Ex-Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan vows to boost women's football

Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan has vowed to raise the bar in promoting women's football in Uganda.

Since January this year, he has partnered with Victoria High School in Katabi, Entebbe Municipality, to establish the Play On Foundation Football Academy.

Upon retirement, Ochan had always dreamed of giving back to football by starting an academy, following a path similar to his own career development. He progressed through Kampala Kids League (KKL) and Friends of Football (FOF), both of which had programs for boys and girls.

However, his vision shifted from focusing on boys to empowering girls after he visited a landing site in Entebbe Municipality along Lake Victoria and met a 16-year-old girl caring for two fatherless children. That encounter inspired Ochan and his partners to identify a meaningful niche, leading to the formation of the partnership.

Girls under the Play On Foundation Academy being trianed by Benjamin Ochan at Victoria High School

Now three months into operation, the project is steadily building a strong foundation. Ochan believes it is on course to become the first football academy in Entebbe dedicated to the development of the girl child.

“Based on the story of the young girl at the landing site, I am determined to use football to create a safer and more promising future for many girls. I am happy to start in Entebbe, where I was born and raised before being scouted to schools in Kampala,” said Ochan.

Ochan commended Victoria High School for providing training space, moral support, and a conducive environment for the girls to play and grow.

“This is a sports-oriented school with strengths in football, netball, rugby, athletics, and frisbee, among others, but girls’ football had been lacking,” he noted.

Familiarity with some of the school’s staff made it easier to integrate the project into the institution, which was originally known as a German school. He added that girls from neighboring schools have started turning up for trials and are quickly picking up skills.

“We are aiming to build one of the strongest girls’ football teams to compete at the national level. The teachers are also opening up opportunities, making this a nursery for clubs and university teams,” Ochan emphasized.

Beyond football, the Play On Foundation seeks to equip the girls with life skills to help them become responsible and impactful members of society. Ochan believes that even if only a few succeed, they can inspire many—just as Dorcus Inzikuru did when she won gold in the 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships.

The school director, Robert Ngudo, said the partnership is key to enhancing both sporting and academic opportunities for the girls.

“We partnered with Play On Foundation to benefit from Ochan’s experience and exposure. Girls’ football has lagged behind, yet many of these girls come from underprivileged backgrounds. We want to give them a chance to excel nationally and internationally,” Ngudo said.

Fatuma Kasule, a South African-born student, is among the beneficiaries already inspired by the initiative.

“I am grateful to the school and Coach Ochan for introducing girls’ football here. I used to play with my brothers from the age of 10 but lacked proper structure. I play in defense but can also move into midfield. I dream of becoming a national team star,” she said.

Joy Nanyonyo, another player, dreams of playing as a number 10, inspired by French star Kylian Mbappé.

“Mbappé is strong, fast, and a great team player. I thank the school and Coach Ochan for this opportunity. I want Victoria High to have the strongest girls’ team in Entebbe,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shanita Namusuubo, an aspiring goalkeeper, switched from netball to football in search of a more competitive and expressive sport.

“Football has made me stronger. Unlike netball, the physicality here has built my confidence. I no longer fear, and my parents are happy with my progress. Training has also made us more disciplined and responsible,” she noted.

Ochan has called on fellow retired footballers to actively contribute to the development of the game, in line with the grassroots football vision championed by FUFA president Moses Magogo. He added that engaging in such initiatives helps former players remain active, avoid premature health challenges, and stay connected to the sport rather than falling into hardship.