Author: Ahmed Marsha

FIFA Instructor Emy Casaletti arrived in the country on a mission to conduct an informative presentation to the FUFA Communications and Marketing department.

Casaletti who has versed knowledge on African football having worked in South Africa and Zambia was sent by the world’s soccer governing body to guide FUFA on the aspects of marketing and communication with the bid of improving its image and generating more revenue for the association.

Casaletti who was one of the guests during the official launch of the City Tyres Under 14 youth Football championship in Kampala yesterday, believes that there I huge potential for Ugandan football to bring in a lot of money to the sport.

‘Football is the number one sport in Uganda and this should be a good foundation to attract sponsors’ said Casaletti.

The presentation was attended by the FUFA Spokesperson Ahmed Hussein, Communications and Marketing Director Helen Kirunda, Marketing Manager Esther Musoke and Marketing officer Hassan Mugerwa.

Her visit will involve meeting FUFA’s current sponsors and potential financiers.

Photo: On the Left-Casaletti  with the FUFA Communications and Marketing team in Mengo

 

1ST LEG QUALIFIER (2ND ROUND):
SUN 18TH MAY 2014
Madagascar Vs Uganda

3pm (Time in Madagascar, 2pm in Uganda)

Venue: Stade Rabemananjara- Mahajanga (Artificial turf)

Uganda Cranes players will on Wednesday train on the artificial Turf surface of the Njeru technical center in Jinja.

‘Training will be done at Njeru technical center at 2 pm (the exact match day time) to make the players acclimatize to the artificial turf conditions of the playing surface which are similar to where the match will be played in Mahajanga revealed team coordinator  Crispus Muyinda.

Muyinda confirmed that the Cranes will have just one training session on the turf then return to their Sky Hotel base in Nalya later on Wednesday.

‘We have planned for one training session on the turf’ revealed Muyinda who also told www.fufa.co.ug that the players will also have a chance to train on th artificial turf in Madagascar.

Meanwhile, the camp was boosted by 5 new players during the Tuesday evening training session at Namboole Stadium.

Portuguese based pair of Alex Kakuba and Luwagga Kizito (both of Sporting Colviha football club) trained alongside the rest of the teammates.

Thika United goal keeper, Hamuza Muwonge, who was put on the standby was finally called up and he attended the session.

St George duo goal keeper, Robert Odongkara and Isaac Isinde arrived at the training ground at around 5:30 pm but just jogged around as advised by head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevich

Odongkara had a bandaged left knee following an injury in a domestic match against Insurance FC in the Ethiopian Premier league and he is closely being monitored by the medical team led by Doctor Ronald Kisolo.

The Uganda Cranes squad team as at 13th May 2014:
Goal keepers:
Ismail Watenga (Vipers- Uganda), Benjamin Ochan (SCVU – Uganda), Robert Odongkara (St George – Ethiopia) and Hamuza Muwonge (Thika United – Kenya)

Defenders:
Isaac Isinde (St George – Ethiopia), Henry Kalungi (Richmond Kickers – U.S), Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko- Ghana),Nicolas Wadada (Vipers-Uganda),Savio Kabugo (SCVU – Uganda), Dennis Iguma (SCVU – Uganda) and Alex Kakuba (Sporting Colviha – Portgual)

Midfielders:
Allan Kyambadde (Express FC – Uganda), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (KCC FC-Uganda), Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito (Gor Mahia f.c – Kenya), Khalid Aucho (Tusker – Kenya), Farouq Miya (Vipers- Uganda), Ivan Ntege (KCCA – Uganda), Brian Majwega (KCC FC – Uganda), Gaddafi Kiwanuka (KCCA – Uganda) and Luwagga Kizito (Sporting Colvilha – Portgual)

Forwards:
Emmanuel Okwi (Young Africans-Tanzania),Hamis Diego Kizza (Young Africans – Tanzania), Martin Mutumba Kayongo (Turkey),Francis Olaki (Soana – Uganda) and Dan Sserunkuma (Gor Mahia f.c – Kenya)

Photo: Cranes players in training on Tuesday evening at Namboole.

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department.

13^th City Tyres Chenga Challenge Youth football tourney launched

Official regional kick-off: Saturday 17^th May 2014 in Lira

FUFA president Engineer Moses Magogo has praised Friends of Football (FOF) for playing a key role in the development of youth football in the Country. Magogo’s comments were made while presiding over at the launch of the 13^th Edition of the City Tyres Chenga Challenge today at Mandela Auto Zone, 6^th street Industrial Area.

Magogo appreciated City Tyres for the wise and selfless investment in the project for since 2000.

‘With such a project, as a federation we appreciate the financial resources invested by City Tyres. But we shall come in to help with the human resource (youth coaches, referees), the monitoring of the discovered talents, identifying challenges and looking for alternative ways of establishing a status quo as a long term approach’ said Magogo.

He added that FIFA is ready to support the development of football In Uganda as there are already plans to kick start the grass root football projects.

The colorful but brief ceremony was attended by among others, the CEO of FUFA Edgar Watson, Chairman Mandela Group of Companies Hajji Omar Mandela, City Tyres MD Abdullahi Ahmed, FIFA instructor Emy Casaletti, Former SC Villa Chairman Franco Mugabe, the organizing committee and the members of the sports media.

The regional finals of this years’ tourney will be kick off in Lira district, May 17th 2014.

Speaking at the launch, Friends of Football’s director, Eddie Butindo hailed the sponsors, media, the federation and all the stake holders that have seen the tourney grow from strength to strength.

‘Our primary objective is to help develop youth football and this year alone we are targeting to reach 4700 boys’ remarked Butindo.

Several fruits of the City Tyres U-14 football league have graduated through the system.

Players like Tony Odur, Farouq Miya, Benjamin Ochan, Dan Sserunkuma, Mike Azira, Eric Kamya, Brian Omony, Yunus Sentamu to mention but a few are the vivid examples of the City Tyres league.

Two new regional centers have been created-Arua and Masaka.

Full Schedule: Regional Finals

17th May – Lira

21th May – Arua

31st May – Masaka

14th June – Fortportal

21st June – Kabale

5th July – Mbarara

12th July – Lugazi

19th July – Mbale

2nd August – Jinja

28th – 31st August – Masaka (Grand Finals)

Photo: FUFA President Moses Magogo launching the Chenga Challenge today in Industrial Area. He is flanked by Hajji Omar Mandela, Franko Mugabe and Friends of Football officials.

 

 

Ugandan representatives Sports Cub Victoria University (SCVU) have been drawn to play Sudanese giants El Merreikh in the inaugural CECAFA Nile Basin Cup Winners Cup tournament that kicks off on 22^nd May.  SCVU who bowed out of the Uganda cup on Sunday 2-1 on aggregate at the hands of double chasing KCC FC, will also play against Malakia of South Sudan and Polisi from Zanzibar.

According to the CECAFA media officer Rogers Mulindwa, the tournament has attracted all the teams in the region except Eritrea who did not confirm an entry.

‘There have been invitations extended to Arab Contractors and El Masry of Egypt plus Sudanese sides El Merreikh and Al Ahly of Shandy City to take part in the tournament. The quartet accepted and was part of the draw’ added Mulindwa.

The tournament venues will be in Khartoum, Shandy and the Red Sea-side city of Port Sudan.

The groups as below:

Group A; El Merreikh-Sudan,

SC Victoria University- Uganda

Malakia-South Sudan

Polisi Zanzibar

 

Group B:

Merreikh Al Fasher-Sudan

Mbeya City- Tanzania Mainland

Elman- Somalia

AFC Leopards- Kenya

 

Group C :

Al Ahli Shand –Sudan

Al Masry- Egypt

Defence- Ethiopia

Dikhil- Djibouti

 

Group D:

Hey Al Arab- Sudan

Arab Contractors- Egypt

Flambeau de l’Est- Burundi

Etincelles- Rwanda

Photo: SCVU team ready to feature in the Nile Basin cup

Photo credit: SCVU Communications department

AFCON 2015 CAMPAIGN: 9 Uganda Cranes Stars join camp

Sunday 18th May 2014

Madagascar Vs Uganda

3pm (Time in Madagascar, 2pm in Uganda)

Venue: Stade Rabemananjara- Mahajanga

The mood in the Uganda Cranes Camp at Sky hotel was brightened as 9 players joined the team for the the day 6 training at Namboole Stadium later on Monday evening.

Kenyan based midfielders, Aucho Khalid and Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito together with Dan ‘Muzei’ Sserunkuma reported.

They were joined by the home based KCC and Sports Club Victoria University players.

Left winger, Brian Majwega, midfielders Ivan Ntege and Gadaffi Kiwanuka represented KCCA while defender Savio Kabugo, goalie Benjamin Ochan and utility player, Denis Iguma were the other players who trained with the others.

“We still expect more players but so far the training is moving on well”, Micho , who was joined by all his assistants, Kefa Kisala and Fred Kajoba (goal keeping coach) said.

Martin Mutumba Kayongo who missed the Sunday training was part of Monday evening training session. Kira Young center half, Richard Kassaga who had suffered a knock in training last week was also back.

Training resumes on Tuesday as more players are expected to show up for training. The Ethiopian duo of defender, Isaac Isinde and goal keeper, Robert Odongkara who play for St George are expected to join the team training on Tuesday.

The Portuguese based pair of Alex Kakuba and Luwagga Kizito (Sport Colviha) arrived on Monday and will definitely be part of the Tuesday programme

Players who trained on Monday evening at Namboole Stadium:

Henry Kalungi (Richmond Kickers – U.S) , Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko- Ghana), Ismail Watenga (Vipers- Uganda), Emmanuel Okwi (Young Africans-Tanzania), Allan Kyambadde (Express FC – Uganda), Hamis Diego Kizza (Young Africans – Tanzania), Farouq Miya (Vipers-Uganda), Francis Olaki (Soana – Uganda), Nicolas Wadada (Vipers-Uganda) ,  Hassan Wasswa (KCC FC-Uganda), Martin Mutumba Kayongo (Caykur Rizespor –Turkey), Dan Sserunkuma (Gor Mahia f.c – Kenya), Geofrey Baba Kizito (Gor Mahia f.c – Kenya), Khalid Aucho (Tusker – Kenya), Savio Kabugo (SCVU – Uganda), Benjamin Ochan (SCVU – Uganda), Dennis Iguma (SCVU – Uganda), Ivan Ntege (KCCA – Uganda), Brian Majwega (KCCA – Uganda) and Gaddafi Kiwanuka (KCCA – Uganda).

Photo : Uganda Cranes players training on Monday evening at Namboole Stadium.

Sunday 18th May 2014

Madagascar Vs Uganda

3pm (Time in Madagascar, 2pm in Uganda)

Venue: Stade Rabemananjara- Mahajanga (Artificial turf)

 

Uganda Cranes training session will have three more players today at Namboole stadium following the arrival of  Khalid Aucho, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito and Nile Special/USPA football player of the year Daniel ‘Mzee’ Serunkuma. The training session that is open to the public and media will be start at 4.30 pm.

Photo: Daniel Sserunkuma (In Red) has arrived for national duty.

 

 

 

AFCON 2015 CAMPAIGN: KALUNGI, OCHAYA BOOST CRANES’ CAMP

Sunday 18th May 2014

Madagascar Vs Uganda

3pm (Time in Madagascar, 2pm in Uganda)

Venue: Stade Rabemananjara- Mahajanga

Uganda Cranes’ defenders, Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko) and Henry Kalungi (Richmond Kickers) boosted the national team’s camp as they trained with the rest of the players today morning at Nakivubo Stadium.

Turkish based Martin Mutumba, who trained with the team at Lugazi on Saturday rested out due to fatigue but will resume training on Monday evening with the rest of the group at Mandela National stadium.

Ethiopian based goalie, Robert Odongkara (with St George f.c) has made a timely recovery from injury and is expected to travel to Kampala alongside fellow St George Club’s mate, Isaac Isinde by Monday.

Portugese based duo Alex Kakuba and Luwagga Kizito are also expected to be part of the Monday training as they jet in tonight.

The Kenya based professionals, Baba Kizito, Dan Sserunkuma and Aucho Khalid will join the rest of the teammates on Tuesday.

The Uganda Cranes is training in the build up to the 2015 AFCON 1st leg second round qualifier away in Madagascar on 18th May 2014.

Training programme for Uganda Cranes on Monday at Namboole stadium.

4.30 pm: Open training session

All Photos taken by John Batanudde during Uganda Cranes training session at Nakivubo stadium on Sunday.

The Uganda Cranes will shift their training session today to Nakivubo stadium starting at 8am. Yesterday the national senior team preparing or the first lg second round qualifier against Madagascar in the 2015 Nations cup trained at Mehta Stadium in Lugazi.

There is good news for head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevich who will have two extra foreign based players in camp-Henry Kalungi and Joseph Ochaya after jetting in last night.

The duo will join Martin Mutumba who arrived on Friday night and joined the team in the training session in Lugazi yesterday.

The Uganda Cranes will play Madagascar on Sunday 18th May, 2014.

 

 

18th May 2014

Madagascar Vs Uganda

3pm (Time in Madagascar, 2pm in Uganda)

Venue: Stade Rabemananjara- Mahajanga

After the opening two days of training, the Uganda Cranes squad preparing for the AFCON 2015 campaign resumed with the session on Friday morning at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

“The players are responding well to training and we hope to start residential sessions on Saturday evening as we wait for more players to join the team”, head coach, Milutin Micho Sedrojevic stated.

Apart from Richard Kassaga, the rest of the players who turned up on Wednesday and Thursday sessions all appeared and trained today.

Yesterday’s morning session was a closed day affair from the public and the media.

The Uganda Cranes is training in the build up to the 2015 AFCON 1^st leg second round qualifier away in Madagascar on 18^th May 2014.

Uganda Cranes + Guest players who trained today at Namboole

Ismail Watenga (Vipers), Boban Zirintusa (Power Dynamos – Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Okwi (Young Africans-Tanzania), Nasibu Muwanga (Braintree FC- England), Kirizestom Ntambi (An Giang Vietnam), Allan Kyambadde (Express FC), Hamis Diego Kiiza (Young Africans – Tanzania), Farouq Miya (Vipers), Francis Olaki (Soana), Nicolas Wadada (Vipers), Hassan Wasswa (KCC FC )

Training programme for Uganda Cranes on Saturday at Lugogo stadium

4 pm: Open training session

 

 

2014 Uganda Cup Semi-finals:

Friday 9th May 2014:

KCC FC Vs. SC Victoria University – KCCA Stadium, Lugogo

URA FC vs. Jinja Municipal Council – Mehta Stadium, Lugazi.

The 2014 Uganda Cup semifinals are set to be played on Friday.

Defending champions Sports Club Victoria University will play recently crowned FUFA Super league champions, Kampala City Council Authority football club at the KCCA stadium in Lugogo.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) plays FUFA Big league side, Jinja Municipal in the other semifinal at the Mehta stadium in Lugazi in the other semi finals.

The two Ugandan giants have only settled for a draw in their last four encounters.

In another semi-final game, former league champions and tax collectors URA will face FUFA Big league side Jinja Municipal in a game to be played at Mehta stadium in Lugazi.

Return leg matches are scheduled for Sunday 11th May 2014.

The winner of the competition represents Uganda in the CAF Confederations cup in 2015.

Photo: Uganda cup defending champions SCVU

Photo credit: SCVU Communications department