Author: Ahmed Marsha

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will have to change his tactics that he had designed for Equatorial Guinea following’s CAF’s decision to kick out the West Africans for using an ineligible player in the ongoing qualification process for the 2015 AFCON.

According to an official communication on www.cafonline (official website for CAF), Cranes will now play Mauritania on the same date (19th July, 2014) as earlier set by the continental body.

The link below leads you to the communication. http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/news/20704-equatorial-guinea-disqualified-from-orange-africa-cup-of-nations-morocco-2015.html

FUFA is yet to receive an official communication from CAF regarding Equatorial Guinea’s disqualification.

 

Photo: Uganda Cranes players in a photo moment before they took on Western region XI. They will be in Soroti tomorrow to play a North East Region select side. Cranes have been handed a  new opponent-Mauritania in the 2015 AFCON Qualification. 

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department 

 

 

WOMEN FOOTBALL : ARS Girl’s Select team promising – Namuyanja

FUFA Women football coordinator, who also doubles as the Airtel Rising Stars female U-17 head coach, Hadijah Namuyanja is confident of the crop of players selected.

“We have high expectations of the cream of players picked who will form team Uganda”, Namuyanja told www.fufa.co.ug.

Action from the girls finals between West and Kampala at the Buhinga grounds on Monday. Kampala won 1- 0 .

This years’ national finals climaxed on Monday in Fort Portal with Kampala region girls team becoming champions after a slim 1- 0 victory over the Western region.

A select national team of 31 girls from all the 8 FUFA regions were shortlisted and will later in August enter camp to prepare for the Airtel African Football Championship in Gabon where Ugandan girls will compete with 15 other African countries on 25th August to 2 September 2014.

Ugandan girls emerged 4th out of 12 countries at the 2013 African championship but this time round look forward to execute more prowess through the tournament MVP- Nakirijja Annet (Western), top scorer -Alupo Norah(Western), best goal keeper Namakula Gloria(Kampala) and a couple of other outstanding players.

FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson with Airtel Uganda Finance Director – Dapo Olasope hands over the runners up trophy to  Western region.

The entire Airtel Rising Stars project was fully sponsored by Airtel Uganda, who are the main sponsors of the senior national side, The Cranes.

List of Players:
1. Shakirah Mutibwa-Western
2.Nakirijja Annet -Western
3.Alupo Norah-western
4.Nabirye Joan-western
5.Namukasa Janat-western
6.Kalungi Gertrude- Kitara
7.Nassaka Winnie-Kitara
8.Nyangoma Irene-Kitara
9.Atoo Jackline-Northern
10.Alum Irene-Northern
11.Akulu Jenipher-Northern
12.Nasongo Grace-Eastern
13.Nadunga Sharon-Eastern
14.Kwagala Joan-Eastern
15.Nalwadda sarah-Buganda
16.Nakuya Sarah-Buganda
17.Babirye Sauya Sanya Sana-Buganda
18.Namazzi Agnes-Buganda
19.Akiteng Irene-Buganda
20.Amangat Marion-North East
21.Akuku Peniah Ruth-North East
22.Matama Damali-Kampala
23.Namukasa Zainah-Kampala
24.Namakula Gloria-Kampala
25.Nakakooza Joyce-Kampala
26.Ndagire Josephine-Kampala
27.Namata Anita-Kampala
28.Nakacwa Spencer-Kampala
29.Esther Naluyimba-Kampala
30.Ayikoru Gloria-West Nile
31.Salwa Kalsum-West Nile

MAIN PHOTO: Girls Overall winners (Kampala) pose for a photo.

Photo Credits: FUFA Communications Department.

FUFA Confirms CAF C and B Coaching courses

CAF C Coaching Course – 22nd September – 5th October 2014

At Njeru Technical Center.

CAF B Coaching Course – January 2015

FUFA in co-ordination with CAF has organized CAF C and B coaching courses.

The 2 week residential Course will take place at the Njeru Techincal Center from 22nd September to the 5th October 2014.

A registration fee of Ug.shs  200,000 has been set  for all the willing participants.

“We plan to hold a CAF C coaching coach in September that will be followed by CAF B in January next year”, Asuman Lubowa, the Federation Technical Director told the media at the weekly press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo.

The deadline for registration of participants has been set on 30th August 2014.

“CAF will provide the examiner while FUFA will appoint the internal instructors”, Jackson Nyiima clarified to www.fufa.co.ug.

Some of the topics to be covered under the theory part will include player identification and development, coaching methodologies, components of coaching football, team management and administration and the practical sessions (practicals constitute 60 percent of the course).

Confederation of African Football (CAF) will issue the successful coaches who will have passed with licences 2 weeks after completion of the course.

Main Photo: FUFA Technical Director (T.D) Asuman Lubowa (extreme left), publicist, Ahmed Hussein (middle) and Competitions Director, Ali Mwebe.

Photo Credits: FUFA Communications Department.

International Build Up Matches:

Uganda Vs Seychelles – Fri, 11th July 2014 (Venue Yet to be communicated)

Uganda Vs Malawi – Mon, 14th July 2014 (At Namboole Stadium)

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed an international build up game against Seychelles for the national football team, The Cranes on Friday 11th July 2014 at a venue yet to be named.

The match will be the first of the two international matches that the Cranes will play prior the AFCON 2015 first leg qualifier at Namboole Stadium.

The international friendly game that had been earlier confirmed against Malawi on July 14th 2014 will go on as scheduled.

‘Seychelles Football Federation wrote to FUFA and informed us about their plans to camp in Kampla. We inquired about the possibility of playing a build up game with their team between 8th – 14th July 2014. We have confirmed the date as 11th July 2014’ FUFA publicist, Ahmed Hussein told the media at the weekly press conference in Mengo today.

The Uganda Cranes are at the moment preparing for the upcoming North East Regional tour of ‘the Cranes na Mutima’ in Soroti.

FUFA releases next season’s Calendar:

The FUFA Competitions Directorate has today released the 2014-15 activity calendar after a successful end of 2013-14 season that closed June 30, 2014.

The calendar captures several international championships for the Senior and Junior football teams including the Sand Cranes (Uganda men’s National Beach soccer team) who will take part in the Nations Cup.

The Uganda Cranes, if they eliminate Equatorial Guinea, will have a busy three months starting from September to November where fixtures will be played on Wednesdays and weekends.

The Calendar singed by the Competitions Manager Mr. Ali Mwebe also indicates that the FUFA Super League and FUFA Big League will kick off in August.

The FUFA Super Cup between KCC FC and URA FC will also be played in the month of August just before the kick off of the new season.

Courses in administration, refereeing and coaching are also lined up for this season.

The CECAFA Senior Challenge cup and Club Championships will also be played.

This month alone will see FUFA very active at its headquarters as the Licensing board will be receiving applications from the FUFA super League clubs registering for next season. In the same month, the application will be concluded.

For more details, please click on  FUFA Activity calendar Download link.

Cover Photo: FUFA Competitions Director Ali Mwebe (R) explains some thing about the FUFA activity calendar to CBS FM’s senior sports reporter, Faridah Bongole at FUFA House on Wednesday.

Photo Credit: FUFA Communications Department.

 

Airtel Rising Stars National finals Season IV:

Girls Final: Kampala 1 – 0 West

Boys Final : Kampala 0 – 1 Kitara

The FUFA Airtel Rising Stars U-17 season 4 have concluded at the Buhinga grounds in Fort Portal today.

Kampala has won the girls’ category after overcoming defending Champions, West in a closely contested match.

Esther Naluyimba scored in the 85th minute to grant Kampala the lead which inevitably turned out to be the match winner.

FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson hands the runners up trophy to Kampala and their Ug.shs 3M dummy cheque.

In the boys’ category, Alex Ssentongo’s well timed volleyed effort on 26 minutes ensured the title remains on home turf.

FUFA Vice President,Darius Mugoye  hands over the Kampala Girls team the trophy and the Ug.shs 5M dummy cheque.

The two finals were watched by a lively big crowd that included FUFA Vice President, Darius Mugoye, CEO, Edgar Watson, Technical Director, Asuman Lubowa, Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho‘ Sedrojevic, Crested Cranes head coach, Majidah Nantanda, U-17 national team coach, Matia Lule and Women representative on the FUFA Executive, Mariam Kaliga.

FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson (left) and Cranes Head Coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sedrojevic at Buhinga Stadium, Fort Portal.

Uganda Cranes players, Goalie Benjamin Ochan and striker Yunus Ssentamu also watched the youngsters.

The winners took home Ug.shs 5M while the runners up pocketed Ug.shs 3M.

The King of Toro Kingdom, Oyo Nyimba graced the match as chief guest.

King Oyo Nyimba IV (In White) as he inspected the boys’ winning team, Kitara region.

A select team of 18 boys and girls have been selected to represent team Uganda at the Africa Airtel Risings Stars football tournament that will be held in Gabon, in September 2014.

Buganda’s Stephen Okot and Kampala’s Annet Nakaliga have been voted the Most Valuable players (MVP) at the tourney.

Last year, the African championships were held in Nigeria.

Airtel Uganda is the exclusive sponsor of the project with Rwenzori Mineral water the supporting partner.

Airtel Uganda is also the main sponsor of the national football team, The Cranes.

 

YOUTH FOOTBALL : ARS 4 Under – 17 National Finals  in Fort Portal

Girls’ Finals: Western Vs Kampala

Boys’ Finals: Kitara Vs Kampala

The week long Airtel Rising Stars season 4 climaxes on Monday at the Buhinga grounds in Fort Portal.

All the 8 FUFA regions have been involved in action of the boys and girls under the age of 17 years.

Each of the teams was selected after the regional qualifiers that were played earlier in May and June 2014.

2014 National finals:

Girls’ action:

The Girls have been impressive  in the entire 5 days of action.

The girls’ defending champions, Western have underlined their intentions of retaining the title as they qualified to the finals after beating Kitara region 3 – 0  in the semi finals.

West will face a tricky Kampala side opposition, who beat North East 2 -1 in the entertaining semi finals held at Buhinga grounds.

Zaina Namukasa notched a brace before Peninah Akullu pulled one back for the North East team.

Boys:

Defending Champions, Kampala will face hosts Kitara in the finals. Kampala eliminated West Nile 1- 0 while Kitara ejected Buganda 3 -2 in post match penalties. Normal time had ended goal-less.

The exciting Boys action at the Airtel Rising Stars national finals in Fort Portal.

A select side of 18 boys and girls will be picked by the end of the finals. These will represent Uganda at the Airtel African finals in Gabon in September this year.

King of Toro, Oyo Nyimba IV is expected to grace the closing ceremony alongside dignitaries from FUFA and the sponsors, Airtel Uganda, the prime sponsors of the national team, Uganda Cranes.

Rwenzori Mineral Water are the other partners in the project whose primary target is to tap talents from the grassroots

Uganda Cranes left it late against Western region football team at Kakyeeka Stadium in Mbarara this afternoon.

The match organized by Western region football association with the support of Uganda Cranes sponsors Nile special was aimed at taking the national team closer to the fans.

The programme under the code name ‘Cranes Na Mutima‘ will also be taken to the seven other FUFA regions.

 

UGANDA CRANES XI: [Standing Left to Right]: Goalie Ismail Watenga, Murushid Jjuuko, Savio Kabugo, Gaddafi Kiwanuka, Richard Kassagga, Brian Omony (Captain).

Front Row [Left to Right]: Nicolas Wadada, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Ivan Ntege, Brian Majwega and Yunus Sentamu.

Youthful player, Farouk. Miya aged just 18 , one of the six substitutes introduced in the second half made the difference in the 89th minute as he beat keeper Jamiru Ddamba.

The goal silenced the huge crowds inside the stadium, that even the sound of a drop of a pin could be heard.

 

The mamoth crowd that attended the match at Kakyeeka Stadium on Sunday.

‘My boys didn’t hit even the 20% ability in the game. They had heavy legs due to the six days of training in Kampala’ said Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

Federation Officials led by FUFA CEO ,Edgar Watson (4th left), Darius Mugoye (FUFA Vice President) and FUFA Executive Committe members Mariam Kaliga (who was the head of delegation), Chris Kalibala keenly followed the proceedings at Kakyeeka stadium.

Cranes will shift their attention to the trio to North East region next weekend with the game to be played at Soroti sports grounds.

‘We have laid a good foundation for the upcoming tour in Soroti and the international fixture against Equatorial Guinea’ added Micho.

An excited Uganda Cranes fan at the Kakyeeka Stadium cheered from start to finish of the game . Such is the beauty of the Uganda Cranes Namutima Campaign.

Main Photo: The Western Region team as they assembled for the team photo prior kick off at Kakyeeka Stadium.

Photo Credits: FUFA Communication Department

Uganda Cranes Na-Mutima Nile Special Regional Tours

Western Region Vs Uganda Cranes

Sunday 29th June 2014

At Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara

Time: 3:30 pm

The Uganda national football team members safely arrived in Mbarara town on Saturday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s Nile Special Cranes Na- Mutima build up match at Kakyeka Stadium.

The team, which is set to play against Western region select side was received by Mr Mutaka Seka, the Chairman of the Western Region Football Association. Shortly after arrival, the contingent toured the Nile breweries plant in Mbarara where they we’re served lunch.

The Cranes also trained at the Kakyeka stadium, the match day venue.

Western region head tactician, Ibrahim Lubuye told www.fufa.co.ug that his charges , nicknamed ‘Rugaju’ are more than ready for the match.

 

Coaches’ Photo Moment: Western region coach, Ibrahim Lubuye poses with Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sedrojevic

The “Rugaju” is an uncontrollable bull ready to attack anyone in its face.

“We are only awaiting for the kick off time”, Lubuye remarked.

Local community excited:

When the Cranes arrived in Mbarara town, majority of the local based people were very excited to meet the players.

Many fans took photographs with various players as many sought for autographs.

 

Yunus Ssentamu is a sought after item in Mbarara-Western Region fans have got that once in a lifetime opportunity to take photographs with their favorite Cranes players.

Another group of fans pose with the Stand in Cranes Captain, Brian Umony

The match will be handled by the Western region referees.

Emmy Kakooza from Mbarara as center referee.

He will be assisted by Ahmed Bazibumbira of Isingiro (1st assistant), Moses Kanyarutokye from Kabale (2nd assistant) and Paul Turyamureba from Rubirizi as the 4th official.

Abbasi Ssendyowa who hails from Mbarara has been assigned as the Referees Assessor and Match commissioner.

Africa U-17 Qualifiers:

Uganda 3 – 0 Seychelles

(Aggregate 5 – 1)

Three goals in the opening half from Uganda U-17 team, The Cubs were enough for the team to progress 3 – 0 on the day to the next stage of the CAF Youth U-17 qualification at the KCCA Stadium on Saturday.

The determination from the hosts to wrap up the game was eminent as early as the opening stages of the game.

Team skipper, Andrew Isiagi led by example as his well delivered cross from the right was connected into the roof of the net by Charles Sebutinde to put Uganda in a 4th minute lead.

The early surge by the Ugandans signaled real Cubs at a hunt mission.

17 minutes down the road, left back, Alex Komakech’s intended cross was diverted by the visitors into their own goal to double the advantage for the Cubs.

Goal of the Day:

Brave moments await brave decisions taken by brave personalities.

The team Vice captain, Emmanuel Olinga, who had a field day at office scored the third from over 30 yards.

The goal proved to be the last nail in the coffin of the Seychelles team.

Both teams missed penalties by the start of the second half as Alex Komakech hit the post while goalie Eric Kibowa saved the visitors’ effort.

Uganda qualifies with a  5-1 aggregate score and will play Rwanda on July 18 before the return leg in two weeks time.

The pre-match meeting for the Africa U-17 championship qualifier between Uganda and Seychelles has been completed without any hitches.

The meeting was held at FUFA house in Mengo.

 

Team jerseys:

Uganda will use the red tops, black shorts and socks

Seychelles have opted for white tops, white shorts and red socks.

The match kicks off at 4 pm at KC Stadium.

 

MAIN PHOTO: Captains’ Moment: Seychelles skipper Abdul Haq Jumaye and Uganda’s Okiring shortly after the pre-match meeting

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department 

 

 

 

 

Saturday 28 June 2014

Venue: KCCA stadium, Lugogo

Uganda U 17 – Seychelles U17

Time: 4pm

Charges: 5,000= and 10,000=

 

Carrying a 2 – 1 lead is every joy to any team tactician.

But again, it presents a slim advantage as this result can be overturned.

As Uganda U-17 national side-The Cubs face their counterparts from Seychelles in a 2015 U-17 Nations cup return leg qualifier, the match presents a plat form for either team to fight a little as they battle for the next stage qualification phase.

Team news:

Uganda Cubs:

Ever since triumphing 1- 2 away in Seychelles, team Uganda has been camping at the Njeru Technical center where they played two build up games.

The team is boosted by the addition of midfielder, Ashraf Mugume, who passed the MRI test on Thursday morning. Mugume joined the rest of the squad in the afternoon during the luncheon hosted by the UFA President Engineer Moses Magogo at Sojovalo Hotel in Rubaga.

They will however miss through injury the services of St Joseph’s College Layibi student Luwalo Kipper, a midfielder, who has been based in Canada where he had gone for professional trials.

Mombasa based Striker, Imran Mpaata will also sit out the match having suffered a sprained ankle in training.

There was a smile on the faces of everyone in the Ugandan camp as team captain, Andrew Isiagi Okiring, based in Carlsie, U.S.A made a remarkable recovery from malaria.

‘Andrew (Okiring) is fit to play and lead team Uganda once again after being passed fit by the medical team’ confirmed head coach, Matia Lule to www.fufa.co.ug

Probable team:

Matia Lule is expected to name a formidable line up that will face the Seychelles side. But he has kept the cards close to his chest.

Buddo s.s goalie, Eric Kibowa is expected to be maintained in the goal posts ahead of Ali Ramadhan Mwirusi and Edward Kasibante.

The defence line that started in Seychelles of Skipper Andrew Okiring (right back), Alex Komakech (left back) and the central defensive pairing of the towering Kato Nemeyimana and Bashir Asiku will be maintained.

If Coach Matia is to opt for a 3 man midfield, then Musa Mukalazi will play the anchoring role as Joel Jangeyambe and Pius Obuya play alongside him. Pius Obuya scored Uganda’s winner away.

The Opening goal scorer in Seychelles, Charles Ssebutinde will lead the quest for Uganda’s goal search  alongside proven and tested goal poacher, Muhammed Shaban as Vice Captain, Emma Olinga feeds them with the passes to kill off the visitors.

 

Team Seychelles:

The team from the Indian Ocean Islands jetted into the country on Thursday evening.

Head coach, Gavin Jeanne already warned the Ugandans against over confidence and going by the appearance of the players, the team is ready for action.

The visitors had a training season this afternoon at the KCC stadium.

‘We know what we want. We shall surprise Uganda at home’ said Gavin shortly after arriving at Grabd global Hotel where they are being accommodated.

 

Match Referees:

The match at the KCCA Stadium in Lugogo will be handled by Sudanese match officials.

El Fatih Wadeed Khaleel will be the center official while Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim and Mustafa Ibrahim Medany will be the first and second assistant referees respectively.

Mutaz Abdelbasit Abdelbasit Khairalla is the reserve official while Juilus Elly Mukolwe from Kenya is the match commissioner.

The winner of the match plays Rwanda at the next stage of qualification on a date that will chosen from Friday July 18^th to Sunday 20^th 2014.

MAIN PHOTO: The Cubs in training at Lugogo o Thursday

Photo Credit: FUFA Communications department

 

 

 

 

Saturday 28 June 2014

Venue: KCCA stadium, Lugogo

Uganda U 17 – Seychelles U17

Time: 4pm

Charges: 5,000/ and 10,000/=

The Seychelles U-17 team jetted in on Thursday evening for the return leg of the 1^st round Africa Championship with Uganda Cubs due on Saturday at the KCCA stadium in Lugogo.  The visitors were in high spirits and are hopeful of overturning the 2-1 first leg home loss suffered at the Unity stadium in Victoria.

The contingent of 5 officials and 19 players is led by Seychelles Football Federation CEO, Jemmy Adela. They arrived at 7pm aboard Kenya Airways. FUFA booked them in for accommodation at Grand Global hotel in Makerere.

Seychelles head coach Gavin Jeanne said that a 2-1 advantage that the Ugandans are enjoying from the first leg is not a big deal.

‘Just like Uganda won away from home, we can also upset them at home and surely that’s what we are here for. My players are in good shape and all they need now is to rest after very many hours in transit.  I am certain come Saturday we are going to surprise your boys’ boasted Gavin on arrival at the Team’s hotel.

MAIN PHOTO: Seychelles -17 football team members on arrival at Grand Global Hotel in Kampala ahead of their return leg against Uganda Cubs on Saturday

Photo 1: FUFA Executive committee member Mr. Aliga Rasoul receiving the Seychelles U-17 football team at Grand Global Hotel.

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department

 

Uganda Cranes Na-Mutima Regional Tours

Western Region Vs Uganda Cranes

Sunday 29th June 2014

At Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara

Time: 3:30 pm

The officials to handle the exhibition match between Uganda Cranes and the Western Region select side have been named by FUFA.

The game at Kakyeka Stadium will be handled by Emmy Kakooza from Mbarara as center referee.

He will be assisted by Ahmed Bazibumbira of Isingiro (1st assistant), Moses Kanyarutokye from Kabale (2nd assistant) and Paul Turyamureba from Rubirizi as the 4th official.

Abbasi Ssendyowa who hails from Mbarara has been assigned as the Referees Assessor and Match commissioner.

FUFA Executive member Nakulima Mariam Kaliga is the head of delegation for the Uganda Cranes while Mutaka Seka (Chairman, Western region District Football Association) will be the head of delegation for the Western region team.

The Cranes depart for Mbarara on Saturday morning.

Photo: Cranes in one of the training sessions this week at KCCA stadium in Lugogo as they tuned up for the Western region tour.

FUFA President enjoys luncheon with National U-17 team

Africa U-17 Championship Qualifiers:

Saturday 28th June 2014

Uganda Vs Seychelles

Time: 4:00 pm

Venue: KCCA Stadium, Lugogo
(Uganda leads 2 -1 from 1st leg)

Ahead of the return leg of the Africa U-17 qualifiers this Saturday at Lugogo, the Cubs team has been treated to a luncheon by the FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo at Hotel Sojovalo in Rubaga today.

 

Some of the players at the luncheon

The entire team of 22 players and all Cubs officials had lunch with the President, who was flanked by some of the FUFA Executive Committee members  Rasul Aliga, Ahmed Midi Juma, Darius Mugoye (Vice President) and Decolas Kiiza (Finance Director).
“As the Federation, we are glad to share such moments with you. We are delighted for the spirited away display that witnessed our team register a victory. Hopefully this is the new chapter for Uganda’s performance away from home”, the president remarked in his brief speech.

 

Building for the Future Uganda Cranes:

The President acknowledged the role of the team selectors and trainers who ably identified the right players for the campaign.

“Everyone is applauding for the right choice of players who all passed the MRI test. This crop of players is being prepared for the future national team engagements in 5 or so years to come” he added.

The Seychelles team arrives in the country on Thursday aboard Kenya Airways by 7:30 pm.

They will be accommodated at Grand Global Hotel in Makerere before they train at Lugogo on Friday.

MAIN PHOTO: The FUFA President (red Tie) in a photo moment with the National U-17 players and officials shortly after the luncheon at Sojovalo Hotel.