FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba has reflected on the opening day of the FUFA Academies League, describing it as a strong start that aligns with the federation’s long-term vision for youth development. Following a matchday that delivered goals, competitiveness and clear variation in performance levels, Mutyaba outlined key observations on player growth, the importance of structured competition and the deliberate efforts being made to strengthen development pathways across all participating academies.
On differences in quality and development needs
FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba highlighted the variation in performance levels across teams, noting that this is expected in youth football and part of the growth process.
‘Of course there is difference in terms of ability, individual players, in terms of execution on the field of play, in terms of the game understanding of different teams. Some teams are up there, some teams need to do some work to improve the players, but of course this is youth football where players still have room for improvement. We are working so much as a football development to try to analyse and see where the gaps are, try to find solutions, areas where we need to do capacity building, areas where we need to provide the best facilities to ensure that players actually get the right environment for them to develop and thrive.’
On identifying gaps and building capacity
He emphasised that FUFA is actively assessing performance trends to strengthen development structures and address existing gaps.
‘We are working so much as a football development to try to analyse and see where the gaps are, try to find solutions, areas where we need to do capacity building, areas where we need to provide the best facilities to ensure that players actually get the right environment for them to develop and thrive.’
On the role of competitions in player development
Mutyaba underlined the importance of structured competitions in evaluating player progress and supporting long-term growth.
‘Youth competitions is one of the key areas that drives player development, so this is one of actually the key areas in the philosophy of player development where players are given an opportunity to play. Because the first opportunity for them is to find them, identify them, give them an opportunity to be trained and the epitome where we need to see, evaluate them, whether they have learnt what they have been taught is through exposing them to competitions so that they develop and grow systematically from one stage of development to the other till when they are able to transit from youth football to professional ranks.’
On the successful kickoff of the league
He expressed satisfaction with the launch of the competition and acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders involved.
‘This is what we’ve been waiting for. This is what we’ve actually planned for and we are indeed happy that the league has kicked off as planned. We appreciate the coaches, the academy directors, the managers and everyone who has been part of this initiative.’
On goals and attacking intent
Mutyaba welcomed the number of goals scored on the opening day as a positive indicator of the league’s attacking philosophy.
‘It is indeed great that the goals have been scored. It is one of actually our main objectives of this league, develop the players and help the teams achieve the attacking prowess that we need. 20 goals, it is very good.’
On the bonus point system
He explained the incentive structure designed to encourage attacking football and decisive victories.
‘It’s a good statement because we also have an incentive that a team that wins with a margin of two goals and above gets a bonus point. So each team that wins with a margin of two goals and above gets four points instead of the normal three points. So we believe that we’re on the right track and indeed greatness starts now.’
Videos
▶️ Remarks by the FUFA Football Development Director, Bashir Mutyaba, after match day 1 of the FUFA Academies League.#FUFAAcademiesLeague pic.twitter.com/jyy6dcO65d
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 23, 2026
💬 ‘Youth competitions is one of the key areas that drives player development.’ – Bashir Mutyaba, Football Development Director #FUFAAcademiesLeague pic.twitter.com/1Ov0DWFwzB
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 24, 2026
Opening day results
