"Our focus shouldn't be on these games but the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that we shall host. We need to have stadiums of the highest standard, and Namboole will be that."
Ugandan football legend and coach Jackson Mayanja has asked Ugandans to be patient with the renovation of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
That way, the nation will, for the first time in history, be able to witness a world-class sporting facility.
"I've been there and seen what's being done there, and I can assure you that with time, we shall have a world-class stadium," Mayanja told Pulse Sports Uganda in an exclusive interview.
"Why the rush?" He asked before asserting: "The works there will give a whole new look of Namboole, aside from what has been there before."
09:05 - 22.01.2024
FOOTBALL Namboole: Cut the minister a slack; Mayanja defends Ogwang
Uganda Cranes and KCCA FC legend Jackson Mayanja has defended the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, regarding Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda's State Minister for Sport, Peter Ogwang, has been under fire from a section of the public about the completion and opening of the historical facility.
Shadow Minister for Sport Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo, notably, claimed Namboole wouldn't be available for the next FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
15:56 - 22.01.2024
STARS ABROAD Crested Cranes stars Najjemba, Nalukenge light up Europe over the weekend
Both Najjemba and Nalukenge are set to play starring roles for the Crested Cranes this year under head coach Sheryl Botes.
But Mayanja reiterated the need for patience: "Ugandans should give the Minister time. Some of us who have used this stadium before know. Let's give him time."
"Our focus shouldn't be on these games but the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that we shall host. We need to have stadiums of the highest standard, and Namboole will be that."
12:43 - 20.01.2024
This year or the next Uganda Cranes games? Minister Ogwang responds on Namboole opening
But, following Shadow Minister Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo's contrasting views, Ogwang did not clarify the facility's readiness for the games.
Ogwang had assured Ugandans that the stadium would be ready for the games against Botswana and Algeria in June.
He later clarified that the stadium would be ready for sporting action this year.
Meanwhile, Mayanja is currently head coach at Sunrise FC in Rwanda and has turned the club from the relegation zone to eighth.
12:05 - 20.01.2024
Namboole won't be ready for World Cup games - 'Minister' Kayemba Ssolo
Over the past year, Uganda has hosted international matches in other countries, using Tanzania, Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria and Egypt on various occasions.
In less than ten games, he has drawn the attention and affection of the Sunrise faithful, earning himself the 'Professor' moniker.
09:50 - 18.01.2024
FOOTBALL Jackson Mayanja's heroics earn him 'Professor' status in Rwanda
His latest of victories witnessed Sunrise come from behind to stun title challengers and runners-up Police FC 2-1 on Sunday.