Fans to view World Cup trophy in Nov

By Fred Kaweesi

UGANDA’S enduring love affair with qualification for the soccer World Cup has for decades proved to be a roller-coaster of agony and distant dream.

But Coca-Cola will help millions realize that cherished dream, by bringing home the tournament’s coveted trophy in November this year.

The World Cup trophy is expected to traverse more than 50 African countries, including Uganda.

The four-month tour which kicks off in Egypt on September 24, 2009, was developed through a partnership between FIFA and Coca-Cola, who are world soccer governing body’s partners and one of the association’s longest-standing corporate partners.

“It will give thousands of fans in Uganda the extraordinary chance to get close to the real trophy,” said Steve Okeyo, the Senior Operations and Marketing Manager - Uganda for Coca- Cola East and Central Africa.

“Through this tour and other promotions leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Coca-Cola will celebrate the passion and excitement that all of Africa has for football,” Okeyo hastened to add.

The first leg of the tour will end in Cape Town, South Africa on December 3, 2009, six months before the first World Cup tournament in Africa kicks off.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Coca-Cola,” said Jerome Valcke, FIFA Secretary General.

“We believe that the tour will capture the imagination of Africa’s people, enabling them to get closer to football’s top prize.”

Free tickets to the tour will be made available during Coca-Cola promotions.

The firm sponsors the COPA Coca-Cola football tournament which involves over 70 teams countrywide with the finals of this year’s event due in Fort Portal next month.