A good coach goes for the young and talented players for future good resale value.
The football commentary business in Uganda has only one name Peter Otai flying on fans’ lips.
There are some budding players on the market and their future is very bright.
Each corner of this country with a Television set in any homestead, has had a chance to listen to the soothing, deep and clear voice of arguably the best commentator in the region.
Otai has propelled himself to the top with his good football commentary in English.
With his commentary on National broadcaster UBC Television and Azam Television, Otai has produced the best lines to match with top football moments to rightly cement the memories of artistry and good command of the Queen’s Language.
The applauses from his huge following on various social media platforms have seen comparisons made with renowned football commentator Peter Drury. No wonder he shares the first name with the Poet-the world’s number one football commentator.
Otai has worked on a number of projects, including international fixtures; AFCON U17 (2019 in Tanzania) CECAFA tournaments (2018 in Kenya, 2019 in Rwanda, 2020 in Uganda, 2021 in Ethiopia), Uganda Cranes fixtures, Crested Cranes fixtures, Mapinduzi Cup (2018 in Zanzibar), Uganda under age National teams (U17 and U20), Uganda Premier League with Azam Tv (2015-2018), The Tanzanian National football league, the FUFA Women Leagues and Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The opportunities and experience garnered over the years have since made Otai a house hold name in the field.
FUFA media unfolds Peter Otai who started commentary in 2000.
Question: In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
Peter Otai: – I am a down to earth guy who loves to take on a challenge with the hope of improvement just in case. In other words I’m a risk taker.
Question: Are you related to former defence minister Pater Oati in President Apollo Obote’s cabinet?
Peter Otai: Yes I am. He is my Uncle and I was named after him. He actually came home when I was born (as told by my parents) and that was the last we saw him.
Question: The ‘Usual Suspect’ – Why that nickname?
Peter Otai: I got it from Kyambogo University. I was very naughty and whenever there was strike at the University, the administration would say look for the usual suspect Otai.
Question: Childhood memories?
Peter Otai: I have very good memories. I came to Kampala when I was 2 years and lived in Bukoto white flats. It was the time of hardships which had regime change, bullets and scarcity of essential goods like salt, food, sugar and soap but the family pushed through.
Question: Were you good at any Sport growing up?
Peter Otai: Yes, I played a lot of football. You can ask Savio Kabugo and his sibling Ronnie Lusulire. They know all about my football story. However, I was so much into athletics. I represented my school- City Primary Kololo during the District Championships in Kampala. I later changed to volleyball and handball. Sport is part of my DNA.
Question: When did you actually realize that you can be a good commentator?
Peter Otai: When I was working for Magic 100fm through my manager Paul Kiwa Kurtner who encouraged me to take up the commentary and then Opoka James (RIP) did the polishing. I started with the English Premier League and Uganda Cranes matches.
Question: Who is your greatest influence?
Peter Otai: In Radio it was ‘Uncle Mitch’ of 88.2 Sanyu Fm. The guy ruled the air waves and I recall how I used to disturb him a lot but in life it is my mother as usual one of the strongest people I have seen alive.
Question: The fans say Peter Otai is CECAFA’s Peter Dury. How do you take such compliments?
Peter Otai: well I welcome them and it shows that they love what I do. Peter Drury is big and if you are tagged to him, then it’s great. We all know what he brings on table with the global audience and I am growing steadily.
Question: How do you prepare for a match?
Peter Otai: It takes a lot to prepare for a match for commentary. I spend alot of time visiting websites looking for stories about each player and I also make calls to some friends for facts.
Question: What message can you give to young ones out there who would like to follow your path?
Peter Otai: Let no one put you down. If you feel you can do it then go for it. Take any criticism as positive to improve. English is not our mother tongue but just embrace and make it part of you. Love what you do and it will love you back. Let the passion drive you.
Question: What is that embarrassing moment you have ever encountered with your job?
Peter Otai: A listener called live on air hurled all sorts of insults at me. It’s a day to remember. I was playing music and boom, I was excited to pick up the caller only to tell me that you are wasting time, play good music and not oldies.
Question: Your best moments behind the microphone?
Peter Otai: The best moment is when I commentated live the Uganda Legends vs Brazil legends at Nakivubo stadium and the AFCON U17 in Tanzania.
The lowest moment is when I lost my father (RIP) and I was live on air commentating the league match in Mwererwe. Papa died at 5.45pm and I had to finish that game and then reached the morgue late but I was allowed to see him. I was meant to pass home that day because he had called me. I was already on the move to the stadium for commentary but had promised to see him later in the day. I wasn’t able to know why he was calling me for.
Question: You have done commentary for Women Football, what’s your assessment on the progress of these leagues?
Peter Otai: We have a future in Women football. The girls show maturity in the game and I have fallen in love with women football. I believe we are having the best women league in CECAFA Region. From Fazila Ikwaput to Namataka and Juliet Nalukenge, women football has grown in Uganda. I just can’t believe how competitive the league is to see Lady Doves FC the winner of the league now languishing in the relegation. She maroon winner of the FUFA Womne Elite league also in the same boat. The league is for the girls to chill with the ‘big boys’.
Question: How has the experience been like doing commentary of the Stanbic Uganda Cup?
Peter Otai: It was great that Vipers SC v BUL FC final was epic. It made my day. Eight goals; four from one player Yunus Sentamu, then a striker Musa Esenu goes in goal for BUL……it has been a good experience. I am already enjoy the ongoing campaign.
