By Our Reporter
Thursday, 17th September, 2015 is one of those days that the football fraternity in Uganda will live to remember and cherish as former Spanish international Luis Javier Garcia Sans arrived in the country.
The retired football star, who played for top clubs like; Barcelona, Real Valladolid, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Atletico Kolkata, was in the country to pave the way for a football academy in Uganda.
The project is spearheaded by former Barcelona star Rayco Garcia in a bid to nurture talents from the grassroots level in the country.
The 37-year-old star was sided by his mate Rayco Garcia as he addressed a press conference at the Lake Hall in Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
“Uganda is a good country. I retired to be with family but I must tell you, I miss the game. I am here to inspire the youngsters play football and realize their dreams in life. Football academies are intended to instill respect for teammates, coaches and teach football skills,” Luis Garcia is quoted on Kawowo.
Rayco Garcia who recently met President Museveni with Patrick Kluivert (also a former Barcelona and Netherlands star) plan to organize a football match between Uganda Cranes legends and Barcelona legends that is slated for early December 2015.
“The match is being planned as one of the means to raise funds that will be channeled to the establishment of the elite sports academy,” Rayco remarked before revealing some of the steps that involve the government of Uganda that have been taken to see the plan come to pass.
“The prime minister has already assured the academy land. We met with president Museveni and he is well aware of the objectives for a top class academy. We however call upon companies and several organizations to come in as partners,” he revealed.
Credit goes to Amos Wekesa, the Great Lakes Safaris CEO and Ambrose Tashobya, the president of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) who have been major players in lining up these ex-football stars.