Uganda Hippos to take part in Ethiopian ‘Dire Cup’ 2024

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that the Uganda U20 men’s national team, known as the Hippos, is set to participate in the ‘Dire Cup,’ an invitational football tournament marking the inauguration of the new Dire Dawa International Stadium in Ethiopia. 

The Dire Cup tournament is scheduled to take place from February 24th to 28th, 2024, in Dire Dawa City and will feature a total of four teams, including hosts Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Djibouti.

FUFA Communications Director, Mr Ahmed Hussein on Monday stated that the Hippos will commence their journey on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with the opening fixture for Uganda set for Friday.

This announcement comes as part of FUFA’s efforts to provide valuable opportunities for the national team to compete on the international stage.

Hussein also shared details about the Hippos’ attire during the ‘Dire Cup.’ 

The team will proudly don Gofere-branded kits throughout the tournament, a partnership set to extend to both the Uganda men’s and women’s U20 teams during the upcoming All Africa Games in Ghana. 

These distinctive kits, introduced in the training sessions, are expected to create a unified identity for the Hippos as they face tough competition.

“We are glad that the tournament will help to fine-tune the men’s team before flying out to Accra,” expressed Hussein, emphasizing the strategic importance of the ‘Dire Cup’ in preparing the team for future challenges.

Uganda is set to send two football teams to Ghana for the prestigious All Africa Games, and participation in the ‘Dire Cup’ stands as a crucial step in honing the skills and coordination of the U20 Hippos. 

As the nation eagerly anticipates the performance of its talented young squad, the journey to Ethiopia signifies a significant chapter in Uganda’s footballing journey, aiming for success on both regional and continental fronts.