James Bakama
14 October 2007
Kampala — IN a week where Ugandans were shattered by Cranes' Nations Cup misfortunes, news that a Cuban would coach the national boxing side came as a big relief.
The Bombers, as the boxing side is popularly known, will effective January be under the seasoned tactician who in a sh90m two-year deal is supposed to lay a solid foundation for the London 2012 Olympics.
Local boxing boss Roger Ddungu, in a bid to get quality, employed reputable international consultants - South Group - to handle the recruitment exercise.
But what is it that makes a Cuban coach big news?
Cuba is the leading amateur boxing nation. If you have the best fighters, it follows that you also definitely have the best coaches.
Ddungu, who is determined to reinstate Uganda's status as an international giant, is well aware that his dream will never be realised without proper technical structures.
Most of the figures that pose as coaches in Uganda are actually terribly lacking in many technical aspects of a sport that is scientifically changing by the day.
No wonder the Cuban's tasks will include regular clinics to ensure that all coaches are abreast with modern skills.
Continuity will be ensured through intensive two year training in Cuba for a Ugandan who will eventually take over the national coaching job.
I gather that the next thing Ddungu will be addressing will be the competition structures.
The current amateur boxing set up is dominated by briefcase clubs. The bulk of these are formed by one individual on competition day for match fixing purposes.
With the kind of determination Ddungu has so far displayed, he should also be able to get a remedy for this cancer.
For now, I commend him for securing the coach.
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