FIFA impressed by Uganda's passion and belief in the Cranes

FIFA marketing partnerships manager, Felicity George (right) discusses the implications of the World Cup tour. She is flanked by Simon Kaheru, Maggie Kigozi and Patrick Oyulu in Kampala. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

FIFA marketing partnerships manager, Felicity George has clarified that the concept of the World Cup trophy tour is meant to take the joy and excitement of the World Cup tournament around the world.

George who accompanied the trophy to Uganda was discussing the implications of the trophy tour during an interaction with a panel that included FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, Coca Cola Regional Sales and Marketing Manager Patrick Oyulu, Public Affairs and Communication Director Simon Kaheru and Coca Cola Regional Marketing Manager Maggie Kigozi at Serena Hotel before the trophy left for Nigeria.

"The aim for us as FIFA and Coke is to bring the joy and excitement of the World Cup around the world. It is designed to make sure everyone can have their piece of the World Cup, that is why it is so exciting for us to be in Uganda," George said.

She said she was amazed how passionate the Ugandans can be when she visited the Coca Cola plant in Namanve and found all employees draped in Cranes jerseys.

"I had never seen such a thing. The passion and faith you have for your national team is amazing," Felicity noted.

She said it was Coca Cola that had enabled them to reach massive audiences around the world and through their football programmes such as  the Copa Coca Cola.

Kaheru expressed optimism that Uganda will qualify for the World Cup in the near future.

"The presence of this trophy in Uganda makes us believe that we can actually win it through our football skills. The passion we have, gives us that extra motivation that this particular icon; we see it, feel it and take photos with it, our children will start to aspire for it and that is the attitude we want to build,"

Kigozi on the other hand said Coca Cola as a brand was keen on developing football noting that in Uganda they had supported it through the Copa Coca Cola which made 25 years this year.

"The reason we do that is to develop skills from the grassroots in conjuction with the education ministry. So bringing the cup here is to inspire these talents but we are also giving back to our consumers who have supported us for a long time and made us market leaders," Kigozi noted.

Watson noted that the biggest symbol of success in football is the World Cup and that having it in Uganda was symbol that FIFA recognizes FUFA and government efforts they are putting in developing the game from the grassroots.