The Uganda Cubs sealed qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2026 and progressed to the final of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers after defeating Ethiopia 3–0 on Sunday.
Head Coach Laryea Kingston addressed the media after the match, discussing the result, the conditions, his players’ development and the team’s evolving style of play.
Read every word below.
On the importance of the win and the strength of CECAFA opponents
First of all, I think this is a very competitive tournament. I have said before that I respect everything within this competition. Some teams are stronger than others, and I would mention two that have impressed me the most, which are Ethiopia and Tanzania. For me, it is fair to say that all three countries deserve to represent CECAFA because they are doing the right things in their development. Ethiopia are doing the right thing, Tanzania are doing amazing work, and we are progressing well as a group.
On why the team struggled to play their usual style
I believe in keeping the ball. I do not believe in long balls unless they serve a clear purpose. I always want my team to play. However, the pitch did not help us. The ball was bouncing throughout the game and that made it difficult to execute what we planned. Dira Dawa had an amazing pitch and an amazing surface, and if we want to educate young players and prepare them to compete in Europe or the World Cup, we must give them good facilities. I told my backroom staff before the game that moving the ball would be difficult, and it showed.
On Muhoozi’s performance and his development
Muhoozi is an adorable kid. I remember very well when the players were first presented for selection. He came in as an attacking player, but based on the way I want the team to play, I needed someone who can take care of the ball in tight spaces and make things happen. Out of the sixty-six players I assessed, no one could do that role better than him. When I dropped him to the number six position there were critics, but every coach is different. A player Guardiola will sign may not be one Mourinho will sign. For me, my number six must be excellent on the ball, and he fits that description. He is smart, he takes care of the ball and he has a very good future.
On building the team’s playing identity
We have a long way to go and we have a detailed style of playbook that covers many phases. With the limited time we have, I must prioritise short-term basics. That means making sure the players understand a few key concepts in the build-up, then progressing gradually into the attacking phases. Defensively we reverse the process and simplify everything. I give the credit to the players because not every young player learns quickly, but these boys surprised me. I kept telling my backroom staff how impressed I was.
On adapting within a short preparation period
Five days without the team scared me. I was not sure if they would understand the ideas I was bringing. We need time to build a clear style, and I was concerned whether they would grasp the new concepts within such a short period. But from the first whistle of the competition they proved that they are intelligent, willing to learn and can be well coached. That has been the most encouraging part of this journey so far.
