Its just about money, not football: David Obua lambasts the FUFA Drum

David Obua refuses to be pressured into forcing victories|URA FC IMAGE

Its just about money, not football: David Obua lambasts the FUFA Drum

Allan Damba • 13:02 - 24.11.2023

The timing of the matches in the competition, the players eligible to feature, and its role towards football growth in the country puzzles the Uganda Cranes legend.

"I am not trying to take anyone's money," URA FC head coach David Obua reminded as he gave his lengthy and thorough analysis of the concept of the FUFA Drum tournament.

The timing of the matches in the competition, the players eligible to feature, and its role towards football growth in the country puzzles the Uganda Cranes legend.

Its just about money, not football: David Obua lambasts the FUFA Drum

"You go back to people playing a tournament like Drum during a competitive phase of football; it doesn't make sense," Obua stung in his post-match press conference after URA's 2-0 defeat to Vipers SC at Kitende on Thursday.

"If we want to select players from the villages or new talent, leave the players who are in a competitive phase out of Drum," he added.

Instant long distances after Uganda Premier League or Uganda Cup matches, coupled with no recovery time, have been the regular rail of the FUFA Drum.

Obua in training with URA|URA FC IMAGE

"I know why they're taking these players to play Drum, because of the monetary factor, so it doesn't make sense because I'm having my best players go to play."

Obua disagrees with the concept of the competition and feels it should be revised to have an impact rather than take a toll on players and their parent clubs.

"We need to understand that you are punishing the players. If a player got injured during Drum, it's the club that treats him; it doesn't make sense."

Obua in training with URA|URA FC IMAGE

"I'm not trying to take anyone's money, but we're talking about the main component of football, and it's the players; the national team is okay, but what is Drum, and what is the essence of Drum?" Obua asked rhetorically.

"If you want to get new talent, give kids from Amolatar or other districts to play," he advised.

Obua feels FUFA should borrow a leaf from the Buganda Masaza Cup, which bars UPL players from the competition, to develop fresher talent.

"What's Masaza (Cup) doing? " he asked: "they're playing with village boys, and it's where we pick the players we use now."