)
The national football team, the Uganda Cranes, found themselves at a crossroads following their failure to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
This disappointment triggered a mass exodus of players, led by skipper Dennis Onyango, Mike Azira, and Hassan wasswa, among others.
The pain of missing out on the 2021 tournament was incredibly profound because Uganda had successfully qualified for the previous two editions in Gabon (2017) and Egypt (2019). The team's morale was shattered, and the path forward appeared unclear.
Click here to vote for the Pulse Sports Influencer of the Year
Amidst this gloomy backdrop, FUFA president Moses Magogo offered hope by reminding the nation that even the best teams face setbacks and must embark on a transition.
)
08:33 - 08.09.2023
FOOTBALL AFCON 203Q: Where it all went wrong for Uganda Cranes
Throughout the qualifiers, Uganda played one match in front of its home fans, the 1-1 draw with Niger at St. Mary’s Kitende to open the campaign.
However, the subsequent appointment of Serbian coach Micho Milutin Sredejovic in his second spell to lead the transition generated both excitement and concern.
Undoubtedly, Micho is cherished for breaking a 39-year qualification drought, earning him a special place in the hearts of Ugandan football fans.
Yet, since his return, those same fans have grown increasingly vocal in their calls for his departure, especially after Uganda failed to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the expense of neighbours Tanzania.
)
23:46 - 07.09.2023
FOOTBALL AFCONQ 2023: Uganda 2-0 Niger Player Ratings
Despite the win, the Cranes failed to qualify for the 2023 AFCON as runners-up, as Tanzania drew 0-0 with Algeria to secure the two qualifying spots.
While Micho has achieved success with various teams, it's worth noting that he has often stepped into existing projects rather than building them from scratch.
From SC Villa in 2003 to his tenures in Rwanda, Orlando Pirates, Zambia's national team, and Zamalek, Micho's relationships with these teams have often ended prematurely.
Doubts persist about his ability to deliver on a project that involves working with relative novices and guiding them to success.
)
22:28 - 07.09.2023
AFCON2023Q How Tanzania locked Uganda out of finals as they booked their third historic ticket
The draw in the North nullified any hopes the Cranes had following their 2-0 win over Niger in Marrakech, Morocco.
The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are on the horizon. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to entrust the Uganda Cranes project to a manager with a proven ability to build and develop teams.
While Micho cannot shoulder the entire blame for the Cranes' failure to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the government also shares responsibility.
Hosting home matches on neutral grounds, such as those against Algeria and Tanzania, that were played in Cameroon and Egypt, respectively, could have significantly influenced the outcome of the qualifiers.
)
21:59 - 07.09.2023
AFCON 2023Q Uganda Cranes too strong for Nigers but not good enough for AFCON finals
Algeria topped Group F with a commanding 16 points, while Tanzania secured their place with eight points. The two nations joined Ghana and Angola in sealing their qualification for the 2023 AFCON.
This setback, while disheartening, serves as a wake-up call. It underscores the pressing need for better management of the transition dilemma.
With the right manager, structure and improved infrastructure, Uganda can pave the way for a brighter future for the Cranes in international football. The time to act and chart a new course for the Uganda Cranes is now.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)