More than 250 young footballers under 18 have lit up the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo this week, as the inaugural Somewhere in Africa Talent Search Tournament kicked off with energy, ambition, and serious continental attention.
The three-day event, which wraps up on Friday, has drawn scouts and coaches from across Africa and Europe, all hoping to discover Uganda’s next generation of football exports.
Among the high-profile guests are four Belgium-based scouts, all former European pros, now on a mission to identify players who can match the pace, discipline, and toughness of the European game.
“We’re not just after flair. We’re looking for players who understand the game tactically, who are quick, focused, and resilient,” said Bennard Kumordzi, one of the scouts closely watching the action.
The tournament has attracted nine academy teams from around the country, each fielding hungry, determined players hoping to impress. The buzz around the grounds has been electric, with agents, intermediaries, and coaches lining the sidelines.
Godfrey Kayemba, the tournament’s player intermediary, praised the initiative for bringing global eyes directly to Uganda’s talent pool. “Whenever I travel to Europe, people ask me who’s the best Ugandan player in a top league. The truth is we don’t have many. That’s why they said, let’s go to Uganda and see for ourselves,” Kayemba explained.
Ugandan football icon Godfrey Walusimbi also lent his experience to the technical team, offering mentorship to the aspiring stars. “Opportunities like this are rare,” he told them. “Stay focused. Stay disciplined. Be ready to learn.”
With strong performances already on show and more games to come, the tournament is fast becoming a key platform for bridging grassroots football in Uganda to the world stage.
