All set for Cranes match against French troops

French Ambassador to Uganda Stephane Rivoal has promised to open the door for Ugandans to play at French clubs.

While addressing the media about the French-Uganda Friendship Week, Rivoal said that she would use her contacts to help Ugandan players go to France.

A football match has been organised between Uganda Cranes and a team from the French Military at Namboole on Saturday.

Rivoal said the game was the beginning to for Ugandan footballers get to French clubs.

Other than Majid Musisi who impressed at French side Stade Rennais between 1992-94, no other known Ugandan has played in France.

"I wanted the French national football team but I learnt that the rules don't allow them to play with the Cranes because they have different rankings. I will use my contacts with French clubs to see the Cranes and go and play there," Rivoal said.

She said that although many French people don't know about Uganda she will use the visibility from Saturday's friendly to sell Uganda in France.

FUFA president Moses Magogo said if the plans work out, the partnership with the French would help Ugandan players find their way into top European clubs easily.

Design contest

The winning designer for the new national men and women football team jerseys between will pocket sh5m, FUFA announced at the launch of the competition on Wednesday.

Magogo said FUFA wanted Ugandans to participate in designing three different new kits for the Cranes, She Cranes and the junior national teams with red, white and yellow as the predominant colours.