The President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, has addressed recent media reports regarding the Uganda Cranes’ team hotel, while expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support as the national team gears up for a critical match against Senegal.
Speaking at the team hotel in Kisaasi, Hon. Magogo clarified that some publications about the facility are misleading. “It is true that as a Federation, we have seen some of this feedback from the public. But I want to inform the general public that some of the publications that are being made are false,” he said.
Hon. Magogo emphasised that the hotel is specifically customised for football teams, offering tailored facilities including a gym designed for athletes and an outdoor arena under development. “A football hotel is customised. It is not a general hotel where you want and do whatever you want. This exclusivity gives us a way of preparing our own food, our own way… CAF has to come and look at the amenities, and this hotel was approved by CAF. According to the standards of the competition, who is more authoritative? Is it you, the competitor, or CAF?”
The FUFA President also highlighted the critical role of fans in the Cranes’ successful run in the tournament so far. “We did not do so well in the first game, but we came in the second game and were full house… Our qualification out of the group stage is purely because of the support we get at home. Thank you so much. Our fans, to be more specific, Ugandans, and everybody else who has made an effort to ensure that the boys feel at home,” he said, singling out Kisaasi residents for their support.
Looking ahead to Uganda’s next challenge, Hon. Magogo said the team’s objectives go beyond the group stage. “We have achieved our first objective, which was getting out of the group stage. That was our primary objective… However, we want to go all the way. The boys are in a jovial mood, they are feeling happy, and they are willing to go all the way,” he added.
Uganda Cranes are set to face Senegal in what promises to be a titanic clash at Mandela National Stadium on Saturday at 5 PM as part of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament.