By Frank Kamuntu
Kampala: FUFA has confirmed a package of four Million Uganda Shillings (UGX 4,000,000) to each member of the victorious Uganda U-20 team that qualified for the 2021 Total AFCON Finals to be hosted by Mauritania.
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The announcement made on Friday morning at Jevine Hotel- Rubaga follows Wednesday’s communication by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo who had talked to the entire contingent before taking on Tanzania in the final of the CAF/ CECAFA U-20 Zonal Qualifiers in Karuta. He had told them that each person would get USD 700 and USD 300 for qualifying and winning the cup respectively.
In local currency, that would have been around UGX 3.7M but FUFA instead rounded off the figure to make it UGX 4M. The players and officials will also get camp allowances for the period they were away from home.
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In his briefing to players last night, Eng. Magogo stated that the Federation is going to embark on preparations and Programmes for the Final Tournament in Mauritania. He urged the players to keep focused spiritually, mentally and physically.
“I am proud of having watched the game. I liked the hunger and desire to win shown by the players in every game. It was a strong fight and we are proud of the display from the players. FUFA will give UGX 4M to each member of the contingent,” said FUFA President.
He added, “Five years ago we started the Juniors league and most of these players are products from the project. It is not by coincidence that we are the CECAFA Champions for U15, U17 and U20.”
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“The next baton is about preparing the team to win the AFCON U20 Finals and not just qualifying. We want to prepare you as great players by winning at the continent and qualifying for the world cup,” noted the FUFA President.
At the same function, Uganda U20 National team (Hippos) Head Coach Morley Byekwaso applauded the Federation for the support and trust in him.
“I thank the Federation for the support and trust in me. I am privileged to lead the team to success. I trusted and selected the players on merit but those who were not spiritually healthy were left out because they could not achieve anything,” said Byekwaso.
‘We played practice matches that helped me to analyse the ability of my players. I thank the players for the performance and working together as a family in every game that we played. We request the Federation to have early preparations for the AFCON Finals so that we can maintain what has been achieved’ added Morley Byekwaso.
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Head of Delegation FUFA Executive Committee Member Ariga Rasoul appreciated the players and cautioned them to remain consistent, concentrate and prepare for the final tournament in Mauritania in late February 2021.
“It has been a successful tournament for the team. It was a good team but now needs consistency. I urge the players to concentrate and maintain discipline. The performance we put up is the justification that we are progressing as a Federation,” said Ariga.
