Show of support by fans is good start
Aug 06, 2006
<b>OPINION:</b><br>THE Uganda Cranes impressive friendly victory over Botswana on penalties on Saturday was also notable for one non-footballing aspect – the mammoth attendance.
By Paul Mbuga
THE Uganda Cranes impressive friendly victory over Botswana on penalties on Saturday was also notable for one non-footballing aspect – the mammoth attendance.
In past years, the national teams’ friendly matches were treated with incredible apathy, with alternative social calls – like local artistes’ album launches and the English Premier League – considered better forms of entertainment.
On Saturday, Nakivubo was bursting at the seams as Uganda, while not utterly convincing, ensured fans leave the stadium with bucketfuls of hope. Botswana, with all due respect, does not carry the same allure to local fans as regional rivals Kenya or Rwanda, but the the massive crowd belied that fact. FUFA also did well to charge a paltry sh2000 for entry, and the fans accordingly obliged.
Once the federation secures long-term sponsorship for the national team, such that an alternative source of funding, besides gate collections, is in the bag, non-prohibitive entry fees should as a rule be charged for national team engagements.
While it is crucial not to get overly optimistic, Laszlo Csaba’s handling of the national team has something to do with the increased attendance. The Hungarian has brought with him a fresh verve and bruising know-how that is far removed from his predecessors.
This is where the oft-touted revival of the country’s football will start – with the fans.
To have them attend Super League matches next season in the selfsame numbers will be the ultimate coup for FUFA.
Ends
THE Uganda Cranes impressive friendly victory over Botswana on penalties on Saturday was also notable for one non-footballing aspect – the mammoth attendance.
In past years, the national teams’ friendly matches were treated with incredible apathy, with alternative social calls – like local artistes’ album launches and the English Premier League – considered better forms of entertainment.
On Saturday, Nakivubo was bursting at the seams as Uganda, while not utterly convincing, ensured fans leave the stadium with bucketfuls of hope. Botswana, with all due respect, does not carry the same allure to local fans as regional rivals Kenya or Rwanda, but the the massive crowd belied that fact. FUFA also did well to charge a paltry sh2000 for entry, and the fans accordingly obliged.
Once the federation secures long-term sponsorship for the national team, such that an alternative source of funding, besides gate collections, is in the bag, non-prohibitive entry fees should as a rule be charged for national team engagements.
While it is crucial not to get overly optimistic, Laszlo Csaba’s handling of the national team has something to do with the increased attendance. The Hungarian has brought with him a fresh verve and bruising know-how that is far removed from his predecessors.
This is where the oft-touted revival of the country’s football will start – with the fans.
To have them attend Super League matches next season in the selfsame numbers will be the ultimate coup for FUFA.
Ends