Burton Albion could soon be packing their bags for East Africa. The League One side is actively considering a pre-season tour of Uganda, a prospect fueled by defender Toby Sibbick’s recent rise in the colours of the Uganda Cranes.
The 25-year-old right-back, who started ahead of Elvis Bwomono in Uganda’s 2-0 victory over Somalia at Namboole Stadium on September 8, turned heads with a composed and confident display. His performance not only cemented his place in the national team conversation but also sparked a wave of goodwill toward Burton Albion among Ugandan supporters.
Social media platforms have since been buzzing with messages of support for both Sibbick and his club, a development that hasn’t gone unnoticed in Staffordshire.
🇺🇬 Toby Sibbick for the Cranes.
Uganda are in action this evening against Mozambique, 5pm KO.#TheBrewers pic.twitter.com/tK2NqjD9R1
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) September 5, 2025
Head coach Gary Bowyer revealed the club is already feeling the ripple effect of their defender’s international exploits.
“It’s unbelievable. I’m not on X, but I’ve been told, and it’s just fabulous. I’m delighted for Sibbs, who went and played one of the games. The most important thing was that he came back fit; everything else is a bonus. There’s been talk of a pre-season tour, I wouldn’t say no,” Bowyer admitted.
While no formal decision has yet been made, club officials are understood to be exploring the logistics, commercial opportunities, and community engagement possibilities a Ugandan visit could offer. For Burton, such a trip would be about far more than match fitness; it would open doors to partnerships, grassroots initiatives, and a new fan base thousands of miles away from the Pirelli Stadium.
Sibbick himself embodies this cross-continental link. Born in Isleworth, West London, to a Ugandan mother and English father, he was raised in Feltham and honed his craft with AFC Wimbledon before moving through Barnsley, Hearts, and Wigan, eventually arriving at Burton Albion.
Burton Albion FC has signed Toby Sibbick from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee.#TheBrewers
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) July 10, 2025
Now playing in England’s third tier, Burton rarely commands headlines beyond its borders. But since Sibbick’s international bow, the club has recorded one of the sharpest upticks in overseas fan engagement in its recent history, with Uganda suddenly emerging as a hotbed of support.
What began as one player’s international opportunity may well evolve into Burton Albion’s first serious venture into African football culture.
