Edgar Davids relishing Ugandan challenge
Davids addressing journalists at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO by Ismail Kezaala
What you need to know:
Soccer. The Dutchman later joined stakeholders and government officials to launch the Uganda Cranes-Barcelona match and the Rayco Garcia Football Academy at a dinner last night
KAMPALA.
Neat in a white T-shirt and a pair of army green trousers, former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi’s “one-man engine room,” sauntered into Sheraton’s Lake Room yesterday morning – ready for the challenge.
The lean yet imposing star, at 5’7’ and 70kgs, carried with him the kind of authority he waltzed across the midfield during his playing days at Barcelona, Juventus and Netherlands. Power, panache, bravery!
On the outlook, he seems to have lost none of those. “We are delighted to play this match,” said Davids, 42, of the upcoming December 5 exhibition match between Uganda Cranes and Barcelona legends at Namboole.
“I can’t wait to play against the former Uganda players. I hear they are talented,” he said, adding in the true Davids character, “And I love the challenge.”
Asked who his toughest opponent was, he said: “The toughest opponent is always yourself.”
Taking on the challenge has been Pitbull’s life. He was nicknamed Pitbull by his then Barcelona coach Louis Van Gaal for his marking ability and aggressive tackling.
Davids’ latest challenge, on top of the pro-coaching license and his street soccer program, is helping former Barcelona colleague, Rayco Garcia’s Ugandan dream of establishing the Rayco Garcia Football Academy.
“We also want to promote this country,” expounded the dreadlocked Davids, who was seated between Rayco and Fufa president Moses Magogo, with officials from the cause partners Uganda Tourism Board, ICEA, KCCA, Sheraton Hotel and Nile Breweries in tow.
“We know Uganda has talent and we are delighted to be part of this.” Davids was attracted to Rayco’s cause because “Uganda is an upcoming country with potential, (and) it is easy to make impact.”
The Dutchman was later to join stakeholders and government officials to launch the Uganda Cranes-Barcelona match and the Rayco Garcia Football Academy at a dinner last night.
“For me,” said Rayco, “It’s a dream come true. Thanks to the sponsors that they are making this happen, and President Museveni, who understood my plan so well. I want my players to discover how beautiful this country is.”
Former Barcelona stars Patrick Kluivert and Luis Garcia have already visited Uganda in relation to the same cause.
