Museveni could unite Africa for soccer glory in Brazil, 2014

By Tom Ongeso

World Cup kicks off this Thursday but Africa’s temperature and pulse four years ago could have been higher than what the conventional thermometer and stethoscope could measure.

The continent’s feelings were fever-pitch because in hosting the soccer world cup finals for the first time, there was overwhelming excitement, frenzy, even expectations of Africa’s first victory. This was underscored by the exuberant character of the South African hosts, with cheer-leader no less than the immortal Nelson Mandela.

Africa’s condition today is the opposite case of high-blood pressure, also difficult to measure. There is fear that Brazil is simply not the hunting ground for Africa’s best five which, uncannily, comprise Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Algeria. In an inimical plot, they are in the tournament’s “groups of death.”  Cameroon will perhaps only advance after beating Brazil to kick out the host at the group stage. There is also a conspicuous absence of a cheer-leader.

President Museveni, already heroic for sponsoring an exclusive telecast for Ugandan viewers, could spin around Africa’s gloom to glory from his insight of Brazil, pan-Africanism, statesmanship, combat organization and as a soccer player.  

Brazil, the 2014 world cup setting, is attractive in the way its people balance their religious passion for soccer with the moral question of the astronomical budget for the tournament, at the cost of production and core social services. Brazilians who feel it is their divine right to lift this cup are the same ones rioting at the budget. This objectivity pleases leaders of Museveni’s stature, who attack soccer-betting businesses for engaging the productive hours of able-bodied citizens.

As a pan-African, Museveni can make a clarion call to the leaders of Africa’s world cup representatives to be on a continental mission. This should inspire the players to know that they have the support of hundreds of millions.

As a statesman and diplomat, Museveni could reach out through the relevant AU organs and Africa’s diplomatic missions to create and sustain minimum welfare standards for the continent’s teams and coaching outfits. Africa has world-class players, but the teams can be intimidated by the opulent standards of teams from the US, Europe and Asia, whose Presidents may as well attend. Yet, with assured welfare, the natives of Africa could take advantage and win in the frightening stadia in Brazil’s Amazon jungles.  

In combat organisation, Museveni could communicate the ultimate goals of bravery and victory. There is a compelling case to countervail a syndrome in Africa to reach a certain stage in the contest, but not the cup. Museveni, a soccer player, could therefore make the first call to inspire the players to seek ultimate glory.  

As Uganda’s model, six tents could be set up at the Constitutional Square to enable fans sign or send on-line inspirational messages and make financial contribution for the teams’ welfare. The colourful flags of the five African nations, with banners shouting their names, should fly high, with Uganda’s at the center. Museveni, with the nations’ heads of mission in Uganda, may bless the function and launch a blood-donation drive as an input for Brazil and brotherhood in Africa.

Finally, President Museveni, with a lightning knack for regional diplomacy, may secure and flag-off in Uganda’s Mandela Stadium a shadow world cup final, with a trophy, between the Uganda Cranes and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, wearing Brazil colours. The high turnover of gate collections at the pro-people price of sh5,000 shall be channeled to the Cranes’ campaign for AFCON, 2015 and World Cup, 2018. The private sector should help at every stage and throughout the project.

The writer is a co-founder of the Adrian Oriekot Football Tournament in

Kaberamaido District