Author: Ahmed Marsha

2014/15 Uganda Premier League:

Match Day One Results:

Police 3 – 0 Rwenshama

URA 1 – 1 Bright Stars

SC Villa 1 – 0 Soana

Express 0 – 2 Kira Young

BUL 1 – 1 Sadolin

It was a bright day as the 2014/2015 Uganda Premier League kicked off with 5 fixtures that produced 10 goals.

Police, Sports Club Villa and Kira Young notched victories.

At Kavumba Recreational stadium, Rwenshama FC received a rude welcome to the top flight after succumbing to a 3 – 0 loss to home team Police FC.

Umar Kasumba netted a first half brace in the 31st and 44th minutes before a late Rogers Aloro own goal sealed the league debutant’s fate.

At Mityana Ssaza grounds, 16 time record league winners, SC Villa marked a bright day to the league and on their new home ground with a slim 1 – 0 victory over a hard fighting Soana FC in a fixture played under heavy rains.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo greets SC Villa’s Fahad Kawooya as captain, Fred Nkata looks on.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo watched this fixture played before a capacity crowd.

At the same match new SC Villa  president Ben Misagga launched the club’s income generating projects dubbed the ‘Villa Jogoo water’ and the official club’s magazine ‘Soccer Vision’.

At Kakindu Stadium in Jinja, the Eastern region derby between BUL and nemesis, Sadolin FC ended in a 1 all draw.

Andrew Basooma gave Sadolin a shock first half lead before BUL restored parity later in the second half.

At the Mehta Stadium in Lugazi, home team Uganda Revenue Authority needed a late equalizer from Uganda Cranes forward Robert Ssentongo to cancel Meddie Kakeeto’s opener for Kawempe based side Bright Stars. The match was watched by Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and goalkeeping boss Fred Kajoba.

One of the biggest shocks on the opening day was the 0 – 2 win picked by Kira Young over Express at the Mutesa II stadium in Wankulukuku.

The other series of the match day one matches will be played on Saturday with two fixtures.

Entebbe vs Simba, Nakivubo

Lweza vs SCVU, Wankulukuku

MAIN PHOTO: SC Villa right back Derrick Walulya (left) and Soana’s Ibrahim Jingo going fighting for the ball at Mityana Ssaza grounds.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA communications department.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president, Eng. Moses Magogo has today joined members of the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) at Christ The King Church to honor the dead sports scribes.

At a special mass presided over by main celebrant, Rev. Father DR. John Mary Ssebunya, the members of the USPA, a sports body that brings together different sports reporters in the country, lives of all the dead sports scribes were specially remembered.

“We are remembering the fond memories with our departed brothers and sisters. May their lives rest in peace eternal. Lets work in unison and avoid infighting amongst yourselves for development”, Rev. Ssebunya preached.

Some of the USPA members with the FUFA President and the Main Celebrant in a group photograph outside Christ the King Church on Thursday.

Eng. Magogo was joined by Uganda Olympic Committee president, William Blick, Cricket C.E.O Justin Ligyalingi, USPA founder member, Fred Ssekitto, Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) president, Deo Mutabazi, FUFA beach soccer delegate, Anthony Tumwesigye, serving journalists among others.

The USPA general secretary, Swalley Kenyi read out the roll call of honour as the congregation paid respect in honor of all those who lost their lives.

The Roll of Honour:

Freddie Ssekabembe (Munno), Moses Oguttu (The People), Remmy Mayanja Lubereenga (Radio Uganda), Andy Simon Kawesa (Radio Uganda), Kevin O. Aliro (Daily Monitor), Paul Waibale Senior (New Vision), John Bagenda Mpiima (The Equator), Muzungu Kanga (The Star), George Muwanga Kamya (Munno), Stephen Jjumba (Uganda Times), Issa Kawuma (Ngabo), Kenneth Matovu (New Vision), Simon Peter Ekarot (New Vision), Francis Batte Junior (Daily Monitor), Leo Kabunga (New Vision), Rashid Mudin (Daily Monitor), David Matovu (Radio Uganda), Siraje Kizito (Soccer World), Moses Kakeeto (Freelance), Charles Kiggwe (Taifa Empya), Nathan Mulira (Taifa Empya), Robin Mutagubya (Munno), John Wasswa (Sitarehe Sita), Dan Byebyoonka (Radio Uganda), Samuel Wossita (Daily Monitor), Lugudo Bahir Khan (NBS) and James Opoka (UTV)

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President, Moses Magogo (second right) during the church at Christ the King on Thursday morning.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

FIFA Grassroots’ Coaching Course:
Programme:

Friday, 19th September 2014 :

10 am –  Leaving for Kampala

2:30 pm – Closing ceremony at FUFA House and Issuing of certificates

Saturday, 20th September 2014:

8 am – 2 pm – Grassroots Festival at Old Kampala Secondary School

The Football grassroots coaching course currently going on at the Njeru Technical center will climax on Friday at FUFA House before a grand festival on Saturday at Old Kampala Secondary School grounds.

Young girls being taken through the football introductory drills at Njeru.

Mr Govinden Thondoo (from Mauritius), the FIFA Technical development officer is the main course facilitator.

Govinden Thondoo during one of the theory classes at Njeru Technical Center.

This programme, fully sponsored and supported by the world’s football governing body (FIFA) and Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) was launched early this week at the Ministry of Education and Sports headquarters.

Early Bird: A child plays about with a football as the mother keenly takes a close watch.

Some of the coaches who have undergone this training include the FUFA Technical Director, Asuman Lubowa, FUFA women football development officer, Hadijah Namuyanja and FUFA Education officer, Jackson Nyima, among others.

Hadijah ‘Lady Mouriho’ Namuyanja with other coaches training the kids.

On Friday, the coaches will leave Njeru Technical center for Kampala where the closing ceremony will be conducted.

On Saturday, action will be held at Old Kampala secondary grounds with the grassroots sports festival.

Grassroots coaches enjoy a Photo moment with FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson on Thursday.

About 500 kids from across the nation have been invited at the football grassroots festival.

MAIN PHOTO: Young Children learn how to dribble during one of the grassroots practical sessions at Njeru Technical center.

PHOTO CREDITS:  FUFA Communications Department

Sun, 21st September 2014:
Match Day 3

At Lido Beach, Entebbe
The national Pepsi beach soccer league resumes with match day 3 fixtures this Sunday at Lido Beach resort in Entebbe.

There will be 4 games per group i.e in the Hurriken and Monsoon groups.

Entrance to the games is free to all university students with I.D’s while U.shs 5000 is the set amount for the ordinary spectators.

The league is organized by the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) under the supervision of FUFA.

Moonsoon Group Fixtures:
Mubs Vs Sand Pirates
Zaba Super Market Vs Stormers
Talented Vs YMCA
Real Galacticals Vs Buwanika Bulls

Hurriken Group Fixtures:
Nkumba Select Vs Kayunga Town Council
I.U.E.A Vs St Lawrence University
Dalumba Richmonds Vs Mutesa 1 Royal University
KIU Vs Braza Braza

MAIN PHOTO: Action on the Lido beach soccer is so thrilling

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA communications Department

September 2014 FIFA Ranking:

79th  – Uganda (418 Points)

Uganda Cranes have moved two places from 81st to 79th on the latest FIFA/Coca Cola rankings released on Thursday in Zurich.

Uganda owes the two step improvement to the recent 1 all away draw registered in Ghana and the 2 – 0 victory 5 days later over Guinea at Namboole Stadium during the AFCON 2015 qualifiers.

Best In Africa:

Algeria ranked 20th in the entire world is Africa’s number one nation with 926 Points.

Best in CECAFA Region:

Uganda is by far the best ranked nation in the entire cecafa region with the second best nation, Rwanda coming at 93rd on 349 points.

World Champions hold onto the grip at the summit of the rankings with 1765 points as Colombia has displaced Netherlands in third place.

World’s Biggest Movers:

this month’s biggest winners are Guatemala, whose three wins in four matches in the qualifiers for the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2015 have seen the team led by coach Victor Monzon leap by 77 places to 57th in the table.

Lowest Drop:

Togo, one nation Uganda will play next in the AFCON qualifiers is the country that has dropped lowest, falling 38 places to 125.

There are 3 nations (San Marino, Anguilla and Bhutan) with no point in their cabinet as they lie 208th.

The next rankings will be released on 23rd October 2014.

Uganda is one of the 208 member states affiliated to the world’s football governing body, FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations).

Selected Countries:

1 – Germany (1765 Points)

2 – Argentina (1631 Points)

3 – Colombia (1488 Points)

4 – Netherlands (1456 Points)

5 – Belgium (1444 Points)

6 – Brazil (1291 Points)

7 – Uruguay (1243 Points)

8 – Spain (1228 Points)

9 – France (1202 Points)

10 – Switzerland (1175 Points)

20 – Algeria (926 Points)

33 – Ghana (661 Points)

48 – Guinea (557 Points)

79 – Uganda (418 Points)

93 – Rwanda (349 Points)

111 – Kenya (288 Points)

115 – Tanzania (277 Points)

125 – Togo (245 Points)

130 – Burundi (226 Points)

132 – Ethiopia (222 Points)

133 – Sudan (221 Points)

185 – South Sudan (43 points)

202 – Eritrea (11 points)

204 – Somalia (8 points)

205 – Djibouti (6 points)

208 – San Marino, Anguilla and Bhutan (O point)

MAIN PHOTO: Geofrey Massa celebrates his second goal against Guinea at Namboole Stadium.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department.

In the wake of developing the game of football in Uganda, the world football governing body Fifa in conjunction with Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has embarked on grassroot football as the only way they can tap, nurture and groom talents in the country.

The fully Fifa and Fufa sponsored programme was launched on Monday at the Ministry of Education and Sports headquarters at Embassy House in Kampala and will run for four successive days from 15th-20th September, with the aim of teaching primary teachers who will pass these tactics down to pupils in their respective schools.

The Fufa technical director Mr. Asuman Lubowa who is also part of this class at Njeru Technical Centre has commended Fifa and Fufa for giving this opportunity to primary games teachers whom he feels their good fillers of the gap between Adults and Grassroot football in the country.

“I want to thank Fifa and Fufa for embarking on grassroot football as it is the only way to develop the game here in Uganda” Said Technical Director after a busy day at Njeru Technical Turf

“I am really thrilled about the direction Fufa and FiFa are taking because I know one time it will bear fruits after all there is no any successful project without a firm foundation” he stressed.

The Course facilitator Mr. Govinden Thondoon from Mauritius is also over whelmed by the response of his class.

“I am impressed by their response and I hope they will pass on our gospel to the kids.I am surprised this is the first course here in Uganda but people are responding really well”,  Thondoon who is also a Fifa Technical development Officer said.

The course is scheduled to run for six days ending with a one day 500 children football tournament on Saturday 20th September at Old Kampala SS play ground where various primary schools in Uganda will gather to compete.

The Course is also attended by 35 participants and among them there is Fufa Technical Director Asuman Lubowa, Fufa Education Officer Jackson Nyima, Fufa women development Officer Hadija Namayanja and other 6 regional grass-root coordinators.

Report prepared by Joseph Mutaka (Uganda Cranes Media officer – CHAN)

MAIN PHOTO: FIFA Technical Development Officer, Govinden Thondoon addresses the courses at Njeru Technical Center.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has released the charges for the return leg of the CAF U-17 football championship between Uganda Cubs and Zambia.  The venue for the match is Namboole stadium tentatively.

The FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza announced the charges during the weekly conference in Mengo.

The charges are 5,000/= ordinary tickets and 20,000/= for the VIP.

Uganda trails Zambia 2-0 from the first leg.

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza (M) at today’s press conference 

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department 

The Uganda local sports media was briefed on the forthcoming FIFA Com-Unity seminar due later this year in Kampala.

FIFA Development Officer Assistant-Administration and Projects  Florie Ramogodi who has been in Uganda since the start of this week, got the opportunity to address the media this morning during the weekly FUFA Press conference in Mengo.

Preparations for the FIFA Com-Unity set for 1st-5th December have already seen Ramogodi meet various stakeholders  including FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo and Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson.

She briefed the media on the whole project and urged them to support the Com-Unity seminar so that to help in development of women’s football in Uganda.

In December, discussions will hinge on development of women’s football in relation to the current status, its potential, strategy, development and the impact of women’s football on the social and economic development in society.

MAIN PHOTO:  FIFA Development Officer Assistant-Administration and Projects  Florie Ramogodi during the weekly FUFA press conference. 

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department  

National Annual Independence Cup:

10th – 12th October 2014
At Soroti Municipal Spots ground

Uganda Women’ Football Association (UWFA) has organized a tournament to be held at Soroti Municial sports stadium in the North East region from 10th to 12th October 2014.

Last year the tournament was held in Jinja at main street primary school.

The defending champions are; Bujagaali primary school (primary), Kawempe muslim SS (Secondary) and Kampala University (clubs).

This year’s women’s day cup was played at St Johns SS, Wakiso district.

The Chairperson of UWFA, Efrance Nanjego encourages all the regions to participate.

“We need to discover talents from as many regions as possible, so i encourage all to participate”, she tells www.fufa.co.ug.

MAIN PHOTO: National finals of the girls U-17 Airtel Rising Stars football in Fort portal.

Such young talented girls will feature in Soroti at the national Independence Women Cup.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

.Grand prize yet to be claimed

.Ticket winning number i 303459 and was drawn by Prime Minister of Uganda

.The wining ticket was bought by a fan at Shell Capital Kampala Road

.The Nadia car still up for grabs till 23rd September, 2014

Following the draw for the winner for the Toyota Nadia car staked by FUFA during the match Uganda v Guinea on 10^th September 2014 at Namboole stadium, the grand prize is yet to be claimed.

The winning ticket number 303459 was drawn by Rt Hon Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi during half time of the match.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) believes that this ticket was bought by a fan from one of the selling points-to be precise-from Shell Capital Kampala Road.

The federation is urging its dear football fans who bought tickets and attended the match to check on them again for the winning number.

FUFA would like to bring to the fans’ attention that, should there be no one to claim the grand prize by 23^rd September, 2014 at 17:00 hrs another raffle draw will be conducted for the same car to get the winner from the tickets of the Uganda vs Guinea match.

MAIN PHOTO: The Nadia car yet to be claimed

Photo credit: FUFA Communications Department

Preparations for the FIFA Com-Unity to be held later this year in Uganda are under way. The preparatory meetings that kicked off about two months ago have today seen FIFA Development Officer Assistant-Administration and Projects  Florie Ramogodi interacting with the different stakeholders at FUFA House especially the presenters who will be involved during the seminar when it rolls off on 1st December in Kampala.

Ramogodi who also met the FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo and Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson briefed the presenters on the topics to be discussed about women’s football.

She urged the group that attended the meeting to explore opportunities on how to make use of communication to unite communities through women’s football.

During the seminar to run between 1st -5th Dec 2014 discussions will hinge on development of women’s football in relation to the current status, its potential, strategy, development and the impact of women’s football on the social and economic development in society.

MAIN PHOTO: Florie with some of the stakeholders and presenters at FUFA House for the Com-Unity  seminar to be held in Dec. 

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department

CAF U -17 QUALIFIERS:

Uganda Cubs resume training
Return Leg:
Sat, 27th September 2014
Uganda Vs Zambia
At Namboole Stadium
(Zambia Leads 2 – 0 from first leg)
The National under 17 team, The Cubs resumes training on Monday ahead of the
“Rest was granted to 3 players who got a few knocks from the Zambian game. These are defenders, Bashir Asiku, Diego Katumba and striker Shaban Mohammed”, Emma Ndugga, the team’s media officer told www.fufa.co.ug
The rest of players trained.

There will be a series of double sessions for the remaining days prior to the main fixture at the end of this month.

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cubs players limber around Namboole Stadium on the opening day of training.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communication Department

The FIFA grassroots football programme-popular among youths has finally found its footing in Uganda. The programme targets the youths- girls  and boys from the ages of 8 to 13 .

The programme was launched today at the Ministry of Education and Sports headquarters, Embassy House in Kampala.  The launch was followed by the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding involving the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Education and sports.

FIFA Technical Development Officer Mr. Govinden Thondoo witnessed the ceremony that was attended by FUFA gurus; President Eng Moses Magogo, Vice President Darius Mugoye, Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson and Technical Director Asuman Lubowa. The government was represented by Mr Moses Byanguye  (Local government) and Sammy Odong ( Assistant Commissioner-Sports-Ministry of Education and Sports).

Thondoo used the plat form to praise Uganda upon this momentous opportunity. “It is vital to create partnership with institutions that have control over kids who are the main target. I therefore congratulate you on behalf of  the FIFA president who has put a lot of emphasis in this project to take off in Uganda” he said.

Uganda was  among the three countries  left to launch the project as Kenya and Zambia are yet to land the programme.

Thondoo highlighted how it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the project sustainable .

‘It is easy to launch this project, but how to enroll it remains a bit challenging’ aded Thondoo.

The grassroots project is marking its 6th year running where 77,000 kids have already gone through it.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president, Eng Moses Magogo, hinting on the 4 different stages of football during the launch ceremony urged all Ugandans to give the project the due blessings and support for its eventual success.
‘By grassroot, we are  introducing the sport to the kids, followed by the age group of 13 -17 years bracket (school football), followed by that stage of preparing the players for the bigger stage and finally the national team’ said Magogo

‘We believe in this project and it is part of our four year development plan’ remarked the FUFA President.

FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo during his brief speech at the launch of the Grass root development project in Kampala on Monday.

Eng Magogo reminded the gathering about the special roles the ministry of education and sports, the fourth estate (media)  has to play to make this project a success.

‘We know without them we can’t achieve.Uganda is endowed with huge talent but we need to discover and develop it’ added Magogo.

Local Government representative, John Genda Walala lauded the project, which he believes will bring a lot of interest among the kids so that they fall in love with the beautiful game and Uganda in general. He however cautioned all the concerned parties to work tooth and nail to see this programme is a success and sustainability.

Sammy Odong who is the assistant commissioner of sports in the ministry of education and sports said ‘95%of the youths are in schools so this project will be welcome in this area as they are disciplined and it is a co curricular activity. This programme will impart skills among kids but they need a follow up’

The FUFA technical director Asuman Lubowa revealed that the programme started today by educating teachers who will help enroll this tp the various schools. It will be a a five day training prgramme at FUFA Technical centre in Njeru.

MAIN PHOTO: L-R: FUFA VP Darius Mugoye, FIFA’s Govinden Thondoo, FUFA president Eng Moses Magogo, Assistant commissioner-Sports Sammy Odong, Local government officials John Genda Walala and Moses Byanguye with the signed documents of the Memorandum of Understanding.

CAF U -17 QUALIFIER:

Full-Time:

Zambia 2 – 0 Uganda

Match played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

The young Chipolopolo of Zambia have beaten the Uganda Cubs by two goals at the Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka  Zambia in the CAF U-17 qualifiers on Friday .

Zambia got the lead through Nchanga Rangers forward, Patson Daka before  Edwin Chipile doubled the scores on 61 minutes.

Action at the Nkoloma Stadium between hosts, Zambia and Uganda. Zambia won 2 – 0.

Uganda pressed forward for at least an away goal but all efforts were  in vain. Charles Ssebutinde, team captain Emmanuel Olinga and Alex Komakech all had missed what looked like life saving opportunities for the youngsters.

Matia Lule, the team’s head coach promises a highly spirited display in the return leg.

“Zambia is beatable and we shall polish on goal creation and conversion in trainning for a better return leg”, Lule told www.fufa.co.ug.

The team missed their skipper, Andrew Isiagi who is in the United States for his studies at Carlisle academy but he will be available for the return leg in Kampala.

The team returns tomorrow.

Uganda Line up:
Eric Kibowa (GK), Diego Katumba, Alex Komakech, Kato Samuel Nemeyimana, Bashir Asiku, Emmanuel Olinga (Capt), Hassan Senyonjo, Frank Tumwesigye, Shaban Mohammed, Charles Sebutinde and Pius Obuya

Zambia XI:
Danny Sikanyika, Patson Daka (c), Wayne Museba, Prosper Chiluya, Salati Lungu, Edward Chimfwembe, Changwe Kalale, Enock Mwepu, Musonda Siame, Edward Chipile, Pumulo Siawanga

Match referees:

Center Referees: Mehdi Gervais (Rwanda)

1st Assistant: Honore Simba (Rwanda)

2nd Assistant: Raymond Nonati Bwiliza (Rwanda)

4th Official: Abdoul Karim Twagirwamukiza (Rwanda)

Match Commissioner: Kalombo Besta (Malawi)

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda U-17 team, The Cubs  starting line up in Zambia on Friday.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA communications Department

Zambia vs Uganda

Friday 12th September, 2014

Time: 4 pm (Ugandan Time, 3pm in Zambia)

At Nkoloma Stadium

Barely hours to the kick off of the long awaited CAF U-17 qualifier between Uganda and Zambia at the Nkoloma Stadium, Uganda head coach has named the starting 11 players and those the to take to the bench.

There are 2 changes to the team which started in Rwanda. Diego Katumba will play the right back role, in place of team skipper, Andrew Okiring, who misses the match (away for studies in the U.S).

Hassan Ssenyonjo from Qatar earns his maiden start in the Uganda Cubs shirt, at the expense of Juilus Poloto.

Emmanuel Olinga from the Gor Mahia football academy is team skipper.

Uganda U-17 Starting XI

Erick Kibowa (GK), Katumba Diego, Komakech Alex, Kato Samuel Nemeyimana, Asiku Bashir, Olinga Emmanuel ( Capt), Senyonjo Hassan
Tumwesigye  Frank, Mohammed Shaban, Charles Sebutinde and Pius Obuya

Substitutes:
Kasibante Edward, Jangeyambe  Joel, Poloto Julius, Nsubuga Badru, Mugume Ashraf, Willy Peter Ocen and Bida Ezira

PHOTO: Frank Tumwesigye in action with his customary no look passes against Rwanda  as teammates, Bashir Asiku and Emmanuel Oinga close in at Namboole Stadium. Uganda won 4 – 0.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

Pursuant to the earlier communication on the junction  about the kick off of the Uganda Premier league, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) wishes to clarify to the clubs that after the successful meditation, court granted a go – ahead to proceed with the kickoff of the league.

“The league which was scheduled to start Friday, 12th September 2014 will instead commence on Friday, 19th September 2014 with the missed games to be rescheduled later”, Edgar Watson Suubi affirms to www.fufa.co.ug.

The clubs are hereby invited for a meeting with FUFA and other stakeholders involved to streamline the operations of the league.

That meeting will take place on Tuesday, 16th September 2014 at FUFA house starting at 1000 HOURS.

MAIN PHOTO: 2013/14 FUFA Super league champions, Kampala City Council football club celebrates with the league title they won last year. The 2014/15 season kick off has been confirmed for 19th September 2014.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department.