Our sportsmen are too small

By James BakamaA Cranes contingent was in 1987 put to task with the least expected question shortly after arrival in Yaounde for an African Nations Cup qualifier.“Where are your players?” the bemused hosts asked.As the Ugandan officials struggled to explain while pointing at the likes of Ron Vubya and Richard Mugalu, the hosts asked why Cranes had brought a “junior team” for what was supposed to be a senior game.The Cameroonians, used to six -foot-plus players, were shocked by what, to them, was pint-sized opposition. The Indomitable Lions went on to teach the “youngsters” of Cranes a soccer lesson, winning 5-1.Watching the on-going Nations Cup finals evokes the 1987 memories. Imagine the much-sought-after Richard Malinga in a one-to-one battle with Cameroon’s Patrick Mboma! What about Yusuf Kinene against Tunisia’s defenders?These are comparisons that send a cold chill down the spine.That petit feeling is there even in other disciplines, underlining the extent to which size has undermined Ugandan sports.For instance, does Grace Birungi have a chance against the well built “Maputo Express” Maria Mutola? It all reminds me of the 1991 Tokyo World Championships where a Ugandan athlete failed to start after being mesmerised by towering Carl Lewis’ warm-up alone! Just imagine if the muscular Ben Johnson had also been in the blocks?In basketball, Ugandans would easily pass for midgets compared to US players who include seven footers like Shaquille O’Neal. It is even worse for the women in both basketball and volleyball. Here, both sports are dominated by short players with vast butts and bosoms. Not that small people have no place in competitive sports. They do, but, like the likes of Diego Maradona or Jackson Mayanja, they are immensely talented and are the exception on a team of 11.Ugandan sports coaches should therefore consider recruitment of the right talent right from childhood. Here, a scientific approach is also crucial because even size cannot prosper solely. ends