Uganda Cranes bag sh2.4b in CHAN bonuses, and they’re not done yet!

By the time Uganda completes its CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign, Cranes players will be smiling all the way to the bank, thanks to lucrative match-winning bonuses pledged by President Yoweri Museveni and Hamz Stadium Nakivubo proprietor, Hamis Kiggundu, for every win in the tournament.

The Cranes have so far recorded two big victories, a 3-0 against Guinea and 2-0 over Niger.

President Museveni promised sh1.2b for every win, meaning the two victories have already guaranteed the team sh2.4b.

Kiggundu, on his part, gave the team sh20m before the tournament kicked off and pledged a further sh20m for each win. The Cranes have therefore pocketed sh60m from him so far.

Additionally, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among contributed sh70m before the tournament began, with a promise to offer more depending on the team’s performance.

The players will also receive bonuses from FUFA and other promised rewards tied to their success in the competition.

Such financial incentives are strong motivators which push athletes to give their all on the pitch for both national pride and personal reward, while reinforcing the appreciation for their efforts.

In CHAN 2024, which is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the Cranes top group C with six points from three matches. Algeria and South Africa follow on four points each, with the North Africans holding a superior goal difference. Guinea is third on three points, while Niger sits bottom without a point after two defeats.

Uganda’s final group match is against South Africa next Monday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Victory in that decisive clash will guarantee the Cranes a historic quarterfinal spot, an achievement that has eluded them in their previous six CHAN appearances.