Go, the Cranes, We’re Behind You

The Observer (Kampala)

Editorial

1 June 2011

editorial

The national football team – The Cranes – entertains Guinea-Bissau in a crucial Africa Nations Cup (Afcon) qualifier at the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) on Saturday with the goal of procuring three points top of the agenda.

In March, The Cranes travelled to West Africa and heroically beat their Guinea-Bissau hosts thanks to an unanswered David Obua strike. That win not only ended Uganda’s decade-long chase for an away win, but also fortified The Cranes’ 2012 Afcon qualifying campaign.

Four points is now needed from the remaining three fixtures to leave Uganda at the threshold of the first appearance at the Africa Nations Cup since 1978. Little wonder, many Cranes fans are counting their chickens.

If the chickens don’t come home to roost, The Cranes could well qualify on October 8 when they host close-door neighbours Kenya. A win over the old rival a day before the independence festivities pan out will no doubt be the way many fans will want to close the tale, but for now the fourth of the six chapters has to be written.

The past three chapters have been rich in texture and substance, with The Cranes yet to concede a goal. The chapters have also illustrated how football is a great leveller. Fans across the political divide who worship different supernatural beings have been united by the goal of rallying behind their national football team.

The national football team has always given us a common denominator that largely made us proud of being Ugandan. That is why Ugandans have thronged Namboole stadium in their tens of thousands whenever The Cranes have had a home match.

We leap with joy whenever our team scores a goal, hugging a neighbour whose tribe, religion or political affiliation matters precious little at that point. Saturday should be no different.

In spite of the scars from the civic protests, the bloated cabinet, the selfish Parliament, the galloping inflation, and the likes, we should congregate at Namboole and act as the 12th player on the pitch as The Cranes take on Guinea-Bissau. With our unwavering support, the team will triumph.

Go, The Cranes!

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