Japan to nurture talents in Uganda
Winners. Gayaza team celebrate their victory with the Japanese ambassador. PHOTO BY REGINA NALUJJA
KAMPALA. With an aim to expose young footballers’ talents and usher them into professional ranks, Japanese company Soltilo, also a partner with Bright Stars FC organised the Soltilo Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Soltilo Ticad) Cup at Arya Samaj School in Kololo on Saturday.
The initiative dubbed ‘African Dream Soccer Tour’ started in 2017, and has aided vulnerable children in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya to develop their talents and gain exposure. Four children’s’ football teams including Gayaza, Ashinaga, St John and Kabira took part in the one day football tournament.
The duo of Shilla Namubiru and David Tumusiime were earlier spotted through this initiative and sponsored to train with Edgar’s Youth Programme.
“To play for Edgars, you have to pay money, but I thank God that I was identified and sponsored in this academy. I was chosen out of the many players because I play well,” said ten year old Tumusiime.
“More children will be sponsored in the Edgars Youth Programme, given jerseys and other football requirements to further develop their game,” said Soltilo’s Motoki Futamura.
Meanwhile Kazuaki Kameda the Japanese Ambassador who graced the event appreciated all the participants, plus the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) and Saraya, a Ugandan based Japanese manufacturer of sanitary supplies, for their kind support towards the tournament.
“Last year, two Japanese football coaches sent by Soltilo conducted football lessons for 50 Ugandan Children…I highly appreciate Soltilo’s long-term support project for children in Uganda,” he said.
