Match No. 145: Maroons Vs Paidha Black Angels – Luzira Prisons Stadium
Match No. 146: Simba Vs Busia Fisheries – Mashariki High School play ground, Entebbe
Match No. 147: Moroto United Vs Sporting United – Moroto play ground
Match No. 148: Kyambogo Vs Doves All Stars – Kyambogo West End
Rwenzori Group:
Match No. 149: Boma Young Vs Kireka United – Booma Ground, Hoima
Match No. 150: Entebbe Vs Mbarara City – Bugonga, Entebbe
Match No. 152: Nyamityobora Vs Kataka – Nyamityobora, Mbarara
Match No. 153: Synergy Vs Masavu – Masaka Recreational Stadium, Masaka
Match No. 154: Ndejje University Vs Artland Katale – Ndejje, Luweero
Sunday, 29th January 2017:
Match No. 151: Airtel Kitara Vs Baza Holdings – Booma Ground, Hoima
The kick off for the second round of the national second tier league (FUFA Big League) has been confirmed for Saturday, 28th January 2017.
On the day, 9 games will be played both in the Elgon and Rwenzori groups. Four games will come in the Elgon group and the five in the Rwenzori group.
One match (Airtel Kitara against Baza Holdings) will be played on Sunday, 29th January 2017.
The new fixtures were released by the FUFA Competitions Department that is responsible for running the Big League.
FUFA Competitions manager Ali Mwebe believes the detailed fixtures till April 2017 will be honoured as the clubs fight for promotion to the Azam Uganda Premier League.
Three clubs are promoted to the top flight at the end of the season. Five clubs are demoted to the respective regional leagues.
Uganda Cranes had ended their training camps in Tunisia and Abu Dhabi with a promising performance against the current African Champions, Ivory Coast.
Despite falling 3-0 on the day, there are lots of positive attained from the Ivory Coast game , the other warm up games and the training camps as well.
Against Ivory Coast, Uganda Cranes staged an outstanding first half performance before Jonathan Kodji, Wilfried Zaha and Serge Aurier scored three second half goals for the West African opponents.
Earlier, the Uganda Cranes had lost 2-0 to Tunisia in Tunis before recovering to overcome Slovakia 3-1 at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Moses Oloya, Faruku Miya and team skipper Geofrey Massa got the goals for Uganda against Slovakia.
The team will now head to Gabon with some international match experience.
Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awany, Tonny Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Kizito, William Luwagga Kizito, Michael Azira, Geofrey Massa
Uganda Cup 2016/17 Round of 64 full draws were successfully conducted during a well attended press conference held FUFA House in Kampala on Wednesday, 11th November 2017.
The draws were supervised by the FUFA Competitions Director, Ali Mwebe flanked by the Federation Communications Manager, Ahmed Hussein and FUFA Referees’ manager, Samuel Egesa.
L-R: FUFA Referees manager, Samuel Egesa, Ali Mwebe (competitions director) and Communications manager Ahmed Hussein during the Uganda Cup draws of the round of 64FUFA Competitions director Ali Mwebe (left) with the Communications manager at the Federation, Ahmed Hussein prior to the round of 64 Uganda Cup draws at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala
Mwebe briefed the club representatives and the media personnel about the procedure of the draws.
All the clubs at the round of 64 stage were all put in one pot with the home team picked first and the visiting team followed.
Beach Soccer Delegate Anthony Tumwesigye drew last year’s losing finalists, Onduparaka
Buganda Region CEO, Muzafaru Ssebagala picked Entebbe F.CPheobe Kutamba, a FUFA Competitions staff during the Uganda Cup draws
The draws were conducted by Buganda Region CEO Muzafaru Ssebagala, Edrisa Sserubiri, George Kambwemukya, Pheobe Kutamba, Anthony Tumwesigye, FUFA Beach soccer delegate, Paul Ssali, 1978 Uganda Cranes goalkeeper at the AFCON held in Ghana, Keni Swalley, a sports journalist working with The New Vision, and a one Assimwe.
Vipers Sports Club, the defending champion will start away from home against Premior in Koboko.
The tentative date of kick off for the round of 64 stage has been fixed on 21st January 2017, with further confirmations to be made via the official FUFA Communications plat-forms.
This year’s final will be hosted by the West Nile region tentatively on 27th May 2017.
The full round of 64 draws:
1 – UCU Mbale Vs Airtel Kitara – Mbale
2 – Create Peace (Fort Portal) Vs Boma Young – Fort Portal
4 – Entebbe F.C Vs Igombe F.C – Bugonga Fisheries Training Institute play ground, Entebbe
5 – Kira United Vs Baza Holdings – Kira Town Council Play ground
6 – Water F.C Vs Luwero United – Kawempe Muslim Play ground
7 – Kiboga United Vs SC Villa Jogoo – Kiboga
8 – Mbarara Red Army Vs Ndejje University – Mbarara
9 – Hope Doves Vs Paidha Black Angels – Mutesa II Stadium
10 – KCCA Corporates Vs Sadolin Paints – Lugogo
11- Masavu Vs Mbarara City – Katabi Gombolola
12 – The Saints Vs Proline – Bombo Military Stadium
13 – Police Vs Maroons – Kavumba Recreational Stadium, Wakiso
14 – Thunder (Luzira) Vs Kibuli – Maroons Play ground
15 – URA Vs Lweza – Mehta Stadium, Lugazi
16 – BUL Vs Kireka United – Kakindu , Jinja
17 – Kataka F.C Vs Ngora United – Mbale Municipal Stadium, Mbale
18 – Express Vs –Kirinya Jinja S.S – Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
19 – Lugunjja Galaxy Vs Moroto United – Lungujja
20 – Football For Good Vs Onduparaka – Lira
21 – Synergy Vs –Kyambogo – Masaka Recreational Stadium
22 – Bright Light Vs – Sun City – Lira
23 – JMC Hippos Vs Nyamityobora – Kakindu Stadium, Jinja
24 – Sporting United Vs –Kiwanga – Lira
25 – Fort Portal Boda Boda Vs Simba – Fort Portal
26 – Kyetume F.C Vs Bukedea Town Council – Kyetume
27 – Future Stars Vs Bright Stars – Soroti
28 – Agape Vs – Ntoda – Namutumba Play ground
29 – Premior Vs – Vipers – Koboko
30 – Doves All Stars Vs Artland – Katale – Arua
31 – Soana Vs Lira United – Kavumba Recreational Stadium, Wakiso
32 – Mbarara FC Vs Busia Fisheries – Kakyeeka Stadium, Mbarara
MAIN PHOTO: Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper on the history making 1978 team, Paul Ssali was present at the 2016/17 Uganda Cup. Ssali also won the Uganda Cup with Simba in 1977
Uganda Cranes is ready for Wednesday’s International Friendly Match (Wednesday, 11th January 2017) against Ivory Coast after holding a successful training at Al Wasl Stadium on Tuesday evening.
During the training, coach Micho’s drills were centered most on pitch orientation and weather acclimatization and indeed everything worked on well.
Players responded very well to the drills as there was no injury concern and they all looked lively throughout the one and half hour session.
The session was also watched by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, FUFA Executive committee member Dr. Patrick Ogwel, National teams’ officer Patrick Ntege and the team manager, Chrispus Muyinda.
Uganda Cranes play their final international friendly match against Cote D’ I voire on Wednesday evening.
Confederation of African Football Level (CAF) ‘B’ License coaching programme has officially been opened on Tuesday 10th January by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye at FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
The course is organized by FUFA under the auspices of continental football governing body CAF and Livingstone Kyambadde, Mujib Kasule, Jackson Nyima and Asuman Lubowa are among the resource personnel taking participants through various course modules.
Jackson Nyiima, the FUFA Education Officer
FUFA Education boss Nyima Jackson disclosed that 50 persons registered for the two –week course, which will end on 22 January.
“In all, 50 coaches are taking part in the 2 week long course conducted by CAF local Instructors, myself then Asuman Lubowa, Mujib Kasule, and Livingstone Kyambadde.” Nyima said
Asuman Lubowa who is the gentleman behind all technical related issues said the course is examinable with practical, Oral and Theory
FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa said “Oral and practical examinations will be conducted too by an International CAF Instructor who will be coming here soon. The course will run for the next two weeks”
He also added “This time round participants will answer their exams online. We are the pioneering country in this and we are proud I urge you coaches to embrace it.”
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson also used the platform to warn coaches over contract wrangles with their teams.
“Contractual problems between clubs and you coaches is becoming a serous cancer. This is because you don’t want to involve the federation while signing them but when you get problems with clubs you rush to us.” Watson cautioned coaches.
Some of the coaches
Edgar Watson also warned coaches about pre-determining match results.
There is a vice of match manipulation or match fixing hitting the game in the country but FUFA and FIFA we are coming out strongly on this I don’t want you to be culprits.
FUFA is planning to hold a sensitizing workshop about this.
Chief guest Darius Mugoye expressed his gratitude towards CAF for providing the opportunity to organise the course and asked coaches to embrace technology as well.
He said “We should embrace technology if we are to move with this fast growing world. With effect from this class, coaches will be doing their exams online and that is the way to go if we are to compete with those developed countries.”
He also took time to commend Uganda national football team “The Cranes” and goal keeper Dennis Onyango for lifting our country flag high in the just recently concluded Caf Glo Award.
“Let us give a round of applause to Uganda Cranes and Dennis Onyango for winning the CAF Glo awards that were held in Nigeria last week.
“This shows to you that we are doing some tremendous work and its not by mistake that all these are happening, No, we have worked for it and you coaches have played a great role either directly or indirectly”
The Parliament of the Republic of Uganda has today held a special session to congratulate and honour the Uganda Cranes for doing the nation proud by winning a prestigious continental award at the Glo CAF awards held in Abuja Nigeria last week.
The motion for a resolution of parliament to congratulate the Uganda Cranes and shot stopper Denis Onyango for being voted the African national team of the year 2016 and the African player of the year based in Africa respectively by CAF was moved by Hon Denis Obua the captain of the Parliamentary football team.
‘First we need to congratulate and thank the Cranes for finally qualifying to the AFCON after so many years. They did us proud as a nation and now we are optimistic that at the final tournament which starts this weekend in a group that has Ghana, Egypt and Mali the Lord will bless and strengthen the team such that they continue to do us proud by winning more games’ stated Obua.
Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga with FUFA officials
FUFA was heavily represented by a strongman delegation that included Darius Mugoye the 2nd Vice president, Executive Committee member Hamid Juma, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and his Deputy Humphrey Mandu and FUFA fm senior staff Hassan Kirunda Kakaire.
Many members took to the floor to commend the team and Onyango for their achievements making suggestions of how suitably they should be rewarded.
They went on to deliberate on several issues concerning the sports sector as a whole and what ought to be done to promote it such that Uganda can develop many ‘Onyangos’ and make sure the ‘successes’ of 2016 are not a one off.
FUFA officials following the parliamentary session
Many of the members who took to the floor called for increased funding towards sports, tax exemptions on sports equipment, development and preservation of sports facilities across the country among others as some of the items that can be handled to boost the sports sector in Uganda.
The members agreed that a sum of Ushs 500,000/- ( Five Hundred Thousand shillings only) be deducted from each one of their emoluments as a one off and be given to the Cranes as a token of appreciation for flying the Uganda flag so high on the continent.
At least 50 coaches on Monday started their CAF B coaching course at the FUFA Technical Center.
FUFA Education manager Jackson Nyiima is impressed by the willingness of the participants to acquire knowledge.
“We had an overwhelming turn up. All the participants are more than willing to learn and i commend them for the eagerness and passion to acquire football knowledge” Nyiima stated.
Coach Edward Golola during a game sessionVincent Tumusiime talks to fellow coaches during a practical session at Njeru on Monday
The coaches are undertaking a number of topics ranging from the basic laws of the game, sports medicine, field practicals, theoretical, orals to ethics.
Field practicals constitute a bulk percentage (60 percent) of the whole coaching exercise.
Paul Mutakabala in a game situation session at the FUFA Technical center, NjeruCoaches in stretching drills
The course instructors are Mujib Kasule, Asuman Lubowa, Jackson Nyiima, Stone Kyambadde, Samuel Egesa and Yahaya Katumba.
This course is fully residential.
Coaches attending the course:
VIALI
BAINOMUGISHA
HENRY
BARUNGI
BEN
MWESIGWA
ABDUL
DAMRON
SSERUYANGE
WILFRED
KATO
MUHUMUZA
IBRAHIM
KIRYA
VICENT
TUMUSIME
RAYMOND
KOMAKECH
BOSCO
DUDU
HAMZA
KALANZI
ROBERT
MUKASA
TOM
KIRUNDA
RONALD
SSEBAGALA
KAWEESA
GEOFFREY
AKENA
ARTHUR
KYESIMIRA
GODFREY
MAATO
KIREEWA
SWAIBU
WAKU
SABASABA
JOHN
MUTABARUKA
HAMISS
WASSWA
HABERT
TSMA
JACKSON
MAGERA
MICHAEL
JOHN
EREBU
GEOFFREY
OKWI
CYRUS
GWAYAMBADDE
NSUBUGA
BADRU
MUKASA
KADDU
ABBY
BOGERE
KIKOMEKO
HAMUZA
LUTALO
CHRISTOPHER
LOBBO
IVAN
NTAMBI
YUSUFU
KYAMBADDE
JOHN
LUYINDA
AYUB
KHALIFA
MOSES
NKATA
EDWARD
KALUNGI
PIUS
SERUGO
PAUL
KIWANUKA
JOHN
KAYANJA
BBOSA
WASSWA
SAMUEL
MUJABI
KAWALYA
JAMES
ODOCH
PAUL
MUKATABALA
BAKER
ABU
MBOWA
DAVID
BBALE
LEO
ERIMA
ADRA
PAUL
NKATA
EDWARD
GOLOLA
DAVID
OBUA
RICHARD
AMATRE
JIMMY
KINTU
MWERA
MICHAEL
AJUMA
HUSSEIN
KHERI
ALI
MAIN PHOTO: Aspiring CAF B License coaches in practical sessions at the FUFA Technical Centre. The two week’s course started on Monday.
International Friendly Match (Wednesday, 11th January 2017): Cote D’Ivoire Vs Uganda
At New York University Stadium
With hours to the high profile international build up match between newly crowned GLO CAF best team of the year, Uganda Cranes and the reigning African Champions, one legend Kolo Toure has offered a message of inspiration to the Cranes players.
Kolo Toure shares a light moment with the Uganda Cranes head coach, officials and players
Toure met with the Uganda Cranes contingent currently camping in Dubai at the London Suites Hotel and encouraged them to work to the best of their abilities.
With keen emphasis, Toure conveyed a special message about trusting in the Almighty Lord and training effortlessly to excel.
Kolo Toure with coach MichoAFCON and Cote D’Ivoire legend Kolo Toure with the Uganda Cranes contingent in Dubai
“I am happy to meet you all. Trust and believe in God. Work hard to achieve the best in life. I wish you the best at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon” Toure stated.
Uganda Cranes will take on Cote D’Ivoire in an international friendly match on Wednesday.
The FUFA Uganda Cup round of 64 draws will take place this Wednesday, 11th January 2017 at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.
All the 16 clubs in the Azam Uganda Premier League and the 23 FUFA Big League teams are part of this round of 64.
The others are the successful regional clubs from all the eight FUFA regions (Kampala, Kitara, Eastern, Northern, West Nile, North East, Western and Buganda).
The draws will be supervised by the FUFA competitions director, Ali Mwebe starting at 10 a.m
Also, kick off dates for the matches involving the round of 64 stage shall be communicated on the same day
The final of this year’s Uganda Cup shall be hosted by the West Nile region in Arua.
Vipers Sports Club is the reigning title holder after defeating Onduparaka 3-1 in a well attended final at Nakivubo Stadium.
List of Teams to be considered in the round of 64 draws:
At least 50 coaches will on Monday, 9th January 2017 embark on a journey to acquire new skills, knowledge and the much desired CAF ‘B’ credentials.
The coaches enroll for the CAF ‘B’ coaching course which gets underway at the FUFA Technical Center.
The course, according to the FUFA Education Manager, Jackson Nyiima will constitute of theory and practical sessions for a period of 2 weeks covering the laws of the game, sports medicine, field practicals, theoretical, orals and ethics.
FUFA’s agenda under the leadership of FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo has been to front capacity building, education where at over 1000 personnel have been educated at the various levels of coaching, management, refereeing and administration.
This time round, the participants will do their Theoretical examinations online using the E-Learning system
Some of the coaches expected for the course include Uganda U-20 assistant coach Richard Wasswa, Edward Golola, Paul Mukatabala, James Odoch, Leo Adraa, Vincent Tumusiime, Kenneth Magada, Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, Wasswa Bbosa, Hamza Kalanzi, Yusuf Kyambadde, among others.
The course instructors are Mujib Kasule, Asuman Lubowa, Jackson Nyiima, Stone Kyambadde, Samuel Egesa and Yahaya Katumba.
Coaches to attend the course:
VIALI
BAINOMUGISHA
HENRY
BARUNGI
BEN
MWESIGWA
ABDUL
DAMRON
SSERUYANGE
WILFRED
KATO
MUHUMUZA
IBRAHIM
KIRYA
VICENT
TUMUSIME
RAYMOND
KOMAKECH
BOSCO
DUDU
HAMZA
KALANZI
ROBERT
MUKASA
TOM
KIRUNDA
RONALD
SSEBAGALA
KAWEESA
GEOFFREY
AKENA
ARTHUR
KYESIMIRA
GODFREY
MAATO
KIREEWA
SWAIBU
WAKU
SABASABA
JOHN
MUTABARUKA
HAMISS
WASSWA
HABERT
TSMA
JACKSON
MAGERA
MICHAEL
JOHN
EREBU
GEOFFREY
OKWI
CYRUS
GWAYAMBADDE
NSUBUGA
BADRU
MUKASA
KADDU
ABBY
BOGERE
KIKOMEKO
HAMUZA
LUTALO
CHRISTOPHER
LOBBO
IVAN
NTAMBI
YUSUFU
KYAMBADDE
JOHN
LUYINDA
AYUB
KHALIFA
MOSES
NKATA
EDWARD
KALUNGI
PIUS
SERUGO
PAUL
KIWANUKA
JOHN
KAYANJA
BBOSA
WASSWA
SAMUEL
MUJABI
KAWALYA
JAMES
ODOCH
PAUL
MUKATABALA
BAKER
ABU
MBOWA
DAVID
BBALE
LEO
ERIMA
ADRA
PAUL
NKATA
EDWARD
GOLOLA
DAVID
OBUA
RICHARD
AMATRE
JIMMY
KINTU
MWERA
MICHAEL
AJUMA
HUSSEIN
KHERI
ALI
MAIN PHOTO: CAF B License holders in a group photo with FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo in Njeru but many of them have since graduated to CAF A. Over 50 coaches have enrolled for the CAF B course that starts today at the FUFA Technical Centre.
International friendly match: Slovakia 1-3 Uganda Cranes
Moses Oloya dribbles the ball during the match. He scored the first goal against Slovakia
A determined Uganda Cranes outfit overcame Slovakia 3-1 in an exciting international friendly match held at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening.
Moses Oloya (5th minute), Faruku Miya (14th minute) and historic captain Geofrey Massa (77th minute) got the goals for the Uganda Cranes.
Denis Vavro had moments into the second half pulled a goal back for Slovakia.
The game was free of charge and hundreds of Ugandan fans watched the game to cheer the favourite stars to a famous victory against a country ranked 25th by Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).
Some of the passionate Uganda Cranes fans who attended the match in Abu DhabiSome of the female Uganda Cranes fans in the stands at the Armed Forces Stadium
This was the third test match for the Uganda Cranes after the games against Tunisia (Tunisia won 2-0) and the training game with Slovenia (Uganda won 1-0).
The Cranes will play another international friendly against the reigning African champions Cote D’ Ivoire on Wednesday, 11th January 2017 at the New York University Stadium in Dubai.
Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara instructs the rest of the players during the game
In Dubai, the team is accommodated at London Suites Hotel in the heart of Dubai.
Team Line Ups:
Slovakia XI: Michal Sulla (46′ Adam Jakubech), Denis Vavro, Filip Orsula (85′ Pavol Safranko), Martin Bukata (70′ Miroslav Kacer), Thomas Malec (70′ David Guba), Roman Gergel (70′ Thomas Huk), Filip Hlohovsky (Captain), Jakub Holubek, Martin Kralik, Michal Skvarka, Juraj Kotula (46′ Martin Sulek)
Subs Not Used: Dominik Kruzliak, Jan Krivak, Patrik Misak, Matus Conka, Martin Dubravka
Head Coach: Jan Kozak
Uganda Cranes XI: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada (63′ Nico Wakiro Wadada), Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awanyi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (46′ Murushid Jjuuko), Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya (46′ Geofrey Massa), William Luwagga Kizito (82′ Godfrey Walusimbi), Faruku Miya (62′ Yunus Sentamu), Muhammed Shaban (62’ Khalid Aucho)
Subs Not Used: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Shafiq Batambuze, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Salim Jamal (G.K)
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH (Sunday, 8th January 2017):
Uganda Cranes vs Slovakia @ 6.30PM
Armed Forces stadium, Abu Dhabi
Follow the match proceedings on 102.1 FUFA f.m (Also get timely updates on the FUFA official face book page and twitter handle)
The Uganda Cranes’ team to play Slovakia in a high profile international friendly match on Sunday evening has been released.
The match will be held at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Dennis Onyango returns to the goalposts after a brief resting period. He has been named in team B alongside Dennis Iguma, Shafiq Batambuze, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey Massa, Geofrey Sserunkuma and Godfrey Walusimbi.
Follow the match live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the football radio with expert commentary courtesy of Reagan Kyanda.
Team A: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awanyi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, William Luwagga Kizito, Faruku Miya, Muhammed Shaban
Team B: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Shafiq Batambuze, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey Massa, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Godfrey Walusimbi
Uganda Cranes fans thronged Entebbe International airport on Saturday morning to give a warm reception to the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson who returned home with the coveted Glo CAF National Team of the year award.
FUFA Executive led by the 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Uganda Cranes sponsors Airtel and partners NIC, Nile Special, Ecobank and Bidco were also in Entebbe for the function.
Watson arrived at the airport amidst cheers and jubilations from the FUFA Vice Presidents Mugisha, Darius Mugoye, Denis Mbidde, Executive members Sam Mpiima, Agnes Mugena and Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel.
The FUFA CEO talked of the experience in Abuja where everyone at the ceremony was pleased for Uganda winning the award for the first time.
‘It was Uganda’s day as we won on three occasions. Denis Onyango won the African footballer of the year based in Africa and was also named on the Africa XI’ said Watson
He later passed on his appreciation to the HE, President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, sponsors, FUFA Officials and all Ugandans for the unconditional support to the Uganda Cranes.
‘Uganda won not only as a team but because of the players, government, sponsors, FUFA, the media together with the fans. We all need to celebrate this victory and continue working together so that we win more awards’ said Watson.
Paul Mukatabala who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Football Players Association was in awesome mood.
‘This is a great moment for all Ugandans. Let’s enjoy the moment. Well done FUFA, players, sponsors and fans’ said the former Uganda Cranes international.
In his welcoming remarks, the FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha applauded the support every one especially the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the endless financial and moral support to the Uganda Cranes .
‘Due to the support from the Government of Uganda, we dedicate this award to the President of Uganda and asked him for the continued support to the National team and football in general’ said Mugisha who represented the FUFA President at function in Entebbe.
On behalf of the sponsors, Jocylene Ucanda the NIC Head of Marketing thanked other sponsors Airtel , Nile Special, Bidco Uganda and Ecobank for working together to see that Uganda Cranes reaches the highest levels.
‘Team work has seen the Cranes reach the best heights. At NIC we value team work and always excel in whatever we do’ said Ucanda .
From Entebbe, the entire delegation headed to FUFA House where they met the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo. He welcomed back Edgar Watson who represented the Nation in Abuja at the Awards Ceremony.
Eng Magogo was all praise for all those who contributed towards the success of Ugandan football and Uganda Cranes in 2016.
‘I dedicate the honour to H.E the President of Uganda for the environment that favored the game of football to be played’ said an excited Magogo
‘I appreciate the work done by everyone including coaches, players, sponsors and fans for the work done thus being recognized by the whole of Africa. As executives we dedicate this award to HE the President of Uganda’
FUFA Executive will sit and decide on what reward to give Onyango for winning the African Player of the award.
‘I also take a moment to congratulate Denis Onyango for winning the continental award. Our culture is to reward excellence. When Onyango won the CAF Champions League, we rewarded him with land. FUFA Executive will meet and decide on how to reward him for being the best on the continent’ FUFA President.
FUFA President who will join the Uganda Cranes in Dubai, will carry the Continental award to the camp for the players to enjoy the moment.
Uganda Cranes was voted the best team of the year at the Glo CAF Awards as goalkeeper Dennis Onyango scooped the player of the year based in Africa accolade.
This was at the glamorous awards night held at the International Conference Center in Abuja on Thursday night.
Uganda was ably represented by the FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson and Onyango himself before hundreds of CAF dignitaries, invited guests, sponsors, media personnel, the respective federation administrators, current and retired footballers.
Dennis Onyango receives his award
Uganda Cranes beat DR Congo and Senegal to the team of the year award after a clinical year of breaking the 39 year of jinx after failure to return to the continental showpiece.
On the other hand, Onyango was better of Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Khama Billiat and TP Mazembe’s Reinford Kalaba.
He thus became the first goalkeeper to scoop the award designed to reward players who ply their trade on the continent.
Onyango, who was also named among the CAF best XI is now in transit to join the Uganda Cranes team where the national team is preparing for the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations.
Full list of Winners:
African Player of the Year – Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
African Player of the Year – Based in Africa: Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Women’s Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Arsenal Ladies)
Most Promising Talent: Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester City)
Youth Player of the Year: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria and Arsenal)
Coach of the Year: Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns
National Team of the Year:Uganda
Women’s National Team of the Year:Nigeria
Referee of the Year: Bakary Papa Gassama
Football Leader of the Year: Manuel Lopes Nascimento, President of Guinea Bissau Football Federation
Legend Award: Laurent Pokou, Former player of Cote d’Ivoire and Emilienne MBANGO, Former player of Cameroon
The final 23 man squad for Uganda Cranes to play at the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations finals has been revealed by the head coach Milutin Sredejovic on Wednesday after the international friendly match against Tunisia in Tunis.
Cranes lost the match 2-0 and will now head to Dubai for another training camp that shall involve two high profile friendlies against Slovakia and Ivory Coast before flying to Gabon.
Uganda Cranes 23 man squad (Shirt numbers in blue):
1 – Robert Odongkara (Saint George, Ethiopia), 2 – Joseph Ochaya (KCCA), 3 – Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quang Ninh, Vietnam), 4– Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), 5 – Isaac Isinde, 6 – Tony Mawejje (Thotur, Iceland), 7 – Sentamu Junior Yunus (Ilves, Finnland), 8 – Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa), 9-Geofrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda), 10 – Luwagga William Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal), 11– Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa), 12 – Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), 13– Moses Oloya (Hanoi T and T, Vietnam), 14 – Nico Wadada Wakiro (Vipers, Uganda), 15 – Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), 16– Hassan Mawanda Wasswa (Nijmeh, Lebabon),17 – Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), 18 – Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), 19 – Magoola Salim Omar (El Merriekh, Sudan), 20 – Awany Timothy Dennis (KCCA, Uganda), 21– Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda), 22 – Batambuze Shafik (Tusker, Kenya), 23 – Azira Michael (Colorado Rapids, USA)
MAIN PICTURE: The entire historic Uganda Cranes starting XI against Comoros on 4th September 2016 at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole has been named by Micho in the final 23 man squad to Gabon.
International Friendly Match: Tunisia 2-0 Uganda Cranes
There are plenty of positives picked from the international friendly match as Tunisia overcame Uganda 2-0 under cold conditions at the El Menzah Olympic Stadium in Tunis.
Hamza Lahmar and Mohamed Ali Yâakoubi scored for the home side in each half.
Lahmar scored the first in the 7th minute via a direct free-kick and the second was a headed attempt from yet another free-kick as the second half kicked off.
Uganda Cranes got close when Tonny Mawejje had a long range 30th minute effort settle on the goal up right and later in the half Muzamiru Mutyaba, a second half substitute headed onto the cross bar from fellow substitute, Faruku Miya.
Micho tested the players in the different positions and he is yet to come up with the final 23 man squad.
All the six Uganda Cranes substitutes named for the game were given a run in to the game at some stage of the match.
Mike Azira, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and historic captain Geofrey Massa were booked for various reasons during the game.
Meanwhile, Portuguese based midfielder William Luwagga Kizito arrived in Tunisia on Wednesday.
The head coach will announce the final 23 man squad and the stand by players, hours to come as a requirement set by CAF to beat the 4th January 2017 deadline.
Moments after the game, Micho disclosed to the football radio 102.1 FUFA f.m that he was satisfied with the performance of the team ahead of two more international build ups;
Happy for open play of the match. We rested 7 players who passed the test for the 23 man squad.
Today, we have checked 17 players. However, three players (a goalkeeper, midfielder and striker) will have to return home as we continue with the journey to Dubai for another training camp.
There is need to polish up on set pieces. I am impressed by the mental and physical strength of the players.
Micho’s voice was also echoed by one of the senior players on the team, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda;
As players, we have picked positives from the game. We showed character throughout the match. We have not managed to score but we showed intent in front of goal.
The players selected for the final tournament are all determined and motivated to represent the country
The 7 players who did not feature in the game against Tunisia are Dennis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, William Luwagga, Nicholas Wadada, Murushid Jjuuko, Joseph Ochaya and Moses Oloya.
Uganda is set for a second training camp in Dubai where they will still play two build up matches against Slovakia and Cote D’Ivoire on the 8th and 11th January 2017 respectively.
The Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic has released the starting XI to face Tunisia on Wednesday evening.
After this game, the coach will name the final 23 man squad to be submitted to CAF for the Total Africa Cup of Nations finals 2017.
The coach is confident; “The Uganda Cranes players arrived in a very good shape after the last two weeks of rigorous training back home. It is time for the boys to show their mantle. It will be a very tough and great opportunity for us to try to stop them and try to learn a few things from them in relation to our opponents Egypt in AFCON Group D. I think it’s important for us and for them to try to win and try to stop them and bring confidence ahead of AFCON finals.We shall play our own game with a lot of consciousness on their technical and tactical abilities”.
