By Robert Kayindi James
It’s now close to three weeks since the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) last saw some action following an international break that lasted a fortnight though the case in Uganda was totally different.
During the break, Uganda was never involved in any friendly match with any other country for reasons only FUFA can give but two weeks later, the Cranes played Sudan in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers with a return leg slated for this weekend.
It’s this long break that has gotten to the nerves of many coaches from the top flight league claiming that it wasn’t necessary and more so financially constraining as well as monitoring players and keeping them in shape is concerned without any serious action going on, something they have blamed on the league planners.
“I don’t think such a long break is necessary. Three weeks is too long without competitive football as it becomes difficult to monitor players’ progress. And it even kills the rhythm most teams had built before the break,” Coach Edward Golola told Kawowo after his side (Vipers) shared the spoils with Big League side Proline in a 2-2 draw in a friendly match.
Counterpart Mike Mutebi of KCCA FC had the same thoughts about the long league break that has seen many clubs engage in friendlies while those that can’t afford them remain sited on sidelines to watch and wait for the league to return.
“On average, Ugandan league players don’t play above 35 games yet it should be at least 40 games a season. I don’t see any need of breaking the league because these players must play as many competitive games as possible if we are to compete with the best on the continent,” Mutebi said.
Mutebi also cited countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia where local leagues continued to be played despite having CHAN engagements something he says is all due to poor planning in Uganda.
The league resumes on Tuesday October 27th when the Cranes return from Sudan after that CHAN qualifier second leg in Khartoum.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com