Allan Kyambadde scored the only goal of the match between Express FC and Sc Villa played at the Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku. The Azam Uganda Premier League was one of the 4 matches played on Friday afternoon.
Kyambadde’s strike came on 62 minutes of the game.
FIFA referee Alex Muhabi was the man in charge.
Away in Jinja at the Kakindu Stadium, Kirinya – Jinja S.S overcame Police 1-0 courtesy of Bashir Mutanda’s penalty 18 minutes from full time.
The Saints subjected JMC Hippos to yet another loss, winning 2-1 on the day at Champions stadium in Mwererwe.
Julius Malingumu and Godfrey Wakaza were on target for Moses Basena’s The Saints as Gerald Hamya got the consolation for the visitors who finished the game with only two men following a red card to Walter Bankene.
At the Kavumba Recreational Stadium, Soana overcame Proline 3-2. Abdallah Nyanzi, Allan Kayiwa and Francis Ronald Olaki were all on target for Alex Isabirye’s coached side.
Nelson Senkatuka grabbed a brace for visiting Proline.
The league will resume on Tuesday, 11th April 2017 with only two matches.
JMC Hippos host Bul at Kakindu stadium in Jinja while Bright Stars will entertain Kirinya Jinja S.S at the champions stadium in Mwererwe.
Uganda has climbed two places to 72nd in the latest Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) rankings for the month of March.
The CECAFA reigning champions ascended from 74th in the last month with 462 points and are now 15th in Africa.
On 23rd March 2017, Uganda Cranes played to a one all draw with Kenya Harambee Stars in an international friendly played at the Kenyatta stadium, Machakos.
Moses Waiswa celebrates his strike at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
Moses Waiswa scored on his Uganda Cranes debut with a wonder strike that cancelled Michael Olunga’s opener.
Uganda also remains the best in the CECAFA region.
AFRICA TOP 20 World Position
1 Egypt 19
2 Senegal 30
3 Cameroon 33
4 Burkina Faso 35
5 Nigeria 40
6 Congo DR 41
7 Tunisia 42
8 Ghana 45
9 Ivory Coast 48
10 Morocco 53
11 Algeria 54
12 South Africa 64
13 Mali 69
14 Guinea 71
15 Uganda 72
16 Kenya 78
17 Cape Verde Islands 82
18 Benin 83
19 Gabon 84
20 Congo 84
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes XI against Kenya prior to the International friendly match against Kenya on 23rd March 2017
FT: FUFA Big League matches played on Thursday 6th April, 2017
Sun City 1-3 Synergy
Kireka United 1-1 Masavu
Busia Fisheries 2-1 Paidha Black Angels
Entebbe 2-1 Nyamityobora
Mbarara City 1-0 Water
Synergy Football Club won 3-1 away from home against Sun City to get into one of the two play off slots for the FUFA Big league in the Rwenzori group.
The maximum points for the Masaka side away in Kasese meant that they are now on 37 points, above Nyamityobora who lost 2-1 to Entebbe at the Fisheries Training Institute play ground in Bugonga.
Nyamityobora thus remains on 35 points as Mbarara City who overcame Water 1-0 at the Kakyeeka stadium in Mbarara now have 39 points.
Busia Fisheries also got three valuable points off Paidha Black Angels to close gap on Ndejje University and Kira United for the play off slot in the Elgon group.
Already promoted Masavu managed a one all draw away to Kireka United at the Namboole outside play ground.
Onduparaka FC 1-0 Lweza FC played at Green Light Stadium on Wednesday 5th April, 2017 in Arua
Muhammad Shaban scored the game’s solitary goal at the Green Light Stadium as Onduparaka continued with their impressive form on the debut season in the Azam Uganda Premier League.
The Uganda Cranes striker got his team’s goal against Lweza FC on the stroke of halftime. Onduparaka won 1-0 in a game that saw 5 yellow cards flashed plus two red cards.
Hassan Kikoyo of Lweza FC was shown straight marching orders while Swaibu Mudde walked off for a second bookable offence.
Onduparaka enjoying a great season since joining the top last year, have now moved to 4th on the table with 33 points from 24 games.
SC Villa is on top with 47 points.
The Azam Uganda Premier League will resume on Friday 7th April with the following fixtures;
Olila SS women FC and Muteesa I Royal University are through to the semifinals of the FUFA Women’s Cup. The duo joined UCU Lady Cardinals and Gafford Ladies who qualified on Sunday and Tuesday respectively.
Goal scorer Janet Nakibuuka (R) taking on Kawempes Sharon Apon
At Uganda Martyrs High School play ground an evenly balanced match saw Muteesa overcome Kawempe Muslim SS 1-0 to knock out the defending league champions.
L-R Kasadha Kenedy, Margaret Birabwa, Semere Asadu, Hasifah Nassuuna and Kayinza Aminah
It was Mutesa’s first ever win over Kawempe in all FUFA organised competitions but the two sides meet again in the FUFA Women Elite League in a fortnight’s time in Kawempe.
Muteesa won the match thanks to a first half headed goal by Nakibuka Janet.
Kawempe tried to pile pressure on the home side with defender Yudaya Nakayenze moving forward as Tracy Akiror dropping to the central defence. However Mutesa’s custodian Daisy Nakaziro thwarted the dangerous attempts.
At the Katabi Gombolola play ground, Olila S.S overcame Taggy Girls 1-0.
Sharon Achieng netted the only goal of the day.
The final of the FUFA Women’s cup will be played in Busia.
MAIN PHOTO: Muteesa’s Habiba Nakayobyo controls the ball in front of Kawempe’s Sharon Apon
The FUFA Electoral Committee headed by Sam Bakiika has released the road map for the 2017 FUFA elections for over 1000 positions in Ugandan football across the country.
The elections will cater for the different positions at district, Regional, Executive and FUFA President.
The road map starts with appointment of the presiding officers and end with the election of FUFA President and his Executive on 5th August 2017.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) officially launched the campaign to usher in a new design for the national teams’ jerseys.
The jerseys to be designed will be nine (9) in total.
Click here for details on how to enter the competition Cranes designs jerseys. Send designs to jerseys@fufauganda.com
The banner promoting the campaign to design Uganda National team’s jerseys
FUFA President Eng.Moses Magogo launched the campaign during the weekly press conference held on Wednesday 17thMarch, 2017 morning at the Federation’s headquarters in Mengo, Kampala.
‘Like we communicated earlier, today is the occasion where the historic jersey that the Cranes used in the AFCON qualification campaign of 2015 and 2017 and in AFCON finals in Gabon will be retired as as away of honour’ said the FUFA President.
The campaign will be open to the general public to summit their entries for a month starting today (22nd March 2017) to 22nd April.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo presented the Uganda Cranes historic jerseys to H.E Stephanie Rivoal Ambassador of France to Uganda with captain Geoffrey Massa’s jersey. Yunus Sentamu and Hassan Wasswa jerseys were also given to the France Military team officials who visited FUFA House on Wednesday.
‘We open a campaign whereby for one month starting today will be running for any Ugandan, or group of Ugandans or organisation that is interested in coming up with the new design’ he indicated.
The entries will be open in three categories including the Uganda Cranes (men), Crested Cranes (women) and the other subsequent national teams that will be worn by the Sand Cranes (national beach soccer team), Futsal, National junior teams for mena nd women (Kobs (U23), Hippos (U20) and Cubs (U17)).
Designs needed;
3 Sets for Uganda Cranes
Set 1: Predominantly Red (Home kit)
Set 2: Predominantly Yellow (Home kit)
Set 3: Predominantly White (Away kit)
3 Sets for Crested Cranes
Set 1: Predominantly Red (Home kit)
Set 2: Predominantly Yellow (Home kit)
Set 3: Predominantly White (Away kit).
3 sets for Other National teams
Set 1: Predominantly Red (Home kit)
Set 2: Predominantly Yellow (Home kit)
Set 3: Predominantly White (Away kit)
Note: Black, Yellow, Red and White-only colour shades allowed to be used
‘Unlike previously where all the national teams have been using the same design, this time round the Uganda Cranes and Crested cranes jerseys will be different in design while the other subsequent teams will also have another design but differnet shades’ added Magogo.
The overall winner with all the nine (9) designs will be announced by a panel set up by FUFA and will walk away with a cash prize of UGX 5 million shillings following the terms and conditions in place. The winner will also watch Uganda Cranes games at home free for one year.
MAIN PHOTO: The Uganda Cranes jersey used at the 2017 AFCON Finals in Gabon that has been retired.
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo is confident that the 2nd most tier league in the country-FUFA Big League will start attracting partners in the near future. Since its inception 7 years ago, the league has grown in leaps and bounds.
‘We know the value of the FUFA Big League. Without this level, the top flight league would be suffocating. The Big League feeds the Azam Uganda Premier League. Allow me to thank you for your great efforts in running football in the Big League’ said FUFA President while meeting the officials of the FUFA Big League clubs at FUFA House, Mengo on Monday morning.
FUFA President (L) with Water FC Chairman Peter Odong at FUFA House after the meeting in Mengo.
All clubs in the FUFA Big League attended except Mbarara City, Moroto FC (with apology), Baza Holdings and Entebbe FC.
The FUFA President told the club officials that it was a dream for the institution to start the FUFA Big League.
‘This was a dream. We can’t let this dream walk away from us. FUFA will continue monitoring the activities of this league to improve on its development’ said Magogo.
FUFA top brass during the meeting. L-R Ali Mwebe (Competitions Director), President (Eng. Moses Magogo) and 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye
‘I know the challenges you are facing in the FUFA Big League. We are trying to create an environment that will take the Big League brand to greater heights and attract sponsors’ added Magogo.
FUFA Big League club officials who attended the meeting with FUFA President on Monday morning
The FUFA President advised club officials not to desist from abandoning matches especially when they feel results are not going their way.
‘The FIFA 17 Laws of the game must be followed. Let us not be selfish while taking decisions. Football is bigger than individuals. We should all look at the bigger picture of the beautiful game’ added the FUFA President.
The FUFA BIg League club officials with FUFA Pesident (Blue tie) in the 102.1 FUFA fm studios. L-R Oguda Innocent (Maroons FC), Gilbert Nyaika (Airtel Kitara), Moses Musinguzi (Sun City), Joshua Atugonza (CEO Airtel Kitara) and Komakech Raymond Timothy (Ndejje University next to microphone)
The FUFA President promised to have a forum for meeting individual clubs in the future. Each club was given 10 balls as per FUFA’s five year strategic plan passed by the Assembly in Luwero, 2016.
Nyamityobora’s Chairman Michael Arinaitwe (Blue T-shirt) greeting FUFA PresidentSimon Obong Opio (Sporting United FC CEO) with FUFA President
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo with officials of the FUFA Big League clubs at FUFA House.
Quarter final 1: Western United 2-3 UCU Lady Cardinals
Tuesday 04-April, 2017:
Quarter final 2: Gafford Ladies 2-0 She Corporates, Kanyanya
Wednesday 05-April, 2017:
Quarter final 3: Muteesa I Royal vs Kawempe Muslim, Wankulukuku
Quarter final 4: Tagy High Sch vs Olila SS, Katabi Entebbe
FUFA Women Elite League results:
Gafford Ladies 1-1 She Mak St
Rines SS FC 0-2 Kawempe Muslim
UCU Lady Cardinals became the first side to book a place in the semifinals of the inaugural FUFA Women’s cup after ejecting Western United in a hard fought quarter final match played over the weekend in Rugando, Mbarara.
The University side edged their hosts Western United 3-2 in the first quarter final game and now awaits to learn who their semifinal opponents will be after the remaining three fixtures of the third round are played tomorrow onTuesday and Wednesday.
Gafford Ladies will be entertaining the She Corporates on Tuesday at 3pm in Kanyanya whereas on Wednesday Kawempe Muslim take on Muteesa I Royal at Mutessa II Stadium, Wankulukuku as Taggy High School battle Olila in Katabi, Entebbe in the final set of games to complete the round.
FUFA Women Elite League continues
In the two games played in the top womne’s top flight league, Gafford Ladies and She Mak St played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Kanyanya whereas defending champions Kawempe Muslims Secondary School Women FC beat Rines SS 2-0 away to keep their unbeaten run intact.
League top scorer Hasifa Nasuuna and Moreen Adroru were on target for Kawempe.
MAIN PHOTO:Hasifah Nasuuna(with the ball) in action against Riness SS, netted over the weekend for her club -Kawempe. She has netted 16 goals in the league season. Kawempe is yet to drop a point this season.
Azam Uganda Premier League-Friday 31st March, 2017 results
Police 2-2 KCCA FC
Kirinya Jinja SS 1-0 Vipers SC
Lweza 0-1 Soana FC
Police FC scored two second half goals on 80 and 84 minutes to deny KCCA FC three points in the league match played on Friday at Mandela National stadium.
Geoffrey Serunkuma took his tally to 14 this season the game’s opener while stylish Muzamil Mutyaba got his team’s second in the 73rd minute as KCCA FC looked to be in total control of the game.
However with 10 minutes to go, Ben Ocen pulled one back to cancel the deficit. Hood Kawesa who has been one of Police’s star players in the second half of the season leveled matters with 6 minutes left on the clock. The match edned 2-2 as KCCA dropped points for the 2nd successive league game.
At Mutessa II stadium, Emma Kalyowa scored the solitary strike with Soana edging Lweza FC 1-0.
In Jinja, Kirinya Jinja SS were also 1-0 winners over Vipers SC. Anthony Mayanja was the hero for Jinja SS with the goal on 60 minutes.
The six day Elite course for referess and assessors ended on Friday at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. The FIFA/FUFA organised course attracted well over 60 participants including the 22 Uganda FIFA referees.
The FUFA President presided over the closing ceremont in Njeru and was quick to send out a message to the match officials.
‘I want to encourage the participants to strive for excellence. We need to see more FIFA referees involved in action in the region and on the continent. We ashall offer you the support needed’ said Eng. Moses Magogo
FIFA referee Lydia Nantabo receiving her certificate from FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
‘We are trying to move in a different direction. As President of the FUFA, we are striving for excellence. We have a group of young referees in the offing who are handling FUFA U17 Juniors league’ said the FUFA President.
The FIFA Elite course that started with medicals saw the match officials attend theories and practicals in various course modules on amendment of the FIFA Laws of the game, new approaches of managing the game, analysing videos, physical training and technical aspects on the field of play. The six day course is handled by two FIFA referees’ instructors; Zimbabwean Felix Tangawalima (Technical Instructor) and Malawian Mark Mzengo (Fitness Instructor).
National Fitness Instructors Kalyango Ali and his assistant Rahman Kizito were in Njeru but supported by Catherine Adipo, Ali Waiswa, Egesa Samuel and Ali Tomusange.
Zimbabwean Felix Tangawalima (Technical Instructor) with FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo handing over the certificate to referee William Oloya (L).
‘One of the things we set out is to create an operational system which helps in monitoring people who are active. ‘We have to do this together. This benefits you who are in the game now. There are no favors extended to any one to make the short list for a FIFA badge’ stressed Magogo
‘The FUFA Referees committee presents a list to the Executive and notify those on the list about the development. We do this in broad day light’ added the FUFA President.
According to the Chairman FUFA Referees Standing Committee, Chris Kalibala;
‘We are thrilled by the effort FUFA and FIFA are putting in to maintain high standards of refereeing in Uganda’ “We thank FUFA and FIFA for having organized this course for us because it helps us to refresh on the amended Laws of the game’
Practical session for female referees (L-R) Dorcus Atuhairwe, Diana Murungi and Catherine Nagadya
The participants received certificates.
List of referees and assessors who attended the Elite course;
Assessors: Ronnie Kalema, Kabali Grace, Kisubi Zephas, Kalyango Ali, Basiisa Hussein, Ndaula M.S, Ssendyowa Abbasi, Asua Luke, Alani Leo, Wagana Jimmy, Edrungi Alfred, Nattabi Harriet, Kimumwe Mansoor, Nelson Nsubuga, David D.Katabira, Kimbugwe Hilary, Hajj Kamulegeya Yusuf, Matovu Suleiman, Kiwanuka Edirisa, Isabirye Michael, Waiswa Ajab, Nkono Amin Bbosa, Ayub Khamisi, Hajj Siraji Katono, Mwanje Joseph, Kizito Rahma, Katumba Wamala George, Masiko John Bosco, Mike Letti, Egesa Samuel, and Wanyama Freddie
Beach Soccer referees: Ivan Kintu Bayige, Muhammed Ssenteza, Shafic Mugerwa and Sekamenyi Bwengye
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo ( with ball) in a group photo with the participants of the just concluded FIFA Elite referees and Assessors course at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Uganda’s 22 FIFA referees and 11 other Elite referees will be part of the course that climaxes on Friday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The FIFA Elite course that started with medicals has seen the match officials taken through various course modules on amendment of the FIFA Laws of the game, new approaches of managing the game, analysing videos, physical training and technical aspects on the field of play. The six day course is handled by two FIFA referees’ instructors; Zimbabwean Felix Tangawalima (Technical Instructor) and Malawian Mark Mzengo (Fitness Instructor).
National Fitness Instructors Kalyango Ali and his assistant Rahman Kizito are also in Njeru but being supported by Catherine Adipo, Ali Waiswa, Egesa Samuel and Ali Tomusange.
We bring you some of the captivating photos from the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru;
Zimbabwean Felix Tangawalima (Technical Instructor) passing on the tips to the referees. Lydia Nantabo Wanyama (2nd R) and National Assistant Fitness Instructor Rahmah Kizito look onL-R Assistant referees Mark Sonko, Okello Dick and Mulindwa Hakim on duty during the practical sessionsFemale assistant referees Dorcus Atuhairwe (L), Murungi Diana (M) and Catherine Nagadya (R) during practical sessions at the FUFA Technical centreTime to relax after a hard day’s job with the practicalsSamuel Egesa-FUFA Referees Manager with National Referees Fitness Instructor Ali Kalyango and his assistant Rahmah KizitoFIFA referees’ instructors; Malawian Mark Mzengo (L) and Zimbabwean Felix Tangawalima hand over balls to young players who were part of the pratcical sessions.Time to share ideas
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) officially launched the campaign to usher in a new design for the national teams’ jerseys.
The jerseys to be designed will be nine (9) in total.
Click here for details on how to enter the competition Cranes designs jerseys. Send designs to jerseys@fufauganda.com
The banner promoting the campaign to design Uganda National team’s jerseys
FUFA President Eng.Moses Magogo launched the campaign during the weekly press conference held on Wednesday 17thMarch, 2017 morning at the Federation’s headquarters in Mengo, Kampala.
‘Like we communicated earlier, today is the occasion where the historic jersey that the Cranes used in the AFCON qualification campaign of 2015 and 2017 and in AFCON finals in Gabon will be retired as as away of honour’ said the FUFA President.
The campaign will be open to the general public to summit their entries for a month starting today (22nd March 2017) to 22nd April.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo presented the Uganda Cranes historic jerseys to H.E Stephanie Rivoal Ambassador of France to Uganda with captain Geoffrey Massa’s jersey. Yunus Sentamu and Hassan Wasswa jerseys were also given to the France Military team officials who visited FUFA House on Wednesday.
‘We open a campaign whereby for one month starting today will be running for any Ugandan, or group of Ugandans or organisation that is interested in coming up with the new design’ he indicated.
The entries will be open in three categories including the Uganda Cranes (men), Crested Cranes (women) and the other subsequent national teams that will be worn by the Sand Cranes (national beach soccer team), Futsal, National junior teams for mena nd women (Kobs (U23), Hippos (U20) and Cubs (U17)).
Designs needed;
3 Sets for Uganda Cranes
Set 1: Predominantly Red (Home kit)
Set 2: Predominantly Yellow (Home kit)
Set 3: Predominantly White (Away kit)
3 Sets for Crested Cranes
Set 1: Predominantly Red (Home kit)
Set 2: Predominantly Yellow (Home kit)
Set 3: Predominantly White (Away kit).
3 sets for Other National teams
Set 1: Predominantly Red (Home kit)
Set 2: Predominantly Yellow (Home kit)
Set 3: Predominantly White (Away kit)
Note: Black, Yellow, Red and White-only colour shades allowed to be used
‘Unlike previously where all the national teams have been using the same design, this time round the Uganda Cranes and Crested cranes jerseys will be different in design while the other subsequent teams will also have another design but differnet shades’ added Magogo.
The overall winner with all the nine (9) designs will be announced by a panel set up by FUFA and will walk away with a cash prize of UGX 5 million shillings following the terms and conditions in place. The winner will also watch Uganda Cranes games at home free for one year.
MAIN PHOTO: The Uganda Cranes jersey used at the 2017 AFCON Finals in Gabon that has been retired.
FUFA will help him develop a career of his choice in football which could be administration, management, technical or media.
Moments after Uganda Cranes historic captain Geofrey Massa handed over the official retirement letter to the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, he held an exclusive interview with the Federation communication department.
In the interview, Massa pays glowing tribute to his family, current FUFA administration, Uganda Cranes active and retired players, clubs he served with passion, fans, coaches and the media fraternity.
How and when did you come up with the decision to retire?
First of all, I thank everyone who has been with me in my career. I am proud to be retiring having guided the Uganda Cranes to the Africa Cup of Nations. It was difficult decision that I made after consulting with so many people including my family members. After AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon, I have always been thinking of it until when I finally made the decision.
In what state do you leave the national team players?
I am glad that majority of the current players are young and have played at the AFCON finals. This experience alone helped them to mature, make bold decisions and they are a strong team.
The Uganda Cranes is a well bonded team and I have the belief they will perform better starting with the 2018 World Cup qualifiers coming in June 2017.
I will keep with the team at all times during training sessions and matches.
Geoffrey Massa greets FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (L) on Wednesday morning at FUFA House in Mengo.
What are the highest moments of your career?
As a teenager, I fulfilled my childhood dream after making my debut against Ghana on September 4th, 2005.
I feel very fortunate in that my career thereafter took me on a journey I could only have dreamed of.
Although I experienced a couple of low moments during my time with the Cranes, I feel very lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my international football career.
I am proud to have played over 80 games for the Cranes, scored over 30 goals for the team but most important of all, to have captained the team to its first ever Africa Nations Cup appearance since 1978.
I will always look back with great pride at every time I represented my country from the LG Cup, through the CECAFA Challenge Cup tournaments, international friendly matches and several Nations / World Cup Qualifiers.
Massa celebrating a goal against Botswana at Namboole
What is your say about the coaches in your career?
I wish to acknowledge all the coaches who have worked with me. They have been like parents in my life. Muhammed Abbas, Laszlo Csaba, Bobby Williamson and Micho Sredojevic, the coaches at the national team in my time have all been supportive and offered me the plat form to exploit my full potential.
Also, other officials as Moses Basena, Fred Kajoba, Chrispus Muyinda and many others have been supportive.
It is believed that your relationship with FUFA and the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo delivered the Uganda Cranes to the promised land after 39 years, what was so special?
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo has been a wonderful person to work with throughout my career moreso as team captain.
We have been dealing with an individual who played football, who understood the players and this helped to create a special bond for the team.
I was happy for whatever the FUFA President did for me personally and a team as whole.
The experience of representing my country at the 2017 Nations Cup finals in Gabon was truly memorable, while the feeling after winning three CECAFA Challenge Cup titles and becoming the all-time Nations / World Cup qualifying top scorer with 14 goals, was quite satisfying.
A word to the fans:
One of the reasons I had delayed to come up with the decision was the plea from the fans to stay on.
Some fans loved and craved for me to stay on, others would get annoyed with an unfortunate result.
These are all our people and football needs them all. I will miss the fans in the stadium and special respect for them.
Massa (L) training at Lugogo after missing the trip to Ghana for the Nations cup qualifier in 2014
What is next?
I will continue supporting the Uganda Cranes at all times.
I have had an incredible career and I am thankful for each and every moment for my time with the Uganda Cranes.
Personally, I will continue playing club football.
Historic Uganda Cranes captain Geofrey Massa gracefully retires
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has acknowledged receipt of the official letter from the historic Uganda Cranes’ captain, Geofrey Massa.
‘Massa handed the letter to the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo on Wednesday. FUFA highly values the service Massa has offered for the national team over the years and will officially organize a testimonial match for him at a venue and date yet to be confirmed’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein
FUFA will also help him develop a career of his choice in football which could be administration, management, technical or media.
‘He was a great servant. He was such a highly respected player in Uganda Cranes’ FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo said of him.
Geofrey Massa while on official duty for the Uganda Cranes
The letter reads in full:
27th March 2017
Retirement from the national football team (Cranes):
It is with immense pride that I announce my retirement from the national football team after representing the country for 12 years.
I have had an incredible career and I am thankful for each and every moment for my time with the Uganda Cranes.
As a teenager, I fulfilled my childhood dream after making my debut against Ghana on September 4th, 2005.
I feel very fortunate in that my career thereafter took me on a journey I could only have dreamed of.
Although I experienced a couple of low moments during my time with the Cranes, I feel very lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my international football career.
I am proud to have played over 80 games for the Cranes, scored over 30 goals for the team but most important of all, to have captained the team to its first ever Africa Nations Cup appearance since 1978.
I will always look back with great pride at every time I represented my country from the LG Cup, through the CECAFA Challenge Cup tournaments, international friendly matches and several Nations / World Cup Qualifiers.
The experience of representing my country at the 2017 Nations Cup finals in Gabon was truly memorable, while the feeling after winning three CECAFA Challenge Cup titles and becoming the all-time Nations / World Cup qualifying top scorer with 14 goals, was quite satisfying.
I feel very fortunate to have had the career I have had with the Cranes, but one that would not have been entirely possible without the support of so many people.
Firstly and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, my beautiful wife and three children for all the support and guidance they offered me over the years.
Secondly, I would want to thank coaches Muhammed Abbas, Laszlo Csaba, Bobby Williamson and Micho Sredojevic, who believed in me and offered me the platform to reach my full potential.
I would also like to thank former FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa, current President Eng. Moses Magogo and coach Asuman Lubowa for the huge role they played in guiding me throughout my career.
When I look back over the years, I feel fortunate to have played alongside some outstanding players (past and present).
I would want to particularly thank the former Uganda captains Ibrahim Sekagya and David Obua for helping me develop into the player I became.
For my current Cranes teammates, thank you for accepting me as your leader.
I would also like to say a special thank you to the fans – those that supported and motivated me and even those that didn’t believe in me.
You all motivated me to improve every other year.
I intend to continue with my football playing career at club level.
I wish the national football team all the best in future.
I will always remain close to the team in any other capacity because football is my life.
1st April 2017: Western United Vs UCU Lady Cardinals – Rugando, Mbarara
4th April 2017: Gafford Ladies Vs She Corporate – Kanyanya
5th April 2017: Mutesa 1 Royal University Vs Kawempe Muslim S.S – Mutesa II Wankulukuku
5th April 2017: Taggy High School Vs Olila S.S – Katabi Gombolola play ground, Entebbe
The FUFA Competitions department has confirmed the dates for the Women Uganda Cup quarters finals.
Ali Mwebe, the FUFA competitions director confirmed the dates on Wednesday during the FUFA weekly press conference.
We are glad that the very first edition of the women Uganda Cup has entered to the quarter final stage. The matches will first be played on 1st April 2017.
In case the matches end level at this stage, spot kicks will be taken to determine the winner
Western United entertains UCU Lady Cardinals on 1st April 2017 in Rugando, Mbarara.
On 4th April 2017, Gafford Ladies will take on She Corporate at Kanyanya.
There are two matches set for the 5th April 2017.
Mutesa 1 Royal University takes on Kawempe Muslim at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. On the same day, Taggy Girls will entertain Olila S.S at Katabi Gombolola ground.
This is the first time that Uganda Cup for the ladies has been played since inception of FUFA in 1924, an initiative under the regime of FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo.
