Madagascan names puzzle hotel clerks

May 30, 2014

FOOTBALLERS won’t be the only ones fighting for breath in tomorrow’s Nations Cup encounter. Uganda’s radio and television commentators are also headed for a tough time

By James Bakama

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FOOTBALLERS won’t be the only ones fighting for breath in tomorrow’s Nations Cup encounter.

Uganda’s radio and television commentators are also headed for a tough time.

So, what exactly is it that is giving Ugandan journalists sleepless nights?

It’s the names of the visitors that have caused quite a stir. How would you for instance go about a name like Francois Randrianomenjanahary in a goalmouth melee involving three other players?

That this 20 letter nightmare is just one of several long names that Ugandans will have to come to terms with, has sent commentators into serious practice.

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If you thought Randrianomenjanahary is a mouthful, what about Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary? You also have Carulous Andriamatsinoro.

The nightmare began as the Madagascans checked in at Makerere’s Global Hotel. Hotel staff were at pains registering the long names.

But maybe Uganda versus Madagascar shouldn’t raise eyebrows. It could be worse if the Indian Ocean island played Brazil. 

The South Americans would easily take on Madagascar in a contest of name length. That Barcelona star you know as Neymar is actually Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.

Chelsea’s Ramires is Ramires Santos do Nascimento while Portugese star Ronaldo is Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro.

Ugandan commentators might like has become common with the Brazil and Portugal’s case also have to opt for the shorter Madagascan first names.

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