Uganda Cubs Coach Kingston Faces Dilemma Ahead of Ghana Clash

Uganda’s U-17 team, the Cubs, are on the cusp of realizing their World Cup dream, but their path in Morocco is complicated by the heritage of their coach, Laryea Kingston.

Kingston, a celebrated figure from Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets, who won the Africa Cup of Nations and secured a World Cup bronze in 1999, now leads the Ugandan youth side. This Saturday, his Ugandan charges will face his Ghanaian compatriots in a crucial playoff match for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“My heart is with all the two teams,” Kingston admitted, “But then again, I have a job to do.” This sentiment highlights the personal conflict he faces while remaining committed to his coaching responsibilities with Uganda.

The Uganda Cubs have shown resilience in the tournament, securing a 3-0 victory over DR Congo, a narrow loss to Cameroon, and a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast. This performance earned them a third-place finish in their group and a playoff opportunity, mirroring their successful World Cup qualification campaign last year.

Meanwhile, Ghana has navigated their group with mixed results, including a draw with Algeria, a loss to Senegal, and a decisive win against South Africa. Kingston, having analyzed their performances, believes Uganda possesses the quality to compete.

“We have the quality,” he stated confidently. “With the feedback we are getting, we are convinced that we can stand against any opponent they put in front of us.” He expressed his eagerness to give his all for Uganda in the upcoming match.

The playoff matches are scheduled for Saturday, with Ethiopia facing Mozambique and Uganda taking on Ghana in the evening. The winners will join the eight quarterfinalists who have already secured their World Cup berths.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)