The Federation of Uganda Football Associations’ (FUFA) broad initiative to naturalize foreign players for the ongoing 2027 AFCON qualifiers has divided opinion among football fans.
While some Ugandans support the strategy, others are unhappy with the move, labeling naturalized players as “mercenaries” who lack loyalty to the Black, Yellow, and Red flag.
Former Cranes goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, who rose through the ranks via a local academy and local clubs to reach the national team, does not view the move as entirely negative. However, he shared his reservations while appearing on NTV Sport Knights.
“The national team is for all Ugandans,” Ochan noted. “If we can find good players abroad, well and good. My only worry is: by bringing in foreign-based players to cover certain positions, is the coach going to keep the playing field level for everyone?”
Ochan believes there are players in the local league who deserve a fair chance to be included in the AFCON qualification squad.
“The unfortunate bit is that this group of incoming players is overshadowing local talent,” he added. “I don’t want to overstep, as I believe the team management knows what they are doing, but it remains a concern.”
Ochan’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many fans on social media, who argue that prioritizing foreign-born talent undermines the domestic league and signals that the federation is looking outside rather than investing locally.
“If we look entirely abroad, players here who are equally good will be left in the shade,” Ochan concluded. “We have local players who play day in, day out, whose career trajectories are rising. They deserve an opportunity.”
Who is Benjamin Ochan:
The retired goalkeeper whose ball distribution with his left foot was superb represented Uganda 23 times with his debut coming in on September 30, 2013, against Egypt.
Before Uganda Cranes, Ochan rose through the Kampala Kids League before featuring for KCCA FC, SC Villa, Victoria University, and NEC FC on the local scene.
Ochan also has professional stints with; AGF Aarhus (Denmark), Bloemfontein Celtic (South Africa), Kabwe Warriors (Zambia), and AFC Leopards (Kenya).
