Follow up these teenagers

Dec 29, 2002

There were lots of joie de vivre in Ugandan sport in 2002. But most importantly, the year again underlined the fact that talent abounds in this country, whose endowments are ironically not commensurate with her achievements

I Say So By James Bakama

THERE were lots of joie de vivre in Ugandan sport in 2002. But most importantly, the year again underlined the fact that talent abounds in this country, whose endowments are ironically not commensurate with her achievements.

The puzzle of Cranes’ 24-year old absence from the Nations Cup was aptly presented by a team of children in August.

A Kampala Kids League side hit the headlines by winning the U-14 version of the World Cup (Gothia Cup)on its maiden appearance.

As the world wondered why Uganda’s senior squad dare not tread where their juniors easily set foot, there were almost similar questions in athletics.

A 17-year-old student Kiprop Toroitich blazed his way to Uganda’s first individual world cross-country medal.

Save for Davis Kamoga’s 400 meter Olympic bronze in 1996, all Uganda could show in athletics glory since John Akii-Bua’s 1972 gold medal, were sparkles in the junior category.

Thereafter, somewhere along the way, these budding talents have failed to blossom to maturity.

One of the few cases to the contrary, though amidst extreme hardship, have been our boxers. As expected, they did not disappoint at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Uganda’s ruggers provided the other classic case of youth development by beating regional powers Kenya en route to winning the CAR Super Six Nations title.

A young Cranes side also showed potential of reclaiming the glory of the seventies by outwitting favourites Ghana.

At almost the same time, referee Ali Tomusange was also making history as the first Ugandan to officiate at the World Cup.

My prayer is that FUFA emulates the fast growing urge for success exhibited on the pitch.

And, for starters, there can be no better way of achieving this than handing Ugandans their first place in the Nations Cup finals in 24 years

But, most importantly as we start a new year, there is need to follow up upcoming talents in all disciplines.

We should for instance not wonder where the KKL side or Kiprop are five years down the road.

Speaking of which, where is Francis Ogola and Catherine Webombesa?

jbakama@newvision.co.ug

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