Afcon: Ecobank drive to knock down Cranes money demands
What you need to know:
- Uganda Cranes’ participation in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations will require a budget of $2m with a series of build-up games lined up and improved bonuses for players
Kampala.
The finer details of the estimated US$2m (Shs7bn) budget for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations shows that every player will receive at leastShs54m for representing Uganda in Gabon.
This budgeted US$15, 000 per player was the major highlight as Fufa made public their expenditure plan while revitalizing the fundraising drive spearheaded by the federation’s bankers, Ecobank on Friday.
Last month, 30 members of the national team, 23 players and six coaching staff, received a US$10, 000 (about Shs36m) qualification bonus from State House.
Decolas Kiiza, the Fufa finance director, told a media gathering at Ecobank’s headquarters that they plan to pay the final 23-man squad for the three group games to be played between January 17 and 25. “There are also bonuses for the team in case they get to the quarterfinals, semifinals or even lifting the title,” a confident Kizza told a media gathering.
A quarterfinal appearance will earn each player an extra US$2, 500 (Shs9m). That grows to US$5, 000 (Shs18m) in the semis and US$10, 000 (Shs36m) for dethroning Ivory Coast.
With a jersey sponsor yet to materialize, Uganda Cranes’ kit will cost the federation US$100, 000 (Shs360m) while coach Micho Sredojevic flew to Dubai over the weekend to plan the January camp there.
It was the first time Fufa made public the blow-by-blow account of their Uganda’s first appearance at the continental showpiece in 39 years.
From the Shs7bn budget, Fufa expects to raise a ‘conservative’ Shs300m from the Ecobank fundraiser and Shs150m from National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Uganda is also guaranteed US$100, 000 (about Shs360m) from Caf in TV rights. At least US$475, 000 (Shs1.7bn), given to teams that finish last in their group, will reach Fufa’s coffers in February.
The Ecobank drive, where fans can contribute from Shs1, 000 at their branches reduces the current deficit before government to Shs4.38bn. Fans can also join the ongoing promotion by contributing Shs10, 000 to enter a draw where 50 will win an all-expenses trip to Gabon to watch Uganda against Ghana, Egypt and Mali in the group stage.
Also, Caf will only cater for a 30-man contingent during the duration of the tournament with Fufa planning a further 20 administrative and logistical staff that are included in the budget. Cranes will play five international friendlies starting with hosts Gabon in Libreville and ending against the African champions Ivory Coats on January 11. European side Slovakia is one of the five.
These details were presented to the National Council of Sports, Ministry of Education and Sports and State House last week.
BUILD-UP FRIENDLIES
Dec. 29: Gabon vs Uganda Libreville
Jan 1: Libya vs Uganda Tunis
Jan 4: Tunisia vs Uganda Tunis
Jan. 8: Slovakia vs Uganda Dubai
Jan. 11: I. Coast vs Uganda Dubai
