Author: Ahmed Marsha

Mutundwe Lions FC remained in play-off position following a 1-1 draw with table leaders Lweza FC in the Rwenzori group of the FUFA Big League. The match was rescheduled from afternoon to today morning to allow football fans attend the CAF Champions League game between KCC FC and El Merreikh at Mandela National stadium, Namnoole later today. It was played at Lubiri Senior Secondary school sports ground-home venue for the Lions.

The stakes were high prior to kick off as five points separated the two teams.  Lweza is now on 22 points from 11 games while Mutundwe remained third on 17 points from same number of games.

New signing during the January transfer window from Entebbe FC, Badru Bunkedekko tested the keeper twice and one of his shots-a spectacular strike could be contender for goal of the season in the Big League. The well-built and energetic Bunkedeko picked the ball inside his opponents’ half after controlling it on the chest before unleashing a hard shot that hit the post and into the bottom of the net. Lweza’s keeper Mulindwa Muwonge was lest static with no answers as the Mutundwe Lions fans went into celebrations.

Before the opening goal, Mutundwe Lions were in total control of the game with Hamza Lutalo, Veron Ddamba and Njiki Christopher in charge of the proceedings until the half hour mark when they started inviting pressure in their own half.

Lweza, led by former Cranes international Livingstone Mbabazi had to bank on his experience and it counted. Mbabazi was involved in the build up to the goal as his chip over Mutundwe defence helped Fred Kalanzi to control the ball with ease and beat Kibirige Meddie between the posts.  Half time ended 1-1. The second half never produced any spectacular football as both teams looked contended walking away with a point.

This week’s FUFA Big League results

Mbale Heroes 1-2 Rwenshama

Jinja MC 2-0 Ngora Freda Carr

Hope Doves 1-0 Kumi University

Soroti Garage 0-0 Busia United

VCC v Vurra (Vurra didn’t turn up in Masindi)

Ndejje University 1-0 Gulu University

Photo: Badru Bunkedeko celebrating after giving Mutundwe Lions the lead against Lweza. Game ended 1-1.

Photo credit: john Batanudde.

Another team from the regional football league-Kireka United has bundled out a top flight team from the Uganda cup at the round of 64 in a tournament played on a knock out basis. Kireka played host to Kiira Young FC who are second on the FUFA Super league table. But they had no respect at all for Haruna Kebba’s team.  Kireka who are playing in the Kampala regional league missed the opportunity to join the FUFA Big League last season after losing a play-off final 1-0 to Mutundwe Lions at Lugogo but in today’s game, they held their nerves to keep the score goalless at half time before turning the guns on their opponents with lethal and relentless attacks after the break. Their efforts were paid off with goals by Fred Okot and Sekamatte Swaibu to send the home fans in wild celebrations.  

Kireka’s win comes exactly 72 hours after another regional team (from Buganda) Seeta United knocked out a top flight side on Tuesday. Seeta edged Soana FC 1-0 on Tuesday in the round of 64. In the round of 32, Kireka will play winner of the match between Rwenshama and Vipers who clash on Tuesday next week. Seta will face  Sc Villa who beat Kataka 2-0 in Mbale.

Today’s other results:

Kigoogwa 1 (4)-1 (5) Proline in Mityana

Kataka 0-2 SC Villa-Mbale Municipal stadium

Mpoma Tigers 2–3Express FC –Nakivubo stadium (Wily Kavuma, Ogwang Julius, Ivan Sserunkuma scored for Express FC)

Uganda Cranes and Vipers FC striker Yunus Sentamu was recognized in absentia last night with a Nile Special/USPA prestigious award and a cash prize of five hundred thousand (500,000 UGX). His scintillating form inform of goal during the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa earned him the monthly accolade for January.  The diminutive player scored Uganda’s only three goals at CHAN finals before Cranes bowed out at the group stage. The award is given to the best performers each month by the sports scribes under their body-Uganda sports Press Association (USPA).

The awards ceremony took place at the Lugogo tennis club on Thursday night. Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic and FUFA 2^nd Vice President Darius Mugoye attended the function.

Peter Sebulime who spotted Sentamu as a ten year old boy in Kasese, revealed that the Vipers striker was a very good goalkeeper but it was not easy to convince him to play upfront.

‘Sentamu is a principled player who loves football. I was so happy to see him play for Cranes in CHAN. He is a hero back home in Kasese’ said Sebulime who gave a brief history of the player’s journey from Kasese to the Cranes.

The Uganda Cranes coach who excited the guests by showing his rare dancing strokes was convinced that the award went to the right person.

‘He has a bright future in football. Discipline is paramount if all players want to reach greater heights’ said Sredojevic.

In his brief speech, the FUFA VP said that the federation is in the final stages of setting up schools of excellence in the eight football regions which will help spot young talent.

‘The federation will continue to support youth football. The senior team needs a pool of talent and that is why FUFA is starting up such projects’ said Mugoye.

Photo: From (L-R) Peter Sebulime (coach who spotted Yunus), USPA President Mark Namanya, Cranes coach Micho and FUFA VP Darius Mugoye

Photo Credit: John Batanudde

Two schools St. Pension Kamila Primary School in Makin dye and Neeta Church of Uganda Primary School in Cayuga became the maiden beneficiaries of money under the ‘Adopt-A-School initiative’ that was staked by Airtel for every goal scored by Uganda Cranes during the just concluded Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa. Airtel who are the official sponsors of the Uganda National soccer team, made the pledge before the team flew out for the continental championship.  Each goal had a price tag of Two Million shillings (2,000,000 UG X). With Cranes netting three times in their group stage action the total amount came to six Million shillings (6,000,000 UGX), each school taking home Three Million shillings (3,000,000 UGX) each. On top of the cash, Airtel provided sports kits to the two schools.

‘We already have CSR Initiatives such as Airtel Rising Stars and Adopt-A-School; Our School Isomer Lyaffe . The cash will go towards enhancing sports talent in schools at grass root level’ said Airtel Marketing Director Prasoon Lal.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Airtel House Wampewo Avenue the FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson was grateful of the kind gesture.

‘We need more such initiatives as we are hopeful the kits and money given today will help build the sport in these schools’ said Watson.

The telecommunications giants have also promised further support to different sports loving communities.

Photo: The presentation ceremony at the Airtel House today.

KCC FC VS El Merreikh

Date: Saturday 15^th February, 2014

Venue: Mandela National stadium

Time: 4pm

Match fees: 10,000/= (General), 20,000 (Blue Seats), 50,000/= VIP (Pavilion)

There is growing belief at KCC FC that good things are happening to the club. With the backing of the Kampala Capital City Authority, the results are there to see for any one attached to the club. The 2-0 away win in Khartoum against El Merreikh of Sudan has given the ‘Kasasiro’ boys a huge chance to make it to the next round of the CAF Champions League. This is the continent’s most prestigious club football tournament.

The club has in the past been working on how to recognize their former heroes. It will be a befitting moment for two living legends Mister Bindadi Ssali and Tom Lwanga when they receive awards from their beloved club they served wholeheartedly. A posthumous award will be given to Phillip Omondi-arguably the club’s greatest player ever.

‘We are confident that the awards will put a smile on their faces. The trio enjoys a cult hero status at KCC FC’ said Allan Ssewanyana-KCC FC Vice Chairman.

The life time achievement awards will be presented to Bidandi (Presidential award for his exceptional administrative) roles, Tom Lwanga (Captain’s award) and a posthumous award to Omondi. The ceremony will be held shortly before the Saturday game at Namboole.

Meanwhile Ssewanya revealed to www.fufa.co.ug that the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga will be Chief Guest of the CAF Champions League game between KCC F and El Merreikh at Namboole stadium.

Other high profile dignitaries from the KCCA- Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Executive Director Jenifer Musisi, government ministers Hon Jessica Alupo (Minister of Education and sports) and Hon Charles Bakkabulindi (Minister of state for sports) have also been invited.

The invitations have also been extended to the five division mayors of Kampala.

Ssewanya added that the tickets will be sold at the Gates

Photo: Mister Bidandi Ssali (Cap) sharing a light moment with his fellow KCC FC’s legends during last season’s FSL Awards ceremony at Lugogo. From (L-R) Jackson Mayanja, Frank Kyazze, Tom Lwanga.  Extreme right is Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Two days of exhaustive medical and physical fitness tests put the referees under some sort of anxiety amongst themselves. The process started with the referees converging at FUFA House in Mengo for the medicals on Friday. Twenty four (24) hours later they were needed for an action packed day as they tried their best at Mandela national stadium to attain the grades which would allow them to officiate in the FUFA Super League and Big league. They never disappointed themselves and their bosses.

‘It was a successful day and we achieved the best results’ said Sam Mpiima who is chairman of the FUFA referees standing committee.

Mpiima briefed the media at the weekly press conference in Mengo on Wednesday where he revealed that out of the 151 referees, only 10 failed the tests.

‘It is not the end of the world for those who found difficulty during the tests. There will be another opportunity in future’ added Mpiima.

Mpiima said that the federation is now in a good position to assign more referees for the various top flight and second tier league-FUFA Big League. The second round kicked off last Friday while the Big League rolls off today.

The list of the 30 elite referees and five on the reserve, who will attend another FIFA sanctioned physical fitness in Njeru (24^th-28^th March) will be released soon.

Photo: Sam Mpiima’s  in a relaxed mood at the FUFA weekly press conference on Wednesday in Mengo. He was happy with the referees’ performance during the fitness test last weekend at Namboole.

Photo credit: John Batanudde

The FUFA Big League (FBL) 2013/14 second round will kick off today (Thursday) at various grounds around the country. The 6 matches on card are:

Mbale Heroes v Rwenshama

Jinja MC v Ngora Freda Carr

Hope Doves v Kumi University

Soroti Garage v Busia United

VCC v Vurra

Ndejje University v Gulu University

Today’s action will closely be followed by another five matches on Saturday 15^th February 2014:

Kirinya-Jinja SS v Sadolin Paints  

Soroti Garage v Rwenshama

Mvara Boys v Wandegeya

Mutundwe Lions v Lweza at 10:00 am in Lubiri

The Saints v Vurra at 2:00 pm, UCU Mukono playground instead of Namboole which will host KCC v El Merreikh in the Orange CAF Champions League return leg.

Meanwhile for the first time in the history of the FBL, FUFA has introduced prize money in the competition arising out the branding rights sponsorship from Airtel Uganda. Clubs will henceforth not contribute to referees’ allowances as has been the case.

The following prizes are at stake this season:

1.       FBL winner                                                                  Shs.           1,000,000=

2.       Each FBL Club promoted to the FSL                Shs.           1,000,000=

3.       Play Off loser                                                             Shs.              500,000=

4.       Individual awards for 6 @ 250,000=              Shs.              250,000=

5.       Clubs’ share (referees’ contribution)                 Shs.        33,150,000=       

Photo:  From yesterday’s press conference at FUFA house: The acting Competitions director Decolas Kiiza (Right) announcing the fixtures and cash prizes at stake in the Big League. On the left is the Chairman International Matches Organising committee Patrick Ogwel who updated the media about this weekend’s two CAF club championship games to be payed at Mandela National Stadium.

Photo credit: John Batanudde

The former stars of the various Uganda national teams and the FUFA president Engineer Moses Magogo interfaced today at Ivy’s hotel in Wakaliga with the aim of getting to understand each other and also devise means of promoting football. The Ex-Internationals who were meeting the leader of football in the country for the first time were calm as they introduced themselves and presented their views.  

‘This is historical. For several years, this has never happened before for the Ex Internationals to meet a FUFA president. We are glad that such forums are being organized by FUFA for football lovers’ said Patrick Ntege.

The former Express FC player played a key role in setting up the meeting between the federation and former national team stars.

‘This group feels that there was an intentional move to kick them out of football forever. But since we have got the chance, let us iron out issues and take football forward’ said Muhamood Kateregga.

Before Magogo made his presentation on how his Executive would like to run football in the next four years, the Ex-International were given chance to express their views and also suggest ideas on football development.

Many of the Ex Internationals who spoke raised issues ranging from lack of coaching opportunities, poor communication, non-involvement in FUFA activities, representation in the Assembly, and recognition in the football establishment.  They also said that lack of sponsorship for the top flight league is making tem lose out on many opportunities of making money from the sport.

In his presentation, Magogo revealed that he was happy to meet the Ex-stars and is confident they can work together to achieve results in football.

He also said that there are plans for the Ex-stars including coaching courses to improve the technical aspect of the game in future.  

‘The federation is about to sign Memorandum of Understanding with various schools of excellence to improve football at the grass root levels. The schools will be provided with coaches from the federation’ added Magogo.

He further said ‘We are here to share ideas as the federation believes that you have a lot to offer to football in Uganda’  

Magogo also elaborated on the representation of different members of FUFA in the Assembly including how the Ex Internationals missed out. 

“The Assembly is a collection of representatives of various groups that are actively participating in football. The Ex-internationals may not have an active role but can be part of the players union. The players union could be composed of Ex-internationals associations and Ex-players Associations each bringing one delegate to the FUFA General Assembly” proposed Magogo

He encouraged the Ex-Internationals to get involved in the football administration which will help to increase their representation in the assembly. He promised the ex-Internationals that there would be such forums annually to discuss about football development.  

“Such a forum annually is better than 2 representatives into the General Assembly. Here many of you have spoken about football while in the General Assembly your delegates may never speak even once” emphasized Magogo

Those who attended included among others Issa Sekatawa, Mathias Kawesa, Friday Senyonjo, Hebert Nsubuga, Shaka Okello, Ashe Mukasa, Godfrey Nyola, and Paul Mukatabala

The FUFA president has lined up meetings with different stakeholders that have seen him interact with referees, regional chairmen and Uganda Sports Press Association. He will continue to interface with many stakeholders that include; The 31 FUFA Members, Uganda Cranes Ambassadors, – Uganda Youth Football , Association, Various Football Competitions Organisers (Copa Coca cola, University football league, Tertiary institutions and colleges football Association, Masaza, Bika and all other FUFA recognized competitions).

Photo: FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo (in suit-Right) and Ex-Internationals in a group photo after deliberations today at Ivys Hotel.

KCC FC’s opponents for this Saturday’s return leg of the preliminary round CAF Champions League jetted in this afternoon. The reigning FUFA Super League champions are carrying a 2-0 lead from the first leg played last weekend in Kahrtoum, Sudan.

The two teams will face off on Saturday at Mandela National stadium, kick off is at 4pm.

Charges: KCC FC vs El Merreikh :

10,000/= (General), 20,000/= Executive (Blue seats), 50,000/= VIP (Pavilion)

Photo: El -Merreikh team on arrival at Entebbe International Airport today.

Proline 0-2 Kiira Young

Express FC 1-1 Police FC

Kiira Young completed a season’s double over Proline with a 2-0 win in the FUFA super league match played at KCCA Stadium, Lugogo. Kiira Young who were held to a goalless draw last week in Mbale by bottom placed CRO FC, made a mends for the dropped points as they scored a goal in each half to bag maxim points. 

Kayongo Samuel netted the opener while Patrick Kadu scored from the spot kick after Proline’s Daniel Asiimwe red carded in the final stages of the game. The win takes Kiira Young to second on the table with 31poinst from 17 games while Proline remains glued in 12^th with 15points.  

At Muteesa II stadium in Wankulukuku, Express FC drew 1-1 with Police FC. Willy Kavuma was on target for the red eagles from the penalty spot with three minutes to full time. Express lie in a lowly 13^th place with 14 points while Kasumba Umar netted for Police FC ( now 9^th with 24 points).

Vipers are on top of the table with 32 points, URA third and SCVU 4^th.

The League will resume on 18th February with only one game on that day.

Reigning Champions KCC FC will play host to CRO FC at Lugogo.

Photo: Kiira’s Samuel Kayongo (white) tries to beat Proline’s keeper Lukwago. Kayongo was on target for Kiira who moved to second on the table.

Photo credit: John Batanudde.

The President of Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Engineer Moses Magogo is set to meet the Ex- Internationals tomorrow afternoon at Ivys Hotel in Wakaliga. The meeting is one of the several interactions he has already held with other stakeholders in local football.

Magogo who was elected FUFA President five months ago, has discussed issues concerning football with associations that bring together referees, FUFA Regional chairmen and the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA).

He has lined up a series of interfaces with many stakeholders that include; the 31 FUFA Members, Uganda Cranes Ambassadors, Uganda Youth Football Association, Various Football Competition Organisers like the Copa Coca Cola, University football league, Masaza, Bika and all other FUFA recognized competitions.