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 head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will re0rganise his team between now and Saturday’s before taking on Botswana in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.
Micho’s team fell 2-0 to Zimbabwe in a friendly match played in Harare on Tuesday afternoon.
Both goals were scored by Tennage Hadebe in the first half.
Melvyn Lorenzen was given his debut chance to don the Uganda Cranes shirt and he was very impressive in the game.
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.
Uganda Cranes landed safely in Harare on Monday afternoon and have been booked in at Cresta Oasis and Apartments. The Contingent whose leader of delegation is FUFA Vice President Denis Mbidde, started their journey from Kampala at Sky Hotel where they had been for two days before going through Entebbe International.
Ethiopian based players Robert Odongkara and Isaac Isinde joined the team in Addis Ababa before they connected to Zimbabwe where they met Orlando Pirates midfielder Yassar Mugerwa.
Denis Onyango and Mawejje will join the team tomorrow.
Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will release details soon for the training programme to his players and technical team ahead of tomorrow’s friendly match against Zimbabwe to be played at 4pm (EAST, 3pm local time). Players named by Micho; Dennis Onyango and Robert Odongkara, Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Wasswa Hassan Mawanda, Juuko Murushid, Isaac Isinde, William Luwagga Kizito, Godfrey Walusimbi, Aucho Khalid, Yassar Mugerwa, Tony Mawejje, Emmanuel Okwi, Erisa Ssekisambu, Davis Kasirye, Geofrey Massa, Faruku Miya, Lorenzen Melvyn and Edris Lubega.
Nkumba Select emerged champions of the Pepsi Beach Soccer League over the weekend following their impressive 8-3 win over St Lawrence University at Lido Beach Beach, Entebbe.
Most Valuable Player Roch Somoka together with Faisal Muwawu, Douglas Muganga and Allan Zirintusa netted for the newly crowned champions- Nkumba Select.
Semifinals
Nkumba Select (3) vs (0) Real Galacticos
St Lawrence (10) vs (3) Stomers
Curtain raiser match
UBSA (5) vs (2) FUFA
Award winners of the 2015/2016 Pepsi Beach Soccer League
Golden glove: Kibirige Meddy- Nkumba select Golden boot: Kayiwa Allan – Talented 33 goals MVP: Somoka Roch – Nkumba Select Best Coach: Muwonge Salim – Stomers.
Fairplay Award: Kampala City All stars
Women champions: She Corporates
3rd place playoff winners: Stomers
The match officials of the 2017 AFCON Qualifier between Botswana and Uganda due on 4th June, 2016 have been named by Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The referees will come from South Africa and the match that kicks off at 5pm EAST (4pm in Botswana) will be played at the Francistown Sports Complex Stadium.
The match officials are;
Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes -Referee
Zakhele Thusi Siwela -Assistant Referee I
Mothibidi Stevens Khumalo-Assistant Referee II
Kulasande Qongqo-Reserve referee
Match Commissioner: An Yan Lim Kee Chong-Mauritius
MAIN PHOTO: South African referee Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes
Falone Nahimana continued with her rich vein in form as she scored two goals on Saturday before completing the weekend with a superb hat-trick against Olira FC.
On Saturday Gafford Ladies conceded three quick fire goals against Ajax Queens but Nahimana helped her club claw back in the game and salvage a point in the 3-3 draw.
Nakyanzi Carol (2) and Rukia Namubiru scored for Ajax Queens.
Gafford Ladies returned to action the following day but with a lot of caution from the previous evening. This time, they won convincingly against Olira whom they beat 4-1 thanks to a treble by Nahimana and Kyoyita Mary getting the other goal. Nahimana now has 14 goals while Kawempe’s Sandra Nabweteme is on 16.
Ikiring Patricia scored Olira’s consolation.
Other results:” Nakasi jackie netted a doubel for UCU who defeated Buikwe She Red Stars 2-0 while MUK drew 1-1 with Olira on Saturday.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named a 19 man squad that leaves early hours of Monday morning to Harare and Francistown where they will play Zimbabwe and Botswana on Tuesday and Saturday respectively.
They will be welcomed in Harare by FUFA advance team of Finance Director Decolas Kiiza who left on Saturday morning.
Uganda Cranes players in a prayer session at Lugogo on the artificial turf.
Micho’s squad has German based player Melvyn Lorenzen who has been training with the team since joining from his club Werder Bremen.
‘We are happy with the process of documentation of Melvyn’s papers to secure him a National passport. The Immigration office has been helpful. Hon. Mike Mukula an ardent football fan has been of great help as well in a bid to help FUFA secure the player’s passport. We are optimistic that the only missing paper to be issued by the German Government will be sent in time for the player to feature for Uganda Cranes against Botswana on 4th June, 2016’
Cranes who will fly aboard Ethiopian Airlines, will be joined by two players on Monday in Harare and these are; Denis Onyango and Yassar Mugerwa while Tony Mawejje arrives on Tuesday morning.
Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic closely supervised the last training for Uganda Cranes at Lugogo
Ethiopia based stars goalkeeper Robert Odongkara and defender Isaac Isinde will link up with the team via Addis Ababa before connecting to Zimbabwe.
Dennis Iguma (up) and team captain, Geofrey Massa in a stretching drill at Lugogo on Sunday
The Traveling Contingent:
Leader of Delegation: Denis Mbidde Ssebugwawo
Head coach: Sredojevic Milutin
Assistant coach: Moses Basena
Goalkeeping coach: Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor: Ronald Kisolo
Physiotherapist: Ivan Ssewanyana
Team Coordinator: Crispus Muyinda
Team players: Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Luwagga Kizito, Okwi Emma, Wasswa Hassan Mawanda, Juuko Murushid, Sekisambu Erisa, Kasirye Davis, Massa Geoffrey, Miya Faruku, Lorenzen Melvyn, Walusimbi Godfrey, Aucho Khalid, Lubega Idrisa, Isinde Isaac, Tony Mawejje and Yassar Mugerwa.
After four days of non residential training, the Uganda National football team ‘The Cranes’ started their residential training on Saturday ahead of the AFCON Qualifiers encounter against Botswana and a friendly against Zimbabwe.
Team captain, Geofrey Massa
The team is residing at Sky Hotel, Nalya with fifteen players in camp who reported on Saturday.
The team had a joint training session with SC Villa where later had a trial match which Cranes won 4-0 courtesy of Geoffrey Massa with a brace, Emma Okwi and Melvyn Lorenzen.
The player in a ball work session
The team is to have the last training session on Sunday before setting off for Zimbabwe aboard Ethiopian Airline early Monday morning.
Rwanda based Davis Kasirye expressed his honor of the summon the National football team and pledged to give in whatever possible to break through to the starting team.
Godfrey Walusimbi juggles the ball as Faruku Miya keeps a keen eye
“Though there are challenges because it’s my first call up, I play my role as a team member to provide the best to the coach and I leave the rest to him to decide’’ noted Kasirye.
Goalkeeping coach, Fred Kajoba with Moses Basena (assistant coach)
Team Training resumes Sunday morning at Namboole.
Meanwhile, the head of the FUFA advance party, Decolas Kizza arrived in Harare city on Saturday afternoon.
FUFA officials led by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo watched the Saturday session at Namboole
Players in Camp:
Salim Jamal, Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murshid Juuko, Hassan Wasswa, Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya,William Kizito Luwagga, Erisa Ssekisambu, Melvyn Lorenzen, Emma Okwi, Davis Kasirye, Edris Lubega and Geoffrey Massa
