On April 12, 2025, Ugandan football reached a watershed moment as the U17 national team, the Cubs, sealed their first-ever qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over The Gambia in Marrakech.
At the heart of this landmark achievement is Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo, a rising tactician whose personal journey reflects the very spirit of Ugandan football—passion, resilience, and vision.
Ssenyondo was born on August 23, 1993 in Mulago and lived in Mutundwe before moving to Masaka at 7 years. It was in Masaka where his love for football blossomed on the town’s dusty fields. That early connection never faded, and by his twenties, Ssenyondo had already embarked on a coaching career marked by determination and tactical insight.
His first major role came with Synergy FC, where he led the club to the Uganda Cup semifinals—an early signal of his potential on the touchline.
Further appointments followed at Mbarara City and UPDF FC, but it was at Kitara FC that Ssenyondo’s reputation truly soared. In 2024, he guided the Hoima-based club to a historic Uganda Cup title, firmly establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising young coaches.
In November 2024, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) appointed Ssenyondo as head coach of the U17 national team. His impact was immediate.
The Cubs claimed the CECAFA U17 Zonal Qualifiers title unbeaten after edging Tanzania 2-1 in the final, booking a place at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Drawn into a challenging group, the Cubs showed flashes of brilliance and determination. After finishing third in Group A, Uganda earned a second chance through a playoff—a do-or-die tie against The Gambia for one of the final African slots at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The Baby Scorpions took an early lead within the first minute, but Uganda, under Ssenyondo’s guidance, held their nerve. A brace from 17-year-old forward James Bogere turned the tide, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory and writing the Cubs into Ugandan football folklore.
Ssenyondo was quick to credit the team and supporters after the match. “Hard work, belief and determination were key in our journey,” he wrote on social media. “Huge thanks to the players for not relenting and the fans back home for your invaluable support and encouragement.”
Beyond his current role, Ssenyondo has set his sights on contributing to the long-term development of sport in Uganda.
He is actively pursuing a CAF A Licence and has expressed ambitions of nurturing future talent and influencing coaching standards across the country.
