Two teenage brothers from Partick Thistle are on the cusp of an extraordinary international breakthrough, with Olly and Seb Fisher poised to represent Uganda rather than their native Scotland.
Goalkeeper Olly, 18, and striker Seb, 16, qualify for the East African nation through their mother, Kate, who was born there while her father worked as a teacher. According to the brothers, no white player has ever represented Uganda at any level, and their potential involvement would mark a historic first for the country's football set-up.
The pathway to Uganda opened around six months ago after a chance conversation between the siblings' father and a football consultant at a match in Nigeria. That connection eventually led to invitations for both brothers to join Uganda's youth national team training camps. Earlier this month, they travelled to Jinja in eastern Uganda, spending a week training with the under-20 and under-17 squads, with a second week still to come.
Both brothers described the call-ups as unexpected but deeply meaningful. "I couldn't believe it," Seb said. "It's one of those things you look at and you're shocked. You can't believe it. Most other people couldn't as well."
Olly echoed his younger brother's astonishment. "A real mixture of emotions," he said. "I was quite shocked. I didn't really think that this was a possibility but I was honoured to be asked to represent Uganda. I thought it was a real big opportunity."
Their mother has reportedly reacted with excitement to the prospect, described by Seb as "ecstatic" and supportive of the experience awaiting her sons.
The brothers are not the only Scottish connection within Ugandan football circles at present. Laryea Kingston, the former Hearts and Ghana midfielder, is currently head coach of Uganda's under-20 team and has been central to identifying the historic nature of the Fishers' potential inclusion. "Coach Kingston was saying we'd be the first white boys to play for Uganda, which would be history in the making," Seb explained. "It is very special."
Olly agreed, calling it a landmark moment. "It's never been done before, so definitely it is very special."
Despite training in unfamiliar and demanding heat, both brothers say they have felt an immediate sense of belonging within the Ugandan set-up. Seb noted that some of their new teammates hail from the same region where their mother was born, creating an unexpected bond beyond football. "Everyone has been brilliant, welcoming, really great," he said. "The other boys have been brand new with us."
The pair will soon return to Scotland, resuming their commitments with Partick Thistle alongside university and school studies, before potentially rejoining the Uganda squads. Olly is hopeful of featuring should Uganda's under-20s qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations early next year, while Seb could be included in the under-17 squad for the World Cup in Qatar this November.
Both brothers view the international opportunity as a stepping stone in their development. "That's what you want as a footballer, being in an international environment," Seb said. "It makes you a better player and hopefully it does for the two of us, and I think it will, and benefit us very much going back to Scotland playing at Thistle."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.