Di Matteo tips local coaches

By Julius Senyimba 

ON his first visit in Uganda, the former Chelsea and Italy midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, who coached the Blues to the UEFA Champions League title in 2012 launched a fantasy football game dubbed ‘Guinness Football Manager’ at Protea Hotel on Tuesday. 

“I am excited to be here in Uganda to launch this new fantasy game where you will play my role, to be the boss. We (managers) know that you think you could pick a better team than us, here is your chance to try it out in a game that engages the community,” Di Matteo stated. 

Di Matteo upon arrival at Entebbe Airport with the bouquet of flowers which was presented to him. Photo by Michael Nsubuga.

The new game which instantly replaced the well-known Guinness Football Challenge will see soccer fans who have always wondered why sometimes their team’s manager tinkers with a winning side or doesn't stick to a certain set of players. 

Here, a fan becomes the manager of their very own football team and calls the shots. 

Speaking during the unveiling, Mark Mugisha, UBL marketing manager said “We incredibly excited about the launch of the fantasy football game where we are offering fans more exciting football experiences everyone can play and enjoy.” 

Di Matteo poses with models Becky Bakkabulindi and Tina Nakabale at Entebbe Airport before heading to Kampala. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The game is now live play from yesterday as long as you are signed up member on the Guinness VIP website m.guinnessvip.com which has lots of prizes to be won. Merchandise will be up for grab plus cash prizes worth 5M to the manager of the season and a monthly.

 Di Matteo meets Ugandan coaches 

The 43-year-old, who has managed top clubs in England like Milton Keynes Dons, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea then conducted a workshop at Namboole Stadium which was attended by a number of local coaches. 

He later demonstrated what he had taught in a 40 minute training session with Sports Club Victoria University players.