So I heard a rumour that Brazil were going to play right here in Uganda against the Cranes (national side). When Brazil are in town you've got to go haven't you so after a bit of digging I found out the dates and arranged to meet a couple of American mates at the game. They like soccer, honestly. Kaka was meant to be leading the Brazilian team across Africa to promote relations and understanding between Africa and Brazil. As the match drew closes it became apparent that Brazil were not sending their latest Galactico (Real Madrid might have had something to do with that) and the rest of the first team, rather their 1994 World cup winning team. Fair enough, I would settle for Romario, Bebeto and Dunga and wondered if the top scorer in 94 would count any goals he scored in the game to his 'professional tally'. Or even those in the warm-up perhaps.
Kick off was meant to be at 4pm but luckily for me as I was running late we didn't get underway till after four thirty. For once I was grateful for 'African time'. As I entered the Nakivubo stadium in the centre of Kampala I just about caught the end of the national anthems but missed the reading of the teams. My first impression was how big the Brazilian team were compared to the Ugandans. Twice the size even. Given the short stature of the South Americans forward line in the 94 World cup I started to get suspicious. When I arrived at my seat no-one near us had heard of any of the Brazilian team and it was then explained to me that because Brazil were sending out a 'veterans' team Uganda had decided to field their 3rd choice team – mostly youth team players. This explained the fact that the Ugandans looked like the teenagers I teach at school and the Brazilian team like a load of extras from a Latin gangster film..
The Ugandan crowd were up for it however (who can blame them, Brazil were coming to town!) and the dreaded/celebrated Vuvuzela horns were out in force. This was the first time I'd seen or heard these topical instruments and I must admit after about 40 minutes they started to get on my wick. Having said that I've put up with 90 mins of Florent Malouda more times than I can remember so a horn or two I could live with. Both Florent Malouda and the Vuvuzelas will probably be going to the World Cup so double whammy if you're supporting France.
The game kicked off and we soon had our first booking when the Brazilian left back was late on the Ugandan number 7. To say that the Ugandan wingers were enjoying a bit of space down the flanks would've been an understatement. You couldn't help but feel sorry for the left back – it really was men against boys. Old men. This was confirmed by the informative stadium PA who announced to the crowd that the player who had been booked was born in 1961. 48 years old! Going on 50! This was going to be entertaining....
To be fair to the Brazilians they had some nice touches and a few skills and would have made a good game of it had their keeper known where to stand for free-kicks and corners. Uganda scored directly from one of each and were two nil up and cruising. The Cranes then had a bit of breathing space and started to thoroughly enjoy themselves adding a further two before a Brazilian consolation at the death.
By that point most of the Ugandans had left – the entry price was for that of an international and equivalent to week’s wages for most. What the crowd had witnessed fell some way short and you couldn't help but feel for them. The big Muslim man in front of us declared loudly that he had not knocked off work early to watch a bunch of 'Brazilian villagers' and stormed out with 15 minutes left in a huff. There weren't many people left who were willing to disagree.
We were slightly more positive however and enjoyed it for what it was, a training game, and our first experience of watching live football in Uganda. We will be back although next time it will be to watch a League game for a fraction of the price but with (hopefully) a bit more competition.
The Ugandan third team probably enjoyed the occasion the most and can be proud of their approach to their game and their attitude throughout. You can only beat what's in front of you after all. And if you think about it not many people round these parts, or anywhere for that matter, will be able to say in years to come “Remember that time we stuck four past Brazil....”
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