Sports 11 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kingston: This Cubs generation can surpass previous achievements
Uganda's U-17 national football team coach, Laryea Kingston, believes the current squad has the potential to not only match but exceed the accomplishments of last year's team, which reached the round of 16 in the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and qualified for the Fifa U-17 World Cup. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/kingston-believes-current-cubs-can-go-beyond-last-batch-5454184
Uganda’s U-17 national football team, the Cubs, are poised to enter a new chapter with heightened expectations. Head coach Laryea Kingston is confident that the current generation can replicate and even surpass the success of their predecessors, who set a benchmark by reaching the round of 16 at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and qualifying for the Fifa U-17 World Cup.
Kingston, who took over the coaching reins eight months ago, has focused on refining the team’s structure, control, and consistency. He has assembled a largely new squad for the upcoming tournament, with only four players returning from the previous campaign. The coach emphasizes a playing style that is comfortable on the ball, confident in possession, and effective in transition, drawing inspiration from his Ghanaian football background while tailoring it to the strengths of Ugandan youth.
“We want to show the world that we are a ball-playing team,” Kingston stated, highlighting that strong performance and tactical discipline are key. He noted that the players’ school-going background often makes them highly coachable, aiding in their quick adaptation of new ideas and tactical understanding.
Despite acknowledging the significant challenge ahead in a competitive Group B featuring Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and DR Congo, Kingston remains resolute in his team’s game plan. He stressed that while physical strength is important, mastering ball control will be crucial for competing against any opponent. The coach also views the tournament as part of a broader development pathway, aiming to build players who can progress through the U-20 and senior national teams, fostering consistency in style and methodology across age groups.
Kingston advises young players to prioritize education alongside their football development, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions for their future. “Football has changed,” he remarked, urging players to combine ability with awareness and discipline with a long-term vision.