Local coaches should give young players a chance – Mayanja

ackson Mayanja during a training session with the U20s at Kampala Quality School in Kisasi | FUFA Image

FOOTBALL Local coaches should give young players a chance – Mayanja

Peter Tabu 17:18 - 12.02.2023

Uganda Hippos head coach Jackson Mayanja has called out fellow local coaches to allow youngsters coming through the ranks at different clubs to showcase their talent.

The KCCA FC and Uganda Cranes legend says local coaches need to do more to promote young players, making it hard for them to be evaluated nationally.

"Local coaches in the league should trust these young players. If you look at the past generations like the Majidu Musisi, Jackson Mayanja and Dennis Onyango," Mayanja told Pulse Sports.

"Coaches trusted them, so why not? Give the young players the opportunity; otherwise, we shall continue lamenting," he stated.

'Mia Mia', as he's fondly known, added that he has heard many people asking about the whereabouts of bright young prospects that make it to the different national teams but disappear on the scene.

"We have good young players who play a few games on the national team but disappear from the scene, those players are there, but they are not seen in the Uganda premier league," Mayanja noted before adding.

"So until we realize that football today requires young, exciting talent that can press for 120 minutes is when Uganda will have an overflow of talent."

Mayanja is regarded as one of the best players of his generation because of his jaw dropping skills and mind blowing techical abilities.

 He featured for KCCA FC and Police FC locally before pro stints with Al Masry and Esperance.

Mayanja honours as a player

Won two league titles with KCC FC (1991 and 1997)

Two Uganda Cup titles also with KCC FC (1987 and 1990)

He won three CECAFA titles with The Cranes (1990, 1992 and 1996)

Was Voted Footballer of the year twice by USPA (1993 and 1996)

He played for only four clubs; KCC FC, El Masry (Egypt), Esperance (Tunisia) and Lowi FC (Oman)