Former FUFA President, Gerald Ssendaula has expressed strong optimism about the Uganda Cranes’ prospects at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Tuesday, December 16, at City Oil, Kira Road, Kamwokya–Kisementi, Ssendaula talked more on SC Villa’s status, addressing issues surrounding the club’s elections and accountability over the Villa Park compensation received from UNRA.
However he also shared his views on the Uganda national team, the Cranes, one he oversaw in its glory days.
The former Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president, who now serves as Chairman of the SC Villa Board of Trustees, said he sees encouraging signs that give him confidence in the Cranes’ ability to perform well at the continental showpiece.
“During my time at FUFA, I see some reflections in the current setup. We had President Idi Amin Dada, who was very passionate about sports and invested a lot. Now I see President Museveni, who is even doing better than Amin,” Ssendaula said.
He added that the team has all it needs to succeed. “I believe the team has everything it takes to perform.” he noted
“The coach is well paid to the extent that he can even strengthen his backroom staff with colleagues from outside. Everyone on the coaching staff is very important,” he added.
During Ssendaula’s tenure at FUFA, Uganda Cranes reached the highest point in the history of the senior national team by making the AFCON final, where they lost 2–0 to Ghana in Accra.
Currently, the Uganda Cranes are in Casablanca, Morocco, intensifying preparations for the 2025 tournament.
They have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Nigeria, and neighbours Tanzania.
The 35th edition of AFCON is set to kick off on December 21.
Uganda will begin their campaign on December 23 against Tunisia at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, as the Cranes aim for a strong showing on their third return to the tournament since the 1978 final defeat to Ghana.
