Jose Mourinho, The Special One
As a devout Chelsea FC supporter, the final match for the Champions League didn’t turn out the way I had planned. I was expecting a “blue” defeat all the way until the end—but Jose Mourinho crushed that dream. However, I was still keen to watch with the many football fans throughout Gulu.
I entered Bjz restaurant, a local bar in Gulu, almost 10 minutes into the first half and the place was packed solid. Every seat was taken, children were peering through the few holes in the fence and row upon row of chairs were placed outside on the grass, just so everyone could get a view of Jose and his squad.
Football is life in Gulu. When I first arrived, I knew football was a passion for most people here, but I didn’t realize the unbridled intensity that EVERYBODY feels for The Beautiful Game. And not only are locals into it, but they’re also so knowledgeable—about the players, past seasons, everything. Of course, everyone has an opinion on everything too.
I walked into the game thinking most people would be neutral. I was completely wrong. I realized this when the crowd went in an uproar after Sneijder made a beautiful cross in front of the Bayern goal during the first half. It was clear at that point that everyone was on Inter Milan’s side… or, should I say, Jose’s side.
In Gulu, most football enthusiasts follow three teams: Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea (although I’m trying to recruit more Chelsea fans because the numbers are low). In my first months here, I was woken up regularly from the cheering Arsenal fans that filled the pork joint across the road. It’s not just a game here. It’s a part of life.
With the second goal from Milito, Bjz was again in chaos. Cheers were coming from every direction. As soon as Mourinho was shown on the screen, almost everyone in the bar started copying his cool-down pose. I’m still learning Luo here, but I caught Mourinho’s name coming from every group of friends. He’s done it again. After making history again this year with Inter Milan, I’m sure Jose will be the first to anoint himself as “The Special One” for all eternity.
But now that the regular football season has come to an end, the bars are quiet on Sunday afternoons. Of course, that won’t last. With the first World Cup taking place on African soil this June, the energy around Gulu will be high. Uganda may not be in the mix, but Africans everywhere will be cheering on their continent!
Go Cote d’Ivoire! Go!!!
– Andrea McKinlay is a former GuluWalk organizer and employee at Athletes for Africa. She is now working on the ground in northern Uganda with one of A4A’s local partners. Contact her here or post a comment below.
