TOTAL CHAN KENYA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018: 1ST ROUND, Return Leg: Uganda Cranes Vs South Sudan
Saturday, 22nd July 2017
At the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo – Kampala
The Uganda Cranes team on Sunday afternoon returned to training at the Star Times stadium in Lugogo.
This was a day after their successful return from South Sudan where they drew goal-less during the opening leg of the Total CHAN first round qualifier played at the Juba stadium on Friday evening.
All the players who played in the first match reported for the training session that lasted for 2 hours.
Those who stayed backed like goalkeeper Tom Ikara, Moses Waiswa, Simon Sserunkuma and Nicholas Kasozi also joined the training session.
Uganda Cranes training at Lugogo on Sunday evening
Team captain Geofrey Sserunkuma promised a better display during the return leg having missed many goal scoring opportunities away on Friday.
“We missed a lot of chances in the first leg. We are focused to better our efforts in the return leg and qualify” Sserunkuma said.
Uganda Cranes go through the paces at the Star Times stadium, Lugogo
The return leg will be played on Saturday, 22nd July 2017 at the Star Times stadium, Lugogo.
On Monday, the training resumes at the same venue starting at 4 p.m.
Players who took part in the training session on Sunday:
Goalkeepers: Ismael Watenga, Ken Saidi , Tom Ikara
Outfield players: Nico Wakiro Wadada, Paul Musamali, Brian Majwega), Savio Kabugo, Timothy Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Milton Karisa, Tom Masiko, Muzamir Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, Geofrey Sserunkuma (Captain), Derrick Nsibambi, Isaac Muleme, John Adriko, Deus Bukenya, Moses Waiswa, Nicholas Kasozi and Shafiq Kagimu
The first ever goalkeeping clinic in Uganda was held on Sunday at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo .
The FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa officially opened the clinic and told participants that FUFA also caters for specialized training sessions like goalkeeping.
‘FUFA has an initiative for capacity building with specialised training like the goalkeeping department which was started early with a goalkeeping course which was held at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru’ Said Lubowa
Lubowa informed the patrticipants that FUFA also sent Sadiq Wassa to a CAF goalkeepers instructors course.
The clinic was attended by both active and retired goalkeepers who are now coaches.
Dennis Onyango shares tips at the Star Times stadium, Lugogo with fellow goalkeepers and goalkeeping coaches
Twenty seven participants took part in the one day session under the instructorship of newly graduated CAF goalkeeping instructor Sadiq
Wassa with the help of David Kiwanuka, Sam Kawalya and Stephen Billy Kiguddu with special instructor being Uganda Cranes Captain and first choice goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango .
Onyango tasked the goalkeeper s and coaches to cope up with the trend of goalkeeping.
“Goalkeeping is no longer about diving only ,coaches and players should keep up dated on the modern tactics and get to know the reasons why prominent goalkeepers perform well and keep on form for a a long period of time” Said Onyango
Some of the attendants at the FUFA goalkeeping clinic
He added by asking coaches and players to keep a good relationship with players not forgetting discipline as a key to the success .
The Uganda Cranes team returned home safely from South Sudan on Saturday evening.
The delegation of 18 players and 6 officials touched down at Entebbe International Airport by 2:30 p.m.
They were straight away driven to Kampala by the FUFA bus.
Uganda Cranes drew goalless with South Sudan in a game the visitors created many goal scoring opportunities.
Head coach Milutin Sredojevic remains optimistic that the return leg will be played gallantly and won at the Star Times stadium, Lugogo in Kampala.
“We had an fair game away only that we failed to score. The positive is that we managed to create as many goal scoring opportunities as possible. We missed so many chances including a penalty, had a goal disallowed and we shall polish on the weaknesses in the remaining days” Micho told the media.
Uganda Cranes players and officials on return at Entebbe International Airport Arrivals lounge
Training resumes Sunday afternoon (3 p.m) at the Star Times stadium, Lugogo in Kampala.
The return leg will be played at the same venue on 22nd July 2017.
Uganda Cranes and team captain Dennis Onyango were named the 2016 team of the year and best sports personality respectively by the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) at a glamorous awards and dinner ceremony held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Friday night.
Onyango, who had earlier received his award for the best footballer of the year, beat athlete David Emong and rugby player Phillip Wokorach to the top gong.
Uganda Cranes’ return to the AFCON finals after 39 years and the splendid form in the year, 2016 were the reasons fronted for the top team award.
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo was accompanied by a strong team that also had the 3rd VP Dennis Mbidde, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Edgar Watson, Deputy CEO Humphrey Mandu, FUFA marketing director Esther Musoke, Communications director Ahmed Hussein, personal assistant to the office of the president Sumaya Kiwanuka.
The Guest of honor at the ‘Made of Uganda’ theme night was the first son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba hands over the accolade to goalkeeper Dennis Onyango
General Kainerugaba lauded the national team and Onyango for maintaining the status quo.
“Our return to the Africa Cup of Nations after like 38 years was a result of unquestionable commitment and hard work. I urge you to maintain” Kainerugaba stated.
In acknowledgement speech, Onyango hinted on the plat form presented to him by Uganda Cranes and his club Mamelodi Sundowns to play football in good and trying moments.
He sent a big token of appreciation to all his friends and family who have also uplifted him in low moments.
“I have not won these awards alone. I thank the Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns for the opportunity presented to me. In a special way, i thank my friends and family who have always stood by me in good and bad moments” he said in a brief speech.
Onyango was accompanied by fellow Uganda Cranes teammate and vice captain of the team, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda alongside retired Ex-international, Simeon Masaba.
Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango receives his footballer of the year accolade
The event was also graced by leaders from the other sports federations and associations, National Council of Sports and sponsors’ representatives.
Other sporting disciplines were also rewarded with beautiful accolades.
FUFA partners Nile Breweries Limited under the flagship brand, Nile Special were the event main sponsors at the 500 guest list event.
The FUFA 1st Vice President and FIFA Instructor Justus Mugisha officially closed the five day Football and Management course which has been ongoing at FUFA House, Mengo.
Thirty three participants registered for the course with thirty two receiving certificates and confirmed as practicing CEO’s in Uganda and
the whole of Africa.
Mugisha remarked that the courses are part of the initiative to transform the game of football in the country.
“The FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo started the initiative of transforming the game of football and this can be done through courses like this CEO’s Course” said Mugisha.
He added by asking participants to act as ambassadors and corporate with those who haven’t yet attended the course by enticing them to attend the courses and also appreciate the value of the course because it has been costly for the federation, clubs and the participants themselves.
CAF Instructor Mpiima who represented the facilitators requested the CEO’s to put into practice what they have learnt rather than bragging that they attended the CEO’s course.
“I call upon you to put into practice what you have learnt because it is very dangerous to sit on the knowledge you have acquired” Said Mpiima.
Josephine Namukisa receives her certificate
Josephine Namukisa the acting KCCA FC CEO was the only woman participant.
She admitted that it has been such a great opportunity for her and the fellow participants to acquire knowledge which will help them transform the game of football in Uganda.
Among the facilitators were FUFA President and CAF Instructor Moses Magogo, 1st VP Justus Mugisha , Sam Mpiima, CEO Edgar Watson, Chairman UFRA Ronnie Kalema , Finance Director Decolas Kiiza, Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein, Competitions Manager Ali Mwebe and Marketing Director Esther Musoke.
List of Participants
George Mukola Otim (Ntinda United), Geoffrey Namwongera (Bumate United), Paul Mukatabala- UFPA, Mark Atine Ayo (Lira United), Vincent Luwaga (Heritage International School), Josephine Namukisa (KCCA FC), Geoffrey Onyango (Water FC), Sulaiman Juuko Walugembe (BBS Terefayina), Nasur Nandala (Kataka FC), Latif Mafuko (Kataka FC), Ronald Mindra- West Nile Region FA, Musa Bran (Vura FC), Isaac Okipimo (Nsambya Sports Club), Joseph Senyonga (Express FC), David Kikabi-Kyetume FC, Rogers Kaggwa Lubega (Jordan International), Sam Komakech- (Paidha Black Angels), Sunday Jalar (Paidha Black Angels), Erias Kayondo, Anthony Afeti-Onduparaka, Marvin Juuko-UPDF, Hamzah Junju, Vally Mugwanya – SC Villa Jogoo, Clive Kyazze- KCCA FC, Edmond Kintu (UPDF), Moses Otim (Bright light FC), Vincent Kayonga Luganda (Kansaga United), Fred Mugaru (Mbarara City), Erias Kayondo (Swift Sports)
TOTAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF AFRICAN NATIONS QUALIFIERS (1ST ROUND, 1ST LEG):
South Sudan 0-0 Uganda Cranes
Uganda Cranes drew goal-less with the South Sudan Bright Stars in the first round of the Total CHAN 2018 qualifier at the Juba stadium in Juba city on Friday evening.
The Cranes attacked in numbers throughout the game but were unlucky to return home without a goal.
Team captain Geofrey Sserunkuma missed a second half kick from the penalty mark effort.
The two countries’ captains shortly before kick off at the Juba stadium on FridayA section of patriotic Uganda Cranes fans. They cheered on the team from start to finish
The match was broadcast live on 102.1 FUFA f.m (by Lawrence Bwanika).
The return leg will be played on 22nd July 2017 at the Star Times Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala.
Uganda Cranes players applaud the fans shortly before the official warm up session
The successful winner on aggregate will face either Tanzania or Rwanda at the second round.
How Uganda Cranes team featured:
Ismael Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Paul Musamali (62′ Brian Majwega), Savio Kabugo, Timothy Dennis Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Milton Karisa (52′ Tom Masiko), Muzamir Mutyaba (81′ Paul Mucureezi), Geofrey Sserunkuma (Captain), Derrick Nsibambi, Isaac Muleme
Subs Not Used: Ken Saidi, John Adriko, Deus Bukenya and Shafiq Kagimu
FUFA’s plans to improve on the level of goalkeepers’ tactics is taking a clearer path with a special clinic set to be held this Sunday 16th July at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.
The goalkeeping clinic will start at 9am and run till 1pm.
The inaugural session is for the goalkeeper players and coaches featuring in the Azam Uganda Premier League and the FUFA Big League.
In a communication signed by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, part of the letter to the clubs reads;
Following the accomplishment of CAF Goalkeeper Instructors Course by Sadiq Wassa in Cameroon from 8th – 10th May 2017, FUFA has introduced a special programme in which the coach will conduct Goalkeeping clinics with club’s Goal keeper trainers and Club Goalkeepers (players) on selected days. During these sessions the panel of trainers will critically study Goal keeping levels and challenges with the aim of providing better solutions’
‘Sam Kawalya, Bale David and Kiwanuka Daniel will be the other trainers’
The FUFA CEO added that;
‘There is hope for a positive response as we all know that game results are largely determined by the Goalkeepers’ quality which FUFA and the panel of trainers intend to address;
Coaching profile: Sam Kawalya (Express FC, Wassa (Uganda U-23 National team and URA FC), Kiwanuka Daniel (KCCA FC and Uganda National U-20 team)
Each participant will be required to make a contribution of 5,000/- for the session.
MAIN PHOTO: National U-23 and URA FC goalkeeping coach Sadiq Wassa sharing a moment with Hatem Sausa, a FIFA instructor from Tunisia.
TOTAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF AFRICAN NATIONS QUALIFIERS (1ST ROUND, 1ST LEG):
14th July 2017 at Juba Stadium, Juba.
South Sudan Vs Uganda (Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m)
A 24 man delegation for Uganda Cranes left Entebbe International Airport on Thursday morning ahead of the Total CHAN first round qualifier against South Sudan in Juba city.
FUFA Executive Committee member, Chris Kalibala led the delegation that has 18 players and 6 officials.
FUFA Executive Committee member, Chris Kalibala at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday morning. Kalibala is the Leader of Delegation to South Sudan
Team captain Geofrey Sserunkuma promised a spirited showing away from home.
“Having trained as a team for sometime, i am confident we shall play collectively and registered a positive victory” Sserunkuma told www.fufa.co.ug.
Geofrey Sserunkuma is the team captain
The match will be broadcast live on 102.1 FUFA f.m.
The Squad of 18 players to South Sudan
Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga, Ken Saidi
Defenders: Wadada Nico Wakiro, Timothy Awanyi, Muwanga Bernard, Kabugo Savio, Musamali Paul and Adiriko John
Midfielders: Deus Bukenya, Muzamil Mutyaba, Tom Masiko, Muleme Isaac, Majwega Brian, Kagimu Shafiq
Strikers: Geofrey Serunkuma, Paul Mucurezi, Derrick Nsibambi, Kariisa Milton
Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named the final squad to travel to South Sudan on Thursday morning at 11 O’clock. Uganda and South Sudan will face off in Juba on Friday evening with the retrun leg set for 22nd July at the Star Times Stadium in Lugogo.
The traditional football handshake by all players and officials just before training.
Wadada Nico and Bernard Muwanga showing their defensive mantle during training
The players will camp at the Africa Bible Univeristy in Lubowa tonight then fly out tomorrow.
The Squad of 18 players to South Sudan
Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga, Ken Saidi
Defenders: Wadada Nico Wakiro, Timothy Awanyi, Muwanga Bernard, Kabugo Savio, Musamali Paul and Adiriko John
Midfielders: Deus Bukenya, Muzamil Mutyaba, Tom Masiko, Muleme Isaac, Majwega Brian, Kagimu Shafiq
Micho shows his players on what to do during trainingSouth Sudan will face an array of young but talented Uganda Cranes players who are seen in this picture enjoying their training at Namboole.Deus Bukenya with the ball. He was the boss during this particular ball work as the rest of the players were monitoring his next move
MAIN PHOTO: Muzamil Mutyaba shows his skills during training on Thursday at Mandela National Stadium
Stakeholders from African Beach Soccer stronghold nations inclusive of the reigning Continental Champions Senegal have submitted a concept to CAF Chairman Futsal and Beach Committee on the development of the game.
The concept captures details the assessment of the current status and proposed ideas with the main focus on the development of the game.
Receiving the concept on Tuesday afternoon at FUFA House Mengo, Eng. Moses Magogo commended the concerted efforts from stakeholders for coming up with the ideas aimed at taking the sport to another level.
‘I assure the stakeholders that this document will be internalised before it is forwarded to the CAF Executive Committee due in Morocco’ said Magogo who is also the FUFA President and CAF Executive Committee Member.
The collection of ideas in the concept is for stakeholders from Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.
Beach Soccer is on the rise in Uganda and entire African continent
‘I was assigned the responsibility of compiling the concept and handing it over to CAF through the Chairman Beach Soccer and Futsal Committee Eng. Moses Magogo because of the proximity to him. Uganda’s success story with the steps taken in the game also enhanced my duties on the concept’ said Mutabazi
Mutabazi further added that the concept comprises of several aspects on developing the game under limited resources, the simple qualification format and requisition on provision of facilities to the active federations.
The Concept was presented to the CAF Chairman Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee by Uganda Beach Soccer Chairman Deo Mutabazi and Ali Mwebe-CAF Beach soccer Referees Instructor.
The brains behind the concept
Ali Mwebe-Uganda Deo Mutabazi-Uganda Olajide Taye-Nigeria Yaw Ampofo Ankrah- Ghana Mbahia Yves-Ivory Coast Jelili Ogunmuyiwa-Nigeria Ntomozo Bhengu-South Africa Ibrahima Ndiaye Chita- Senegal George Darko-Ghana Ahmed Iddi Mgoyi-Tanzania Ronny Oyando-Kenya Sunday Okayi-Nigeria Ms Fericite Rwemarika-Rwanda
MAIN PHOTO: Deo Mutabazi Chairman Uganda Beach Soccer Association handing over the document to CAF Chairman Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee. Ali Mwebe- CAF Beach Soccer Referees Instructor and head of technical in Uganda Beach Soccer Association is on the right.
On Tuesday, the Uganda Cranes players conducted the second day of non residential training at Mandela National Stadium,Namboole.
Twenty five players attended the evening training session in company of Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Khalid Aucho who are still on the break from their clubs.
All players looked fresh and responded well to the training eager to encounter South Sudan on Friday.
Assistant team captain Bernard Muwaga told www.fufa.co.ug that himself and the entire players are set for the encounter and too eager to eliminate South Sudan thus get to the next level with the ambition of qualifying for CHAN 2018.
“As an individual I am set for the encounter which is the same case to my fellow players just waiting for the Friday to eliminate South Sudan and advance to the next level of the campaign “ Said Muwanga
After Wednesday’s evening training session, team will camp at the Africa Bible University, Lubowa where they will leave to fly to Juba on Thursday.
Players who attended training:
Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga, Tom Ikara and Ken Saidi.
Defenders: Wadada Nico Wakiro, Timothy Awanyi, Muwanga Bernard, Kabugo Savio, Toha Rashid, Musamali Paul and Adriko John.
Midfielders: Deus Bukenya, Nicholas Kasozi, Muzamil Mutyaba, Tom Masiko, Simon Serunkuma, Paul Mucureezi, Muleme Isaac, Kizza Martin, Majwega Brian and Kagimu Shafiq.
Strikers: Geofrey Serunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi, Nelson Sekantuka, Shaban Muhammad and Kariisa Milton.
AUPL-21 goals (Top scorer) playing for KCCA FC (Champions)
CAF Club Competitions- 5 goals
Uganda Cup-4 goals
National Team- 1 goal
FUFA Super Cup- 1 goal
He is a reserved player both on and off the pitch. You will hardly hear a word from him even when he scores a goal for his club.
His trademark goal celebrations in the past decade have seen him spreading his hands at his former clubs and the latest style at KCCA FC with his right hand over his head.
The magnificent goal poacher has been handed an armband to captain the Uganda Cranes team vying for a position in the 2018 Total Championship of African Nations (CHAN) to be hosted by neighboring Kenya.
Sserunkuma welcomed the new role handed to him by Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic. He will be deputized by two players Nico Wadada (Vipers SC) and Bernard Muwanga (Sc Villa Jogoo) who are much junior to him in many aspects like age, caps and experience amassed at international level.
Wadada played his first senior game for Cranes against Comoros in 2016 while Muwanga made his debut during the 2015 CEACAF Senior Challenge cup in Ethiopia.
‘I welcome the role given to me by the coach, his technical team and FUFA. I thank God for this because I have been at the team where younger players came and wore the armband. It is my time now to lead the team but the coach knows why he selected’ said Sserunkuma
‘I will show my excitement on the pitch by scoring more goals for my country’
While speaking to www.fufa.co.ug on the selection of Sserunkuma, the head coach said that the KCCA FC Striker deserves respect from everyone because of his performance and discipline. His maturity, superiority and ability to lead others gave him an edge over the rest of the players in the team.
‘Sserunkuma is like old wine which gets better by age. He has had a superb season scoring more than thirty goals. I have chosen him as the captain because young players can learn from him and can also act as the coach’s extended arm in the field of play’ added the historic Micho who led Uganda Cranes to their first ever Nations cup appearance in 39 years.
The tested and proven goal poacher has scored vital goals for both his club and Country, not forgetting the solitary strike against Cape Verde in Praia and the CAF Champions league against Premeiro Du Agosto of Angola, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Rivers United of Nigeria and also Al Masry of Egypt.
‘I have no plans of retiring from active football. I will continue playing until my body gets worn out’ said Sserunkuma who scored 32 goals for his club last season.
‘I always make use of my free time to keep fit and relax. Discipline is also key in modern football circles’ added Serunkuma who was named the MVP at his club last season.
The fruitful forward has featured for several clubs in Uganda; Horizon FC, Police FC, Nalubaale FC, Lweza FC and currently with KCCA FC while across borders he has played for St George of Ethiopia Bloemfontein Celtics, Bidvest Wits and Vasco Da Gama all South African clubs.
With 32 goals written to his name this season, the proven finisher seems still hungry for more playing time on the pitch until the body demands no more.
Preparations for the Total Africa Nations (CHAN) qualifiers campaign kicked off on a high note with all players summoned reporting on the opening day of non residential training at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Twenty five players were part of the evening two hours training session under the watchful eye of Serbian coach Sredojevic ‘Micho’ Milutin assisted by Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba the Goalkeeping coach.
Nico Wadada dribbles towards Martin Kiiza
The coach applauded the responses of the players during first training session after various engagements from the CAF Confederation Cup by the KCCA players and the Western regional tour.
“I am satisfied by the way players are conducting themselves because it is not easy to come from such a tight competitive season but I need to appreciate them for the hard work commitment and dedication exhibited during today’s session” said Micho.
Team resumes training on Tuesday evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Players who attended training
Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga, Tom Ikara and Ken Saidi.
Defenders: Wadada Nico Wakiro, Timothy Awanyi, Muwanga Bernard, Kabugo Savio, Toha Rashid, Musamali Paul and Adriko John.
Midfielders: Deus Bukenya, Nicholas Kasozi, Muzamil Mutyaba, Tom Masiko, Simon Serunkuma, Paul Mucureezi, Muleme Isaac, Kizza Martin, Majwega Brian and Kagimu Shafiq.
Strikers: Geofrey Serunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi, Nelson Sekantuka, Shaban Muhammad and Kariisa Milton.
Twenty eight officials from Azam Uganda Premier League and Big league clubs are attending the five day course to run from 10th -14th July 2017.
While opening the course on Monday morning, the FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza who stood in for CEO Edgar Watson advised the participants to take the course seriously because it is part of the club licensing regulations.
“The cardinal principal of this course is to comply with the regulations which require every club to have FUFA trained and approved CEO” Said Kiiza
FUFA Finance Director (Standing) at the Opening Ceremony of the Club Management course. On the Left is Ivan Kintu Bayige and Ali MWebe.
He added that there is need to empower administrators so as to cope with the modern football trends world over.
A number of facilitators will present at the Course include FIFA Instructors (FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, 1st VP Justus Mugisha) , Executive Committee Member Sam Mpiima, CEO Edgar Watson, Finance Director Decolas Kiiza, Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein, Marketing Manager Esther Musoke and the Competitions Manager Ali Mwebe.
Former Uganda Cranes player PAul Mukatabla (L) and KCCA FC Media Manager Clive Kyazze are also attending the course.
Participants: Mukola George Otim- Ntinda United , Geofrey Namwongera –Bumate United, Paul Mukatabala- UFPA, Mark Atine Ayo- Lira United , Vicent Luwaga- Herritage Int Sch, Josephine Namukisa –KCCA FC, Onyango Geofrey- Water FC, Sulaiman Juuko-BBS Terefayina, Nasur Nandala- Kataka FC, Rauf Mafuko-Kataka FC, Ronald Mindra- WNRFA, Musa Bran-Vura FC, Isaac Okipimo-Nsambya SC, Joseph Senyonga-Express FC, David Kikabi-Kyetume FC, Rogers Kaggwa Lubega- Jordan International, Sam Kumakech- PBA, Sunday Jalar- PBA, Erias Kayondo, Athony Afeti-Onduparaka, Marvin Juuko-UPDF, Hamzah Junju, Vally Mugwanya – SC Villa Jogoo, Clive Kyazze- KCCA FC, Edmond Kintu –Saints /UPDF, Moses Otim- Bright light FC, Vicent Kayonga Luganda- Kansaga United, Fred Mugaru-Mbarara City.
MAIN PHOTO: Participants of the ongoing course at FUFA House.
FUFA has allowed The Saints FC to acquire a new name.
Here is part of the communication from the office of the Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson that was addressed to The Saints FC CEO Isaac Jurugo.
‘Following your club’s official request and related letters on the matter submitted seeking to change the current club name “The Saints FC” to UPDF FC;
The 14th FUFA Executive Committee meeting after verification of grounds for the request and related regulations, has granted your club permission to change the name to “UPDF FC”
You are therefore requested to link up with the FUFA Secretariat to submit documents that will enable your club to register for Competitions and update its FUFA Membership under the new name’
The Saints FC is one of the 16 teams in the Azam Uganda Premier League.
The Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has confirmed that KCCA FC leading striker Geoffrey Serunkuma will be captain of the National team to feature in the 2018 Total Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.
Serunkuma will be deputized by defenders Nico Wadada of Vipers SC and Sc Villa Jogoo’s Bernard Muwanga.
Uganda Cranes coach Micho has released a 25 man sqaud to resume training today for the CHAN qualifier against South Sudan.
Micho has also released the squad of 25 players to resume training at Mandela National stadium today ahead of the qualifier against South Sudan on this Friday in Juba.
Western region football Association select team defeated the Uganda Cranes locally based side 1-0 during the national regional tour match played at the Kabale Municipal stadium on Saturday.
Bashir Babu’s well taken penalty is all the home side needed in the 57th minute of the well attended game.
Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt.Hon Ruhakana Rugunda was Chief Guest amongst the hundreds of guests and fans at the stadium.
Before the game, Rugunda praised FUFA and the Uganda Cranes in particular for qualifying to the AFCON again after over 39 years.
‘I want to thank the players, FUFA and Coach Micho for the great work of seeing the national team qualify to the Africa Cup of Nations again after so many years’ Rugunda stated.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda greets head coach Micho as assistant coach Moses Basena patiently waits for his turn2 vs 3: Erisa Sekisambu and Wadada being monitored by 3 Western region Team players
Head coach for the national side, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic used the opportunity to test the different players that could be used in the upcoming 2018 CHAN qualifiers.
With the exception of defender Savio Kabugo as well as the two goalkeepers Tom Ikara and Saidi Keni, all the players were engaged in the match.
There were signs of progression with a number of goal scoring chances created.
Nelson Senkatuka, Milton Karisa, Erisa Ssekisambu, Julius Malingumu and Tom Masiko all portrayed the urge to find the back of the net which will be polished in the coming days ahead of the away CHAN 2018 qualifier to South Sudan in Juba.
Uganda Cranes team that played in the first halfWesrern region Team that beat Uganda Cranes 1-0 in Kabale.
The game was a perfect preparatory mechanism for the national team ahead of the CHAN 2018 qualification journey.
FUFA Marketing team led by the Marketing Director, Esther Musoke perfectly liaised with the Western Region Football Association, local football leaders, security agencies and the sponsors of the regional tours (Airtel Uganda and Nile Breweries Limited) to prepare both teams, brand the stadium, ensure peace, order as well as tranquility in the match organization prior to, during and after the game.
The team captains with the match refereesShe came. Saw Cranes in action with her baby.
Passionate fans blow the vuvuzelas during the game
This was Uganda Cranes’ third loss on the national tours since 2016.
The other two losses came at the hands of West Nile in Arua (2016) and lately in Paidha (2017) at the Betway Green Light and Bar Okoro -Zombo stadia respectively.
Rt. Hon Ruhakana Rugunda smiles with the other guests during the match at Kabale Municipal stadium
Nile Breweries and Airtel Uganda Limited are joint sponsors of the national regional tours.
Western Uganda Regional Football Association hosted the match.
There was a special moment of silence before the game in memory of the fallen football administrators John Ssebaana Kizito (former FUFA Chairman) and Former Treasurer Michael Okiror.
Both veteran football administrators passed away on Monday this week.
Team Line ups:
Western Region Select XI: Sula Matovu (G.K), Zaid Byekwaso, Umar Kato, Bashir Babu, Johnson Turinawe (89′ Michael Baseme), Cleophus Fiat, Nasir Saddam (77′ Michael Muhangi), Yusuf Abato (86′ Joseph Akandwanaho), Hassan Kakuru, Sadat Nsubuga, Alex Mandela
Subs Not Used: Denis Otim (G.K), Bruce Rubanza, Brian Owomugisha, Alex Twinamatisko
Head coach: Vialli Bianomugisha
Uganda Cranes XI: Ismael Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Captain), Brian Majwega, Bernard Muwanga, Rashid Toha, Nicholas Kasozi, Milton Karisa, Tom Masiko, Nelson Senkatuka, Shaban Muhammad, Erisa Ssekisambu
Uganda Cranes 2nd half team: Ismael Watenga (G.K), Deus Bukenya, Martin Kiiza, John Adriko, Lawrence Bukenya, Bassey Methiodius, Julius Malingumu, Shafik Kagimu, Solomon Okwalinga, Simon Sserunkuma
Subs Not Used: Tom Ikarah (G.K), Saidi Keni (G.K),Savio Kabugo
Western Select Vs Uganda Cranes (Sat, 8th July 2017)
Kabale Municipal Stadium (4 p.m)
The Uganda Cranes and Western Region Select teams due to lock horns at the Kabale Municipal Stadium, have been released.
Uganda Cranes’ head Milutin Sredejovic and his counterpart for the Western region select team, Vialli Bianomugisha have each named formidable teams.
The match, which is a build up for the up coming CHAN 2018 qualifiers will be officiated by Paul Turyamureeba as center referee.
The regional tours are jointly sponsored by Nile Breweries and Airtel Uganda Limited.
A big crowd is expected at Kabale Municipal Stadium.
Western Region Select XI:
Sula Matovu (G.K), Zaid Byekwaso, Umar Kato, Bashir Babu, Johnson Turinawe, Cleophus Fiat, Nasir Saddam, Yusuf Abato, Hassan Kakuru, Sadat Nsubuga, Alex Mandela
Subs:
Denis Otim (G.K), Bruce Rubanza, Michael Muhangi, Joseph Akandwanaho, Brian Owomugisha, Michael Baseme, Alex Twinamisoko
Head coach: Vialli Bianomugisha
Uganda Cranes XI: Ismael Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Brian Majwega, Bernard Muwanga, Rashid Toha, Nicholas Kasozi, Milton Karisa, Tom Masiko, Nelson Senkatuka, Shaban Muhammad, Erisa Ssekisambu
Uganda Cranes team 2: Saidi Keni (G.K), Lawrence Bukenya, John Adriko, Savio Kabugo, Bassey Methiodius, Julius Malingumu, Shafik Kagimu, Solomon Okwalinga, Simon Sserunkuma, Deus Bukenya, Martin Kiiza
