Kampala — If Uganda Cranes finally end their painful 32-year stretch of failing to make the Nations Cup finals, among the primary reasons will be the players' privacy rule that has been implemented by soccer governing body FUFA.

Contrary to previous qualifying editions that have all ended in failure, this time Cranes have been camped in an exclusive apartment at Sky Hotel -a move that was literally intended to shut out all female attention.

"The coach (Bobby Williamson) wanted maximum concentration for the players. So we had do everything to help him on that," Fred Katende, Cranes media officer told Sunday Vision yesterday.

The move meant that the hotel had to cancel bookings that fell between the dates when the national team was meant to check in (August 30 to September 5).

Security concerns was the other motive behind the public black-out.

Cranes captain Ibrahim Sekagya, Hearts midfielder David Obua were among the stars camped at the hotel. The Cranes play Kenya in their next qualifier.

Nations Cup qualifier

October 9

Kenya v Uganda