When the University for Development Studies football team steps onto the pitch in Cairo, the spotlight naturally follows the players. The tackles, the saves, the defence-splitting passes and the goals belong to the men in boots. But UDS' march into the semi-finals of the 12th All Africa University Games is also being powered by a team that will never appear on the referee's team sheet.

Behind the defending champions is a strong management presence that has turned encouragement, welfare and logistical support into an important part of the University's campaign in Egypt. At the heart of that support are the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elliot Haruna Alhassan, and the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, and supported by Alhaji Abdul Rashid Abdul Karim of the Directorate of Finance, who have remained close to the team in Cairo, not merely as senior officials accompanying a University delegation, but as a visible source of motivation for the players.

On match days, their support begins even before the first whistle. Minutes before the players leave the dressing room and walk into battle, the two senior members of Management make their way inside. There are no tactical boards in their hands and no instructions about formations or marking opponents. That responsibility belongs to the coaches.

Their message is different. They remind the players that they are carrying the hopes of an entire University. They assure them that Management stands firmly behind them and encourage them to step onto the field with confidence, determination and the knowledge that UDS believes in them. Then they leave the football to the football men.

The coaches take over, deliver the final tactical instructions, and the players head for the pitch. It may be a brief encounter before each match, but in the high-pressure environment of a continental university competition, such moments matter. For players thousands of kilometres away from home, seeing the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Registrar walk into their dressing room sends a powerful message: you are not here alone; your University is here with you.

And so far, that combination of preparation on the pitch and support away from it, is producing results. UDS has secured its place in the semi-finals, keeping alive its ambition of defending the continental football crown it won two years ago. The players and technical team deserve enormous credit for the performances that have brought the University this far. But their progress in Cairo is also a reminder that successful teams are built by more than the eleven players who cross the white line.

Behind every performance is a structure and behind every player is a support system, and behind UDS' pursuit of another African title is a University Management determined to give its team every reasonable opportunity to succeed.

Story by Abdul Hayi Moomen