FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Author: Ahmed Marsha

  • Okwi Safe, Housemate Patrick Mafisango dead!

    Kampala had this morning woken up to sad news involving an alleged death of Cranes key player Emmanuel Okwi but the federation has since verified the information to have been untrue.

    Safe: Emmanuel Okwi
    Dead: Patrick Mafisango

    It’s however true that Okwi’s close friend and housemate Patrick Mafisango Mutesa died in an accident around 4:00am this Thursday morning. Mafisango, a Rwandese international player and Okwi both play for Simba SC in Tanzania. The two usually move together, a practice that had thrown Dar es salaam City in a big panic anticipating the duo to have been in the same car at a time of the accident.

    Okwi and the deceased reside on the same apartment at Temehe-Changombe in Dar es salaam City. Derrick Walulya another Ugandan international stays around the same place.

    Simba SC information officer, Ezekiel Kamuwanda has confirmed Mafisango’s death. “His car swerved off the road as he attempted to dodge a boda-boda cyclist a few kilometers to his home and he died on the way to hospital” Kamuwanda said. He added, “Emmanuel Okwi is safe. They never travelled traveled together this time”.

    Details emerging from Dar es salaam City indicate that Mafisango had spent a night at Maisha club and was driving back home before met death. He died on the way to Muhimbiri Government Hospital. Other sources allege that there was a survivor in the car whose identities could not however be revealed by the time of issuing this statement. Mafisango has been an influential midfielder for both Simba SC and Rwanda National team, Amavubi. He was slated to fly to Kigali this Thursday afternoon to start preparations for their world cup qualifiers match.

     

     

     

     

  • Zonal Mini Leagues gear up

    Amin’s club is Zone 5 champ

    VCC FC, a club owned by Maj. General Taban Amin a son to former president of Uganda the late Idi Amin are the champions of FUFA Zone 5.

    VCC beat Kiryatete Young stars 3-1 in the finals to lift the zonal trophy. FUFA executive member Rogers Byamukama handed over the trophy to the winners at Bweyale trading centre grounds, Kiryandongo district on Tuesday.

    To reach the finals VCC beat Nyimigisa FC 5 – 4 on penalties after settling for a 1-alll draw in regulation time. Kiryatete young stars walloped Kigumba united 4-0 to book a slot in the finals. This year’s edition had record 10 teams from Hoima, masindi and Kiryandongo districts.The 4 semi finalists will join Steel FC as 2012/2013 season zone 5 representatives to Kitara regional league. Outstanding players were identified by the zone to join their counterparts from zone 11 in forming the Kitara region team that will prepare for the MTN inter regional tournament scheduled for July in Arua.

    Kirima FC top Zone 6

    Kirima FC put up a spirited fight to dump Volcano Kyengera 3-2 in a highly contested final of Zone 6 mini league. The tournament hosted by Kihihi High school and Kihihi Community Polytechnic play grounds in Kanungu district attracted 19 clubs. To storm the finals, Kirima eliminated Rutooma Secondary school 2-1 while Volcano edged Horizon FC 1-0. The tournament successfully ended without major events.

    Gen. Ali rewards zone 4

    Nebbi Central FC emerged champions of FUFA Zone 4 after white washing Comboni FC 4 – 1 in the final match played last Tuesday at Paridi Stadium, Adjumani district. Earlier on Nebbi Central had walloped Moyo Town Council 7 – 2 in the semi finals. A heroes welcome was arranged for the victorious team at Nebbi Town not only for winning the zonal trophy but also for promotion to the West Nile Regional league for the season 2012/2013.Third Deputy Premier Lt. Gen. Moses Ali contributed shs 200,000 to the organising committee and planted a tree during a tree planting exercise initiated by the zonal executive.  A total of 15 clubs participated according to the Regional chairman, Mike Letti.

  • Bobby names Cranes Squad

    June 3: Angola Vs Uganda, June 9: Uganda Vs Senegal June 16: Ugnada Vs Congo

    Invited: Posnet Omony

    Cranes head coach Bobby Robert Williamson has this Wednesday morning named his squad a head of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers match against Angola in Luanda on June 3.

    The 30-man squad comprises 22 professional players and 8 home based lads. Goal Keeper Posnet Richard Omony who features for Black Leopards FC in South Africa has landed an invitation after a long time of absence on the list. Commenting about the development, Bobby said invitations were based on individual performances and that Omony had been very active of recent hence an invitation.

    Joseph Owino of Azan FC in Tanzania is also one of the eleven defenders on the list. The available players on the squad start training on Monday May 21 at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

    The full squad has Omony Posnet Richard (Black Leopards), Onyango Denis (Mamelodi Sundown), Dhaira Abel (IBV Vestmannaeyjar), and Hamza Muwonge (Bunamwaya) goal keepers.

    The defenders include Massa Simeon (URA), Iguma Denis (Victoria University), Isinde Isaac (St. George-Ethiopia), Kalungi Henry (Richmond kickers-USA), Walusimbi Godfrey (Bunamwaya), Wasswa Hassan (Kayseri Erciyesspor-Turkey), Ochaya Joseph (KCC), Kavuma Habib (APR-Rwanda), Ssali Edward (Bunamwaya), Joseph Owino (Azam-Tanzania) and team Captain Andrew Mwesigwa (Ordabasy FC- Kazahastan).

    The midfielders’ set has Sserumaga Mike (St. George-Ethiopia), Mawejje Tonny (IBV-Iceland), Mudde Musa (Sofapaka-Kenya), Ochan Patrick (TP-Mazembe-DRC), Kayongo Martin (AIK-Sweden), Wagaluka Dan (APR-Rwanda), Oloya Moses (Sai Gon Xuah Thanh-Vietnam) and Matovu Sula (St. George-Ethiopia).

    The striking department has Okwi Emmanuel (Simba-Tanzania), Kizito Fabian Derrick (Leonidas-Netherlands), Umony Brian (Becamex Binh Duong-Vietnam), Massa Geoffrey (Nicosia Kapia (Cyprus), Okhuti Ceaser (Bunamwaya), Mutyaba Mike (Al Merreikh-Sudan) and Ssentongo Robert (URA).

     

  • Zone 4 League goes into semis

    Zonal chairperson: Mike Letti

    FUFA Zone 4 mini league has reached the semi final stage with two town council teams fighting for a slot in the zonal finals.

    According to the fixtures released by the zonal chairperson Mike Letti, Nebbi Central takes on Moyo Town Council in the first semi final before Comboni plays Moyo Central in the second and last semi final.

    Both semi finals will be played this Tuesday. All the semi finalists have a direct promotion into West Nile Regional League

  • 120 Referees undergo Medical tests

    FIFA Referee Ali Kalyango undegoing a medical test before Dr. Bob Opoka on Monday, May 14 at FUFA house

    A total of 120 referees have this Monday under gone medical tests in preparations for the physical fitness tests slated for tomorrow, Tuesday at Mandela National stadium – Namboole.

    Cranes team doctor, Ronald Kisolo and FUFA Medical Committee member Dr. Bob Opoka conducted the long day exercise here at FUFA House. Clients included FIFA badge holders, USL, Big League and Regional League referees.

    Speaking shortly before the exercise closed, Dr. Kisolo said the activity was mandatory to avoid those with health problems from undergoing the fitness tests tomorrow.

    The referees were examined on a number of areas that included the heart functionality, vision, recognition of colours, body temperatures, bone positioning, aneamia and breathing among others. Kisolo further explained that the statutes required that every referee had to have good hearing skills with no wax plug in his/her ears and that both eyes must be normal with clear vision. The fitness tests start at 7:00am.

    Dr. Kisolo examining one of the referees during the medical tests

    Referee Kutegana Peter was the only victim of this exercise after doctors found his blood pressure being too high to undertake the fitness tests on Tuesday. Dr. Kisolo said the referee had been put on medication to stabilize his health.

    In a related development, 40 referees’ assessors are currently undergoing a two-day refresher course at Namboole. The course closes Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile FIFA instructors Carlos Henrique and Felix Tangawalima are already in the country to conduct the referees’ elite course.

    The course officially opens in Namboole at 2:00pm on Tuesday and will close Friday.

  • URA are Bell-Uganda Cup Champs

    FUFA officials pose for a group photo after the finals in Pece stadium
    URA players celebrating after edging Bunamwaya 1-0 in the Bell-Uganda Cup finals played from Pece stadium in Northern region last Saturday

    FUFA has hailed the people of Gulu and Northern Region in general for honouring the Bell-Uganda Cup finals played in Pece stadium, Gulu Municipality last Saturday.

    Speaking to journalists this Monday, FUFA Vice President in charge of Competitions, Isa Magoola said the federation had registered a huge achievement in taking this final to an upcountry stadium. “The game illustrated a realistic inside story that FUFA relates well with its fans within and outside Kampala city” he said.

    The Vice President also added, “We shall continue with the same arrangement next season”. Magoola was optimistic that the standards would continue improving year after year.

    Commenting about the number of spectators that showed up at Pece stadium, Magoola revealed that the match had grossed UG Shs.4.180.000. “About 50 fans purchased VIP tickets at Shs20.000, a sign that northern region is a fertile ground for soccer development”, the Vice President further revealed.

    Northern region chairperson, Calvin Okello said this was the highest amount collected from gate charges in Pece’s recent history. The closest to this was Shs.2.8m raised during the Super League match when Gulu United hosted KCC in 1999. The home boys lost 1-0.

    URA lifted this year’s Bell-Uganda Cup after edging Bunamwaya 1-0 and walked off with Shs.12.5 cash prize courtesy of East African Breweries Limited (EABL). The sponsors also rewarded Bunamwaya with Shs.4.5m

    Vice President in charge of USL Mujib Kasule represented the FUFA president at this final also watched by Moses Magogo (VP-Admin), Edgar Watson (CEO), Rogers Byamukama and Calvin Okello (FUFA Executive members) among many other dignitaries.

     

     

     

  • Perfect Bell Cup final in Pece

    On Saturday, May 12 all roads lead to Pece stadium in Gulu for the finals of the Bell-Uganda Cup between URA FC and Bunamwaya SC.

    Both teams go into this match with equal opportunities and the Shs.12.5m cash prize will only go to the lucky side. The loser will pocket the Shs.4.5m.

    When we look back to the performance of the two clubs in this particular tournament, each side scored 16 goals, won 6 matches and none of them drew or lost a game. Bunamwaya only conceded two more goals than URA putting their goal difference at 12 against the 14 of their opponents.

    Their route into the finals saw URA dumping Masaka LC on a 3-0 aggregate while Bunamwaya eliminated Maroons FC on the same margin in the semi finals played on a home and away basis.

    Ceaser Okhuti
    Robert Sentongo

    The tournament that comes to an end this weekend has had 151 goals scored with URA’s Feni Ali topping the list at 5 scores. Bunamwaya however occupies the second position with three (Okhuti Ceaser, Muwanga Martin and Odur Tonny) of its players tying at 4 goals each. URA’s Robert Ssentongo and Sebuguzi Eric of Victors FC are also in the same bracket.

    The levels of discipline have improved this year with only 7 red cards and 123 yellows. This is the first time the final of this historical oldest competition in the country is being held outside Kampala City.

    Gate charges have been put at shs. 20.000 and Shs.5000 for the pavilion and open stands respectively. Your ticket wins you a coupon for a Bell bottle or two Alvaro bottles. Let’s meet in Pece

  • 60 Referees for 2012 Masaza Cup

    Hands off: FIFA badge holders like Ronnie Kalema (above) will have to wait until the advanced stages of the tournament

    FUFA has released a list of 60 referees and 28 referees’ assessors to take charge of the 2012 edition of the Masaza Cup.

    Speaking before handing over the list to the Masaza Cup Organizing Committee (MCOC), the federation referees standing committee chairman, Abbas Ssendyowa said the arrangement was intended to ensure a smooth running of this highly respectable tournament.

    Ssendyowa warned the MCOC against making appointments outside the provided list. “The committee is however free to make their reservations known to us and changes will be effected” said Ssendyowa a retired FIFA referee.

    The list with 15 centre referees and 45 assistants does not include the FIFA badge holders. Masaza cup, sanctioned by FUFA has emerged one of the popular tournaments in the country.

    The tournament is sponsored by Buganda Land Board, CBS FM, St. Marys Kitende secondary school, Fairprice Properties Ltd, St. Juliana Schools-Gayaza, Gal’s Sport Betting, Zion Estates, Solar Connect International and RK Investments among others.

  • Ogwel, Kimuli for FIFA congress

    FUFA Vice president for Finance Anthony Kimuli will be in Hungary for the FIFA Congress

    The 62nd FIFA congress has been confirmed by the world football governing body for 24-25 May 2012 in Budapest City, Hungary.

    Uganda, as a member association of FIFA has already received the formal invitation to attend the world’s supreme football meeting.

    To attend: Edgar Watson

    The 4-man Ugandan delegation to be led by the federation vice president in charge of finance Anthony Kimuli leaves Entebbe on May 21. Others are Patrick Ogwel (Vice President Youth), the Chief Executive officer Edgar Watson and Dr. Ronald Kisolo.

    Kisolo travels to attend a medical conference that has been split into part I and II to run on May 23 and 24 respectively.

    Prior to the congress on Friday May 25, different confederations (CAF, AFC, CONCAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, UEFA) will hold separate meetings to discuss issues related to football development in their respective continents.

    The congress officially closes on Friday and the delegates depart home Saturday morning.

     

  • FUFA close-in to fundamental changes

    FUFA is pleased to inform the public of the commencement of fundamental reforms of the organization aimed at bringing more development-focused activities than currently.

    FUFA invited FIFA to a FUFA Constitution study organized through a two-day Residential Retreat in Entebbe from 4th to 5th May 2012.

    FIFA and FUFA officials who attended the meeting

    The FIFA Delegation led by Mr. Primo Cavaro (FIFA Development Officer) also included Mr.  Nicolas Valticos (Legal Counsel- Corporate Legal, FIFA Legal Affairs Division) and Mr. Ashford Mamelodi (FIFA Regional Development Officer)

    On the other hand, the FUFA team was led by the Vice President in charge Administration Eng. Moses Magogo but  also included Mr. Mujib Kasule (VP–USL), Mr. Rogers Byamukama (FUFA Excom Member), Mr. Edgar Watson (FUFA CEO), Mr. Luganda Alex (Sec –Legal com), Mr. Bazirengedde Meddie (FUFA Legal) and Mr. Ojok Odur (Chairman-FUFA Disciplinary Committee)

    FIFA has made both mandatory requirements and strong recommendations drawing their experiences from all over the world as the best practices while the FUFA Executive Committee has also got areas noted for changes but the mandate to make the changes lies within the decisions of the FUFA Executive Committee and ultimately the FUFA General Assembly. As was the case with the Jinja Declaration, The FUFA Executive Committee considers the FIFA recommendations very highly

    The reforms shall also be extended to all FUFA Members whose constitutions will be required to be modified in line with the new constitution

    “So far the proposed reforms are going to make fundamental changes in the way FUFA as an organisation is managed and how it relates with its members in enforcing association football rules. The most important part is that the reforms are taking institutions ahead of individuals and this can only enhance football development” said Eng. Moses Magogo shortly after the last session.

    There are a number of preliminary discussions still going on between FIFA and FUFA and as soon as the appropriate moment comes, the details of the reforms will be communicated and tabled for discussion. The timeline requires certain sections implemented before the new season begins

    “FIFA has been keenly following events in Uganda and we are sure that only changes in certain areas of the FUFA and FUFA Members’ Statutes (read Constitutions) will cause lasting solutions” said Primo Cavaro.  FUFA will keep all stakeholders updated appropriately.

     

  • Get theatre out of football-Govt. orders Kwizera

    Minister Charles Bakabulindi has rubbished the Kwizera federation branding ot circus

    Education and sports State minister Charles Bakabulindi burst out laughing when told of a new body fronting itself as the legitimate local soccer governing body.

    “I have heard of that group. They are not serious. It is a circus. It is time people got serious and stopped mixing theatre with serious football”.

    The group headed by Godfrey Kwizera on Friday last week launched a parallel federation. Former FUFA Vice president Polly Ouma was also named head coach of the said federation with a duty of releasing a squad for the group’s international calendar. At their launch, Kwizera reportedly said his group would mainly deal with foreign based players.

    FIFA, the international football governing body recognizes the current federation headed by Lawrence Mulindwa as the legitimate federation in Uganda. In 2010 FIFA directed the national body to take action on the same group.

    The disgruntled group has Godfrey Kwizera, former player Dan Walusimbi and Polly Ouma as its key players. In 2009, Kwizera showed interest to contest for the elections of the FUFA president but he could not even reach out to ten out of over 80 recognized districts. He also failed to show up at the election venue.

    Surprisingly, the next elections are just one year away but instead of getting down to the grassroots to canvass for support if his group is really serious, they are only staging comedy day in, day out!  (This piece ran in the Sunday Vision News paper of May 6 with James Bakama as its author but the original story has slightly been edited for our web site).

  • Gulu ready for Bell Cuo Final

    FUFA officials pose for a group photo with members of the local organising committee in Gulu

    Both football administrators and top political leaders from Gulu are working tirelessly to ensure a successful Bell-Uganda Cup finals to be played in Pece stadium, Gulu municipality on May 12.

    A team of officials from the federation Competitions department led by the committee vice chairperson Benard Bainamani were recently in Gulu to monitor the progress towards the big event. They inspected the stadium, visited hotel facilities and held several meetings before they returned to Kampala.

    In Gulu, they were received by the Northern Region Chairperson who is also a FUFA executive member Calvin Okello and later joined by the Honourable Speaker of Gulu Municipal Council, Douglas Okello among others. Bainamani said the grass root work so far done was impressive and that the area looked set to host the finals.

    This is the first time the Bell-Uganda Cup finals are played outside Kampala city. Last year’s finalist URA will play Bunamwaya in an anticipated thriller. The tournament is sponsored by Bell lager, a brand of the East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

  • Bobby off to Sweden for a mission

    Coach Bobby on a mission to Sweden

    Cranes Head coach Bobby Williamson left Friday morning for Stockholm City in Sweden on a mission to monitor the performance of some players with Ugandan links.

    Bobby’s biggest target is Martin Mutumba who features for AIK FC and Bryan Wabalayi Massa playing for Vasalund FC. The federation identified both players for national team duty and directed Bobby to monitor their performances. He will also have talks with other players featuring in the Swedish lower leagues.

    While in Sweden, Bobby is expected to have technical chats with the respective managers on issues related to the players’ individual strength. Fufa processed a Ugandan passport for Mutumba to acquire a duo citizenship in February before the Cranes travelled to Brazzaville.

    Mutumba in action for AIK

    If convinced with their performances, the two players will be invited for the June matches against Angola in Luanda, Senegal and Congo in Kampala.

    The federation will continue with this arrangement to enable the head coach make the right choices a head of the upcoming crucial games.

  • Referee Nsubuga for Masaza opener

    The set of FIFA referees who officiated the 2012 Masaza Cup finals in Nakivubo

    Enthusiasm is very high here in Mityana town a head of Saturday’s opening match of the Masaza Cup edition for the year 2012.

    Hosts Ssingo had their last training session at Ssaza Ground Friday evening with their head Coach Wasswa Bbosa urging players to avoid ‘humiliation’ before his Majesty the King of Buganda. Ssingo takes on neighbours Buwekula in a highly anticipated encounter.

    Coach Kiwi who guided Buruli to their first Masaza cup title in 2011 had his tactical services hired by Buwekula this season. He carried with him most of the players that edged Bulemeezi 2-1 in the finalsplayed on September 20 in Nakivubo.

    FIFA referee Brian Nsubuga has replaced Ali Kalyango as centre referee following the sudden death of Kalyango’s mother. Nsubuga will be assisted by Hussein Bugembe and Samuel Kayondo in a match to kick off at 4:00pm prompt. Ronnie Kalema is the fourth official.

    The tournament will be officially flagged off by the King himself who arrived in Mityana Friday evening.

    Entrace fees have been put at Shs.10.000 for open stands and Shs.30.000 for the pavilion. The tournament is sponsored by Fair price properties Ltd, Buganda Land Board, CBS FM, St. Marys Kitende SS, Peacock Paints, Mityana Modern SS, Gal’s Sport Betting, Zion Estates Ltd, RK investments, St. Juliana Schools and Solar Connect International among others.

  • On-form Hippos off to Maputo

    The Hippos left Thursday morning

    The Uganda U20 National football team, the Hippos left for Mozambique on Thursday morning for the return leg against the hosts, fixed for Saturday.

    FUFA Zone One Chairman Ibrahim Maraka led the 25-man delegation that travelled by Ethiopian Airlines from Entebbe International Airport around 2:00am.

    The contingent included 18 players and seven officials. Speaking before boarding, head coach Nkata Paul said the players looked focused to earn Uganda some good results adding,  ‘we shall attack them but with consciousness at the back’.

    The players who travelled included, Kalyowa Emmanuel, Ochaya Joseph, Owori Isaac, Nkata Fred, Mukisa Yusufu, Wadri William, Aucho Khalid, Maloba Denis, Kyeyune Saidi, Wakiro Nico Wadada, Ssenkoomi  Samuel and Kasadha Lawrence. Others are Ogwang Julius, Opiyo George Abege, Yayo Kato Lutimba, Tuliraba Alex, Ssekisambu Erisa and Magoola Salim Omar.

    The Hippos travelled with a 4-0 result advantage they registered in Kampala fourteen days ago. CAF appointed the South African referees to handle the return match. The delegation is expected back to Kampala on May 7.

  • Former FUFA delegate Lubandi is dead!

    FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa has lost a great friend in football management

    Death has robbed FUFA of yet another football family member and former Kamuli district delegate, Grace Lubandi.

    Lubandi died from Mulago Hospital on Wednesday and will be laid to rest at Balawuli village along Bukungu road in Kamuli district this Thursday at 2:00pm.

    FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa has described Lubandi’s death as a ‘big loss’ to the entire football fraternity. “He has been very knowledgeable in the field of football administration. We thank God for his tireless service rendered to this nation as both a teacher and a football administrator”, reads part of the FA president’s condolence message.

    The deceased served as a delegate between 1995 and 2009, a record of 14 years. During the late Denis Obua’s regime, Lubandi was an executive member from 199 to 2002.

    Throughout his tenure, he has been one of the eloquent legislators in the history of the FUFA Assembly. Professionally, he trained as a secondary school teacher but he has also been a proud Budonian. Before meeting his death, Lubandi was a head teacher for Wakitaka SS in Jinja district.

    He has been one of the key advisors and staunch supporters of Mr. Lawrence Mulindwa whom he nominated for the Maiden FUFA Presidency candidature in 2005 in his capacity as Kamuli DFA Delegate

    He survives with a widow and children. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

  • Isabirye’s URA storms Bell Finals

    Friday: Masaka 0 URA 1

    Isabirye 1
    Isabirye 2
    Isabirye 4

    For the second consecutive season, URA head coach Alex Isabirye has guided his club to the finals of the Bell-Uganda Cup.

    URA beat Masaka 1-0 away in the Municipal stadium on Friday to storm this year’s finals on a 3-0 aggregate. The tax boys had won the first leg 2-0 and travelled to Masaka with such a big advantage at hand.

    Isabirye who lost last year’s finals to SC Simba in Nakivubo will now have to play the winner between Bunamwaya and Maroons. The two sides meet this Saturday in Buikwe where hosts Bunamwaya kick off the 90 minutes with a 1-0 advantage registered during the first leg in Luzira.

    Isabirye now proves one of the potential young coaches Uganda is currently proud of. Commenting about the results, Isabirye hailed his boys for being ‘focused’.  “Masaka is a good side but we proved better on both occasions”, is all what the youthful coach had to say.

    This year’s finals will be played at Pece stadium in Gulu.

  • Kisumu U20 friendly called off

    FUFA Finance Vice President Anthony Kimuli and Ogwel Patrick (VP Youth) sharing a joyful moment with U20 head coach Paul Nkata and his assistant Abdalllah Mubiru before Uganda walloped Mozambique 4-0 @befoi
    FUFA vice president in charge Finance Mr. Anthony Kimuli and his colleague Patrick Ogwel (Youth) share a moment of joy with U20 Head coach Paul Nkata and his assistant Abdallah Mubiru last week before Uganda Hippos walloped Mozambique 4-0. The return leg has now been fixed for May 5 in Maputo

    Please note that the earlier planned friendly match for our U20 National team against Nyanza Province in Kisumu has been called of.

    Reasons:

    (i) The match was encroaching on the time frame allocated to USL to have the Bell Super League matches end on schedule. Travelling to Kisumu would have led to an extension of some league matches especially those involving clubs like Proline, Express, SC. Villa, URA and Maroons.

    (ii) The duration between the proposed match days in Kisumu (April 28 and 29) and the Mozambique return leg date was too small. The Mozambique game has been confirmed for May 5.

    (iii) The latest communication coming in from Mozambique has pointed towards having our return leg played on an artificial turf at Chibuto stadium, North of Maputo City. This has compelled us to shift camp to Njeru Technical centre for an intensified training which will also give our players a good exposure of playing on an artificial turf. The players leave for Njeru on Sunday.

    We regret any inconveniences caused to our stakeholders but the changes are intended to ensure that the Hippos pick up good results from Maputo.