There are exactly 57 days to the long awaited Uganda Cranes versus Comoros AFCON 2017 group D qualifier at Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic believes the time left is not so much and preparations have started immediately.
“We do not have enough time to prepare for the game against Comoros. We only have 57 days left. We need to prepare the players well technically, tactically and physically” Micho told the media at the FUFA Weekly press conference held on Wednesday in Mengo, Kampala.
Uganda has 10 points in group D, same with Burkina Faso heading into the last game with Comoros at home.
Three points for Uganda on the day will see the Cranes qualify to the African Cup of Nations finals for the first time since Ghana 1978.
Burkina Faso shall be against Botswana in Ouagadougou on the same day.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Magogo says the local football institution is committed fully to meeting the registration guidelines set by the National council of Sports (NCS).
However FUFA is still disturbed by statements inclusive of deadlines being issued being made by NCS over the registration exercise.
While addressing the media at the Weekly press conference in Mengo at FUFA House on Wednesday, the FUFA President maintained that all documents were forwarded in 2014 to NCS.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at today’s weekly press conference in Mengo.
‘The only area causing issues is the registration under Trusteeship which contravenes with the FIFA Statutes. Let us not get excited about this process. We need to serve the public and not front personal interests ‘said Magogo
FUFA has already received a letter from FIFA dated 26th May, 2016 clearly stating that registration under the Trusteeship contravenes its Statutes.
Part of the letter reads ‘Based on the correspondence you provided us with and the information in our files, we inform you that we deem in accordance with our explanations in the correspondence sated 30th September 2013 that the incorporation of FUFA under Trustees Incorporation Acts seems to be in contravention of the FIFA statutes’
‘Equally, we would be grateful if you could keep us regularly updated on the evolution of discussions between the Government authorities and the FUFA in connection with the Trustees Incorporation Act.
Moreover, FIFA is ready to organize, if necessary, a mission in Uganda and to hold discussions with the relevant authorities about the issues at stake’
Magogo also revealed FUFA’s concern why the exercise is being
hurriedly done by NCS.
‘We are law abiding citizens but the position being sold by NCS that we don’t want to be controlled is incorrect. We need regulations that will benefit all sports federations. Deadlines will not help develop sports in the country. NCS needs to understand the concerns of FUFA and other Federations in this exercise’ said the FUFA President.
FUFA wrote to NCS on 4th May, 2016 but a response is yet to be received on four key points highlighted in the letter.
Key points in the FUFA letter to NCS;
• FUFA will register with the NCS under the new regulations
• Notified NCS that there is a clash in opinion by Government Legal
and FIFA Legal on the registration of FUFA under the Trustee
Incorporation Act
• Request for a Letter to recommend FUFA to the Ministry of Lands to
start the process of Trusteeship Incorporation
• FUFA requests for more time till October for the Constitution to be
amended to match the NCS regulations.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Eng. Moses Magogo has categorically thanked every individual whose efforts to help the national football team, the Cranes secure the crucial away victory against Botswana can not go unnoticed.
Eng. Magogo was addressing the media on Wednesday during the FUFA weekly press conference held at Mengo in Kampala.
Uganda Cranes has done well to pick two away wins in the same qualification campaign, something which has not been unusual.
I thank all the players, technical team, FUFA advance team to Zimbabwe and Botswana headed by the FUFA finance, Decolas Kizza.
Our technical team and players also did a commendable job.
The FUFA Executive and staff, my predecessor, Mr Lawrence Mulindwa
For all the fans who traveled from as far as Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Gaborone, i thank them in a special way.
Uganda Cranes defeated Botswana 2-1 at the Francistown sports complex.
William Luwagga Kizito, who plays in Portugal scored the opening goal on the day.
Gor Mahia midfielder, Aucho Khalid scored the other goal.
The FUFA President also hinted on preparations for the next game against Comoros that will be communicated later.
“We have started immediate preparations for the game against Comoros and the details will be released to the public as soon as possible. We are not into the mathematical lessons. We need maximum points in the next game” he added.
Uganda hosts Comoros in the last game of group D at Nelson Mandela National Stadium on 3rd September 2016.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has paid glowing tribute to the departed former Nigeria Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi,
Keshi, 55 died on the morning of Wednesday in Nigeria.
Addressing the media during the FUFA weekly press conference on Wednesday in Mengo, Kampala, FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo expressed plight by the news.
We have received news of the untimely death of Stephen Keshi. We are saddened by this sad news.
Keshi was a great coach who is among the few African born coaches won the African Cup of Nations tournament in 2013
At the same press conference attended by Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, the coach too, was saddened by the news.
The late Keshi was a my good personal friend.
He was a great coach who served the game to his best.
Keshi won the tournament both as a player and coach.
He also coached Togo and Mali, and his playing career included a spell for Belgian club side Anderlecht.
Onduparaka FC vs Entebbe – Green Light Stadium, Arua
Vipers vs KCCA FC – Buikwe Stadium
Final: 18th June, 2016 – Nakivubo Stadium
The first leg of the Uganda Cup semi finals gets underway on Wednesday, 8th June 2016.
Newly crowned 2015/16 Azam Uganda Premier league champions, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) football club hosts Vipers at Nakivubo Stadium.
Arua side, Onduparaka travels to the Bugong play ground of Entebbe to play Entebbe F.C in the other semi final.
Onduparaka are the tournament dark horses having eliminated Sports Club Villa Jogoo, who won the Uganda Cup last year after defeating KCCA 3-0 in a repeat of the finals at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
They also eliminated Soana 1-0 at the Green light stadium in the quarter finals courtesy of Muhammed Shaban’s goal.
The second leg of the semi finals shall be held on the 12th June 2016.
This year’s final will be hosted by Kampala region at Nakivubo Stadium.
A charity cause has been attached to this year’s Uganda cup with generous people in the communities humbly requested to donate clothes, shoes, sandals, bags and any other item that can be resourceful to the rest of the people.
Collection centers are at FUFA House, Entebbe Bugonga play ground, Buikwe, Green Light Stadium (Arua) and Nakivubo Stadium.
Over the years, the Uganda Cup final has rotated in the Northern, Western, Eastern and Kitara Regions.
The winner of the Uganda Cup earns a ticket to represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup.
Semi Final rules:
The Semi final round shall be played over two legs on home and away basis
The team at more goals at the end of the return leg shall be winner of the match.
If teams are tying by goals at the end of the return leg match, the away goals rule shall apply
If the return leg ends in a tie and the FIFA spot kicks shall be applied to determine the winner
Uganda Cup (formerly Kakungulu Cup) Winners since 1971:
FUFA Communications department has confirmed that FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Uganda Cranes Coach Milutin Sredojevic will address members of the media during the weekly press conference on Wednesday 8th June, 2016.
‘Both the FUFA President and Uganda Cranes coach fresh from Botswana with the National team have important communication to deliver on Wednesday’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
The press conference starts at 10 O’clock in the morning and will be held in the FUFA press conference room.
The victorious National football team-Uganda Cranes returned home early this morning from Botswana.
Except for Tony Mawejje who returned to his club in Iceland and Lorenzen Melvyn who never featured in the 2017 AFCON qualifier against Botswana, the rest of the team came back home.
The players and officials were received by a strong FUFA delegation led by 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, 2nd VP Darius Mugoye and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha (l) with his boss Eng. Moses Magogo on arrival back home from Botswana on Monday morning.
‘Let us plan for the remaining fixture. We shall not rest on our laurels. September is not far away. I am happy with the result’ Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic told fufa.co.ug on arrival at Entebbe Airport.
Formenr meets current: Once a Captain always a Captain. Former Uganda Cranes skipper now FUFA CEO Edgar Watson greets Geoffrey Massa
Cranes beat Botswana 2-1 to remain level on ten points with Burkina Faso in Group D with the final round of fixtures coming up in September.
Cranes will play bottom team Comoros at Nambole while Burkina Faso host Botswana.
MAIN PHOTO: Opening goal scorer Kizito Luwagga (Red) greeting FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye.
Sandra Nabweteme seems to be back to her best as she netted a hat-trick for defending champions Kawempe Muslim Secondary School Women FC against Muteesa Royals in the FUFA Women Elite match played at Kawempe sports ground. Nabweteme has now scored 20 goals in the league this season.
Kawempe won the match convincingly with a 5-0 score over their opponents on Sunday evening to move above Gafford Ladies in the Victoria group. Nabweteme opened the scores on nine minutes from a penalty spot before she added two more on 70 and 80 minutes.
Hasifa Nassuuna, another star player for the League champions got her name on the score sheet twice to take her tally to 16 this season. The deadly duo also netted in their team’s midweek 3-0 victory over Gadaffi Integrated.
Other matches played over the weekend;
Buikwe She Red Stars beat Eastern Heroes 1-0 with goal scored by Annet Nakimbugwe-Hasifah Nassuuna’s mother.
London College 2-0 Eastern Heroes. Asia Nakibuuka motivated by a financial pledge of 500,000/- (Five Hundred Thousand shillings) fulfilled by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo for her excellent show during the Mama Becca Cup netted one of the goals. Jeniffer Mirembe got the other for the home side.
Riness vs Devine and Wakiso Hill vs Devine were not played. (Devine never showed up.The League committee will await referee’s reports to take any decision).
Uganda Cranes is in the dreamland following a 2-1 away win over Botswana in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.
The result brightens Uganda’s chances of qualification.
The match played on Saturday evening saw Uganda Cranes take the lead as early as ten minutes into the fixture.
L-R Murushid Juuko (3), Ochaya Joseph (13) and Denis Iguma(12) taking care of the situation in defence for Uganda Cranes against Botswana. Iguma provided a sublime aerial ball to Aucho to score Uganda’s second goal.
Kizito Luwagga after controlling a well chipped pass from Tonny Mawejje, rounded off the advancing goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe to net the opener.
Presidential love and care to the players. FUFA boss with skipper Geoffrey Massa. Emma Okwi (7) and Hassan Wasswa also present.
His efforts though were cancelled out five minutes after the break when second half substitute, Onkabetse Makgantai.
Khalid Aucho who plays for Gor Mahia in the Kenyan top flight got Uganda back on track with another sublime finish after being fed by right back Denis Iguma.
Tony Mawejje supplied Luwagga with the killer pass for the opener.
L-R Leader of Delegation Denis Mbidde, Cranes coach Micho and FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo could not hide their excitement after the match which Uganda won 2-1 against Botswana.
Both Uganda Cranes goals were of sublime quality.
The win puts Uganda on top of Group D with ten points while Burkina Faso is on seven but play Comoros on Sunday.
Earlier in the day FUFA President Moses Magogo met a group of fans based in Botswana before he handed over Uganda Cranes replica jerseys to Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Botswana Dr. Sebastian Okello-Wengi
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo hands over jersey to Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Botswana Dr. Sebastian Okello-Wengi. On the extreme left is Decolas Kiiza who headed Uganda Cranes advance party.
Venue: Francistown Sports Complex in City of Francistown
Uganda Cranes arrived safely this morning in Francistown, ahead of Saturday’s 2017 AFCON Qualifier.
From Bulawayo where the Cranes flew in from Harare on Thursday-the players had a training session and spent a night at Rainbow Hotel. On Friday morning they embarked on a one and half hours journey by road to Francistown.
They were received at the Plumtree Border post at 9.30am local time (10.20am EAST) by Botswana Football Associations (BFA) Competitions Manager Stephen Maleta.
The team was then driven in the Botswana F.A bus from the boarder at Ramokgwebana upto the team hotel, Cresta Thapama. Final training session will be on Friday evening.
The Ugandan contingent now has 18 players whose Leader of Delegation is FUFA Vice President Denis Mbidde. FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo has also been with the team since Tuesday for moral support as the leader of football in the country.
AFCON 2017 Qualifier (Group D): Saturday, 4th June 2016
Botswana Zebras Vs Uganda Cranes
At Francistown Sports Complex
Kick-off: 4 p.m local time (5 p.m East African Standard Time)
There has been excitement and a very big boost in the Uganda Cranes’ camp on Thursday evening when midfielder Faruku Miya trained for the second time with the team in Zimbabwe ahead of the Botswana cracker.
Uganda Cranes held a body conditioning training session at Hartsfield stadium in Bulawayo for about 40 minutes after flying in from Harare aboard Air Zimbabwe.
“The players condition is promising and positive. I am happy that the players have responded well in training” head coach, Milutin Sredojevic said.
In Bulawayo, the team has been accomodated at Bulawayo Rain bow Hotel.
The team will depart Bulawayo for Plumtree town (a boarder town between Botswana and Zimbabwe) at 8 a.m in the morning before heading to Francistown.
A mandatory last training session will be held at the Francistown Sports complex later in the evening.
Full Team in Zimbabwe:
Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyanyo (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia)
Uganda has remained 72nd in the latest Coca Cola FIFA World rankings and 16th in Africa released on Thursday morning. Uganda total points amassed in the month of May is at 500 with Argentina keeping top position.
Uganda is also the best ranked country in the CECAFA region. Algeria takes top honours in Africa and lie 32nd in the world.
Uganda’s opponents Botswana in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers this Saturday are ranked 84th in the world. Burkina Faso is 73rd Comoros 162nd.
Meanwhile Uganda Cranes arrived safely in Bulawayo where they will hold a training session later today before traveling tomorrow by Road to Francistown ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash with Botswana.
FUFA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activity; Collection of clothes and other items
Collection centres;
FUFA House in Mengo
Baba Fm in Jinja
1st Leg semifinals; 8th June, 2016 Nakivubo-KCCA FC vs Vipers, In Entebbe-Bugonga grounds; Entebbe FC vs Onduparaka
2nd leg semifinals; 12th June 2016 Buikwe Vipers vs KCCA FC, Green Light play ground Onduparaka vs Entebbe FC
Uganda Cup final at Nakivubo on 18th June, 2016
FUFA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity aimed at making communities happy through football has gained support from a top minister in the Busoga Kingdom.
Hon Joan Machora who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Busoga Kingdom made a personal donation of 500 pieces of cloths to FUFA through 87.7 Baba FM in Bugembe who are partners of this noble cause attached to this year’s Uganda Cup.
The beneficiaries Missionaries of the Poor will be handed the items a week after the Uganda cup final together with the players of the winning team.
‘I know very many people are having clothes in their houses but we need to learn the culture of giving and helping the needy. I call upon all people from Busoga to respond well to this cause. Let’s learn to give and through this practice God will even reward you more. Very many people need our helping hand to make their lives better so let us do it if we can’ said Hon. Machora.
She also thanked FUFA and Baba fm 87.7 for coming up with such a brilliant idea.
Baba FM’s Nicholas Kalanzi received the donation from Busoga Kingdom Foreign Affairs Minister Joan Machora
Nicholas Kalanzi a senior sports presenter on Baba FM received the items on behalf of the radio which will be handed over to FUFA.
During the launch of the 2015/2016 Uganda cup FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein said;
‘We shall attach a CSR activity by collecting clothes and other items that we shall give back to a selected charity organisation within the region that hosts the Uganda cup final. FUFA has also asked its 32 Members to join the cause’
FUFA Competitions Director Ali Mwebe also delivered his donations. Secretariat staff are also being encouraged to support communities.
On Baba FM’s kind support and involvement, Hussein said; ‘Sports needs generous people to move forward. We know how sports can make people happy and even change their lives. We thank Baba FM for being part of this cause’
FUFA partnered with Baba fm to help in the cause and also act as a collection centre in Eastern Uganda.
Kawempe’s deadliest trio Sandra Nabweteme, Hasifah Nassuuna and Namuddu Viola were all on target as the defending champions defeated rivals Gaddafi Integrated in the FUFA Women Elite match played in Kanyanya on Wednesday afternoon.
The other league match played today saw last season’s runners up Buikwe She Red Stars also picked up a 3-0 win over Riness in Buikwe. Nkimbugwe Annet, Nampijja Hadijah and Babirye Winnie netted the goals for Buikwe.
AFCON 2017 Qualifier (Group D): Saturday 4th June 2016
Botswana Vs Uganda – Francistown
Time: 5pm EAT (4pm in Botswana)
Miya Faruku
On disembarking off the flight from Addis to Harare on Monday afternoon, Miya Faruku felt severe dizziness and had to seek medical attention from the Uganda Cranes team doctors on whose recommendation further medical examination was sought in Zimbabwe.
The player was discharged after undergoing a series of tests but was able to train later with the rest of the team on Monday evening in Harare.
On examination of results from the tests carried out, there has been nothing strange found but the concern is what could have caused the sudden severe dizziness that the player experienced. Nothing has been established yet.
However the doctors have recommended that until the cause and probably remedy of the dizziness is established, the player remains rested from strenuous exercises as a preventive measure.
The player is currently in very good shape as further examinations are being carried out to conclude the case.
Until his case is concluded by the doctors the player will remain rested.
We are optimistic that the player will get a green light to be available for selection on Saturday against Botswana but in case he does not, we value life ahead of the interests of the team and there are other players on the team that will ably fill his gap for the accomplishment of our mission.
Melvyn Lorenzen
German based player, Melvyn Lorenzen will not be available for selection on Saturday in the game against Botswana.
Whereas the coaches have found the player a very good addition technically to the team after the training and trial match against Zimbabwe, the player has appreciated the reception and co-operation he has received from his teammates.
However he has asked to be given more time to take the decision to play for the Uganda Cranes and the decision time will well be after the match against Botswana.
‘I am honoured to have been received and accepted by the players, coaches, officials and the love extended by the fans and the opportunity to play for my nation of descent.
I am aware of the team’s objectives but in order to help me take such a big decision, I definitely need more time to reflect and take the big decision. So far I am extremely impressed’ said Melvyn
FUFA fully respects the procedure desired by Melvyn in order to represent Uganda and has granted him his wish optimistic that at a later date he will be available for selection to the Uganda Cranes.
‘We shall definitely miss the extra impetus he would bring to the team as was seen in the friendly match against Zimbabwe but for now we shall concentrate on the able players we have in the team to accomplish our mission’ said Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin Sredojevic.
Whereas the paper requires an authorization of the Germany government to obtain dual citizenship that had not yet been received, it is not the reason why Melvyn will not be available for selection as this was always going to be overcome in time but his desire to take more time for the big decision.
On this note, FUFA wishes to thank the Government of Uganda particularly the entire Immigration personnel but more importantly Hon Mike Mukula and Hon Erasu who facilitated the expedition of the process of getting the dual citizenship and consequently the Ugandan Passport. Everybody acted in the spirit of our Nation
A female participant Faith Nahurira from Kanungu has enrolled for her first FUFA coaching badge in Mbarara. FUFA together with the Western Region Football Association have undertaken the initiative to kick start the beginners’ coaching course in this part of the country.
FUFA Instructor Jackson Nyiima is conducting the five day course that started on Monday and ends on Friday at Global High School in Mbarara.
Who is Nahurira?
Nahurira hails from a remote area called Kambuga in Kanungu district but has football club called Unique Girls found in Ingime village Kabale.
She has already tested the beauty of being a champion as a ‘coach’. With Unique Girls FC, she let the club to a glorious moment when they won the Professor Nuwagaba Augustus Football tournament just before the National General elections were held early this year.
‘I am happy that FUFA has organised this course for us. Our region has also done a good job to bring this course much closer to people like me’ says Nahurira.
Nahurira is the only female participant in a class of 76.
Nahurira with the ball during the practical sessions in Mbarara.
A centre back during her playing days at Kabale University, the Diploma holder in Records Management has big dreams in football.
‘I want to be a coach or referee but this course will help me take a good decision in the near future’ added Nahurira.
She travels twice a week on Mondays and Saturdays from her village in Kambuga, Kanungu to Kabale. That journey covers aboout a combined figure of 200Kms to and fro on the mentioned days.
Aged 24, Nahurira has high hopes in football but is crying out for support.
‘I lack training equipment for myself and even the girls’ team in Kabale’ voiced Nahurira.
Nahurira attentively listens during theory sessions attended by other budding coaches
She adds that; ‘My tactics will definitely change at the end of this course. There will be a different approach to our game plan’ boasted Nahurira while talking to www.fifa.co.ug
Nyiima is full of praise about the female coach.
‘She is very eager to learn. This course will help her alot in how she approaches tactical matters on and off the pitch’
He adds that;
‘I am impressed with the turn up. This is wonderful for the development of the game in the Western region’ says Nyiima who is also the FUFA Education officer
Jackson Nyiima in control of his class
The course has attracted participants from the districts of Ibanda, Mbarara, Kanungu, Kisoro, Sheema, Kabale, Bushenyi and Rukungiri.
The course will climax with examinations and whoever passes qualifies for the FUFA Beginners’ Coaching Certificate.
The course was officially opened by Western Region Football Association Executive member Moses Kajubi who hailed FUFA for supporting football in the region.
Participants in a group photo
Levels of coaching in Uganda that lead to certification by either FUFA or CAF
Beginners’ Course, FUFA Level I, CAF C, CAF B, CAF A and CAF Pro
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango was on Monday night rewarded for his diligence in the goal posts as the goal keeper of the season in the South African Premier League.
Onyango, who features for Mamelodi Sundowns beat Moeneeb Josephs (Bidvest Wits) and Shu-aib Walters (MP Black Aces) to the accolade that also comes forth with 50,000 Rands as awards money.
His club teammates Thabo Nthethe and Khama Billiat also won big.
Nthethe won the win the Absa Premiership Defender while Billiat took home two awards midfielder of the season and overall best player of the year Awards.
Onyango is expected to join the Uganda Cranes teammates in Zimbabwe on Tuesday by noon with South African Airlines.
Team manager, Chrispus Muyinda told www.fufa.co.ug that Onyango and Mawejje also arrive at the same time and he will be at the Harare International Airport to recieve them.
“Mawejje comes in first at around 10 a.m with Kenya Airlines and Onyango will follow an hour later with South African Airlines. I will be at the Airport to welcome them” Muyinda stressed.
Meanwhile, the Cranes players had an acclimatization training at the astro turf of Rufaro Stadium on Monday late evening.
Uganda plays Zimbabwe on Tuesday evening at Rufaro Stadium in Harare City.
