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Because it is the same federation that opted for a more expensive option when the Cranes faced Tanzania, questions must be asked.
The Crested Cranes find themselves in a similar position their Uganda Cranes counterparts were in a few months ago, having to play a home game away from home.
On Wednesday, FUFA confirmed that the Crested Cranes would play both games of their 2024 Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Rwanda at the Kigali Pele Stadium.
The first leg, which Uganda will host, is slated for July 12, while the return leg will come a week later.
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08:03 - 05.07.2023
FOOTBALL Uganda to host qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali
Uganda does not have a CAF accredited stadium to host a specific criterion of matches organized under CAF including the senior Uganda Cranes games.
In the federation’s communication, there is barely an explanation regarding the reasons behind the decision to hand Rwanda the home advantage.
The federation mouthpiece Ahmed Hussein only noted that: “With unavailability of CAF standard Stadiums for hosting matches of these magnitude, our option is to implore using venues outside the country until the Mandela National stadium is completed. The other option St. Mary’s stadium Kitende is not available for use as it is undergoing renovation works.”
What is no longer up for debate is whether Uganda has the facilities to host these high-calibre activities.
And until Namboole is ready, Uganda will continue to be in this kind of dilemma, with teams being denied home advantage in different competitions.
St. Mary’s Kitende, which has been the go-to facility previously, is under renovation, and that has left Uganda naked.
But FUFA could have found another venue if their explanation of not wanting to give Tanzania the home advantage in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers was legitimate.
Not long ago, the same federation chose to host Tanzania in Egypt, yet a trip across the border could have been a cheaper option.
So, why not do the same for the Crested Cranes? Why give Rwanda the opportunity to play two games on home soil?
Doesn’t that give them an advantage in the tie?
There are more questions than answers. Economically, it might make sense.
But because it is the same federation that opted for a more expensive option when the Cranes faced Tanzania, questions must be asked.
Is it a case of FUFA realising they had blundered when they took the Cranes to Egypt?
Maybe it is because the federation is confident the Crested Cranes can defeat the She Amavubi and progress to the next level regardless of where the games are played.
There is more than meets the eye, and a proper explanation is the least Ugandans deserve.
What Ugandans deserve most, however, is the government’s serious investment in sports infrastructure to avoid the inconvenience that comes with playing home fixtures miles away from home.
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