FORMER FC Barcelona star Edgar Davids believes all footballers can face high and low moments in their careers but the way they deal with those moments is crucial in how they will eventually develop.
Davids was addressing a press conference at the Sheraton Hotel, which officially launched the charity match, a Ugandan select side will play against the Barcelona legends on December 5. The match will officially launch the RG Football Academy.
"It is more about how you react, the most important thing is how you deal with it; this is what we want to teach to the youngsters because everybody in the community reacts differently to negative set back than everyone else, so it is up to the individual to know themselves," Edgar, who has since started his own Street Soccer fashion label called Monta Soccer, in the Netherlands said.
"We are delighted to promote and play this match but we are also coming to promote another project to help develop talent which is abundant in Uganda we are happy and honoured that we can contribute to that process,"
"I can't wait to meet the Gorillas, but also play a match against Uganda's best players and I like the challenge; afterwards we want to stay here and help in talent development and I hope we can support to bring Uganda higher in the FIFA ranking," Edgar remarked.
FUFA president Moses Magogo was excited for the galaxy of stars that will be coming to Uganda saying:
"This is an enormous opportunity to football to have partners that think alike. We are a federation looking for long term results, we believe we have a lot of potential but in the modern game potential and product are two different things; there is a process that we have been lacking; it's a great opportunity for our youngsters but most important, with the academy that is going to be built we are in for this project and we think it is the solution to our game so we are committed to the project and we shall present a team to make sure the game is a success," Magogo said.
What others said
"All the people following these legends will know that they are in Uganda and I want to prove to these players that Uganda is a unique country with a passion for football and I want them in future to come back and visit. We are going to produce better human beings with this project and many other good things for the country," Rayco Garcia.
"We have enjoyed our relationship with Rayco and happy to be associated with this event" Shearton MD Ian Duncan.
"As KCCA we want to have a vibrant and sustainable city; we want to nurture talent in the city so we want the young people to be encouraged and use sports to achieve their dreams," Ambrose Atoko, KCCA.
"It's a great opportunity for us to market this country, and market the country as the best destination. UTB has already committed 100,000 euros for this project on top of the 180,000 euros committed by the President, so we hope to build on that and engage the legends in bigger projects to further promote this destination," Edwin Muzahura-UTB
"We are in to grow the brand and the sport and we are proud to be involved," Nile Breweries Isaac Sekasi said.
The match is sponsored by President Museveni, KCCA, Nile Breweries, UTB, Sheraton, Crane Bank, FUFA, and UNICEF
Some of the prominent Barcelona stars expected include Patrick Kluivert, Gaizka Mendieta, Carlos Puyol, Edgar Davids, Luis Garcia, Francesco Coco, Deco, Albert Luque and Rayco Garcia among others.
Story first appeared in the New Vision
