Echoes of '89: A Look Back at the Cranes Squad That Headed to Kuwait

FFI Historical Series: Part 1 – Revisiting the names and faces that carried Uganda’s flag in the late 80s

KAMPALA – In the annals of Ugandan football, certain squads stand out not just for their achievements, but for the sheer concentration of talent they possessed. Today, we launch our new historical series by turning back the clock to September 1989, revisiting a moment captured in time by The New Vision.

As the nation prepared to send its best to the Middle East for the Peace and Friendship International Tournament in Kuwait, the squad list read like a roll call of legends. It was a time when regional identity was strong, yet the national team, The Cranes, united the country under one banner.

The Mission to the Middle East
According to archival reports from The New Vision dated Friday, September 22, 1989, the Uganda Cranes were set to jet out in mid-October for an eight-nation tournament. The stakes were high and the competition fierce. Uganda was placed in Group A, set to face the hosts Kuwait, Lebanon, and Brunei. Meanwhile, fellow African nation Guinea was set to battle Iraq, Iran, and Yemen in Group B.

The tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was a stage for Uganda to assert its place in international football beyond the continent.

A Squad of Titans
Looking at the team sheet today evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. The squad was a blend of defensive stalwarts, midfield maestros, and lethal forwards.

The Custodians:
The goal was safe in the hands of Sadiq Wassa (Northern), Edward Nassamba (Buganda), and Bright Dhaira (Eastern).

The Defense:
The backline featured the legendary Paul Hasule (Eastern), a leader whose name remains synonymous with Ugandan football excellence. He was joined by Geoffrey Higenyi (Eastern), Godfrey Nyola (Eastern), Richard Mugalu (Buganda), Patrick Mungi (Buganda), Isaac Nkaada (Buganda), William Nkemba (Buganda), and Sam Kabugo (Kampala).

The Midfield & Attack:
The creative and attacking force was equally formidable. It included names that still ring bells in stadiums today: David Kavule (Kampala), George Nsimbe (Kampala), Stephen Bogere (Eastern), Ronald Vvubya (Buganda), Sula Kato (Buganda), Robert Aloro (Northern), John Oyet (Northern), Paul Nkata (Buganda), Charles Kinyera (Eastern), Disan Kiggundu (Western), Magid Musisi (Buganda), Umar Senoga (Buganda), Peter Nsaba (Western), and Alex Olum (Northern).

Remembering the Legends
Among these names, Magid Musisi stands tall as one of Uganda's greatest strikers, a man whose goal-scoring prowess took him to professional heights in Europe. Paul Hasule's leadership on and off the pitch set a standard for captains to come. Sula Kato and Stephen Bogere brought flair and skill that entertained thousands.

This squad represents a golden generation, a time when domestic rivalry between regions like Buganda, Eastern, and Northern fueled a competitive spirit that forged a powerful national team.

Stay Tuned
This is just the beginning. In our next installment, we will delve deeper into the stories behind these players; their clubs, their triumphs, and the legacy they left behind. Join us as we continue to uncover the rich history of the beautiful game in Uganda.

(Source: The New Vision, Friday, September 22, 1989)