How Burton Albion are Turning into the Most Loved Club in Uganda

How Burton Albion are Turning into the Most Loved Club in Uganda

On July 10, Burton Albion announced the signing of Ugandan international and centre-back Toby Sibbick from Wigan Athletic on a two-year deal, with the option of an additional year.

Over the past international break, Sibbick was given his first taste of competitive international football in a CAF World Cup Qualifier against Somalia. This match has seen a surge in Ugandan fans flurrying to social media, creating pages in support of the Brewers.

What it means to represent his nation 🇺🇬

A competitive debut for Toby Sibbick in Uganda's 2-0 victory last night.#TheBrewers pic.twitter.com/LItQ6JjE9q

— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) September 9, 2025

Burton have become shocked by the sudden rise in attention but are proud of their new fan base flowing in to support Sibbick. This rapid growth in their online and international presence has the club considering a pre-season tour of the East African country to extend their appreciation on the continent.

Here, Football Park discusses how Sibbick’s ties with the Cranes originated and how this has led to the abundance of Ugandan fans becoming closely involved with the Brewers.

Origin of Toby Sibbick

In 1999, Sibbick was born and raised in London, where he also began his professional career at AFC Wimbledon. Through his first two seasons with the Dons, he struggled to find much game time but did manage to score his first two professional goals, both coming in the EFL Trophy. It was his third and final season for Wimbledon in 2018/19 where he managed to become a regular in a lineup which narrowly escaped relegation.

After this chapter he headed north – Barnsley took him on where he also spent three seasons with a brief loan spell to Heart of Midlothian in between. In Sibbick’s second season for the Tykes, he played a crucial part in their almost-heroic Championship play-off push.

Following his time at Barnsley, he returned to Hearts permanently for three seasons before moving once more to his most recent club, the Latics. Now, at Burton he is quickly becoming a hero, not only for the club as an international presence but also for the entirety of Uganda, who seem to adore the 26-year-old following his first competitive start for the Cranes.

But how did the London-born defender come to represent Uganda and why did he choose the Cranes over England? – the answer is quite simply really. Sibbick’s mother is a Ugandan national which therefore allows him to declare Uganda as the club he wants to represent under FIFA’s parentage rules. He chose Uganda most likely to be able to represent his country on the international stage, and there is still a possibility of the Cranes qualifying for the 2026 World Cup next year.

How This Has Choice Strengthened Ties Between His Club and Country

Toby Sibbick’s debut for the Cranes has certainly had a significant impact on the Brewers’ international presence, resulting in the club becoming the most popular talking point in the nation.

The situation has seen many Ugandans creating social media accounts to follow the club, treating them like a club of their own. Burton are proud to have welcomed in this new fanbase and are pleased to have gained a new influx of fans to bring more attention to the club, while the fans are delighted with the way Burton have welcomed and nurtured Sibbick since he joined the East Midlands outfit in July.

On Albion's popularity in Uganda:

“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… pic.twitter.com/uJ0EKjApKJ

— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) September 12, 2025

Brewers boss Gary Bowyer is amazed by the international interest, as he commented in his recent press conference: “It’s unbelievable. I’m not on X but I’ve been told about the growing Ugandan support and it’s just fabulous. I’m delighted for Sibbs.”

This led to speculation over the prospect of a pre-season tour of the country, with Bowyer responding ”I wouldn’t say no.” A tour of the East African nation would exponentially boost the club from both a commercial and marketing standpoint and could have a positive impact on the club long term, strengthening ties between the club and country throughout.

Sibbick will return to the Brewers and could play a part in their match at home to Lincoln this weekend, where the new fanbase can take a look at their new team on the pitch.