Cranes shone in Gabon, Museveni tells Fifa boss

Entebbe. Cranes performance at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations drew mixed reactions in most quarters after Uganda exited at the first stage of the competition with a solitary point.

It was for many a decent participation after nearly four decades in the wilderness, but critics decried the team’s goal-shyness.

However, President Museveni has endorsed the team’s performance during his historic meeting with Fifa president Gianni Infantino at State House in Entebbe. Museveni told Infantino that he had been won over by Uganda’s showing in Gabon.

“I watched two games and was impressed,” Museveni noted in a meeting attended by sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi, Fufa president Moses Magogo and Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic.

“I’m actually going to write a letter congratulating you people. The first match you played well but lost focus – one of your players caused a goal. But I was happy.

“In the second match against Egypt, they told me that you also played well but gave away a mistake towards the end. “The third match against Mali, they scored and we scored.” When Micho interjected and pointed out that Uganda had managed a goal and a point for the first time in 39 years, Museveni responded in the affirmative.

“So you also got a point? That was very good.” The 46-year-old Swiss-Italian explained to Museveni that inexperience at the highest level of African football was Uganda’s Achilles heel.

Infantino then told Museveni that Fufa is held in high regard in Zurich where the Fifa headquarters are based. He, however, added that Uganda was being hindered by a lack of stadia. “We at Fifa recognize Fufa under Magogo as one of the best performing and most accountable federations not only in Africa but also in the world.”

Museveni, who declared that government would never interfere with football matters – a move that is penalized with a Fifa ban, likewise gave the local soccer governing body a seal of approval. “I’m very happy with Fufa under Magogo’s leadership because they make my people happy. And I want to send a letter of appreciation for the great work they are doing and we shall give them all the support.”(NMG)