Laryea Kingston credits Uganda FA support as Cubs target continued World Cup success

Former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston believes Uganda’s investment in his technical team has been central to his success with the Cubs, as he prepares the side for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup and next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Kingston has guided Uganda to two major milestones in 2026, first securing qualification for the World Cup in Qatar before leading the team to the CECAFA U-17 Championship title and a place at the 2027 U-17 AFCON.

Uganda booked their World Cup ticket in May after edging Ghana’s Black Starlets 8-7 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in their play-off at the U-17 AFCON in Morocco.

Their latest triumph came on Monday, October 19, 2026, when the Cubs defeated Somalia 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in the CECAFA final in Kigali, Rwanda.

For Kingston, the results reflect not only the players’ efforts but also the working environment provided by the Uganda Football Federation (FUFA).

“We all know that every success, you need a friendly environment, and Uganda have provided a very good friendly environment for me,” Kingston said.

The former Black Stars midfielder explained that FUFA’s approach from the beginning was to make his appointment about more than developing young players. He was also expected to help improve local coaches and contribute to the wider development of Ugandan football.

He pointed to the backroom staff assembled to work with him, describing them as an important part of the process.

“The first thing they did was they put very good people around me. With the U-17s, they gave me an evergreen backroom staff,” he said.

“My first assistant, my second assistant, all of them are legends of Ugandan football, and they have entered into coaching and are willing to learn and make sure we improve each other’s qualities.”

Kingston believes the arrangement allows him to share his experience while learning from former Ugandan players who understand the country’s football culture. The collaboration is also intended to give local coaches the opportunity to develop their skills alongside the national youth teams.

He acknowledged that the working relationship has not eliminated every challenge, but said the technical team has managed to remain united.

“Without saying everything is perfect, we all know there are challenges sometimes, but we’ve so far managed it very well,” he added.

“Going forward, we’re looking forward to maintaining the same consistency to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Kingston also credited FUFA president Moses Magogo for ensuring that he had the right people around him across both the U-17 and U-20 setups.

“I think the president did a very good job by giving me the right people to work with, both the U-17s and the U-20s,” he said.

The immediate test for Kingston’s U-17 side is the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for November 19 to December 13, 2026.

Uganda will be making a second consecutive appearance at the tournament after also qualifying for the 2025 edition.

The Cubs have been drawn in Group B alongside Korea Republic, Ecuador and New Caledonia, giving Kingston an opportunity to measure his team against opposition from outside Africa.

Beyond Qatar, Uganda’s qualification for the 2027 U-17 AFCON has secured another major tournament for the squad. The continental competition will also offer a pathway towards another FIFA U-17 World Cup, making the team’s development over the coming months particularly important.

Having already helped Uganda qualify for the global tournament at Ghana’s expense, Kingston will now be looking to translate the team’s regional success into stronger performances on the international stage.