Author: Ahmed Marsha

The head of Uganda football Engineer Moses Magogo interacted with the media today at Lugogo Tennis club under their umbrella body Uganda sports Press association (USPA). It is the first time in the most recent history of USPA for the sitting FUFA president to come face to face with the sports media in such an organized forum that brings together the sports media monthly.

His presentation centered on the Sports Challenges, his Vision for Ugandan football, role of the media, association football and the federation’s business arm-FUFA limited.  Magogo answered a cross section of questions from the media after the presentation.  

He told the attentive media that they are strong stake holders in the development of football and the public follows a lot what they write in the print and online, say on radio and present on Televisions.

Magogo said he would like to see his Executive create a vibrant and fully professional football industry in Uganda. He also wants to see football enjoy long term planning, advocacy, proper communication, structures, systems, execution of the plans and continuity.

‘We need to recruit the Ugandan population into the agenda. We need to have a plan that might outlive each one of us and be furthered by the coming generation’ said Magogo.

Magogo also revealed that the sport is made up of two sides-politics and development with the former dominating.

‘We have to join hands to take development ahead of politics and by this move naturally politicians will be left behind. The media makes the politicians. Without media they have no arena to be seen unlike the on-pitch performers’ added Magogo who played club football at Kinyara and Mutundwe Lions.  

On the role of media in football development, Magogo requested that the players be given the opportunity to appear on the deserved sports pages for the good things they do on the pitch.  

On Association football he enlightened the media that it is the football organised, managed and regulated by FIFA, CAF, FUFA and its Members. Association football is owed by FIFA. He further said that belonging to association football is voluntary but upon decision to belong, it is mandatory to follow the statutes and regulations of FIFA.

Magogo made a final appeal to the media to support football by covering the various activities organized by FUFA.

Before his presentation, the FIFA Certified Administration Instructor took the media through the 11 qualities that he believes describe his personality.

The Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) held their first meeting at FUFA house today since the new executive came into office late last year.  

The members reviewed their past season and also released the plans for upcoming season with the hope that many women will be brought on board and fall in love with football.

The Chief executive officer Edgar Watson revealed to the members that the FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa will guide on matters related to women’s football.

He also said that UWFA will get funding for some of their activities from FUFA.

Watson also informed the meeting that the federation has hired a coordinator Hadija Namuyanja to handle women’s soccer at the federation.

UWFA Executive:

Nanjego Enfrance –Chairperson

Mbekeka Oliver-1^st Vice Chairperson

Kubingi Maragret -2^nd Vice Chairperson

Nankya Immaculate-Secretary

Nkata Moses-Member

Bulega Faridah- Member

Apolot Doreen-Member

Ouma Molly-Member

Aserua Jane Clare-Member

The draw for the 2013/2014 Uganda Cup round of 64 and 32 has been conducted at FUFA house in Mengo. The function was presided over by Chief Guest FUFA 2nd Vice President Mr. Darius Mugoye.

The acting director of FUFA competitions committee Decolas Kiiza, his committee member Haruna Tamale and Uganda Beach Soccer Association Competitions Secretary Ali Mwebe were in charge of the exercise.  

The lower division teams were given the chance to host in the round of 64 and some will still have luck on their side when they play in-front of their home fans in the round of 32.

Before the draw was conducted, Mugoye revealed that the winner of the completion will walk away with slightly over Seven Million shillings (7,000,000/=) accumulating from various stages starting with the round of 64 whose dates will be communicated later today.

The final will be played on 31^st May, 2014 but the Local Organising committee is looking at taking it to either in Mbale or Jinja.

‘The Uganda cup comes with a lot of pomp because of how a winner is determined at each stage. It is a very exciting tournament’ said Mugoye.

Defending champions SC Victoria University have been handed a tricky away fixture in the North East that will see them play the winner of the match between Bukedea Arrows and Amuria Crane City. The two lower division teams still have to play their preliminary game set for this weekend in Amuria.

The FUFA Super League champions KCC FC have been paired with Kamowkya United FC with the lower division team hosting George Nsimbe’s boys.

Losing finalists in 20013 Vipers FC have been drawn against bogey side Rwenshama to be played in Mityana.

Fixtures for round of 64:

1-Hope Soana vs Busia United

2-Kireka United vs Kiira Young

3-Hoima Young Stars vs Baza Holdings

4-FC Barca vs Wandegeya FC

5-Friends Of Soccer (Fort Portal) vs Gulu University FC

6-Bweyogerere FC vs Ndejje University

7-Seeta United vs Soana FC

8-Kigogwa Fc vs Proline FC

9-Bombo United vs The Saints

10-St Mary’s (Nabweru) vs Entebbe Young

11-Steel FC (Masindi) vs Artland K

12-(Winner of Super Boys Kaberamaido vs Kumi United) vs Mutundwe Lions)

13-Water Fc vs Jinja Municipal

14-Kampala University (Luweero Campus) vs Ngora Freda Carr FC

15-Kumi University vs Village Club California (VCC) FC-Masindi

16-Rwenshama Fc vs Vipers FC

17-Kataka FC (Mbale) vs SC Villa

18-Kamwokya United FC vs KCC FC

19-Ntonda (Ntungamo) FC vs Soroti Garage FC

20-Kasese New Villa vs Lweza FC

21-Sadolin Paints FC vs Police FC

22-Stegota FC vs CRO

23-Busia own Council vs Kirinya-Jinja SS

24-Synergy FC (Rakai) vs Masaka LC

25-Coup De Grande (Makindye) vs BUL C

26-(Winner of Tigers FC vs Masindi United) vs Mbale Heroes

27-Life Eternal FC vs Simba FC

28-Mpoma Tigers (Mukono) vs Express FC

29-Telestar FC (Tororo) vs URA FC

30-Ex-Internationals FC vs Hope Doves FC

31-Bulo Parents (Butambala) vs Bright stars FC

32-(Winner of Amuria Crane City vs Bukedea Arrows) vs SC Victoria University

The FIFA Development officer for Eastern and Southern Africa Ashford Mamelodi believes that the artificial turf to be laid at the KCCA stadium in Lugogo will improve the infrastructure in Uganda football.  Mamelodi who is in the country to meet various stake holders attached to the project says he is excited that the local soccer governing body FUFA and KCC FC have agreed to bring the first football artificial turf in Kampala.

Mamelodi’s comments were made while meeting the media at Lugogo where the turf will be laid. The press conference was also attended by the FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo, CEO Edgar Watson and a strong hierarchy from KCC FC led by their Vice Chairman Allan Sewanyana and Secretary David Tamale.

‘We are excited about this project because we feel the players will enjoy playing on this turf and football standards will improve as well’ said Mamelodi.

Mamelodi stressed that it was another chance for Uganda o get another artificial turf after the first one was laid at Njeru technical Centre in Jinja.

‘Our preference would have been for such projects to be laid on the federation’s property but other stakeholders can accept them too’ added Mamelodi.

Mamelodi revealed that the FIFA development Committee will meet in March for the approval of the project which has already seen initial stages go on without any hindrances.

The FUFA President Magogo was equally excited about the latest development.

‘We are moving in an era where Kampala will be hosting international matches on the artificial turf’ said Magogo.

Magogo added that good infrastructure is needed for football development in the country. 

Lugogo has already hosted international matches involving the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 2012 while last year the fans witnessed the Uganda women U-20 side thrash Sudan 13-0 at the same venue.

‘We want to have this facility at levels accepted internationally. But I need to thank the KCC Authority for accepting the project at Lugogo. We believe this project will propel KCC FC forward’ added Magogo.

Magogo also quelled any fears that might arise from unplanned programmes for both FUFA and KCCFC over the use of the stadium.

‘We shall make sure that we release our programmes early to KCC FC in case we plan to use the stadium’ said Magogo. 

KCC FC board member Peter Kibazo who also attended the function took time to remind the media that good things happen to well organized clubs that is why the artificial turf project was brought to the reigning League champions’ home ground.

‘We are a top club in the country but we believe that this project will inspire us to perform better on the pitch’ said Kibazo.

KCC FC will become the first club in Uganda to own an artificial turf stadium.

The referees who handle the FUFA Super League and Big League matches have been assured of total support from the federation in execution of their work. The meeting was called by the FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo through the FUFA Referees Standing Committee. Over 50 referees, match assessors and commissioners attended the meeting today morning at FUFA headquarters in Mengo.  In attendance from the Executive were:  Mujib Kasule-FSL Vice President and Chairman FUFA technical committee, Sam Mpima-chairman FUFA referees standing committee and executive committee member, Justus Mugisha 1^st VP FUFA and Yusuf Kamulegeya-member FUFA referees standing committee.  The CEO of FUFA also attended the meeting.

Magogo appreciated the work being done by the referees and noted the hard time they face while trying to perform their duties on the pitch. It was the first time the Magogo led executive was meeting the referees since coming into office in September.

‘I treasure your work. You are key stakeholders in football and you add a lot of value to it’ said Magogo. 

He revealed that the federation has a vision for refereeing in Uganda which will be put to use when the inaugural referees’ manual is finally released.  According to Magogo, the manual is aimed at helping on how refereeing can be managed in the country in terms of what they are required to do, the appointments process, records, following the laws of the game and analysis of what they do on and off the pitch. The manual will also will also cater for the tabulation of referees statistics in terms of games officiated. 

On the assessment of referees, the president said that the Manual would still bring out fairness and a transparent system which must be followed while coming up with a final list.

‘Referees have a huge role in marketing football but that depends on what they do on the pitch’ added Magogo.

On the development and recruitment new referees, Magogo further said it is a key area as the fruits must be seen in future. He told referees that former FIFA referees like Charles Masembe and assistant Ali Tomusange left a strong legacy which Ugandan football fans are proud of.

He called upon the referees to conduct them-selves in a manner that would earn them respect in the public. He noted that the FRSC through its disciplinary committee should be in position to handle matters related to referees discipline.

He requested the referees to embrace the manual which he said would improve on the way they go about their roles. .

He informed them that there will be three categories of referees starting this year with the following badges: FIFA badge, FUFA badge and regional badge. He is confident that this process will improve in the area of refereeing.

‘Referees must be role models. Football is supposed to be a beautiful game for every-body to enjoy. You need to lead by example so that society appreciates your work’ said Magogo.

He cautioned referees to avoid involving themselves in activities like betting that would put their reputation and integrity into question by the public and football lovers.

On the fitness of referees, Magogo noted that refereeing is athletic which requires them to be in top most condition for a good performance.

‘It is very disappointing for a referee to fail a physical fitness test’ added Magogo.

The process of how referees get awarded badges in future will be based on their performance on the pitch.

‘Referees should perform on the pitch. The manual will eliminate all the patronage you have complained about. The Manual will be very simple and clear on how the referees will be assigned for duty’ said Magogo.

On payment of referees, the President assured them that they would get their arrears partially settled by 31^st January as they find other means of how to clear the remainder.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally released the rankings for countries on how they will qualify for the finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco. However Uganda Cranes missed out on a top 21 ranking by CAF which would have given them direct qualification to the group stages which kick off in September.  The ranking of countries was based on their performance in the last three editions of the Nations cups and the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Uganda Cranes will be hoping to make the finals for the first time since 1978 when they lost 2-0 to Ghana in the final in Kumasi.

When the www.fufa.co.ug contacted the chairman of technical Committee at FUFA Mujib Kasule and Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, they were surprised at the latest developments but remained confident that the team can produce the magic and join the group stages.

‘We have to prepare soon for our possible opponents. Early preparations will put us in a good position when the qualification gets underway’ said Mujib Kasule

 The preliminary rounds of the qualifying process will be played between May and August, with the final phase taking place from 5 September until 26 November.

‘We shall have special plans for each stage starting with the preliminaries which have tricky teams’ said Micho

Automatically qualified for group stages: Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Tunisia, Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Togo, Egypt, South Africa, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Niger, Guinea, Senegal, Sudan

Teams in preliminary qualifiers: Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, Benin, Sierra Leone, Congo, CAR, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Liberia, Gambia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Namibia, Burundi, Lesotho, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, Chad, Sao Tome, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Swaziland, Eritrea, Mauritania, South Sudan

The FUFA elementary coaching course that started on Monday came to a climax on Thursday at Namagabi senior secondary school. With 54 participants including two female coaches taking part, the FUFA technical director Asuman Lubowa who presided over the closing ceremony is optimistic that it was great experience for the coaches from clubs, primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

‘We are happy that the participants showed great enthusiasm towards coaching and we are convinced that they will put to use the knowledge from the course to pass it on to other stakeholders’ said Lubowa.  

The Education Officer of Kayunga district Mr. Simali Ramadhan and the Mayor of Kayunga Mr. Katumba attended the closing ceremony.  He coaches were from Kayunga, Mukono, Nazigo, Kayonza and Busaana. Former Cranes player Jackson Nyiima was the course instructor.

Uganda will be heavily represented on the continent next month after CAF named the referees and commissioners to handle different club competition fixtures next month in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup.

Here is the list of referees and Commissioners who will be on duty:

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:

Commissioner: Eugene Katamba Musoke for Young Africans (Tanzania) vs Komorozine Sports (Comoros) on the weekend of 7^th, 8^th, 9^th Feb, 2014

Referees: Dennis Batte, assistant referees Balikoowa Musa Ngobi and Lee Okello plus reserve referee Alex Muhabi Nsulumbi for game between Gor Mahia FC (Kenya) vs Union Sportive de Bitam (Gabon) on the weekend of 7^th, 8^th, 9^th Feb, 2014

Referees: Alex Muhabi Nsulumbi (referee), assistant referees Hussein Bugembe and Samuel Kayongo reserve referee Mashood Ssali for game between KMKM FC (Zanzibar) vs Dedebit SC (Ethiopia) on the weekend of 14^th, 15^th, 16^th Feb, 2014

CONFEDERATIONS CUP

Commissioner: Abbas Sendyowa for match between AFC Leopards (Kenya) vs Defence (Ethiopia) on the weekend of 7^th, 8^th, 9^th Feb, 2014.

Meanwhile Uganda female referees missed the opportunity to officiate a women’s game between south Sudan and Ethiopia.  The quartet of Aisha Semambo, Kizito Rehma, Nabikko Nkumbi Marex and Namubiru Irene had been assigned by Confederation of African football (CAF) to handle match number 6- the second leg between the two countries for the qualification of the 9^th Africa women Championship Namibia 2014.

Part of the Communication from CAF’s Deputy Director Competition’s Division Khaled Nassar read

‘Dear Madams, Sirs,

We regret to infom you that the team of South Sudan withdrew from the 9^th African women Championship-NAMIBIA 2014.

Consequently, the above mentioned matches are cancelled and the Ethiopia team is qualified for the next round of the competition’

We draw your kind attention that the mission of the referees and the commissioners regarding the above mentioned matches are cancelled.

The President of FUFA Engineer Moses Magogo and Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will address the media today at midday. The Cranes players will also be in attendance.
Time: Midday

Day and Date and Day: Thursday 23rd Jan, 2014

Venue: Ivy’s Hotel in Wakaliga

FUFA President Engineer Moses Magogo is hopeful that the country will get support from the continental football body after meeting CAF officials in South Africa. Magogo returned home yesterday from South Africa where he had gone for the African Nations championship with Uganda Cranes were taking part but got eliminated at the group stage.

While in South Africa, Magogo met with many CAF officials but most importantly President Issa Hayatou and discussed about developmental projects that would impact on Ugandan football.

‘My stay in South Africa wasn’t restricted to Cranes alone but extended to holding important meetings with top CAF officials seeking for support towards development of our football’ said FUFA President Moses Magogo

The projects discussed include courses and financial Assistance Programmes.  The courses would directly benefit the coaches, referees and the federation in a bid to develop football at grass root levels.

Magogo also revealed that CAF President Issa Hayatou was surprised but impressed with the performance of the Uganda Cranes despite bowing out at the group stage. Cranes finished with four points after winning one game 2-1 against Burkina Faso, drawing (0-0) with Zimbabwe and losing the crucial fixture 3-1 to eventual group leaders Morocco.

The FUFA Super League board has today released the fixtures for the second round of the top tier league. The announcement was made today at the federation’s headquarters in Mengo by the acting FUFA Competitions secretary Decolas Kiiza during the FUFA weekly press conference. The fixtures indicate that the league will resume on 7^th February and end on 30th Friday, 2014.

In the opening fixtures of the second round will see Sports Club play host to Soana FC at Nakivubo stadium while Vipers are up against Proline FC in Buikwe.

Other fixtures to be played on 7^th February

URA vs Masaka Lc

Entebbe Fc vs BUL

CRO vs Kiira Young

Simba vs Bright stars FC