop women football around the country.