Scottish teenagers to become the first white players to represent Uganda

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FT Desk

Two Scottish teenagers are set to make history by becoming the first white footballers to represent Uganda at international level.

Olly and Seb Fisher, who play for Partick Thistle, were born in Scotland but are eligible to play for Uganda through their mother, who was born in the African nation.

"My gran and grandad lived out here for, I think, four or five years," Olly told BBC Sport Scotland.

"My grandfather came out here to teach in a school then my mum was born here. So, it's a bit of a strange one."

Remarkably, the opportunity arose around six months ago when the duo's father found himself speaking to a football consultant in a chance meeting in Nigeria. Fast forward to August, and they were present at Under-20 and Under-27 training camps.

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"I couldn't believe it," 16-year-old striker Seb said. "It's one of those things you look at and you're shocked. You can't believe it. Most other people couldn't as well."

The pair said they were "shocked" and "honoured" at receiving the call to report for the training camp.

Olly, a goalkeeper, said: "A real mixture of emotions. I was quite shocked. I didn't really think that this was a possibility but I was honoured to be asked to represent Uganda. I thought it was a real big opportunity."

Former Hearts and Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston if currently in charge of Uganda's under-20s which represents another Scottish connection in the scenario.

"Coach Kingston was saying we'd be the first white boys to play for Uganda, which would be history in the making," Seb said. "It is very special."

Olly added: "It's never been done before, so definitely it is very special."

It certainly would have been intimidating to head to Uganda for the training camp as young men from Scotland, even though they have been told stories about the culture of the country from their parents and grandparents.

How were they treated?

"Everyone has been brilliant, welcoming, really great," Seb said. "The other boys have been brand new with us. Some of the boys actually come from the same area where my mum was born. So, they were all talking about that."

Next year, the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations takes place, while in November there is the Under-17 World Cup and both Seb and Olly are keen to represent Uganda at those tournaments.

They'll seeon return to Scotland, though, where they will combine duties with Partick with university and school commitments.

"That's what you want as a footballer, being in an international environment," Seb said.

"It makes you a better player and hopefully it does for the two of us, and I think it will, and benefit us very much going back to Scotland playing at Thistle."