Wassaka is rarely talked about in football circles but he is one of the most influential figures in the game and greatly shaped the way our game is structured. He was an elegant football administrator who served the game with dignity and, as team manager, he steered The Cranes to numerous honours.
Who is Wassaka Musoke?
Born to Julia and Zefaniya Musoke of Ndejje, Luweero district, Wassaka started out as a striker while at King’s College Budo. When he joined the Police force in 1954, he got drafted into Police FC and his good goal tally saw him get summoned to play for the national team.
In fact, he was part of the famous Barefooted Uganda team which toured England in 1956. Other members of that squad include keeper Nafutali Gumba Musoke (Captain), Gilbert Seruwagi, Baker Kasigwa, Edward Semambo, John Bunyenyezi, Jimmy Sewava, Manase Owiny and Alifunsi Temaligwe, among others.
Upon return, Wassaka had limited playing time with the national time but concentrated at Police FC where he also served in the institution’s communication department.
Baptizing the team Uganda Cranes
By 1968 when Fufa signed German tactician Burkhard Pape to coach the national team, Wassaka had long hung up his boots. At the time, Fufa looked for a national team manager and wanted someone who was educated as well as conversant with football technical issues. That’s when Wassaka’s name came into the picture and he took the opportunity.
During one of the national team outings in 1971, Wassaka got concerned that whereas other countries had nicknames that reflect their heritage, Uganda had none. That’s when he took it upon himself to give the national team a name.
He first came up with ‘The Lions’ but it was a hard sell since several countries were already using it. That’s when he coined ‘The Cranes.’ The name instantly became catchy and it helped psyche up players and fans.
As team manager, Wassaka achieved immense success. He guided Uganda to four East Africa Senior Challenge Cup titles (1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971). The team also toured West Germany in 1970. He spotted and encouraged many youthful players to the senior side. The likes of Edward Semwanga, Jimmy Kirunda, Stanley `Tanker’ Mubiru and Ashe Mukasa, among others, were mentored by Wassaka.
In 1972, Wassaka resigned from The Cranes and two years later, he also retired from Police at the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). It was at this point that he switched to his other passion of sports commentary and often relayed live coverage of games in Kiswahili on Radio Uganda.
In 1980, Wassaka joined football administration as Fufa vice chairman in charge of the national football league. He is the brains behind the reduction of top-flight clubs. However, this was opposed by many club officials.
In 1981, Wassaka resigned from football administration and retired to his home in Busega. Interestingly, in 1982, Fufa adopted Wassaka’s proposal and reduced the top-flight teams to 10.
So, as we cheer the Cranes this evening, let us think about this man who wished well for the national team. Mzee Andrew Hannington Wassaka Musoke, rest in peace!
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