Ugandan football legend Denis Onyango has praised the government and corporate partners for their decision to buy out tickets for fans ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoff, a move he says will not only boost morale but also give the national team, The Cranes, a stronger home advantage.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Education and Sports in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), will see thousands of fans gain free entry into Mandela National Stadium during Uganda’s crucial playoff match. Authorities say the gesture is intended to ensure maximum attendance, create a vibrant atmosphere, and show unity behind the national team at a time when international fixtures are drawing huge attention across Africa.
Onyango, who captained Uganda to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and remains one of the most celebrated figures in East African football, described the move as “a true show of patriotism and belief in our boys.” Speaking to local media, the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper said that giving fans the chance to watch the game without financial barriers will “push the players to give 110 percent on the pitch.”
The 2024 CHAN playoff is particularly significant for Uganda as the team looks to return to the tournament after previous disappointments. The Cranes have a strong record of qualifying for CHAN but have yet to progress beyond the group stage. With renewed investment in local talent and greater government backing, hopes are high that the team will achieve a breakthrough.
FUFA President Moses Magogo noted that the buyout was not only a show of solidarity but also part of a broader effort to reignite passion for local football, which has struggled with low attendance in recent years due to economic challenges and competition from international leagues.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, with many promising to paint the stadium in national colors and cheer the team to victory. Some supporters described the gesture as a “game changer” that could restore national pride and unite Ugandans behind the Cranes.
Uganda’s opponents in the playoff are expected to be a tough challenge, but with the backing of a fully packed stadium, players and coaches believe they can deliver a memorable performance and secure their place in the 2024 CHAN finals.
Onyango, who has become an ambassador for Ugandan football since his retirement from international duty, urged fans to turn up in large numbers and maintain discipline in the stands, stressing that “the Cranes play better when the country is one voice, one spirit.”
The 2024 CHAN playoff is scheduled to take place later this year, and preparations are already underway to ensure smooth logistics, security, and fan engagement.
