Will Bobby become the first foreign coach to qualify us?

Sep 29, 2011

IF Uganda does the expected, walks on the pitch with purpose and confidence and then proceed to turn the tables on our rich neighbors from the other side of the fence—Harambe Stars—coach Bobby Williamson will have made history as the foreign coach ever to have led Uganda to the finals of the Nations Cup since 1968.

By Joseph Batte

IF Uganda does the expected, walks on the pitch with purpose and confidence and then proceed to turn the tables on our rich neighbors from the other side of the fence—Harambe Stars—coach Bobby Williamson will have made history as the foreign coach ever to have led Uganda to the finals of the Nations Cup since 1968.

Since that time Uganda has had 21 coaches. Among these six are foreigners, including Bobby. The others are Burkhard Pape (1968–1972), Westerhoff Otto (1974–1975) Germany, Harrison Okagbue (1999–2001) Nigerian, Pedro Pasculli (2003) Argentinean, Muhammed Abbas (2004–2006) Egyptian, and Csaba Laszlo (2006–2008) Romanian.

Bukhard Pape is credited for laying the foundation of the successful 1978 team and introducing a dynamic style of entertaining football based on the renowned German tactical discipline and hard work. Two years after he left, the Cranes which was coached by David Otti qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia.

Westerhoff Otto took over from Otti but his reign was short-lived. Pedro Pasculli, who coached through an interpreter, abandoned the team and so did Laslo Csaba when Hearts of Scotland came knocking with a fatter check book in 2008.

The most successful coaches have been Ugandans. Otti in 1974, Peter Okee in 1978.

The latter returned in 1983, but could not help the Cranes repeat their previous exploits in Ghana.

Polly Ouma (1989-1999) came very close in 1993, but his reign will forever be remembered for heartbreak after Adam Semugabi’s treacherous miss against Nigeria’s Super Eagles at Nakivubo.

In 2003 the Cranes were on the brink of qualification with Paul Hasule at the helm when lack of mental fitness (and sheer stupidity) saw Rwanda bundle us out and qualify at our expense.

Will Bobby Williamson emulate Peter Okee and guide the Cranes to the finals of the Nations Cup?

Below is the full list of former Cranes coaches since 1968.

- B.Pape (1968–1972) German
- D.Otti (1973–1974) Ugandan
- W.Otto (1974–1975) German
- P.Okee (1976–1981)Ugandan
- B.Ssali (1982) Ugandan
- Peter Okee (1983) Ugandan
- G.Mukasa (1984–1985) Ug
- B.Mwesiga (1986–1988) Ug
- R.Kiberu (1988–1989) Ug
- P.Ouma (1989–1995) Ug
- T.Ayieko (1995–1996) Ug
- A.Lubowa (1996–1999) Ug
- P.Hasule (1999) Ugandan
- H.Okagbue (1999–2001) Nig
- P.Hasule (2001–2003) Ug
- P.Pasculli (2003) A’tinean
- L.Adraa (2003–2004) Ug
- Mike Mutebi (2004) Ugandan
- M.Abbas (2004–2006) Egypt
- C.Laszlo (2006–2008) Hun.
- Bobby (2008–present) Scot

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