WATCH: Prime Minister Nabanjja gifts Crested Cranes players with cash after Rwanda win
They say, 'when it rains, it pours,' the Crested Cranes experienced just that as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja appreciated the team after eliminating Rwanda in the 2024 Women's Olympic football tournament qualifiers.
Nabbanja, who is on official duty in Rwanda attending the Women Deliver summit, was among the Ugandan spectators at the game and went to congratulate the players upon the win, awarding them with $4600 (Ugx 16,766,310); each player walked away with $200.
"Sports can market a country, and you have done it; you have carried our flag (Uganda) high; there aren't enough words that can say Thank You," Nabbanja said.
'You are a very powerful team. On behalf half of @GovUganda I promise we are going to make sure you are facilitated to the dot.' - Rt. Hon. Prime Minister @RobinahNabbanja pic.twitter.com/DLZqNWoMgd
— Crested Cranes (@CrestedCranes) July 17, 2023
However, FUFA President Moses Magogo promised to top up the balance to cater for the technical team, who still needs to receive money from the premier.
"The money is less than the number we have here, let's agree; they have given us $200 per player; I am personally going to top it up such that everyone on the team gets $200," Magogo noted.
Umugande ngo ntabyo gutinda!
— KARUGENGE💚🇷🇼 (@KarugengeRadu) July 16, 2023
Minisitiri w’intebe w’Ubugande RT Hon. Robbinah Nabbanja ahaye ikipe 200$ we kugiti cye🔥
Bahita bagabanira aho nta bintu byinshi kandi 🤗 pic.twitter.com/p07l2ZESJf
To which the players responded in unison, "Yes," as the $4600 was immediately shared amongst the players.
We can't thank you enough Rt. Hon. for your support for which we are greatly proud. It was a tough game but we had to fight with all our might not to disappoint you.
— Crested Cranes (@CrestedCranes) July 17, 2023
We are forever grateful 🙏🙏🙏. https://t.co/f51M8Msr0l
Uganda required an extra-time goal from substitute Fazila Ikwaput to bury the tie after both sides had played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg. Ayub Khalifa's side will next face Cameroon in the second round of the qualifiers.
The Crested Cranes are bidding to play in the 2024 Olympics Women's football tournament for the first time in Uganda's women's football history.