Uganda Hippos head coach Morley Byekwaso has called out world football governing body to reconsider the decision to postpone the 2021 FIFA U20 World Cup.
The postponement of the U20 World Cup means that the Hippos who reached the final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently qualified for the U20 World Cup will miss the opportunity of playing at a World Cup.
According to Byekwaso, the boys are growing and some might never find the chance to ever feature in the World Cup tournament yet this time round they have all the qualities and zeal to feature at the gigantic tournament.
“FIFA need to stick to the principles and find a way to play the tournament,” Byekwaso told media after the final o Saturday.
“We have been fighting so hard to reach the World Cup but if we miss out on this chance the boys are going to grow, get older and go into the other age brackets.”
“This means that our players will miss out on such a golden chance to play against the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Norway and England. Interacting with such teams can never leave you the same because their is a lot you learn from them.”
“Countries like Nigeria and Ghana have benefited from these tournaments because they often qualify for them.”
“But for us its our first time to make it and for my case the Federation (FUFA) gave me only one year to be with the boys,” he added.
“But in one year I have managed to win the regional tournament (CECAFA) and for the first time guided the boys to the finals of their debutant tournament. I am so happy and thank God for the journey moved.”
The Hippos enjoyed a lovely run at the youthful tournament held in Mauritania as they managed to manoeuvre through the group stages to the final in their debut participation in the tournament.
Their splendid run was ended by a 2-0 defeat against Ghana U20 in the final. Ghana skipper Daniel Afriyieh was the hero of the night as he scored in both halves to seal a fourth U20 title for Ghana.
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