Crested Cranes captain Akiror Tracy Jonses has affirmed that they are more than ready to face South Africa Women National team ‘Banyana Banyana’ in the semifinals of COSAFA Women’s Championship on Thursday evening.
Crested Cranes team that started against Zimbabwe. Head coach Faridah Bulega has gone for the tactical philophy of ‘Never Change a winnng team’. She has named the same team for today’s semifinal match against South Africa.
Akiroro made the encouraging remarks after her team’s final training on Wednesday evening in Port Elizabeth.
‘We are ready to put up a strong fight against South Africa. My teammates are well motivated. Despite the wet conditions down here, we shall battle to get a good result as we did against Zimbabwe’ said Akiror who is a four time FUFA Women Elite League champion with Kawempe Mulsim Ladies FC.
Crested Cranes midfielder Lillian Mutuuzo returned to training and is in good shape to play part in the clash as she has been named in the starting line up by head coach Faridah Bulega.
Mutuuzo was stretched off the pitch in the game against Zimbabwe immediately after her tremendous run and assist to Juliet Nalukenge who scored the first goal for Uganda on Monday.
Assistant captain goalkeeper Ruth Aturo also fully recovered from a flu and will keep the posts again.
‘We are very connfident and ready for the game. Our team is good. We shall play to the best of our ability’ said Aturo
Crested Cranes goalkeeper Aturo Ruth posing with her award during the closing ceremony of CECAFA Women Challenge Cup in Rwanda. She has been at her best against during the tournament
Uganda defeated last year’s runners-up Zimbabwe 2-1 in the last group C match to qualify for the semis.
MAIN PHOTO: Crested Cranes captain Tracy Akror (L) having control of the ball in the match against Zimbabwe in the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Uganda U17 team has brightened its chances for qualification from the group stages after defeating Kenya 1-3 at Azam Complex Stadium Chamazi in Tanzania on Sunday evening in the ongoing CAF U17 Regional Qualifiers.
Uganda captain Kizito Gavin with match officials during the CAF U17 match against Kenya in Tanzania
Uganda Cubs’ goals were scored by Kisozi Seed High School forward Yiga Najib in the 45th minute while the other two goals were scored by KCCA FC Soccer Academy player Ibrahim Juma and Vipers SC JT forward Ivan Asaba in the 80th and 84th minutes respectively.
Uganda U17 coach Peter Onen made two changes in the lineup that defeated South Sudan. He opted for Yiga Najib and Iddi Abdul Wahid.
Uganda U17 midfielder Ssekajja Davis in control of the ball during the match against Kenya in CAF U17 qualifiers in Tanzania
However, the Kenyans had cancelled Yiga’s goal with an equaliser from Ezekiel Nyakundi 16 minutes to the end of the game before Juma and Asaba secured the victory for The Cubs. Kenya missed a penalty in the game but Uganda converted their kick successfully.
‘Our boys are regaining confidence in every game we play. We planned for this game and we achieved the best from it. Kenya wasn’t easy to break but we did it at last. We deserved the victory’ said Uganda Cubs coach Onen
Uganda remains third on the table with 6 points behind Kenya also with 6 points but with goal difference separating the two. Ethiopia leads the group with 9 points while South Sudan is fourth with 3 points, Djibouti comes last without a point.
Uganda Cubs players celebrating a goal against Kenya in CAF U17 qualifier in Tanzania
The Cubs will play Djibouti in the last group fixture on Tuesday 22nd August 2018.
The best two nations from each group (A&B) will qualify for the semifinal.
Uganda U17 players that started the match against Kenya in CAF U17 qualifiers in Tanzania. Standing L-R; Ssekajja Davis, Oyo Delton, Ekellot Ibrahim, Yiga Najib, Kasozi Samson, Kizito Gavin (C) – Front Row L-R; Ssekimbegga Kevin, Iddi Abdul Wahid, Kakaire Thomas, John Rogers, Ibrahim Juma
Uganda’s Technical Bench singing the National Anthem.
Subs
Asaba Ivan, Mwaka Polycap, Ssemwogerere Daniel, John Alou, Mukisa Owen, Owane Yasin
Buganda and West Nile Povinces have qualified for the final of the 1st Edition of the FUFA Drum after eliminating Bukedi and Busoga respectively.
The decisive return leg matches were played on Sunday 19th August at King George Stadium in Tororo and Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe, Jinja.
Bukedi Province Midfielder David Owori (Red) in control of the ball during the 2nd leg match against Buganda in Tororo
In Tororo, Bukedi managed a 1-0 win over Buganda in regular time through Nyamityobora FC midfielder Ibrahim Pengere in the 71st minute.
The game ended 1-0 and proceeded to kicks from the penalty mark after a 1-1 aggregate score. Buganda won the first leg 1-0 in Mukono. Bukedi’s key player Poloto Julius who came on as a substitute in the second half missed his penalty kick. Buganda won 3-5 to book a berth in the final.
Ronald Kigongo, Robert Sentongo , Allan Kayiwa, Shafik Kagimu converted their kicks while David Owori, Patrick Wafula and Ibrahim Pengere also scored for Bukedi.
West Nile players celebrating their victory over Busoga in Bugembe
Bukedi Fans supporting their province at King George Stadium in Tororo
Bukedi star player Julius Poloto from KCCA FC was rested and missed the first half while on bench. He was later introduced immediately after the break replacing Lira United’s winger Vicent Egessa.
Poloto joined the ranks of URA FC attackers Ronald Musana, Mathew Odongo and Pengere who had earlier threatened the backline of Buganda with tireless runs.
Buganda Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubya rescues the situation during the 2nd leg match against Bukedi in Tororo
Soana FC and Buganda Province goalkeeper Joel Mutakubya was chosen Man of the Match. He received the accolade and the prize Money (100,000/=).
West Nile Striker Brian Umony against Busoga’ skipper Isaac Isinde in action during the 2nd leg semifinal encounter in Jinja
In Jinja, Busoga was held by West Nile in a goalless draw, meaning no goals were produced over 180 minutes of football action between the two sides. The match was also decided on kicks from the penalty mark.
Mayanja Antony missed his attempt while West Nile players Mustafa Kizza, Fred Amaku, Vitalis Tabu, Oromochan Villa and Filbert Obenchan all converted their kicks to secure a place in the final with a result of 4-5.
KCCA FC and West Nile star Mustafa Kizza celebrating after eliminating Busoga Province from the FUFA Drum competition in Jinja
Busoga suffered an early blow when goalkeeper Didi Muhammad who holds most clean sheets in the competition got injured in the 20th minute and was replaced by Mathias Muwanga.
‘We are a good side and we expected to reach the final. My team was better. I was confident and believed in my players’ said West Nile coach Umar Abudallah
URA FC and West Nile goalkeeper Alionza Nafian was named Man of the Match. He received the cash prize and the accolade.
URA FC and West Nile goalkeeper Alionza Nafian receives the Man of the Match accolade plus prize money from Match Commissioner Livingstone Lajan
Team lineups
Bukedi Province line up that stated against Buganda in the 2nd leg of the FUFA Drum
Bukedi XI
Wafula Patrick GK (Busia Fisheries), Othieno Stephen (Mbarara City), Tohomera Benon (Myda) Joseph Owino (Myda), Gwoto Fredson (SC Villa), Owori David (Vipers) Owori Isaac (Proline) Pengere Ibrahim (Masavu) Odongo Mathew (URA) Ronald Musana (URA) Egessa Vicent (Lira UTD)
Bukedi Province line up that stated against Buganda in the 2nd leg of the FUFA Drum in Tororo
Buganda Xl
Joel Mutakubya (GK) (Soana)
Ronald Kigongo (URA), Dan Birikwalira(Vipers SC), Abudallah Nyanzi (URA) Allan Mugalu(URA), Musa Mugalu (Kyetume), Shafik Kagimu (URA), Robert Sentongo, Abudallah Nyanzi (URA), Rajab Jooga (Kyetume), Brian Majwega (Maroons)
2nd Semifinal
Busoga Province team that started the match against West Nile in the 2nd leg of the FUFA Drum semifinal in Jinja
Busoga XI
Didi Muhammad GK (Kirinya JSS)
Dragua Allan (Kirinya JSS) Batambuze Shafik (Singida), Mulondo Livingstone (Kirinya JSS) Isaac Isinde (Kirinya JSS) Sibira Yunus (BUL), Waiswa Moses (Vipers SC) Bagoole David (Kirinya JSSS), Edgar Luzige , Allan Munaaba (URA) Richard Wandyaka (BUL)
West Nile Province team that started the match against Busoga in the 2nd leg of the FUFA Drum semifinal in Jinja
West Nile XI
Alionza Nafian GK (URA), Atendele Geriga (Koboko R S) Obencan Filbert (KCCA FC), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC) Sabar Rajab, Orombi Ronald , Feni Ali Muhamood, Oromoncan Villa (BUL) Umony Brian, Vitalis Tabu (URA), Hasan Fatib
MAIN PHOTO: Buganda goalkeeper Joel Mutakubya receiving the man of the Match Accolade from Buganda Sports Minister Owek. Henry Ssekabembe
Two Changes have been made from the team that beat South Sudan. Yiga Najib replaces Mwaka Polycap who is injured while Iddi Abdulwahid takes over Asaba Ivan’s position.
Kickoff is at 5PM – Azam Complex, Chamazi Stadium.
The starting XI against Kenya (Shirt numbers attached)
19 – Oyo Delton (GK), 2 – Ssekimbegga Kevin 4 – Kasozi Samson, 5 – Kizito Mugweri Gavin (C), 20 – John Rogers, 16 – Ekellot Ibrahim, 6 – Ssekajja Davis, 10 – Kakaire Thomas, 9 – Iddi Abdul Wahid, 14 – Yiga Najib, 17 – Juma Ibrahim,
Subs
1–Semwogerere Daniel (GK), 12 – Alou John Kokas, 7 – Owane Yasin Abdul, 8 – Mwaka Polycap, 15 – Mukisa Owen, 11 – Asaba Ivan
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda team that started against South Sudan on Friday. Uganda won 6-1
Uganda U17 team has registered a 1-6 win over South Sudan in the CAF Regional qualifiers at Chamazi, Azam Sports Complex in Tanzania on Friday afternoon.
Bright Stars FC Junior Team midfielder Sekajja Davis scored as early as three minutes into the game to put the Cubs ahead.
Uganda U17 midfielder Sekajja Davis (Red) in action during the match against South Sudan
Sekajja who was switched by Coach Peter Onen from his common central midfield position to forward netted the second after being released by Mwaka Polycap with a through ball in the center of the park.
Immediately after 6 minutes Vipers SC Junior Team forward Kakaire Thomas dribbled past a South Sudanese defender before laying the ball to the left side of the target with his left foot in the 23rd minute.
Kakaire later recorded his double with the same style and technic just two minutes before the break to make it 4 goals up for the Uganda U17.
Uganda U17 forward Kakaire Thomas scoring his first goal against South Sudan.
Sekajja a student at Royal Giants High School Mityana grabbed his hat trick to make it 0-5 before halftime.
The intensity of the game declined in the second half, nevertheless it was still Sekajja in a better position to score in an empty net in the 70th minute.
Cubs coach Onen introduced Rock High School midfielder Owane Yasin Abdul for captain Kizito Gavin Mugweri in the 60th minute and substituted Kakaire Thomas for URA FC Junior Team player Alou John Kokas in the 77th minute.
Uganda U17 winger Juma Ibrahim in action during the match against South Sudan
Uganda Cubs have 3 points from two games and will play Kenya on Sunday 19th before taking on Djibouti in the last group game on Wednesday 22nd August.
The Champion of the tournament will qualify for the CFA U17 finals and join Tanzania who received automatic qualification as hosts.
Uganda U17 line up against South Sudan
Some highlights of the match
Moments before halftime, a yellow card was shown to Emmanuel Morris of South Sudan who later received marching orders for another bookable offence in the second half.
Uganda made changes as the game demanded for a different approach which saw Mwaka Polycap off for for Mukisa Owen, Kizito Gavin Mugweri making way for Owane Yasin and Thomas Kakaire replaced by John Alou wholater got booked.
South Sudan’s Joseph Manase converted from the spot to get the lone goal for his Country.
Uganda U17 Starting XI
19 – Oyo Delton (GK) (Kirinya JSSS JT)
Defenders
2 – Ssekimbegga Kevin (Buddo SSS) 4 – Kasozi Samson (Bright Stars FC JT), 5 – Kizito Mugweri Gavin (C) (SC Villa), 20 – John Rogers (Onduparaka FC JT)
Midfielders
16 – Ekellot Ibrahim (Bright Stars FC JT), 8 – Mwaka Polycap, (Football For Good Academy) 10 – Kakaire Thomas (Vipers SC JT).
Forwards
6 – Ssekajja Davis Bright Stars FC JT), 11 – Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC JT), 17 – Juma Ibrahim (KCCA SA),
South Sudan vs Uganda (Chamazi Stadium) (Live on 102.1 FUFA fm) -2pm
Results Group B (Sunday match)
South Sudan 2-0 Djibouti
Tuesday, 14th August
Kenya 4:0 South Sudan
Djibouti 0:4 Ethiopia
Results Group A (Thursday 16 August)
Sudan 0:5 Tanzania
As the Uganda U-17 National Team (Cubs) face South Sudan today in the ongoing CECAFA U17 Zonal AFCON Qualifiers in Dar es Salaam, head coach Onen Peter and his technical team have named their starting team.
Two changes have been made from the team that started against Ehiopia. Iddi Abdul Wahid and Yiga Najib have paved way for Asaba Ivan and John Rogers respectively.
Asaba Ivan in action during Uganda’s encounter with Ethiopia
‘This will be the turning point of our tournament. We need to win big and in style after losing to Ethiopia in the opener. We shall notice great improvement. We have done our homework which gives me confidence that we will make a comeback into this competition’ said Onen.
Head Coach Onen Peter while giving instructions to players at Boko Beach Veterans Ground Dar es Salaam
In group B Uganda has collected no point after playing one game, Kenya has 3 points following a 4-0 win over South Sudan 4-0, Ethiopia is on 6 points having seen off Uganda (1-0) and Djibouti (4-0). Djibouti yet to pick a point.
A moment of prayer after training at Boko Beach Veterans Ground Dar es Salaam
The starting XI (Shirt numbers attached)
19 – Oyo Delton (GK)
Defenders 2 – Ssekimbegga Kevin 4 – Kasozi Samson, 5 – Kizito Mugweri Gavin (C), 20 – John Rogers
The Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre has called on his players and the entire country to play a key role to ensure that the National team delivers good results for the football fraternity when Tanzania comes to town.
Uganda Cranes and Tanzania Taifa Stars will lock horns on 8th September 2018 at Mandela National Stadium in the Total AFCON Qualifier.
The Frenchman named 30 players with the first section of local based players set to start training on 1st September at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo.
The rest of the players will join training at Nambole on 3rd September 2018 for residential camp till match day.
FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein (left) with Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre during the FUFA Press Conference on WednesdayUganda Cranes striker Emanuel Okwi during the training session in Niger in May. He has been named in the Uganda Cranes Squad to turn guns against his employers Tanzania on 8th September, 2018.Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre smiles during the weekly press conference
Addressing the media during the official press conference at FUFA House in Mengo, Desabre noted that he is hopeful and optimistic that the summoned players will prepare well ahead of the Tanzania clash;
I am confident in the players summoned. All the players are very motivated and ready to give their best. Personally, i have done the research and follow up on most players. We shall start training on 1st September 2018 with a crop of locally based players before the rest of the foreign based will join on 3rd September.
Concerning the status of team captain Dennis Onyango, the coach assured the country that Onyango is fit to represent his country.
I spoke to him (Denis Onyango) just a few days ago and he has recovered well. He is also set to fly to Morocco for the CAF Champions league.
Uganda hosts Tanzania in a crucial match on Saturday, 8th September 2018 at the Mandela National Stadium.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jamal Salim (El Meriekh), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and Nicholas Sebwato (Onduparaka FC), Isaac Isinde (Kirinya Jinja SS), Murushid Juuko (Simba SC), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA FC), Denis Iguma (Kazma FC), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia) FC, Isaac Muleme (Haras El Hodood), Joseph Ochaya (Lusaka Dynamo), Hassan Wasswa (El Geish), Khalid Aucho(Un attached), Ibrahim Saddam Juma (KCCA FC), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Opondo Moses( Vendsyssel), Allan Kateregga (Cape Town City), Faruku Miya (Gorica ), Moses Waisswa (Vipers Sc), Yunus Sentamu (FK Tirana), Martin Kizza (Sc Villa Jogoo), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Emma Okwi (Simba SC), Edrisa Lubega (SV Ried), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha), Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC), William Luwagga Kizito (FC Bate Borisov), Yasser Mugerwa (Fasil Kenema).
Africa’s finest goalkeeper Denis Onyango with a routine finaesave during a Uganda Cranes game against Egypt at NambooleFaruku Miya (L) in action for The Uganda Cranes during the 2017 AFCON Finals in Gabon.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre addressing the media during the weekly press conference at FUFA House on Wednesday.
FUFA and the Western region Football Association have authorised two coaching courses in Kabale to be held between 1st and 14th of September 2018.
The FUFA level One course will take place from 1st to 8th September while FUFA Beginners’ coaching course will run from 9th to 14th September.
It will be the second time the coaching courses are taking place in Kabale. The first of its kind was held in 2017 when over 30 coaches took part in the FUFA Beginners Coaching course and all passed.
‘We are targeting Games Masters, School sports teachers, those interested in football coaching at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Colleges, Institutions of Higher learning and Universities in Western Uganda to enroll for the FUFA Beginners course’ said FUFA’s Human Resource Capacity Building Manager Jackson Nyiima.
FUFA Human Resource Capacity Building Manager Jackson Nyiima.
‘We want the figure of coaches to increase in Western Uganda. We want pupils in primary, secondary and Universities plus players at various clubs to go through the hands of qualified coaches to improve the game in Western Uganda’ said Western region FA Chairman Seka Mutaka.
US based organisation Soccer2Unite with a branch in Kabale has extended financial support to organisers of the courses to a tune of 2.5 Million shillings. Soccer2Unite has also registered participants and supported some participants to enroll for the two courses.
Soccer2Unite head of operations in Uganda Andrew Amanya is a delighted man.
‘It is always a pleasure for Soccer2Unite to partner with FUFA in developing football in Uganda. To have football developed at the grass root level, coaches need to be equipped with skills and basics of the game. It is our intention as Soccer2unite to support in football development as we work within FUFA`s vision of becoming the number one football Nation in Africa on and off the pitch through the 5 year strategic plan’ noted Amanya.
Soccer2Unite will support the two coruses again like they did in 2017
This will be the second time Soccer2Unite is helping coaches in the south western part of the country after doing the same in October last year in the first ever coaching course to take place in Kigezi region, that saw 32 participants gain skills at the FUFA Beginners level.
The charges for the two courses are 160,000= (8 day Course) for FUFA Level One while FUFA Beginners’ Course participants will pay 120,000= (6 Day Course). CAF and FUFA trained Instructors will handle the participants for the two courses.
MAIN PHOTO: Coaches who attended the FUFA Beginners’ Course in 2017, Kabale.
Bukedi Province Vs Buganda Province (Buganda leads 0-1 agg)
King George Stadium, Tororo
Busoga Province Vs West Nile Province (0-0 agg)
Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe, Jinja
Buganda and Bukedi Provinces have named their squads ahead of the FUFA Drum semifinal return leg match at King George Stadium in Tororo on Sunday 19th August 2018.
The Buganda squad named by Head coach Alex Isabirye Musongola on Tuesday morning includes Uganda Cranes foreign-based playmaker Yasser Mugerwa who featured in the 1st leg at Bishops Grounds in Mukono. Buganda won 1-0.
Bukedi Province Players in a group Photo during the 1st leg of the FUFA Drum semifinal at Bishops Grounds Mukono.
On form Onduparaka FC striker Vianne Sekajugo, and 1st leg goal scorer Allan Kayiwa are among the players summoned.
Experienced skippers Robert Sentongo, Hamis Diego Kiiza and Brian Majwega are also part of the team.
‘We have only 90 minutes to maintain our lead. There are no changes in my squad. I have kept the same players i used in the 1st leg and i believe they will get over Bukedi. We shall make it to the final. The experience in the squad is the key factor in this game’ said Buganda Ccach Isabirye.
However, Bukedi Province Head Coach Namakola ‘Kalailai’ Charles also summoned 19 players and currently in camp training at King George Stadium.
Namakola also maintained most of his key players who have been regular in the FUFA Drum competition.
Towering Myda FC Defender Tohomera Benon and team captain Joseph Owino retained their places in the squad while KCCA FC starlet Julius Poloto, Vipers SC Owori David, Ronald Musana and Odong Mathew of URA are all in the squad.
Meanwhile Busoga Province will host West Nile Province at the Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe in Jinja on the same day. The 1st leg ended all square (0-0).
West Nile Province Team that started against Busoga Province in the 1st leg of FUFA Drum in Arua. The 1st leg ended 0-0. Busoga Province XI during the match against Busoga Province in the 1st leg of the FUFA Drum in Arua.
Buganda Province squad
Nicolas Sebwato (GK) (Onduparaka), Hanington Sebwalunyo (GK) (BUL).
Ronald Kigongo (URA), Brian Majwega (Vipers), Dan Birkwalira (Vipers SC), Vianne Sekajugo (Onduparaka), Yasser Mugerwa (Fasil Kenema-Ethiopia), Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC), Shafik Kagimu (URA), Enock Walusimbi (Bright Stars FC), Robert Sentongo, Rajab Jooga (Kansai Plascon), Baker Buyala (Soana FC), Allan Mugalu (URA), Hassan Muhamood (Onduparaka), Musa Mugalu (Kyetume FC), Allan Kayiwa (Soana FC), Nyanzi Abdullah (URA), Hamis Diego Kizza.
Bukedi Province squad
Wafula Patrick (GK)-(Busia Fisheries), Othieno Stephen (Mbarara City)
The Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre will release a 30 man squad for the AFCON Qualifier match with Tanzania on 8th September 2018 at Mandela National stadium.
‘The Uganda Cranes head coach will address the media on Wednesday 15th August 2018 at FUFA House during the weekly press conference. He will name the squad and also release technical plans for the team ahead of the match against Tanzania’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.
The Press conference will start at 10am.
Official image for the Uganda vs Tanzania match on 8th September 2018 at Namboole.
Uganda’s CECAFA U-17 Zonal AFCON Qualification campaign started on a bad note as they fell 0-1 to Ethiopia on Sunday at Chamazi Stadium, Azam Sports Complex in Tanzania.
Ethiopia took the lead through Mintesnot Wakjira in the 13th minute in a well attended match.
Peter Onen’s side got an opportunity to level matters in the 17 minutes later but the penalty attempt Ibrahim Ekellot wasn’t successful as he was denied by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Alazar Malko
Ethiopia’s shot stopper Alazar Malko makes a save from Ekellot’s kick
Uganda made a substitution which saw Asaba Ivan come in for Iddi Abdulwahid 8 minutes after resumption of the game in the second half. This improved the side as several attempts were made.
Uganda Captain Kizito Mugweri Gavin was booked in 54th minute as the intensity of the game increased each passing minute.
Ssekajja’s attempt was denied by the resilient defence
Defender John Rogers came in for Mwaka Polycap in the 63rd to reinforce the defence while Alou John took over Yiga Najib’s place but all efforts were denied by Ethiopia’s backline.
Uganda U17 coach Onen remains optimistic despite the loss.
‘It is always hard to approach the first match in such a tournament but I am so optimistic that we shall succeed in our upcoming matches and more conscience is called for to avoid such losses’ said Onen
Head Coach Onen Peter during an the post match Press Conference
Three players Elvis Ngondwe, goalkeeper George Oluka and defender Joseph Kafumbe missed the match after medical tests (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) failed to show they fall in the age group. FUFA wrote to the organisers for clarification on the matter as all players underwent the same test in Kampala before travelling to Tanzania.
Uganda’s starting XI
The Cubs Starting XI against Ethiopia. From L-R Standing; Ssekajja Davis, Oyo Delton (GK) Ekellot Ibrahim, Yiga Najib, Kasozi Samson and Kizito Mugweri Gavin. Front row L-R; Ssekimbega Kevin, Mwaka Polycap, Kakaire Thomas, Iddi Abdulwahid and Ibrahim JumaUganda’s Technical bench during the clash with Ethiopia at Chamazi
Subs 1–Semwogerere Daniel (GK), 20 – John Rogers, 12 – Alou John Kokas, 7 – Owane Yasin Abdul, 11 – Asaba Ivan, 15 – Mukisa Owen
Ethiopia Starting XI against Uganda
Uganda is in Group B alongside Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Kenya. The top two teams from each group proceed to the semifinals.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda’s Asaba Ivan takes charge of the ball during their clash againts Ethiopia
Ahead of the opening CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualification match between Uganda and Ethiopia in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, head coach Onen Peter together with his technical team have named their starting lineup.
L-R; Kakaire Thomas, Mwaka Polycap and Ibrahim Juma at Boko Beach Veterans Ground in Dar es Salaam
Onen commended the fitness level of his players and their debutant opener.
‘Our first match of the tournament begins on Sunday. From the time we started camping in Njeru, the level of fitness, conditioning and mental approach have all been finely tuned. We are all ready waiting for the D-day’ said Onen
Head Coach Onen Peter (in Yellow) instructs players during one of the training sessions in Dar es Salaam
Meanwhile team Captain Kizito Mugweri Garvin believes they can collect maximum points of Ethiopia considering all efforts put in by FUFA, players and entire technical team.
‘We are playing our first game but i believe we shall post good results’ said Kizito
Captain Kizito Mugweri Gavin during training at Boko Beach Veterans Ground Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The starting line up consists of 6 players who were part of the Ugandan side in the CECAFA Championship hosted in Burundi when Uganda finished third.
Oyo Delton named on the starting list attempts to save a ball during one of the training sessions at Boko Beach Veterans Ground Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The starting XI (Shirt numbers attached)
19 – Oyo Delton (GK)
Defenders 2 – Ssekimbegga Kevin 4 – Kasozi Samson, 5 – Kizito Mugweri Gavin (C,), 17 – Juma Ibrahim,
The FIFA Regional Office Project Coordinator from the Johannesburg Office, Christine Gama completed a two day (8th-9th August 2018) inspection of football projects funded under the FIFA Forward Development Programme.
Christine Gama sloping down the steps from one of the two building purchased by FUFA to expand its offices
Gama arrived in the country on Wednesday and embarked on her assignments guided by the FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and Finance Director Decolas Kiiza. Mugoye represented the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo during the deliberations and visits of the ongoing projects.
Time for meetings: FUFA VP Darius Mugoye, Edgar Watson, Christine Gama and Decolas Kiiza
Gama’s first visit of the projects was at the newly acquired building for expansion of office space adjacent to the FUFA House in Mengo-Headquarters of football in Uganda. Refurbishment of the buildings is ongoing.
Christine Gama, FUFA VP Darius Mugoye, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, Finance Director Decolas Kiiza with 1021. FUFA fm staff inside the studios.
She later went to the Kadiba training facility where construction has since taken off with the preliminary phase.
On Site at Kadiba: FUFA CEO Edgar Watson with site Contractiors and Engineers. 4th from left is FIFA’s Christine Gama
On day two of her visit, Gama held a meeting with the management of Mandela National stadium, Nambole who have allocated land onto which a beach soccer facility funded by FIFA will be established. She met of Mandela National stadium CEO Jamil Sewanyana.
Regional Office Project coordinator Christine Gama meeting Mandela national stadium Management and FUFA OfficialsChristine Gama consulting with Mandela national stadium manager Jamil Ssewanyana and FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza. On the extreme left is Beach soccer Delegate Anthony Tumwesigye who was part of the meeting.
She later proceeded to Lugazi where the FUFA stadium will be constructed. She inspected the 10 acre piece of land that was offered by the kingdom of Buganda to FUFA to construct a 20,000 seater stadium.
Visiting the land in Lugazi where a proposed 20000 seater FUFAstadium will be constructed under the FIFA Forward Development ProgrammeChristine Gama also visited the FUFA Technical centre in Njeru.
Her visit wound up with the journey to the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.
Ugandan referees have been appointed by the continental football governing body (CAF) for roles at two CAF Confederation Cup matches in Kigali, Rwanda and Dorma, Ghana while others have been selected for further technical courses.
Yusuf Awuye gets his first assignment as a match commissioner for the CAF Confederation Cup tie between Aduana Stars FC of Ghana and Asec Mimosas of Ivory coast at the Agyeman Badu Stadium on 19th August 2018.
Others who have been appointed are Mashood Ssali as center referee, Mark Ssonko assistant referee 1, Dick Okello Assistant Referee 2 and Chelegant Ali Sabila 4th official for the CAF Confederation Cup match between Rayon Sport of Rwanda and Young Africans of Tanzania at Stade Regional de Kigali on 29th August 2018.
Mark Ssonko will be Assistant referee for the CAF Confederation Cup match between Rayon Sport of Rwanda and Young Africans of Tanzania at Stade Regional de Kigali on 29th August 2018
Technical training for Ugandan referees
In a related development several Uganda referees have been invited to attend various courses organized by CAF.
Ssali Mashood will attend the Elite B course from 7th -11th September 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda. Shamirah Nabadda together with Masembe Isa CAF Young Talent Referees Course to be held in Kampala, Uganda from 14th – 18th September 2018. The Chairman Uganda Football Referees Association Ronnie Kalema will coordinate the CAF Young Talent Referees course in Kampala.
George Olemu will attend the Promising Referees course (Non FIFA) from 12th –16th August 2018 in Cairo, Egypt.
Ssali Mashood (M) will attend the CAF Elite B course from 7th -11th September 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Mwebe appointed General coordinator
Meanwhile Ali Mwebe has been appointed as General Coordinator for the CAF U17 Regional Qualifiers (CECAFA) in Tanzania (11th-28th August) and for the CAF Champions League match in South Africa between Mamelodi Sundowns and Horoya Ac of Guinea on 28th August 2018. Mwebe will make his maiden bow as General Coordinator on Saturday 11th August 2018 when Rwanda takes on Sudan in Dar Es Salaam in the CAF U17 Regional Qualifiers (CECAFA).
CAF General Coordinator Ali Mwebe will handle the match on Saturday 11th August 2018 betweeen Rwanda and Sudan in Dar Es Salaam in the CAF U17 Regional Qualifiers (CECAFA).
MAIN PHOTO: FIFA Referee Shamirah Nabadda together with Masembe Isa will attend the CAF Young Talent Referees Course in Kampala, Uganda from 14th – 18th September 2018
A landmark sponsorship deal has been announced by StarTimes after taking over both the naming and broadcast rights of the Uganda Premier League and FUFA Big League.
The latest development brings to an end of the short-lived FUFA-Sports Broadcasting Limited partnership signed early this year.
The new deal revealed on Thursday morning at Hotel Africana Kagera Hall will cover 10 years thus the top flight league becoming StarTimes Uganda Premier League and the second tier league is now StarTimes Big League.
The brief ceremony was attended by the StarTimes top officials CEO Andy Wang, Vice President, Branding and Marketing Head Aldrine Nsubuga and PR Manager Christine Kikomeko
FUFA’s top brass had President Eng. Moses Magogo, Chairman Marketing and Communications Rogers Byamukama, FUFA Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu, Uganda Premier League Board Chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo and FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke
Other UPL board members Peter Kibazo, David Serebe, CEO Bernard Bainamani Bampaire and Head of Marketing Roy Mundeyi
StarTimes CEO Andy Wang
StarTimes CEO Andy Wang during the Press conference
‘The rights secured include distribution of all audio and visual transmissions while the media and commercial rights include public viewing, distributing all content for media and commercial rights. We took the decision to give back to the people of Uganda through football because of the passion they have towards the game. Football touches a lot of people from the grassroots It is our way of thanking the public for supporting our business and making us the leading pay television with 70% market share after only eight (8) years. This is arguably the biggest sponsorship deal in Ugandan sport. Today could be the turning point in the direction of Ugandan football.’
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at the Press conference addressing the media
“Football is developed by many stakeholders. StarTimes are part of the key external stakeholders who have contributed to the growth of the game in Uganda. We are so grateful that today we enter into a huge partnership with StarTimes. ‘We are aware that we still have a lot to do in order to achieve that but we are confident we are on the right path. The deal with Startimes is in line with our Vision of becoming the number one football National in Africa both on and off the pitch. Sponsors are strategic shareholders in football and it’s incumbent upon the football fraternity, leaders, players and everyone to support StarTimes who have selflessly demonstrated their goodwill to see Ugandan football progress with this historic sponsorship. The enabling environment that FUFA has created by improving the image of the local football and setting in place visible systems and structures to improve the game is now paying off’
Aldrine Nsubuga- StarTimes Vice President in Charge of Branding and Marketing
Aldrine Nsubuga (Extreme Right)- StarTimes Vice President in Charge of Branding and Marketing during the press conference. FUFA President (L) and Andy Wang (M) listen attentively.
‘Today is a very historic day in Ugandan football. We don’t just want to entertain football fans with foreign football. We want to be relevant to local football fans. We want them to appreciate their local football and support it with a greater passion which is why we want to bring the local league in every household through our broadcast platforms’
Arinaitwe Rugyendo-Uganda Premier League Board Chairman
UPL Board Chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo (R) as FUFA Chairman Marketing and Communications Rogers Byamukama keenly follows the speech.
‘The UPL board is glad to get another sponsor for the top flight league. We know the value of sponsorship in club football. This will help in creating more competition among clubs. Sanity leads to good things like sponsorships we are witnessing in football’
Christine Kikomeko-PR Manager of StarTimes
Christine Kikomeko-PR Manager of StarTimes during the announcement of the deal today‘Our appeal to Ugandans is to demonstrate the same goodwill to us in supporting our business and embrace our brand. We all call the 16 UPL clubs and FUFA Big League clubs to support StarTimes by mobilizing their fans and local communities where they are based to join the StarTimes family. This is how the football marriage will work for the benefit of all parties’
FUFA Deputy CEO and UPL Board Member Humphrey Mandu, UPL CEO Bernard Bainamani and another Board Member David SerebeL-R Gordon Roy Mundeyi, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Rogers Byamukama, Bernard Bainamani and Esther Musoke
After arriving safely in Tanzania on Tuesday evening, the Uganda Under 17 National team underwent the mandatory CAF MRI tests on Wednesday before conducting their first training session later in the evening ahead of their Zonal CAF Qualifiers campaign that kicks off on Saturday 11th August 2018.
Boys during their maiden training session in Tanzania on Wednesday.
The team flew from Entebbe International Airport via Kigali before connecting finally to Julius Nyerere International Airport. The Cubs are accommodated at Seascape Hotel, Dar es Salaam.
The contingent’s Leader of Delegation is FUFA Executive Committee Member Ariga Rasoul. While speaking to https://fufa.co.ug/, Ariga revealed FUFA’s dream is to see the team progress to the finals of the Continental soccer show piece in Tanzania next year.
‘Our dream is to be in AFCON. The boys are in shape, team officials are more of parents to the players, so my commitment is that we are planning to comeback with good results’ said Ariga
Ariga also talked about Uganda’s opponents.
‘Djibouti, our neighbors Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan are teams we have played before and with the morale here we are coming with the trophy’ he added
Leader of Delegation Ariga Rasoul (in Blue) on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Another training will be conducted on thursday 9th August, Uganda’s first game in Group B is against Ethiopia on Sunday 12th.
MAIN PHOTO: The youngsters after training at Boko Beach Veteran Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Wednesday 15th August 2018:Uganda Cranes Coach Sebastien Desabre to announce Squad for the Uganda vs Tanzania match
Ahead of the Total AFCON 2019 encounter between Uganda and neighbors Tanzania, the National team’s official sponsors Airtel together with partners Nile Special, NIC, EcoBank, Bul and BetLion have revealed that they will continue with their commitment towards the Uganda Cranes aimed at posting good results.
In their deliberations at the press conference held on Wednesday morning at FUFA House, full support was pledged by representatives of the 5 companies that attended the function aimed at driving support for the 8th September clash.
Remmie Kisakye-Head Brand & Communications Airtel
Remmie Kisakye (Head Brand and Communications-Airtel Uganda) duringthe weekly press conference at FUFA House on Wednesday
‘We are proud and believe that we have done enough together with FUFA to make sure that the team is ready. I urge the media to give a positive picture which will give the encounter the desired hype through professional reporting. As the official sponsors of the Uganda Cranes, we are committed to ensure that the National team shines and we shall mobilise fans to fill Namboole and thus raise the Uganda flag high. Statistics show that Uganda has an upper hand over Tanzania in past meetings and this will play a key role on 8th September. We want the Uganda Anthem to be played again at AFCON finals and together we will win’.
Airtel’s Remmie Kisakye addressed the media before meeting the Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre
Isaac Sekasi- Country Head of Marketing Nile Breweries
Isaac Sekasi (M)-Country Head Marketing (Nile Breweries/Nile Special) with Primrose of Ecobank and FUFA’s Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein at the press conference
‘This is the longest partnership we have held in the history of Nile Breweries. We are celebrating our ten years’ partnership with the Uganda Cranes and FUFA in a special way together with fans. A lot of activities have been arranged beginning next week to ensure that we give the upcoming game the publicity it deserves. After 39 years of waiting, we now want to see the Uganda Cranes qualify regularly for AFCON and even make it to the FIFA World cup. This is very possible’
Sekasi (L) with Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre
Primrose Kobusingye- Head of Marketing and Communications EcoBank Uganda
Primrose Kobusingye- Head of Marketing and Communications Ecobank at the press conference in Mengo
‘We are looking forward to doing it again to rekindle the memories of AFCON Gabon 2017. Our commitment is to ensure a big turn up at Namboole to support the Uganda Cranes.
A great football moment for Primrose Kobusingye with Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre at FUFA House
Pamela Abonyo- Head Corporate Communications NIC Holdings
Pamela Abonyo-Head Corproate Communications-NIC with the official match ball for the ongoing AFCON Qualification campaign
The Uganda vs Tanzania encounter will cement our partnership with the Uganda Cranes. As the official insurance partners, we continue with our commitment for more years to come. It has been a great 10 year partnership that has brought us success with the Uganda Cranes’
Pamela Abonyo-Head Corporate Communications-NIC with Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre
Lionel Kabenge- Managing Director BetLionUganda
Lionel Kabenge (M) -MD Betlion Uganda speaking at the press conference. Remmie Kisakye(L)- Head Brand and Communications-Aritel Uganda, Noela Byuma (R)-Brand Strategy Manager-Airtel Uganda.
‘We have doubled the Uganda Cranes jackpot all for the upcoming Tanzania encounter. We shall do whatever it takes to drive traffic to Namboole on match day’
Lionel Kabenge (M) -MD Betlion Uganda with Cranes coach SebastienNoela Byuma-Brand Strategy Manager-Airtel Uganda with Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre
MAIN PHOTO:L-R Esther Musoke (FUFA Marketing Director, Primrose Kobusingye- Head of Marketing and Communications (Ecobank), Isaac Sekasi-Country Head Marketing (Nile Breweries/Nile Special), Remmie Kisakye (Head Brand and Communications-Aritel Uganda), Pamela Abonyo (Head Corporate Communications-NIC), Lionel Kabenge (MD Betlion Uganda), Noela Byuma (Brand Strategy Manager-Airtel Uganda).
