David Otti Gulu football giant is dead

Citizen of Gulu, Northern Uganda and the world at large are experiencing grief following the death of two of their most prolific personalities on Thursday. Gulu born former Uganda Cranes and current Express FC Coach David Otti died in the early hours of Thursday afternoon at case Medical Center in Kampala, following a sustained battle with diabetes. David Otti, was one of the most decorated persons in Ugandan football he was 71. Otti is best remembered as one of the most successful coaches in Ugandan football and led giants Express, SC Villa and KCC FC to multiple titles in a career that dates back to the 1960s when he played for Bitumastic FC and the Uganda Cranes.

Otti has coached Express, SC Villa and Kampala City Council whom he led to several top trophies. He also served as Uganda Cranes coach when the national teams qualified for the Africa Cup of Nation in Cairo (1974) and Ethiopia (1976). He briefly had short coaching spells in Somalia and Rwanda.

Otti was also a former general secretary of the National Council of Sports and at the time of his death coached Express FC. The Minister of Sports, Charles Bakabulindi expressed sadness at Otti’s death today and said Uganda’s has lost one of its veteran coaches and most noticeable soccer personalities. Many people say though he was very knowledgeable about sports in the country, he was humble and respectful with his life. David Otti and Peter Okee (RIP) are the men most would like to emulate. The duo not only led the Cranes to regional glory in the seventies, but also followed up with appearances on the continental stage. Otti, who had featured as a midfielder in the continental finals in the sixties, was the man in charge before that golden performance when Okee led Uganda to the 1978 final. Uganda has since won eight CECAFA titles though a slot in the continent’s top tournament remains elusive.

Those were the days of Peter Okee, Pady Okech, Ddibya, Ouma, Massajage and many more whose mantle the gang of Omondi, Tom Lwanga, Nsereko, Mubiru Tank.

He extended his skill across the region to work at Kenyan side Gor Mahia (1981-83), Somalia’s Mogadishu Municipal Council (1987-1990) and Rwanda’s outfit APR (1995-96) plus serving as National Council of Sports (NCS) general secretary.

It’s at Express where Otti is revered most having brought the club their first league title in almost two decades back in 1993. He also won three Uganda Cup titles while there. The former Ugandan international was also in charge of the Ugandan teams that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo (1974) and Ethiopia (1976). The philosophical Otti, who also deputised coach Bobby Williamson in the last futile Nations Cup campaign, was never lost on hope.

The former Ugandan international footbal coach, was also in charge of the Ugandan teams that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo (1974) and Ethiopia (1976). The philosophical Otti, who also deputised coach Bobby Williamson in the last futile Nations Cup campaign, was never lost on hope. “We can remember yesterday but for tomorrow, we only hope,” he explained his feelings after the amputation last year. Indeed, hope is his legend continues.

Paying tributes ------------------- Many credit Otti for having discovered Philip Omondi and Magid Musisi, arguably the best two players this country has ever known.

Tom Lwanga, team manager Simba FC: Otti was a different coach. He had love and care for his players. He is one person who never blamed anyone when he commits a mistake. Football has lost a philosopher and may his soul rest in peace.

Matia Lule, head coach KCC FC: David has been like a parent. He taught me very many things in football. I looked at him beyond being a father to a grandfather. I thank God for his life. He made me what l am today.

Jimmy Ssemugabi, Fifa instructor: He has been like a brother. We met in 1962 and we were very tight. We used to play in the same positions, in defence and midfield. I thank God that l got a chance to train him in Coffee SC in the 70’s until he left. Nothing l can say except thank God for his life. Muhamood Kateregga, Team manager Express FC: I referred to him as the godfather of football and teacher. He built me and coached me when l was in the youth side - U20. At Express, he wasn’t after money but teaching football which is not the case today.

Hassan Mutasa, Otti’s best friend: I knew much about him but what l can say is that; l met Otti when he had just come out from school in Gulu. We used to share the same house and play football together. Football in Uganda has lost a true coach and an administrator.

Sam Ssimbwa, head coach Express FC: He was a mentor and used to guide me on different issues off and on the pitch. The country has lost a lot. He was an open-minded man. As someone who worked with him, Otti was old but had the idea of football. I will miss him and may his soul rest in peace.

David Obua, Cranes player: I am so gutted, so gutted! I don’t know what to say! It hurts. It is just like when my dad passed away. I shed so many tears.

Uganda will remember Otti in the lining up alongside the likes of, Peter Okee, Polly Ouma, Hassan Mutaasa, Alex Oundo, John Kaddu, Samuel Kawadwa plus the fantastic goal-keeping pair of George Bukenya and Patrick Nathan!!Last but not least David Otti was the real pride of the North when it come to the football!! God has decided that it is time to leave without bidding goodbye!! ACHOLI AND THE WORLD AT LARGE WILL MISS YOU!!