Author: Ahmed Marsha

2015/16 FUFA JUNIORS LEAGUE: Kick off – Mid September 2015

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) competitions director, Ali Mwebe has re-affirmed the official stand for having the national U-17 youth league set up dubbed ‘The FUFA Juniors League’.

The main purpose among others for having the FUFA Juniors league is to promote and develop the young talents. Healthy competition arises as a desire to excel but the key element why FUFA started this league was to develop and nurture talents

Mwebe made the remarks as he supervised the draws for the second edition of the FUFA Juniors league at the Federation head quarters during the weekly press conference on Wednesday.

For the record, FUFA started the league, the first of its nature in Uganda’s football circles in January 2015.

During the inaugural edition won by Kampala Junior Team (KJT), the federation gave a chance to all the premier league to register their teams as a pilot project for the subsequent season (2015/16) where entry of the junior side was mandatory for each and every club in the Azam Uganda Premier League to acquire a valid license for the season.

This season’s league has a total of 24 teams.

The 16 youth teams attached to the Azam Uganda Premier League sides are divided into two groups of 8 teams apiece and the founder teams have been maintained still in their two groups – Nile and Murchison.

The youth teams are envisaged as a feeder to the senior teams and the national Under age teams as well.

In addition to the FUFA Juniors league, the federation is deeply engaged in the several programmes that are streamlined to promote youth football structures.

FUFA is in partnership with Airtel Uganda to run the Airtel Rising Stars girls and boys U-17 football programme that has now aged to 5 solid editions.

The FIFA Grassroots football development programme for young girls between 6 to 18 has continued to take shape after successful campaigns in most parts of the central region before the programme will spread over to the other regions of the country.

In addition, FUFA has recently initiated the football schools of excellence (SOE) with particular collaboration with selected Government run schools.

The federation has always kept a keen eye on the Copa Coca Cola football championships where they provide the referees and special scouts to monitor the excelling youngsters.

All the aforementioned programmes are meant to rhyme with the gist of a successful footballing nation – the youth system.

The 2015/16 FUFA Juniors League Groups and Teams:

Group 1: Lweza Juniors Academy, BUL football club academy, Sports Club Victoria University Academy, Jinja Municipal Council Hippos Academy, Express Junior Team, Police Harmless Bridage, URA Juniors Team, Bright Stars Junior

Group 2: Maroons Junior Team, SC Villa Jogoo, Soana Soccer Academy, Vipers Junior Team, Sadolin Paints Junior Team, KCCA Academy, Simba F.C Academy

Non Premier League Youth Teams:

Nile Group:

Super Cubs, Jeff Soccer Academy, Kayda, Kampala Juniors Team

Murchison Group:

Standard High School Academy, Edgars Youth Academy, Life Eternal, Synergy

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA Competitions Director, Ali Mwebe addressing the media

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

AFCON 2017 Group D Qualifier:

Saturday, 5th September 2015:

Comoros Vs Uganda (Mitsamiouli Stadium – 3:00 pm)

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has showered special praise unto the president of the republic of Uganda, H.E General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for timely financial offer to the Uganda Cranes travel for the upcoming AFCON 2017.

President Museveni on Tuesday called the FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo to whom he communicated in the affirmative to the financial offer to the tune of $ 210,000 that the federation had requested to help in preparation of the team to Comoros.

The federation’s message of appreciation was conveyed by the spokesperson, Ahmed Hussein at the FUFA weekly press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.

On behalf of the federation, Hussein stated;

As FUFA we are so much appreciative of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s generosity towards FUFA, the national team (The Uganda Cranes) and sports in general. The president’s message to the players showed how patriotic and passionate the president is towards the Uganda Cranes.

President Museveni personally follows proceedings of Cranes matches home and away.

He has a well documented track record of helping the federation (the Uganda Cranes in particular) at a time when the assistance is well needed.

 

2nd FUFA Juniors League:

Kick-off – Mid September 2015

Ahead of the long anticipated kick off for the 2015/16 FUFA Juniors league, the Federation competitions department has held the team draws at the FUFA Headquarters in Mengo, Kampala on Wednesday.

The draws also coincided with the weekly press briefing organized by the FUFA media department.

They were keenly supervised by the FUFA Competitions Director, Ali Mwebe flanked by the Federation spokesman, Ahmed Hussein and FUFA protocol committee member, Boniface Oryema.

Addressing the team representatives and the media during the well attended draws, Mwebe clearly outlined the guidelines and the mode how this Juniors’ league will be played.

Each of the 16 Uganda Premier league clubs has registered a team for the Juniors league as mandated by the club licensing regulations. They are divided into two groups (One and two) with 8 teams per group.

The clubs that started the Juniors’ league have been also maintained with their two groups (Nile and Murchsion) – each having four teams each.

Pertinent to note is the fact that a relegated team from the Azam Uganda Premier league goes down with their Junior team.

The Juniors league will kick in Mid-September after the fixtures have been well drawn and forwarded to the teams and media.

Kampala Juniors Team (KJT) won the inaugural edition of the FUFA juniors’ league.

2015/16 FUFA JUNIORS LEAGUE:

Group One Teams:

Lweza Juniors Academy, BUL football club academy, Sports Club Victoria University Academy, Jinja Municipal Council Hippos Academy, Express Junior Team, Police Harmless Bridage, URA Juniors Team, Bright Stars Junior

Group Two Teams:

Maroons Junior Team, SC Villa Jogoo, Soana Soccer Academy, Vipers Junior Team, Sadolin Paints Junior Team, KCCA Academy, Simba F.C Academy

Nile Group:

Super Cubs, Jeff Soccer Academy, Kayda, Kampala Juniors Team

Murchison Group:

Standard High School Academy, Edgars Youth Academy, Life Eternal, Synergy

MAIN PHOTO: The official logo of the FUFA Juniors league started in 2015.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

AFCON 2017 Group D Qualifier:

Saturday, 5th September 2015: Comoros Vs Uganda (Mitsamiouli Stadium – 3:00 pm)

Twenty three Uganda Cranes players at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru will undergo their last training drills on Wednesday afternoon.

This follows the day one training that started with the aerobic drills at Paradise Fittness gym, Acacia Mall in Kampala.

The players then shifted base to Njeru for residential training from Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo on Tuesday evening paid a visit and followed the training session as he also had a healthy chat with the players.

He also delivered the message from the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who wished The Uganda Cranes the best of luck and asked them to rise the Ugandan flag higher by getting positive results.

The FUFA President urged players to forget the past campaigns where the Cranes narrowly missed out on qualifying and asked them to focus on the upcoming game though the team holds a poor record against countries from the Islands.

The team training on Tuesday was also watched by visitors from Bidco Uganda Limited, one of the partners of the national team.

Suvrajit Ghosh, the general Manager, Bidco Uganda Limited and Sankha Chatterjee, the marketing manager followed the training procedure with a keen eye.

In a show of solidarity, Engineer Moses Magogo has since pitched camp at Njeru together with the team.

On Wednesday, the team will undertake the last training session before departure on Thursday morning.

MAIN PHOTO: The Cranes players, Brian Umony and Joesph Ochaya in training at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

AFCON 2017 Group D Qualifier:

Saturday, 5th September 2015:

Comoros Vs Uganda (Mitsamiouli Stadium – 3:00 pm)

The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has offered financial support for the Uganda Cranes away trip to Comoros in the AFCON 2017 qualifier.

The approval by the President follows a request from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to the government for the support towards the team at a time the federation was seeking financial assistance of close to $ 210,000.

The president called the FUFA president, Eng.Moses Magogo on Tuesday and delivered a patriotic message of encouragement to the players, the technical  and support staff of the Cranes team.

I am 100 % behind you. Go and represent our country with passion. I wish you the best.I offer financial assistance as per your earlier request

President Museveni is an ardent supporter of sports in the country particularly football and has been supportive time over and again.

We are grateful for the offer from the President of Uganda. This support is timely as we have been struggling with finances to Comoros since the air tickets to the island nation are very expensive

Noted a jovial FUFA President Magogo.

The FUFA president watched the entire training session on Tuesday afternoon as the full team of the summoned 23 players trained at the FUFA technical center in Njeru.

Eng Magogo will also spend a night with the team in camp.

All the professionals reported to camp and it is now a full house at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru.

 

The team training resumes Wednesday before departure set for following day on Thursday morning.

The Full Uganda Cranes Team In Camp In Njeru:

Goal Keepers:

Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sun Downs, South Africa), Ismail Watenga (Vipers, Uganda) and  Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia).

Defenders:

Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Denis Okot (KCCA, Uganda), Shafik Bakaki (Vipers, Uganda), Richard Kasagga Jjuuko (URA, Uganda), Isaac Isinde (St George)

Midfielders:

Yasser Mugerwa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Aucho Khalid (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Farouk Miya (Vipers, Uganda), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Avio, Portugal), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA, Uganda), Kizironi Kizito (Vipers, Uganda), Tonny Mawejje (Thróttur Reykjavík, Iceland), Ivan Ntege (KCCA, Uganda)

Strikers:

Geofrey Massa (Bloemfontein Celtics, South Africa ), Brian Umony (St George, Ethiopia), Yunus Sentamu (Club Sportif Sfaxien, Tunisia) and John Ssemazzi (Vipers, Uganda)

The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo marks two years today in office. He will deliver his two year message today live on 102.1 FUFA fm starting 1pm.

 

We encourage our football fans to tune in 102.1 FUFA fm for the FUFA President’s two year message.

MAIN PHOTO: From the archives -FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo with AIPS President Gianni Merlo in the 102.1 FUFA fm studios. The FUFA President will be in the same studio today delivering his two year message since becoming the leader of football in  Uganda in 2013.

 

AFCON 2017 Group D Qualifier:

Saturday, 5th September 2015: Comoros Vs Uganda (Mitsamiouli Stadium – 3:00 pm – Uganda and Comoros have same time zones)

Match Referees All from Seychelles: Barra Allister (center referee), Adelaide Eldrick (1st assistant), Steve Marie (2nd assistant), Nelson Fred Emile (Reserve Referee).

Commissioner: Ali Rajab Muhsin (Zanzibar)

Ahead of the residential camp at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru, the Uganda Cranes players have kick started preparations for the away AFCON 2017 qualifier with drills at the Paradise gymnasium, Acacia Mall on Sunday morning.

On Sunday, 16 players majority of them locally based undertook aerobics, power and power drills meant for capitulating endurance and stamina at the Paradise fittness gymnasium.

Ismail Watenga, Robert Odongkara, Denis Iguma, Murushid Jjuuko, Denis Okot, Shafik Bakaki, Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Joseph Ochaya, Farouk Miya, Kezironi Kizito, Ivan Ntege, Brian Umony, Muzamiru Mutyaba, John Ssemazzi and Yunus Sentamu.

The team departs for Njeru on Sunday evening ahead of the residential camp.

The Full Uganda Cranes Team Summoned:

Goal Keepers:

Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sun Downs, South Africa), Ismail Watenga (Vipers, Uganda), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia), Salim Jamal (El Merriekh, Sudan)

Defenders:

Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Denis Okot (KCCA, Uganda), Shafik Bakaki (Vipers, Uganda), Richard Kasagga Jjuuko (URA, Uganda), Isaac Isinde (St George)

Midfielders:

Yasser Mugerwa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Aucho Khalid (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Farouk Miya (Vipers, Uganda), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Avio, Portugal), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA, Uganda), Kizironi Kizito (Vipers, Uganda), Tonny Mawejje (Thróttur Reykjavík, Iceland), Ivan Ntege (KCCA, Uganda)

Strikers:

Geofrey Massa (Bloemfontein Celtics, South Africa ), Brian Umony (St George, Ethiopia), Yunus Sentamu (Club Sportif Sfaxien, Tunisia), Robert Sentongo (URA, Uganda), John Ssemazzi (Vipers, Uganda)

AZAM UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE 2015/16:

Match Day Three Results:

Vipers Sports Club 1-0 Jinja Municipal Council Hippos

Sadolin Paints F.C 1-0 Bright Stars F.C

Soana F.C 4-0 Lweza F.C

Simba S.C 0-1 Police F.C

Express F.C 3-2 Maroons F.C

BUL F.C 0-1 Sports Club Victoria University

Following two Azam Uganda Premier league games of the match day three played on Friday (The Saints 0-1KCCA and SC Villa 1-1 URA), the rest of the 6 fixtures continued on Saturday at the various stadia.

The Azam premier league defending champions, Vipers continued with yet another great home performance, overcoming a hard fighting Jinja Municipal Council Hippos’ side 1-0 at the Buikwe stadium.

Uganda Kobs striker, John Ssemazzi scored the only goal of the day.

Soana Football Club were the biggest winners on the day scoring four goals without reply over the visiting side, Lweza Football club at Kavumba recreational stadium.

Returning striker, Francis Olaki (from KCCA F.C) had a brace with the other goals coming off the feet new signings, Kamada ‘Ndiefi’ Ssebagala and Patrick  ‘Crespo’Asiku.

Ssebagala was signed from The Saints whilst Asiku was a former BUL F.C long serving captain.

At Kakindu stadium in Jinja, the home, BUL football club suffered yet another slim 1-0 loss to visitors, Sports Club Victoria University.

Musa Othieno netted the goal that condemns BUL F.C to their second loss of the campaign, following the 1-0 loss away to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) F.C on match day one.

In the battle of the armed forces at Bombo military stadium, Police registered a narrow 1-0 victory at the hands of Police F.C with Joseph Ssentume having the goal scored as the game neared climax.

There was a five goal thriller at the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku when Express F.C beat Maroons 3-2.

The home side fell to Maxwell Okello’s shocking opener before new signing, Samson Ceaser Okuhti replied in similar fashion to bring the game level.

Diminutive striker, Eric Ssebuguzi then scored a double to give the five time league winners a two goal lead.

Enterprising midfielder, Hood Muliki then later narrowed the advantage with another Maroons goal to create a tense finish to the fixture.

At Bugembe Stadium, Edgar Luzige’s first half goal for the hosts, Sadolin Paints over visitors, Bright Stars was well defended to grant Simon Kirumira his first victory as head coach of the painter’s team.

The league returns after a week break at a time when the national team, The Cranes shall be camped at Njeru technical center in preparation for the AFCON 2017 away clash to the island nation of Comoros on Saturday, 5th September 2015.

Match Day Four Fixtures:

Tuesday, 8th  September 2015:

Bright Stars F.C Vs Simba S.C – Matugga – Live on AZAM T.V (4:00 P.M)

The Rest of the matches kick off at 4:30 p.m

Police Vs The Saints – Kavumba Recreational Stadium, Wakiso

Maroons F.C Vs Sadolin Paints – Uganda Prisons Stadium, Luzira

KCCA Vs JMC Hippos – Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala

URA Vs Soana – Mehta Stadium, Lugazi

SC VU Vs SC Villa – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Kampala

BUL Vs Vipers – Kakindu Stadium, Jinja

Lweza Vs Express – Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku

Following the FUFA Executive Committee meeting that convened at the FUFA House on Monday 24th August 2015, there have been changes called made to the FUFA Referees standing committee (FRSC).

There has been introduction of four sub-committees, all intended to further polish on the quality of refereeing.

The FUFA referees standing committee chairperson remains Sam Mpiima, Catherine Adipo is the Vice Chairperson and will be responsible for the match referees’ appointments, Harunah Mawanda – monitoring, Ali Tomusange – technical development of referees as Ronnie Kalema is heading the Assessment and promotion of referees.

Each of the sub-committees is independent of the other

There are 19 FIFA referees in Uganda, 77 national referees selected after the medical and physical fitness tests for the 2015/2016 season. FUFA referees badges have been introduced and will also be used at the regional levels.

4 Referees sub-committees introduced

Appointments: Catherine Adipo (Chairperson), Hajji Abdul Ssekabira (Member) and third person will be communicated

Monitoring: Harunah Mawanda (Chairperson), George Kabwemukya and David Davies Katabira (Members)

Technical Development: Ali Tomusange (Chairperson), Yusuf Awuye and Ali Wasiswa

Assessment and Promotion: Ronnie Kalema (Chairperson), Joseph Mwanje and George Wamala Katumba (Members)

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President, Eng. Moses Magogo has called upon the Government of Uganda to come in with a timely assistance towards the Uganda Cranes’ AFCON 2017 Qualification campaign.

Addressing the media on Thursday at FUFA House, Eng Magogo hinted specifically on the immediate AFCON 2017 away qualification match against Comoros that requires close to $ 210,000 meant to carter for players’ travel tickets from their clubs, camp preparations, travel expenses to Comoros and the allowances for players and officials.

“We have engaged Government and we keep hopeful that they come in with timely assistance towards the trip to Comoros which is very expensive because of the difficulties in connectivity to the Island nation” the president hinted.

He used the plat-form to highlight on four areas:

1 – Constructive Engagement of  Azam Uganda Premier League Clubs with FUFA:

The president informed the media that FUFA is in advanced laison with the clubs in the national league to sign a charter with the intention to streamline club football in Uganda.

“We have engaged the clubs which are part and parcel of football in Uganda because we are avoiding the act of sweeping the dirt under the carpet”.

He urged the fans to give support where it is due to players, coaches and administrators in the clubs because club fundamental as far as football development in the country is concerned.

2- Refereeing:

The president once again Expanding FUFA Referees Standing Committeee (FRSC) into four sub-committees with people who have the ability.

This committee is intended to bring about fair appointment, technical development of referees, advising Federation, assessment with well kept statistics, general monitoring of all referees.

This was done in consultation with the Uganda Referees Association (URA).

3 – General Assembly

The president highlighted  about the 91st FUFA General Assembly slated for 26th September 2015 in Soroti.

Among the key issues that will be addressed at the General Assembly is the status of the financial stand of the federation.

“The final financial statement will be released at the General Assembly among other key aspects. It is imperative to note that the federation money is spent through the FUFA the secretariat, which has presented all the necessary reports”

4 – National Team, the Cranes

The president reminded the media about the 8 components of a successful national team.

He hinted of the 14 international matches Uganda has played since March 2015 in the various competitions and build up matches, all intended to prepare the Cranes in the match against Comoros.

MAIN PHOTO: The proceeding at the FUFA Weekly press conference held on Thursday, 27th August 2015 at the FUFA Main head quarters in Mengo, Kampala

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

AFCON 2017 Group D Qualifier:

Saturday, 5th September 2015: Comoros Vs Uganda (Mitsamiouli Stadium – 3:00 pm – Uganda and Comoros have same time zones)

Match Referees All from Seychelles: Barra Allister (center referee), Adelaide Eldrick (1st assistant), Steve Marie (2nd assistant), Nelson Fred Emile (Reserve Referee).

Commissioner: Ali Rajab Muhsin (Zanzibar)

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has summoned 24 players for the upcoming AFCON 2017 away tie against Comoros.

Sredojevic named the team on Thursday during the FUFA weekly press conference at FUFA House in Mengo.

Flanked by the Federation Finance Director Decolas Kizza, Competitions Director Ali Mwebe and the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, Micho highlighted on the need to have positive mentalities ahead of the match.

The match against Comoros away is our most important game of the campaign. We need to prepare well, psychologically, mentally and physically.

The players consist of players who feature for their clubs locally, regionally, on the continent and elsewhere in the world.

The summoned team has 4 goal keepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, 4 strikers.

They are expected to start residential camp on Monday, 31st August 2015.

The final team will have 2 goal keepers, 6 defenders, 7 midfielders and 3 strikers.

Farid Mpagi will be the media officer attached to the team.

The Full Uganda Cranes Team Summoned:

Goal Keepers:

Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sun Downs, South Africa), Ismail Watenga (Vipers, Uganda), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia), Salim Jamal (El Merriekh, Sudan)

Defenders:

Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Denis Okot (KCCA, Uganda), Shafik Bakaki (Vipers, Uganda), Richard Kasagga Jjuuko (URA, Uganda), Isaac Isinde (St George)

Midfielders:

Yasser Mugerwa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Aucho Khalid (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Farouk Miya (Vipers, Uganda), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Avio, Portugal), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA, Uganda), Kizironi Kizito (Vipers, Uganda), Tonny Mawejje (Thróttur Reykjavík, Iceland), Ivan Ntege (KCCA, Uganda)

Strikers:

Geofrey Massa (Bloemfontein Celtics, South Africa ), Brian Umony (St George, Ethiopia), Yunus Sentamu (Club Sportif Sfaxien, Tunisia), Robert Sentongo (URA, Uganda)