Author: Ahmed Marsha

Real Galacticos’ striker Abdul Karim scored 4 times in his team’s 6 – 2 victory over the Richmond Strikers as the Pepsi National Beach soccer league resumed on Sunday at Entebbe Lido beach resort.

The Galacticos’ win meant they close gap on Moonson group leaders, Kira Young who beat KIU 5 – 2 in another eye catching and thrilling game.

Ronald Lubega marked his debut on the sand with a brace before Julius Ntambi recorded another for himself and Ashadu Bugembe, usually employed as a goalie capped the icing on Kira’s already baked cake.

In the Hurriken group, Nkumba Select consolidated their supremacy at the top of the log with a routine 5 -2 victory over fellow home boys from Entebbe – Fisheries Institue. Striker Roch Somoka increased his personal tally to 25 with a brace as Moses Lukyamuzi, Faizo Muwawu and Yasser Mugerwa notched one apiece.

Different fans had a great evening at office as they won lots of Pepsi goodies during the half time break challenges that included ball juggling, blind fold kicking, penalty shooting, imaginary back kick drills as the sexy cheer ladies danced out all evening round to provide the ultimate entertainment.

The winner of the Moonson group and Hurikken will play the finals to determine who takes the 2014 championship, an accolade that comes forthwith a glittering trophy, medals and UgX. 2 Million.

16^th March Results:

Moonson group:

Stormers 3 (1) – 3 (0) Zaba Super Market

Scorers:

Stormers – Mathias Kigonya x 2, Johnson Akileng

Zaba Super Market – Moses Ssemakula, Jonathan Kikoyongo,

Real Galacticos 6 – 2 Richmond Strikers

Scorers:

Real Galaticos – Abdul Karim X 4, John Revita x2

Richmond Strikers – Michael Kisembo, Sam Muwanika

KIU 3 -6  Kira Young

Scorers:

KIU – Ismail Kagingo, Geofrey Akabwayi

Kira Young – Juilus Ntambi x 2, Ronald Lubega x3, Moses Semakula

Hurikken group:

Nkumba Select 5 – 2 Fisheries TI

Scorers:

Nkumba Select – Douglas Muganga, Faizo Muwawu x 2, Yassar Mugerwa, Moses Lukyamuzi

Fisheries  T.I – Abraham Ndugwa, Bajja Lawrence

Zai Plaza 2 – 4 Mengo International

Scorers:

Zai Plaza – Mima Ssemakula, Yusuf Mabingo

Mengo International –  Phillip Rwazaweula x 3, Matia Olom

St Lawrence 1 – 2 Buwanika Bulls

Scorers:

St Lawrence – Emma Kalyowa

Buwanika Bulls – Jojo Mutebi, Dennis Ssegawa

Photo: Dread locked Johnson Akilleng of Stormers seen in action against Zaba Super Market Beach soccer club on Sunday at Lido

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Limited and Uganda Super League Limited have signed an agreement to work together for the betterment of Club football in Uganda. This has been achieved with the wise counsel of the Hon Minister of State for Sports, Hon Charles Bakkabulindi and after extensive consultations with the sponsors and the constituents of both parties.

The joint statement was signed on 14^th March, 2014 by FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo and USSL Chairman Kavuma Kabenge.

Some of the highlights in the joint statement:

*Through the Sponsorship contracts between USLL and the Sponsors, USLL will avail FUFA with the funds to finance the Club football. In return, FUFA will ensure organisation of football matches in accordance with association football rules and fulfilling minimum Television requirements as expected by the Sponsors.

*From the revenue received from USLL, FUFA will withhold a minimal development percentage and Referees Fees. FUFA will thereafter forward the balance of the funds to the clubs

*After signing this agreement, both parties have been assured and guaranteed by the Sponsors of the continued provision of funds effective 2014/5 Season with more innovations extending beyond the Super League matches

*It has also been agreed that as a re-branding strategy, for the 2014/5 Season the top-tier league will be known as the Uganda Premier League composed of 16 clubs that will be licensed by FUFA in accordance with the FUFA Club Licensing Regulations.

*Whereas the day-to-day activities of the League will be run by the league board and secretariat appointed by the 16 clubs, USLL will manage the match-day events of the televised games

The parties have also agreed to sign a charter to respect each other and harmoniously co-exist for the period of the contract and beyond.

‘Both parties take this opportunity to thank all those who made this happen and also apologise to those who have been hurt by the period of the misunderstanding’ read the joint statement.

Photo: FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo and USLL Chairman Kavuma Kabenge shortly after signing the joint statement.

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department

Friday Fixtures: Kick off 4.30pm

Kira Young vs Bright Stars Namboole

Police vs Proline, Kavumba

Simba vs URA, Bombo

Vipers vs Express, Buikwe

SC Villa vs BUL, Nakivubo

 Express FC is unpredictable. Currently-the relegation monster is knocking on their door. Vipers FC are on top of the FUFA Super League. But Express looks dangerous even when the team is struggling financially their fighting spirit never dies while on the pitch.  Express’ recent results where they have pulled off crucial points from drawn games is a clear indicator that table leaders Vipers FC in the FUFA Super League should not undermine the Red Eagles. Football wise, the people in Buikwe will be happy to see league action back in their area after the FUFA Licensing Board inspected and made a report about the stadium that it is now safe to host games again. The club’s officials will be hoping that no ugly scenes of the Vipers-SC Villa match (2012) happen again. The fixture today in Buikwe has a huge bearing in this season’s title and relegation battles.

Only a few days ago, Express FC put up a strong and inspired display to hold URA to a 1-1 draw.  Express always raise their A game against the giants. So Vipers –must up their game against Wasswa Bossa’ red army.

Vipers on the other hand, have so far enjoyed the table leadership almost since the second round kicked off and might want to stay there at all costs to keep pace with the other challengers SCVU, URA, Soana, KCC & Kira Young.

In last season’s clashes between the two teams, Vipers won the first round by a 2-0 victory through Otunga Jacob and Okhuti Ceasar’s goals but were held to a goalless draw by the same team in the second round.

Express FC are working hard to raise their heads to drive away from the relegation monster.

This will be the 18^th league encounter between the two sides since Vipers (formerly Bunamwaya) joined the top flight in 2005.

The head to head records favor Vipers- 7 wins against Express’ 4 with 6 draws between them.  Vipers have netted 19 goals while Express 13.

Express’s last win against Vipers was in the 2006/07 second round clash at Wankulukuku when Odur Tony and Hassan Mubiru struck late goals to cancel out Kimuli Robert’s opener for Vipers early in the game. Express FC won 2-1.

Clashes between Vipers and Express FC are always tense due to the rivalry emanating out of player movements between both clubs. Express blames Vipers for always poaching on their best players at a time they feel are needed most.  Odur, Ssali Edward, Mwambu Mark, Kisaliita Ayub, Gonzaga Francis, Luzige Edgar, Mulindwa Julius and Kazibwe Ismail have all at one time played for Express before joining Vipers.

Golola Edward is likely to maintain the winning team which triumphed over Kireka United in a 2-0  Uganda Cup win on Tuesday where Watenga Ismail, Wadada Nicholas, Kazibwe Ismail, Seku Ronald, Ssali Edward, Kimuli Robert, Baliinya Juma, Muhammed Abdallah, Sentamu Yunus, Mubiru Eddy and Mpande Joseph all started in a 4-4-2 formation.

The only slight lineup change might come from Miya Farouq & Simon Serunkuuma who both had cameo appearances in the Uganda Cup encounter replacing Mubiru Eddy & Muhammed Abdallah respectively.

However in Kyambadde Allan, Katongole Bob, Ogwang Julius, Lukwiya Rogers, Hassan Wasswa and “Captain” Kavuma Willy, Express has players capable of upsetting any record.

Express FC coach Wasswa is likely to go make use of players like Kasole Mike in goal, Hassan Wasswa, Serunkuma, Katongole Henry, Kasozi Bob, Lukuya Robert, Denis Makanga,  Ogwang Julius, Willy Kavuma, Allan Kyamabdde, Lusiba and Makanga Musa.

Past 7 meetings

2010/11    Vipers 2-1 Express, Express 0-1 Vipers

2011/12    Vipers 1-1 Express, Express 1-1 Vipers

2012/13    Express 0-0 Vipers, Vipers 2-0 Express

2013/14    First round Express 0-0 Vipers

Police vs Proline

Proline FC travels to Kavumba to play 9^th Placed Police FC and recovery is on their minds Proline have earned only one point from their last 8 league games.

Coach Bisaso Shafiq and his technical staff hope to come back strong against Police FC.

‘We have had the worst run ever as Proline FC but we want to recover against Police FC. We have lost games in the second half. We shall work on strengthening our abilities to hold on to the game till the final whistle’ said Bisaso after his team’s training session on Thursday morning.

Lopidia Henry is expected to play a pivotal role in the midfield and will utilize his shooting ability to get goals for Proline.  There is also a huge boost for Proline as central defender Asimwe Dan is back from suspension.   However Gift Ali is not yet available for selection. He just resumed started individual training following an injury lay-off. Paddy Muhumuza is till on suspension for disciplinary reasons emanating from his club’s training. The last meeting between the two teams ended 1-1 at Lugogo in the first round.

 

 

SC VILLA VS BUL FC

At Nakivubo, Uganda’s most successful club SC Villa will face BUL FC in a match bound to be closely contested by both sides enjoying the services of upcoming coaches and former Cranes Internationals Steven Bogere and Kefa Kisaala. Matches between the two teams- one word usually springs up: Surprise. Last season, SC Villa was the only side which managed to record a double over the Jinja based BUL FC.

This season already many thought it would be an easy walk in the park for SC Villa when they met BUL. Yes, the word Surprise sprung up again. BUL comfortably won 3-1 at Kakindu stadium. Will BUL alos do a double over the Jogoos?

SC Villa has a full strength squad. Ndugwa Karim has been on fire having netted a goal in each of his team’s last three outings. Ronald Muganga has been handy too. He saved the best for last in the Uganda Cup match against Seeta United with a 90^th minute strike which put Villa in the round of 16.

Luyima Sulait, Mukubya Jimmy, Kisaliita together with Kirabira Isaac form Villa’s spine for the chase of maximum points.

Photo: Action form the 1st round round between Bright Stars FC and Kira at Nakivubo. Bright Stars won 1-0. It was the last match for coaches George Semwogerere and James Magala at Kira.

 

The 3rd edition of the University Football League (UFL) was successfully launched with a champion’s league format on Thursday at Kati Kati restaurant in Kampala.

The league has seen a growth of the teams from 8 to 12 as Gulu University, Busitema, Uganda Christian University (UCU) and Kyambogo (who are making a return to the league after serving one year
suspension ban) have joined the 8 teams that played season 2.

The eight teams joined are defending champions, Kampala University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Makerere University, Kyambogo, Nkozi University, Mbarara University of Science and
Technology (MUST), Ndejje University and Nkumba University.

“It is a real beam of light to see the teams grow from 8 to 12, Anthony Tumwesigye, the league manager told www. fufa.com.

The first phase of the league will be played between March and April with the preliminary round of action.

The best top 4 teams from each of the two groups will then play the quarter finals and semifinals (which will be held on home and away basis).

A one legged final, which will be shown live on NBS TV will be held on a neutral ground. UgX 12 million has been ear marked as the prize money for the different teams in the competition.

The league, is exclusively organized by Red Rhino under a  is sponsored by Nile Special, Pepsi, Money gram, Rwenzori Mineral water, United Assurance Company (UAP), Spedag Interfreight,  Airtel Uganda,
and the official broadcasting company, NBS T.V.

The league bars FUFA Big league and super league players. Players such as Peter Otai, Muzamiru Mutyaba (KU), Yassar Mugerwa, Dan Nsubuga (Nkumba University), Siraje Musindo (Mbarara University of Science and Technology) are some of the products of the University league.

The Full Draws:
GROUP A:
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Kampala University (KU), Uganda Martyr’s University, NKOZI, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Makerere University and Uganda
Christian University (UCU)

GROUP B:
Gulu University, Nkumba University, Ndejje University, Busitema University, Kampala International University (KIU) and Kyambogo University

Photo: Nkumba University’s Faizo Muwawu (Blue) in action in UFL season 2.

Photo credit: David Isabirye

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has appointed Mr. Decolas Kiiza as the first ever Finance Director at the Mengo based football institution.

Kiiza leaves the Competitions Directorate to head the Finance Directorate where he will work with the federation’s accountant Hajati Aisha Nalule.

Kiiza’s appointment was confirmed at today’s weekly FUFA Press conference by the federation’s Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson.

‘My appointment as maiden FUFA Finance Director is another call to the service of football and I pledge, as I have always done, to perform my duties as mandated to the best of my ability’ said Kiiza who has been the acting Competitions Director.

Ali Mwebe who is the FUFA Competitions Manager will take over Kiiza’s former roles in the acting capacity.

National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) have renewed their partnership to insure the national football team the Uganda Cranes players and the technical staff.

The partnership covers the 33 players and technical staff in case of injuries and deaths that may occur while the beneficiaries are either on or off the pitch. Funeral expenses have also been included.

The partnership is worth sh660m to be renewed annually indicating an increment from sh570m signed previously. NIC first entered the partnership with FUFA in 2008.

While unveiling the new partnership at a press conference at NIC Building in Kampala the Managing Director Folayan Bayo said that his company will keep insuring the Uganda Cranes to uplift standards of players.

“Our vision in supporting the Cranes is to create an enabling environment for our footballers so that they too can compete on a global platform and rank among the best in the world,” said Bayo.

FUFA president Moses Magogo said that the partnership is a motivation for both the players and federation officials.

‘We are happy that our players are insured. It may not sound well in this part of the world but this kind of investment gives us the motivation to go out there and do our best’ said Magogo.                                                                                       

The partnership starts with immediate effect.

Break down of the partnership

Sum Insured UGX 660M

Benefits:

Death: UGX 20M per player

Permanent injury picked up while on national duty: UGX20M

Medical up to: UGX 3M

Funeral expenses (irrespective of cause of death) UGX 1M

Accumulated limit injuries/death UGX160M

Number of players and technical team during training: 33

Number of players and technical team traveling overseas for a match: 25

Photo: FUFA president Moses Magogo (left) and the Managing Director of NIC Mr. Bayo Folayon during today’s press conference.