FLASHBACK | 2007: When Michael Ezra gifted the Cranes $100,000

Eighteen years ago, Ugandan football fans witnessed one of the most talked-about gestures of sports philanthropy in the country’s history.

It was August 1, 2007, and the Uganda Cranes had just edged Niger in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Namboole Stadium. The win sparked nationwide celebration, but it was what followed days later that truly made headlines.

Businessman Michael Ezra, a new but already influential figure in Ugandan football, made good on his bold promise: a $100,000 cash reward to the national team.

In a hastily arranged private ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala, Ezra handed out cash rewards to the Cranes stars without the knowledge or involvement of the football governing body, FUFA.

Among those present were three South Africa-based professionals: Timothy Batabaire, Denis Onyango, and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma, whose return flights had also been paid for by Ezra.

A Mixed Reaction

The move drew both praise and frustration. Then-FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa was vocal about being left out of the proceedings.

“As much as we appreciate what Ezra has done for the Cranes, I am not happy with the way the function was handled,” Mulindwa lamented. “Calling players from abroad is the responsibility of the federation, and we should have been involved. I am only learning of the ceremony from other people.”

At the time, FUFA had revealed it had spent approximately sh1.8 billion over six months preparing the Cranes for the Nations Cup qualifiers.

While fans and players rejoiced, not everyone could be part of the moment. David Obua (Kaizer Chiefs) and Geoffrey Massa (Jomo Cosmos) couldn’t secure clearance from their clubs to attend.

Still, all 16 players who featured in the victory over Niger each received $5,000 (approx. sh9 million). Head coach Laszlo Csaba walked away with $15,000, while his assistants Polly Ouma and Jackson Mayanja received $2,500 apiece. All payments were made in cash—except for the Europe-based players, whose share was wired directly.

Those included:Ibrahim Sekagya (Austria), Nestroy Kizito (Serbia), Abubaker Tabula (Sweden), Andrew Mwesigwa (Iceland) and Noah Kasule (Armenia).

A Turning Point

Assistant captain Timothy Batabaire summed up the team’s gratitude: “Ezra has completely changed the face of Ugandan football. There were times when Ugandan players were a laughing stock, but that will certainly never be again.”

“What we can only wish for him is wisdom and guidance from God. He and FUFA president Mulindwa have helped this team, and Government should emulate them.”

Michael Ezra had burst onto the Ugandan football scene just a year earlier in October 2006, when he covered air tickets worth sh60 million for the Cranes’ away fixture against Niger—at a time when resources were severely limited and national team participation at the Africa Cup of Nations had been a decades-long drought since 1978.

Legacy of a Moment

While Ezra’s involvement in Ugandan football would later fade, this single act remains etched in the Cranes’ modern history, a moment when private support met national pride and helped galvanize a team that was struggling for recognition.

It wasn’t just a handout; for many players, it was validation.

And for the country, it was a glimpse into what Ugandan football could become with belief, backing and bold benefactors.