2017/18 FUFA Big League playoffs – At Star Times Stadium, Lugogo (Entry Fees: 5000/= for both games)
Thursday, 17th May 2018 (At StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo)
Kabale Sharp Vs Paidha Black Angels – 1:30 p.m
Kyetume Vs Kitara – 4:00 pm
Saturday, 19th May 2018: (Mandela National Stadium, Namboole)
Promotional Finals
Paidha Black Angels or Kabale Sharp Vs Kyetume or Kitara– 1:30 pm
Grand Finals:
Nyamityobora (Rwenzori Group winners) Vs Ndejje University (Elgon Group winners) – 4:00 p.m
Following the successful completion of the regular season for the 2017/18 FUFA Big league, the play offs will be played at Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Thursday, 17th May 2018 while the finals at Mandela National stadium Namboole on Saturday 19th May 2018.
The FUFA Competitions Department has confirmed the dates for the Big League players 2017/18 season.
With Nyamityobora FC and Ndejje University already qualified to the Uganda premier League for next season, one more team will make it through the play offs.
‘We are ready for this crucial stage to determine the 3rd team for the top flight next season. We want to organize a flawless event’ said FUFA Competitions Director Hajjati Aisha Nalule.
The play off fixtures on Thursday 17th May 2018;
1.30pm Paidha Black Angels FC vs Kabale Sharp FC
4pm Kitara FC vs Kyetume FC
Final will be played at Namboole
1.30pm Playoff fine: Winner Paidha Black Angels FC/Kabale Sharp vs Winner Kitara FC/Kyetume FC
4pm: Championship match: Nyamityobora FC vs Ndejje University FC
Uganda U-20 Head coach Mathias Lule has named his final squad for the away qualifier against Cameroon in the Total CAF U-20 championship due this Friday in Yaounde.
The players had a morning training session at the University of Kisubi on Wednesday.
The contingent will fly out tonight (Thursday morning 2.45am) aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
Uganda U-20 Training at University of Kisubi
The Squad:
Saidi Keni, Denis Otim (Goalkeepers), Paul Willa, Geoffrey Wasswa, Musitafa Mujuzi, Abubakar Muhammad Kasule, Julius Poloto, Frank Tumwesigye, Steven Dese Mukwala, Mustafa Kiza, Allan Okello, Fred Okot, Faisal Sekyanzi, Bashiru Asiku, Robert Kitabalwa, Ivan Eyam, Hamis Tibita, Herbert Achai
The team media officer for the trip is Omaria Bosco.
Officials:
Richard Ochom-Leader of Delegation, Sebastien Desabre (Uganda Cranes coach), Mathias Lule (Uganda U-20 Head coach), James Odoch (Assistant coach U-20), Sam Kawalya (Goalkeeping coach), Emmanuel Nakabago (Team Doctor), Sulait Makumbi (Team Coordinator), Switzen Niwagaba (FUFA Delegate-Western Region)
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that the national senior team, Uganda Cranes will take part during a three nation tournament in the West African country of Niger.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastian Desabre addressed the media and named the 23 man squad that will be used for the two international warm up matches coming up between 27th May to 3rd June 2018.
‘The main objective of this training camp is to have the players gel together in preparation for the four AFCON 2019 qualification matches between September and November 2018.’ Desabre noted.
Among the 23 summoned players for the two matches is Danish based winger Moses “Mo” Opondo who features at Vendsyssel Football Club.
Three years ago, Opondo paid a courtesy visit to relatives back home and held bilateral talks with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President, Eng. Moses Magogo.
Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre
The summoned players are expected to depart the country on the 26th May 2018.
Meanwhile, the FUFA Communications manager Ahmed Hussein informed the media about the latest updates concerning the Uganda U-20 national team (The Hippos) ahead of the return leg for the CAF U-20 qualifiers.
The team of 18 players and 6 officials will depart the country on Thursday early morning for Cameroon.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Football Club registered a 2-0 home win against Egyptian side Al Ahly Sporting Club at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Tuesday.
This was during the second group A of the CAF Champions League for the two respective clubs.
Midfielder Ibrahim Sadam Juma scored the opening goal after 73 minutes, with a stunning long range shot from about 25 yards after being assisted by Uganda Hippos’ player Allan Okello.
KCCA players celebrate one of their two goals at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday
KCCA captain Timothy Denis Awany scored a late kick from the penalty spot to seal the victory.
The home team goalkeeper Charles Lukwago was on the top of his game with pin point one against one saves and a penalty save from forward Walid Said Ebeib after 24 minutes.
The FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, KCCA Executive Director Jenifer Musisi were some of the high profile guests at the match watched by a fair crowd.
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo (left), KCCA Executive Director Jenifer Musisi celebrate the KCCA FC victory against Al Ahly Sporting Club
KCCA, who started with a dismissal 1-0 loss away to Township Rollers is now second in group A.
Tunisian club, Esperance overcame Township Rollers 4-1 in Tunis during the other group A match as they now lead the four team table standings with 4 points from two games.
Three of the KCCA players who played full time (Julius Poloto, Allan Okello and Mustafa Kizza) straight away joined the Uganda national U-20 team (The Hippos) camp at the African Bible University in preparation for the CAF U-20 second round return leg away to Cameroon.
KCCA FC is second with three points, same as Township Rollers who have conceded many goals.
Al Ahly Sporting Club is fourth in the group with just a single point earned from the goal-less home draw against Esperance on match day one.
The next round of games (match day three) will come in July 2018.
Team Line Ups:
KCCA XI:
Charles Lukwago (G.K), Denis Okot Oola, Mustafa Kizza, Habib Kavuma, Timothy Denis Awany (Captain), Isaac Kirabira (70’ Derrick Paul Nsibambi), Allan Okello, Ibrahim Saddam Juma, Jackson Nunda (47’ Lawrence Bukenya), Muhammed Shaban (85’ Paul Mucureezi), Julius Poloto
Subs Not Used:
Tom Ikara (G.K), Paul Mucureezi, Paul Musamali, Fillbert Obenchan, Solomon Okwalinga
Al Ahly Sporting Club XI:
Mohamed El Shenawy (G.K), Mohamed Eldmerdash, Abdelmontelb, Samir Saad Ali, Naguib El Gharel Mohammed, Elsoulia, Hussein, Walid Said Ebeid (66’ Ahmed Hussein Ahmed Hafez), Tharwat, Mahlambi, Hossam Alhour (Captain, 75’ Islam Mohareb)
Subs:
Sherif Ekramy Ahmed (G.K), Ahmed Fathi Abd El Monem , Basem Abdelnabi, Salah Mohsen, Mohamed Shalabi
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Victor Miguel De Freitas Gomes (South Africa)
1st Assistant Referee: Zakhele Thusi Siwela (South Africa)
2nd Assistant Referee: Johannes Sello Moshidi (South Africa)
Fourth Official: Victor Tinyiko Hlungwani (South Africa)
Commissioner: Kidane Melles Terfe (Eritrea)
General Coordinator: Alexander Sakyi Asante (Ghana)
Ndejje University Football Club has booked a berth to play in the Uganda Premier League starting with the 2018/19 season on sporting merit.
This was after drawing with Kamuli Park in a goal-less Elgon group duel played at the Kamuli Municipal Stadium on Sunday evening.
The draw took the Luweero based club to 40 points, one ahead of second placed Paidha Black Angels who ended the regular season on a dull note losing 1-0 away to Jinja Municipal Council Hippos at the Kakindu Stadium in Jinja.
Ndejje University now joins Rwenzori group winners, Nyamityobora who were declared weeks ago.
Nyamityobora ended the regular season with maximum points at home in Mbarara after a 2-0 win against visiting Water with team captain Douglas Muganga and Brian Muluri on the mark for Nyamityobora, a club coached by Uganda U-20 assistant coach James Odoch.
The promoted clubs will have to undergo the necessary club licensing procedure before they are fully admitted as full members among the 16 Uganda Premier League clubs.
The third club will be promoted via the play offs which will be held soon on the dates confirmed by the FUFA Competitions department headed by Hajjati Aisha Nalule.
The clubs that have qualified for the play offs include Kitara FC, Kabale Sharp (Rwenzori) as well as Paidha Black Angels and Kyetume (Elgon).
2017/18 FUFA Big League Final Regular season matches
Elgon Group:
Kamuli Park 0-1 Ndejje University
Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) Hippos 1-0 Paidha Black Angels
Amuka Bright Stars 1-2 Kyetume
Rwenzori Group:
Kansai Plascon 2-1 Bumate
Synergy 2-3 Kitara
Kabale Sharp Vs Simba (Simba failed to travel to Kabale for the match)
Uganda National U-20 team, the Hippos overcame Cameroon in the opening leg of the first leg of the Total CAF U-20 qualifier played at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala on Saturday.
Vipers Sports Club forward Steven Mukwala scored the decisive goal of the day.
Mukwala scored in the 44th minute of the game after an assist by left back Robert Kitabalwa.
The goal margin would have widened had Mukwala, Allan Okello and defender Geofrey Wasswa converted their respective chances created.
Ibrahim Abba closes down Allan Okello during the gameCameroon goalkeeper Christopher Atangana Assimba reacts faster to foil a Uganda Hippos attack
Uganda’s Abubaker Kasule and Kitabalwa were cautioned by Kenyan referee Peter Waweru.
The match was also watched by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, members of the Executive Committee, delegates, FUFA staff and a size number of fans.
The return leg will be played this coming weekend in Yaoundé.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Hippos XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Paul Willa, Robert Kitabalwa, Mustafa Mujuzi, Geofrey Wasswa, Abubaker Kasule, Julius Poloto (Captain), Ivan Eyam, Steven Mukwala, Frank Tumwesigye, Allan Okello
Subs:
Denis Otim (G.K), Fred Okot, Bashir Asiku, Faisal Ssekyanzi, Raymond Onyai, Herbert Achai, Hamisi Tibita
Cameroon XI:
Christopher Atangana Assimba (G.K), Ignatius Kpene Ganago, Karl Ndendi Kegne, Sob Franck Fomeyem, Felix Kamdem Arnold, Ibrahim Abba, Noise Sakava Sangaola, Sali Boubakary, Martin Ako Assomo
Subs:
Nathan Yontsi Iyenngue (G.K), Grace Abel Makani, Hassana Abbo Mamoudou, Enow Takane Boris, Steve Bonny Elame, Landry Abessolo, Taddeus Nkeng
At the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Emergency Executive Committee sitting on Friday 11th May 2018, it was resolved that a special Commission of Inquiry into match officiation be set up with immediate effect.
This arises from the information received of consistent allegations from a spectrum of stakeholders regarding the FUFA Competitions match officiation in general.
The Press conference was addressed by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
‘The commission’s scope shall be specifically limited to Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, Uganda Cup, The FUFA Drum, FUFA Juniors League, FUFA Women Elite league and the FUFA Women’s Cup’ said the FUFA President who addressed the press conference.
The Committee will convene at Ivy’s Hotel Rubaga in Kampala and is expected to conclude its work within one month.
FUFA President added;
‘During this time the Commission will be receiving information/materials from the public that will help in the inquiry. Anybody with Information/materials that shall be found credible and used to the logical conclusion shall receive a Cash reward of UGX 1,000,000= (One million shillings)’
L-R: Ahmed Hussein, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, FUFA 2nd VP Darius Mugoye and Executive Committee Member Hamid Juma during the special press conference on Friday at FUFA House
L-R: Rogers Byamukama, Isa Magoola and FUFA Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu attended the Press conference
The Commission may invite/summon any person/s who it deems to be important to the inquiry findings. And whoever is invited/ summoned MUST comply without fail. Failure to comply might invoke sanction if he/she is a football stakeholder.
The findings from this inquiry shall be submitted to the FUFA Judicial bodies for appropriate action.
The Federation appeals to the football stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with the Commission as we work towards improving our game.
The Commission of inquiry shall comprise of 5 people:
1. Hon. Kidega Dan – Chairman
2. Mr. Zirabamuzale B. Muzafaru – Vice Chairman
3. Mr. Mutenyo Keneddy – Member
4. Ms. Nakamya Annet – Member
5. Hon. Kasibante Moses – Member
Some of the members of the media who attended the special urgent press conference on Friday
Holders Olila Women will battle it out with Bugiri Town View in the quarter finals of the second edition of the FUFA Women’s cup after a draw conducted this morning pitted the two sides together.
Bugiri is the only non FUFA Women Elite League (FWEL) side left in the competition and will be attempting to halt Olila’s quest to make it two trophies in two years.
One of the leading sports journalists covering women football Betty Miiro picked She Corportes from the pot.
The emerging Soroti powerhouse have also made it to the FWEL play-offs round for the second consecutive year and will face off Gafford Ladies the very side they overcame 3-2 on penalties after a one-all draw to win the inaugural edition of the FUFA Women’s cup in the final played in Busia in June 2017.
In another interesting fixture FWEL defending champions Kawempe Muslim will take on She Corporates in a mouth-watering fixture that will be a repeat of the FWEL play-offs second edition finals.
FUFA Woman player of the year 2017 Hasifa Nassuuna’s UCU Lady Cardinals will play host to Western United whereas Lubaga division neighbours Muteesa I Royal University and Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga will also faceoff in the fourth fixture of the round.
According to the FUFA Women’s Cup Competition rules 2018, in case of a tie after the stipulated time kicks from the penalty mark will be used to determine the winner who progresses to the semi-finals.
Relatedly after confirmation by the FUFA Executive committee that 4 teams will be relegated from the FUFA Women Elite League this season and 4 promoted from the 8 regions, draws for the playoffs were conducted and teams/regions paired to play on home and away basis on the dates to be confirmed by the FUFA Competitions Department and Committee.
To be played on 23rd, 27th, 30th and 31st May, 2018
The Semifinals draw for the Stanbic Uganda cup has been conducted. The Stanbic Uganda cup Cup holders KCCA FC have been drawn to face FUFA Big League side Synergy FC in the last four-stage while Sc Villa are up against Vipers SC.
The draw was conducted by football legends Charles Baker Matisko and Bernabas Mwesiga at FUFA House in Mengo.
Football legend Bernabas Mwesiga played for Nsambya FC and Uganda Cranes. He picked Vipers SC from the pot.
Masiko lifted the Uganda cup with KCCA FC in 1984, 1987 and 1990 while Mwesiga was a winner with Nsambya in 1978.
L-R Eddie Butindo, Bernabas Mwesiga, Mike Mutebi, Wasswa Bossa and Charles Baker Masiko after the drawHead coach KCCA FC Mike Mutebi promised to put up another spirited show in the STanbic Uganda cup. KCCA FC play away first to Synergy in Masaka.
All clubs were represented at the draw except for Synergy FC. Vipers SC had Technical Director Eddie Butindo, Head coach Mike Mutebi and CEO Josephine Namukisa (KCCA FC), Head coach Wasswa Bossa and CEO Valley Mugwanya.
Wasswa Bossa talking to the media shortly after the draw.
‘I love this competition. It rekindles a lot of my memories. I won the Uganda cup in 1978 when we had just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. I recall vividly of how we beat UCB FC 1-0 to win the cup. Thank you FUFA for giving us such opportunities to be part of the game’ said Mwesiga.
Eddie Butindo attended the draw as he represented Vipers SC.
Masiko was equally impressed by the organizational set up at FUFA for this competition.
FUFA Competitions Chairman Hamid Juma at the draw
‘The three cups I won with KCCA FC were memorable. I will always keep them in my memories. My cub can still do a double this year and they are creating good competition. However I’m happy that the game is growing so fast’ noted Masiko-KCCA FC’s life Captain.
The FUFA Competitions was represented by Hamid Juma (Chairman FUFA Competitions Committee) and Hajjati Aisha Nalule (FUFA Competitions Director).
Hajjati Aisha Nalule briefed the media about the rules and regulations of the Semifinals stage
The matches will be played on a home and away basis on the following dates 23rd, 27th, 30th and 31st May, 2018.
What the coaches said after the draw:
Mike Mutebi-KCCA FC
The Sc Villa-Vipers rivalry is good for the game. The fans will enjoy the match. We are happy with the draw against Synergy but it will be an interesting fixture. They play in the FUFA Big League but have good players. It was good to bring the legends to be part of this exercise. These are some of the things FUFA is undertaking in professionalizing the game.
Eddie Butindo-Technical Director Vipers SS
The grand finale of the season will be interesting in both the league and Stanbic Uganda cup. The three teams still in contention for the Azam Uganda Premier League are also in the cup. We shall play to our ability to get the best results. The teams have raised their levels and competition is becoming stiffer and stiffer.
Wasswa Bossa-Sc Villa Jogoo Head coach
We look forward to playing this final. My dream is to beat Vipers and make the final. We are determined to feature in the last stage of the Stanbic Uganda cup.
MAIN PHOTO: KCCA FC life captain Charles Baker Masiko picked Sc Villa Jogoo from the pot.
Life has dreams. Humanity calls for hard work that leads to success. For Crested Cranes, winning the regional crown will be the main motivation when they plot for the rest of the teams in the Championship that gets underway this weekend in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
Farida Bulega’s charges reported in camp on Monday morning at African Bible University in Lubowa for further fine tuning in a more concentrated and relaxed environment.
Team skipper Hasifah Nassuuna with the ball being checked by Nabumba Phionah
‘We reported to camp today to prepare for the Regional tournament. The calm environment will help the players focus only on football and rectify on areas still with concerns’ said Bulega.
India based Fazilah Ikwaput was on fire during training.
The Crested Cranes will resume training tomorrow morning at 9 O’clock then play a build-up match in the evening all in Lubowa.
Smiles in camp during the break for Crested Cranes players on Monday at LubowaTime for drillsBridget Nabisalu (l) and Ikwaput tussling for the ball during training.Hasifah Nassuuna with her trademark smile during training. She will lead the Crested Cranes in Rwanda. She top scored with 6 goals in the last CECAFA Women Championship.The Ladies are enjoying every moment in training. L-R Nassuuna, Ritah Nabossa and Winnie Babirye
Players in camp
Goalkeepers: Nakaziro Daisy (Muteesa I Royal University, Nakiguba Cissy (Kampala Queens), Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals)
Outfield players: Namuddu Viola (She Mak),Nabisaalu Bridget ((Ajax Queens), Rita Nabossa (Gokelum Kelara-India), Phiona Nabbumba (Ajax Queens), Tracy Akiror Jones (Kawempe Muslim), Winnie Babirye (Kampala Queens), Mutuzo Lilian (Taggy High School) ,Shakira Mutiibwa (Gafford Ladies), Sheebah Zalwango (Gafford Ladies), Hasifah Nassuuna (UCU Lady Cardinals), Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokelum Kelara-India), Favour Nambatya,(Muteesa I Royal University), Namwase Monica(Gafford Ladies), Nakitto Gladys (Kampala Queens), Spencer Nakachwa(Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga), Shadia Nakya (Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga), Jean Sseninde (Crystal Palace Ladies), Mwajuma Namukwase ( Isra Academy) and Laki Otandeka (Match Fit Chelsea -USA), Naluyimba Esther (Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga), Margaret Birabwa (Mutesa I Royal Univeristy), Joyce Nakakooza (Kampala Queens)
Head Coach- Faridah Bulega
Asst Coach-Edward Kaziba
Goalkeeping Coach- James Magala
Fitness trainer- Oliver Mbekeka
Media Officer-Hamza Nsereko Afriqana
Team Doctor -Mable Katabalindwa
Kits manager –Daisy Nalwadda
MAIN PHOTO: Stylish midfielder Tracy Jones Akiror with the ball during training. Akiror is in great form ahead of the CECAFA Championship.
Charges: 5,000/- (Ordinary), 10,000/- (VIP) and 30,000/- (VVIP)
Uganda U-20 Head coach Matia Lule is impressed his team matched BUL FC players pound for pound in every department as they continue preparations for the Total CAF U-20 2nd round 1st leg qualifier against Cameroon on Saturday 12th May 2018 at StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.
Lule says his players came up against a tried and tested team that has Hassan Wasswa and Khalid Aucho playing as guest players for the Uganda Premier League side BUL FC.
Tried and tested Hassan Wasswa (jersey 25) in air after attempting to head the ball
Despite the match ending goalless at the FUFA Technical Centre, Lule is convinced that his team will be ready for the encounter this week.
‘It was a good match that gave my players an opportunity to feel what exactly they should expect on Saturday. We know the team we are going to play and their quality but these boys are very much determined to deliver’ said Lule.
One of the most combative players on the Uganda U-20 team Abubaker Kasule believes that the team is gelling well.
‘We played our first game today against a very good side. All players were committed during the game. We are not moved by the result as we know we can do better than this. The team will continue growing strong as other players join the camp’ said Kasule.
Abubaker Kasule in control of the ball during the match
The match was also watched by Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre.
Cranes Head Coach Sebastien Desabre and Khalid Aucho on the technical bench during the second half of the match
The Uganda U-20 is camped in Njeru till they return to Kampala for Saturday’s match.
The Uganda under 20 National Team (Hippos) has entered residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru ahead of the second round first leg qualifier match with Cameroon in the Total U20 Africa Cup of Nations Niger 2019 campaign. The match is due on 12th May 2018.
The U20 National Team Head Coach Mathias Lule confirmed a total of 26 players will be in camp. The list is made up of young players from the Azam Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big league, regional leagues and schoolsK. agiri Bashir who plays for the French side AS Beziers is also in camp.
Okello Solomon a young goalkeeper from AMUS College Bukedea has also been summoned for the camp.
Katongole Herbert who plays for Kansai Plascon also got the coach’s attention for the training camp.
However Okiror Joshua who made it on the first call up against South Sudan is among the names missing on the list
Hippos players in a briefing after training
Despite their confirmation on the list, Allan Okello, Julius Poloto, Fred Okot, Mustafa Kizza, Steven Mukwala, Tumwesigye Frank, Wasswa Geofrey, didn’t travel with the team to Njeru due club commitments in the upcoming AUPL fixtures but will join later.
Coach Lule had a word of inspiration and motivation to the players, he urged players to keep their heads up.
A friendly match is scheduled for the young lads against Jinja based side BUL FC on their second day in camp
Football has been hit again with news following the demise of its Honorary President and former FUFA Chairman Al Hajji Adoko Akbar Nekyon who passed away on Friday 4th May 2018 at Nsambya Hospital.
Alhajji Akbar who served as FUFA Chairman in 1968 suffered a stroke which led to the deterioration of his health until his death.
‘We have received the sad news of the demise of our former FUFA Chairman Al Hajji Adoko Akbar Nekyon. This is a cruel moment in Ugandan football losing historical men like Nekyon. Football has already lost elders this year. We feel sad when we lose another of our former leaders’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
‘Our elder Al Hajji Adoko Akbar Nekyon played a key role in football development in the country when he was appointed FUFA Chairman in 1968 and helped form the National football league in the same year. He will always be remembered for his great contribution to the game added FUFA President.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the departed historical football administrator.
About Al Hajji Adoko Akbar Nekyon in sports circles
Born 6th August 1931 at Akokoro, Lango District to chief Jekeri Akaki and Abisagiri Koli
Elected and served as the first president of FUFA in 1968 after change of name from UFA
Engineered formation of FUFA from UFA
Founded the first Uganda National Football League in 1968
Founded the National Council of Sports in 1964 and appointed Mr Bataringaya Basil as the 1st chairman of NCS
Got to love football from his elder brother Erifazi Odur
He was bestowed the title of Honorary FUFA President in 2015 by the FUFA Assembly held in Soroti.
It has never been like right now that the Ugandan football brand needs the Express brand. On our road to recovery of league football, an indigenous football club, a continental brand with arguably the biggest history and following is needed in the mix of football rivalry which is the DNA of league football
However, we must appreciate that the problems of Express FC are just symptoms of failure by Ugandan football to plan for the future in the early 90s. We are reaping what was sowed. It is not Only Express but the same problem at SC Villa and only current sporting results are making the situation look different.
Personally I don’t believe in winning the league or relegation as the solution to SC Villa and Express problems. The positions could be reversed next season with Express attempting to win the league SC Villa fighting relegation. They are both plastic situations. The real problem is still not addressed.
The bitter truth is that even if Express is relegated or it survives and even if SC Villa wins the League or not, they continue to slowly but surely grind to a halt. This deaccelerating process started in the mid-90s after the SC Villa and Express FC failed to plan and build on the Continental Sporting Success of the early 90s. It is very unfair to entirely condemn the current leaderships at these clubs for the current status. However, history will judge them if they choose now than later to reorganize the clubs for the long term. If nothing is done now, both of these great football brands will be extinct in the next 10 years. Only poor organization of the competitors have made them survive this long
As a football family, we must sit down and plan long term for these historic football brands. The Express and Villa brands are victims of rich people investing their personal monies into clubs and should wake up to a new era where it is a game of numbers and which numbers they already have but continually dwindling. Who is the rich man or which institution owns Onduparak? In my view *ONLY* Onduparak is currently running the correct club model successfully yet Express and SC Villa have the advantage of the Brands and the numbers
Whether Express is relegated or not, FUFA will continue to offer Express FC and any other Club the FUFA Clubs Pro Agenda Programme especially during the off season. The programme is a long term solution not a fixer. We opted to withhold the programme at Express not to be mistaken to tamper with sporting results at Express. We hope and pray that Express FC survives but unfortunately we cannot with the rules and sporting results
Kampala Queens made the play offs of the FUFA Women Elite League for the first time. A 3-0 home win over Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga was just enough to cement Kampala Queens’ 2nd spot in the table standings with 28 points. in Elizabeth Group. Olila topped the group with 30 points.
Kawempe will be seeking a 4th straight League title.
Gafford Ladies are also back in the playoffs following a narrow 1-0 away win over defending Champions Kawempe Muslim women FC. Gafford finished in 2nd place with 23 points while Kwempe will head into the playoffs as the top team with 29 points. Gafford remains the only team to inflict a loss to Kawempe in the league since its inception in 2015. They have beaten Kawempe on two occassions now in the league. This was Kawempe’s only loss in the season.
Despite the loss, Kawempe will be seeking a 4th straight title while Olila are looking at improving on their 4th place last season in the playoffs.
Olila Women are in the playoffs for the 2nd successive season
Meanwhile 4 teams will be relegated at the end of the season while 4 will be promoted to the FUFA Women Elite League.
The Conquerors of Kawempe Muslim Women-Gafford Ladies are back in the playoffs.
Full results from the Grand Finale of matches in the regular season of the FUFA Women Elite League.
The Uganda National women’s football team the Crested Cranes has kicked off preparations for the CECAFA Women Championship due in Rwanda from 12th-20th May, 2018.
20 of the 28 summoned players reported for the Tuesday double training session at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The first three-hour morning session started from 9am-12pm and the last session from 3-5pm.
After the training, the team’s head coach Faridah Bulega told www.fufa.co.ug that eight of her players haven’t reported but she is hopeful they will join any time.
Crested Cranes players during training at Namboole
‘I’m missing eight of my players because of the academic engagements, I received communications from them and I allowed them time to concentrate as I will receive them after their exams’ said Bulega
She added that the team will conduct double nonresidential sessions up to Thursday 3rd May 2018 when she will release the players to their respective clubs.
Training continues on Tuesday 2nd May 2018 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Stretching for fitness at Namboole
Players who attended the Tuesday double sessions
Goalkeepers: Nakazilo Daisy (Muteesa I Royal University), Namakula Gloria (Ajax Queens), Nakiguba Cissy (Kampala Queens), Ruth Aturo, (UCU Lady Cardinals)
Red Pepper Publications Limited on Saturday lifted the 2018 FUFA Corporate Tournament.
This was after defeating defending champions SSL Logistics 1-0 during a well contested finale at the Kampala International School of Uganda (KISU) play ground in Bukoto on Saturday.
Kalema Richard scored the winning goal for the Red Pepper Publications Limited team.
The annual tournament running for a fourth successive year attracted a total of 20 companies.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo hands over the dummy cheque to the winners, Red Pepper Publications
FUFA President Moses Magogo graced the event and had a tour around the different companies that participated in the tournament.
He later captained the President’s XI in their 6-3 victory against Pan African Pyramids in a curtain raising game.
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo in action during the curtain raising match against the Pan African PyramidsThe FUFA President’s XIAirtel Uganda Limited team
Soana FC head coach Alex Isabirye, former Cranes defender Lawrence Kizito and musician Daxx Kartel were all on the score sheet for the President’s XI scoring a brace each.
The games were played in a seven aside format with each team required to have a female player on pitch. This worked through out the tournament but the final was played on an eleven aside format on a full pitch.
Red Pepper were in group D and sailed through unbeaten winning all their four group games.
Christened as the Hyenas, Red Pepper condemned Diamond Trust Bank in the quarterfinals before eliminating Airtel Uganda in the semifinal.
On the other hand, SSL Logistics were in group C and also managed to win all their group games.
They edged past KCCA FC Secretariat in the quarterfinals and Civil Aviation Authority in the semis in a repeat of last year’s final.
Action between Red Pepper and SSL Logistics during the finals
The winners walked away with a cash prize of three million shillings, trophy and winner’s medals.
The first runners and second runners up also were given medals.
Rashid Kiyini of Red Pepper was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Airtel’s Patrick Orura finished as the tournament’s top scorer with ten goals.
Red Pepper’s Rashid Kinyini was named as the tournament MVP for his outstanding display
Uganda Cranes official banking partner Eco Bank were given the Special award handed to them by the FUFA President.
Teams that took part
Group A
NIC Holdings
Post Bank
SOGEA SATOM
Civil Aviation Authority
Airtel Uganda
Group B
UPL Secretariat
FUFA FM 102.1
Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited
Roke Telecom
BIDCO Uganda Limited
Group C:
SSL Logistics
National Water and Sewerage Corporation
Diamond Trust Bank
Stanbic Bank
Sadolin Paints
Group D:
Ruparelia Group
UMEME Limited
Eco Bank
Red Pepper
KCCA FC Secretariat
Rewarded Outstanding Teams and Individuals:
Winners – Red Pepper Publications Limited
First Runners Up – SSL Logistics
Second Runners up – Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Rashid Kiyini (Red Pepper)
Action in the Nyamityobora vs Kitara match on Thursday
Nyamityobora FC from Western Region has qualified for the Uganda Premier League on sporting merit. A 2-1 win over rivals Kitara FC on Thursday afternoon in Mbarara handed Nyamityobora the three precious points to create a 10 point gap in the Rwenzori Group, that can’t be covered up by second placed team even if they won their remaining three matches of the season. Mukhongota Robert and Matovu Bruhan were on target for Nyamityobora to take their team to 48 points.
Mande Denis scored for Kitara FC.
Nyamityobora players celebrating one of their goals today
Having qualified on sporting merit, all new entrants undergo the FUFA Club Licensing process to confirm their status in the Uganda Premier League.
The huge crowds that turned up for the match in Mbarara to witness the top of the table clash between Nyamityobora and Kitara.
Three new teams are promoted to the top flight to replace the related sides at the end of each season.
Ceremonial handshake just before kick off
MAIN PHOTO: Nyamityobora’s Starting XI against Kitara today in Mbarara.
