Laryea Kingston focuses on long-term builds for Uganda

2026-01-28 - 00:13

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has outlined his mission as coach of Uganda's youth national teams, emphasising long-term development over the immediate pressure to win trophies. The 46-year-old, appointed last year on a five-year contract, has already guided the Uganda U-17 side to qualification for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite this early success, Kingston stated his focus remains firmly on building a foundation for the future. "I'm not under pressure to win a trophy with Uganda," Kingston said in a recent radio interview. "I have only been tasked with building a team for five years. That decision has taken away pressure from me, and I am solely focused on building a team. If the trophies come along the way, that is a bonus, but the focus is to build a winsome team." Kingston brings significant developmental experience to the role. A holder of both UEFA A and CAF B coaching licences, his background includes managing Ghana's own U-17 national team and a productive stint at Danish club FC Nordsjælland, where he worked within the renowned Right to Dream Academy system dedicated to nurturing young African talent. His comments signal a patient, project-based approach to his work with the East African nation, prioritising sustainable player development and team identity over short-term tournament results. Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.