As Uganda prepares to step onto the pitch in Dire Dawa on Sunday, the CECAFA U17 Zonal Qualifiers will mark far more than just a title defence it will be the first chapter of a new era for a team undergoing its biggest transition in years.
The Cubs arrive in Ethiopia with a revamped technical bench, a fresh group of youthful talent, and the weight of regional expectations. Drawn in a competitive Group B with Tanzania, Sudan, Djibouti and Burundi, Uganda’s campaign begins with a tricky opener against Burundi.
But this year’s tournament carries a sharper edge. Only two teams the finalists will earn passage to the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. That AFCON will, in turn, serve as the doorway to the next FIFA U17 World Cup. The stakes could not be higher.
Yet Uganda’s confidence is quietly growing. Back home, excitement is still high following the historic run of the U17 Team A currently competing at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Their march into the round of 32 has stirred the nation and set a performance benchmark that the Dire Dawa squad is eager to follow.
This CECAFA team, sometimes referred to as Team B, now has a chance to continue Uganda’s rising momentum on the global youth stage.
The tournament also doubles as the first major examination for head coach Laryea Kingston, the Ghanaian tactician who recently took charge of Uganda’s U15, U17 and U20 teams on a two-year contract. His arrival has injected a new energy bold, demanding, and methodical.
Beside him stand former Cranes midfield maestros Steven Bengo and Sadam Juma, both transitioning into coaching roles and hungry to make their mark at international youth level.
Uganda’s 23-man squad in Ethiopia reflects a blend of raw talent and untapped promise. Their mission is simple but daunting: match the spirit of the Qatar team and deliver another qualification to cement Uganda’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in East African youth football.
As the Cubs step onto the Dire Dawa turf, they begin a journey that could determine not only their AFCON fate but also Uganda’s long-term presence on the world stage.
