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The Uganda Cranes flying high. Top of Group E above Ghana, Guinea and Togo-it s all clear that Miltin ‘Micho’ Sredojvi’s boys will get the limelight.

No www.fia.com has a beautiful story about Uganda Cranes.

Follow the link  http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/245/262/0/index.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news

Credit: www.fifa.com

FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson (2nd right) attended the meeting with the referees in Mengo

‘Referees are a very important component of the football game. They therefore  need to be at the top of their game all the time when assigned matches’ Edgar Watson said.

Just days to the closure of the CAF C coaches’ course, CAF and Tanzanian senior coaches instructor Sunday Kayuni ,56, has heap-praised the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) for this direction they have taken to increase the certification level of coaches in the country.

The course which is being attended by 70 practicing coaches at Fufa Njeru Technical Centre is aimed at increasing the number of coaches with CAF C licenses in the country from 28 they had before.

According to Kayuni, he has commended FUFA and also predicts a bright future in Uganda’s football.

CAF senior coaches’ instructor Sunday Kayuni ,56 is impressed by the path FUFA is treading.

“I congratulate Fufa upon having organized this course because in the current CAF football set up this course is mandatory to all coaches running the game both locally and at international level” Said CAF senior instructor Sunday Kayuni.

While emphasizing this out, kayuni noted that this is the only way to go if football is to develop in this country.
‘In order to develop our continental football, CAF has set the minimum standards of coaches to be level C. So it’s up to its member associations to comply and put it into practice. Football is dynamic that every time is changing from old fashioned tactics to scientific and also being professionalized. So you can’t catch up when you don’t upgrade. So I urge coaches to go in for such courses for their benefits as well as their respective countries’, he revealed to www.fufa.co.ug.

Speaking about Uganda producing the good coaches in the recent past, Kayuni is humbled.

Uganda is superpower when it comes to East African football and this has seen them producing good players and coaches as he named some of those notable coaches like Paul Hasule, Polly Ouma, David Otti, Asuman Lubowa, Bidandi Sali, Barnabas Mwesigwa among others.

Coaches during a theory CAF C lesson at the Njeru Technical Center

Mujib calls for Fufa’s strictness:

Mujib Kasule, one of the facilitators at the course is glad that the number of CAF C licenced coaches will swell from 28 to over 80.

‘We have had 28 coaches with CAF C coaching licenses the number which I think is too limited to lift up the game so Fufa should be strict to Big and Super league clubs with coaches who do not have qualifications in order to promote the new faces. This i believe, will change the face of football in the country” Mujib one of the course Instructors noted.

Majidah Nantanda excited by committed coaches:
First of all, I have liked this class, all coaches have been committed right from the start and they have shown their vigour to learn.

Majidah Nantandah (second left) poses with some of the coaches at Njeru Technical center.

The good thing most of these coaches are practicing coaching so they have coped up so easily and I know they will pass their assessment exams.

The course is into its closing stages with participant being assessed orally, theoretically and practically by CAF senior instructor and Assessor Mr. Sunday Kayuni

Meanwhile, the course is attended by 70 coaches and some notable names do include Richard Makumbi of Uganda premier league side Soana fc, Andy Lule of Entebbe fc, Fred Lumu of KCC, Samuel Kawalya of Express, Richard Magala of URA, Ibrahim Kirya Of Sc Villa, Amate Richard of Simba Tanzania among others

The course is fully funded by FUFA and certicified by CAF with former Fufa Vice president Mr. Mujib Kasule, Uganda Crested-Cranes coach Majidha Nantanda, Fufa Technical Director Mr. Asuman Lubowa and Fufa Education Officer Mr. Jackson Nyima being the facilitators.
Fufa president Engineer Moses Magogo is expected preside over at the closing ceremony of the course this Sunday.

MAIN PHOTO: Some of the coaches attending the CAF C Coaches’ course at Njeru Technical center.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department.

Report Prepared by Joseph Mutaka (FUFA’s media attache to the CHAN team)

Just 24 hours after warning the public against selling counterfeit Uganda Cranes  jerseys, the Uganda Police conducted an operation around town to bring the culprits to book.

The operation, that saw 3 people arrested was executed by the Uganda police headed by Central Police Station DPC Henry Kintu.

The arrested trio now await  prosecution for the unlawful use of the FUFA logo on fake jerseys which is against the laws of Uganda in regard to the counterfeits.

‘ FUFA is not against anyone who wishes to sell Uganda Cranes jerseys as long as the right procedures are followed’ Hassan Mugerwa told www.fufa.co.ug.

Off to Police: Some of the people arrested during the operation

The operation comes in the wake of the Federation’s strong warning to the public on Wednesday during the weekly press conference at the FUFA House in Mengo.

“We shall wedge operations to crack down all those who use the FUFA logo to sell their merchandise. Fore warned is fore armed”, Alex Luganda, FUFA head of legal committee warned earlier on Wednesday.

Central Police Station DPC, Henry Kintu, who headed the operation advises the general public to adhere to the rules and procedure of attaining the full rights of using the FUFA logo.

“We shall continue to arrest all the traders who are illegally using the FUFA logo which is a registered trade mark under the copyright law’ he said.

MAIN PHOTO: Central Police Station DPC Henry Kintu headed the operation to crack down dealers who sell counterfeit Uganda Cranes merchandise and illegally use the FUFA logo.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Magogo has appreciated the generous efforts by the Government of Uganda and the fans towards supporting and sustaining the beautiful game of football in Uganda.

‘I take this opportunity to appreciate the government of Uganda and the fans towards the continued efforts of supporting all our teams. Without the two, we would not have reached this far’, he said during the weekly press conference at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday.

Eng. Magogo highlighted to the media how the Government has financially supported the federation, but appealed for the generous efforts to continue.

‘This year alone, we have played 15 international matches in 4 months for the senior national side, The Uganda Cranes and the junior team-Cubs. Government has assisted with UGX 490 M. For the Cubs’ campaign only, we have spent U.shs 900M. It is on this note that we still appeal to the Government of Uganda for more assistance’, he appealed.

The President congratulated Zambia upon qualifying for the CAF U-17 finals in Niger next year.

‘We had lodged a petition to CAF about the age of the Zambians. Unfortunately, we lost the petition and i take this opportunity to congratulate our Zambian brothers. For our part, the struggle continues. The youngsters have a promising future’, he added.

The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (left) and the Spokesperson Hussein Ahmed

Concerning the upcoming game against Togo in the AFCON 2015 Qualifier, the president cleared the false rumours about the federation’s partnership with KT Promotions and Balaam to promote the game.

‘We did not sell the game like many have allegedly spread the rumours.  We contacted Balaam and KT promotions to maximize the avenues of promoting and marketing the game and they will be paid for that service’, he said.

FUFA head of legal committee Alex Luganda warned the companies and individuals that use the FUFA logo illegally.

Alex Luganda-the Chairman FUFA legal Committee

“We have liaised with the Police, Uganda Revenue Authority to ensure people who sell merchandise with the FUFA logo with out permission are brought to book”, Luganda.

MAIN PHOTO: (L-R) Uganda Cranes media officer Fred Katende, Uganda Cranes Assistant CoachKefa Kisala, Alex Luganda (Chairman Legal Committee), FUFA President, Moses Magogo and the Federation Spokes person Ahmed Hussein.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA communications Department

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally replied to the petition filed by Federation of Uganda Football Association concerning Zambia’s use of  over aged players in the CAF U-17 Qualifiers.
“This morning, CAF has written back to us rejecting the petition FUFA had filed against the Zambian Federation for allegedly using over aged players”, Ahmed Hussein, the Federation Spokesperson told the media during the weekly press conference at FUFA house in Mengo.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo congratulated Zambia upon securing the qualification slot.

“Our brothers in Zambia, we congratulate you upon having qualified for the Niger finals. The rebuilding process for Uganda’s youngsters continues”, Eng. Magogo told the media.

The Young Chipolopolo team which started against Uganda Cubs in Kampala.

Uganda lost 2 – 1 last Saturday (4 – 1) on aggregate to the Zambian Young Chipolopolo side.

Part of the letter communicated to FUFA by CAF General Secretary Hicham El Amrani read ‘After checking the records of the (3) three players in question, it was noted that their passports and MRI results prove that their age is in conformity with the regulation (born on January 1st 1998 or after’

The CAF communication further noted ‘Therefore, kindly be informed that the three (3) players’ subjects of the protest are eligible for the competition and the protest is consequently rejected’

Zambia joins the hosts Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria and South Africa at the finals that will take place in January 2015.

The top 4 teams will qualify to represent Africa at the World U-17 qualifiers in Chile.

MAIN PHOTO: The Uganda Cubs team that started against Zambia u-17 team in Kampala.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department.

.Goal keeper scores winner for Bright Stars FC

.Karim Ndugwa scores in 3rd successive UPL game 

.Police and Bright Stars early pacesetters

.Lweza get first win of season

.Rwenshama only team yet to get a point 

.Champions KCC FC win away 

Police 2-1 Sc Villa

Rwenshama 0-3 KCC FC

Bight Stars 1-0 BUL

Simba 0-1 Lweza

SCVU 0-0 Soana

Police FC and Bright Stars FC are joint top of the Uganda Premier League. However one man is hitting headlines-Karim Ndugwa who scored in his 3rd successive game for his team-SC Villa.

Nduggwa who netted against Soana, Lweza and now Police, got the game’s scoring with the earliest goal on the evening’s line up with a goal on 17 minutes.

Nduggwa’s rich vein of form also saw Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic hand him a call to the National team’s tour of Northern Uganda and he never disappointed the Serbian as he scored in the Cranes’ 5-0 win over Northern region in Gulu.

However Police FC who have enjoyed a fine start to the new campaign hit back in a space of two minutes after the break with two goals.

Kateregga Godfrey and Kasumba Umar (now with 3 goals) getting their names on the score sheet in Kavumba as the cps went on top with 7 points with three games played so far.

At KCCA Stadium, Bright stars edged BUL FC 1-0 thanks to a beautiful direct free kick by keeper Mathias Kigonya in the 75th minute.

Goal keeper, Mathias Kigonya scored from a free kick (Photo by John Batanudde)

The Kawempe based side is now unbeaten its opening three games of the season.

In Bombo, Mike Serumagga was the hero for newcomers Lweza FC with a goal in added time of the second half. Lweza beat Simba 1-0 in a game that five yellow cards dished out.

In Mityana, defending champions KCC were 3-0 winners over Rwenshama who are yet t win a game this season. Micheal Birungi netted a brace while Nsibambi Derrick got the other for George Nsimbe’s boys

In Namboole, SCVU were held to a 0-0 draw by Soana FC.

Friday fixtures 3rd October, 2014

Kira Young vs Police 

SC Villa vs URA

Entebbe vs Vipers

Sadolin Paints vs Express FC

BUL vs Simba 

MAIN PHOTO: FIFA referee, Brian Nsubuga communicates to Uganda Cranes and Victoria University player, Denis Iguma to wait for the whistle signal before play restarts at Namboole.

PHOTO CREDITS: SCVU Communications department

Uganda Premier League (Match Day 3):

Tuesday, 30th September 2014:

Bright Stars Vs Bul f.c – Lugogo Stadium

S.C Victoria University Vs Soana – Namboole Stadium

Police Vs SC Villa – Kavumba Recreational Stadium

Rwenshama Vs KCC – Mityana Ssaza grounds

Simba Vs Lweza – Bombo Military Stadium

There are 5 Uganda Premier League games to be played on the match day three.

Defending champions, after being held at their Lugogo home 1 all by Police travel to Mityana Ssaza ground to play Rwenshama with a small squad after injuries and suspensions to different players.

KCC will still miss midfielder Owen Kasule and Yasin Mugabi (suspension) while Ronnie Kisekka, Hakim Ssenkumba, Brian Umony and Richard Kassaga are all nursing different injuries.

Rwenshama, one of the three league new comers (others are Sadolin and Lweza) are seeking for their maiden points of the season, having suffered losses to Police (0 -3) and at home against Express (1- 2).

Midfielder, Gaddafi Kiwanuka and defender, Rodgers Aloro face their former pay masters at KCC.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo greets the match officials during the SC Villa Vs Soana game at Mityana Ssaza grounds.

Other matches are Police Vs SC Villa in a battle of second facing the first at Kavumba recreational stadium.

Uganda Cranes players Karim Ndugwa, Fred Nkata and Hassan Wasswa, fresh from the Nile Special Na – Mutima tour in Gulu will join colleagues at SC Villa to fight and extend their great run to three out of three wins.

SC Villa is facing a determined Police side, one that picked an away point against defending champions, KCC at Lugogo two weeks ago.

Police will look to the league joint top scorer, Umar Kasumba for that much needed inspiration.

Simba, who lost to a last gasp Joseph Mpande goal last week host Lweza, another side yet to win a league game.

Bul travels from Jinja to face high flying Bright Stars at Lugogo while at Namboole Stadium, Sports Club Victoria University hosts Soana.

MAIN PHOTO: Entebbe’s Sunday Mukiibi clears the ball as SCVU’s Dan Nsubuga tries to head it at Namboole Stadium. Both sides drew goal less.

PHOTO CREDITS: SCVU Communications Department

Uganda Cranes players and officials have today morning paid tribute to the family of former national team captain, Parry Oketch at the deceased’s family home in Pageya Laroo, Gulu District.

The late Parry Oketch worked in Police, Prisons and National Water security departments. He won 3 CECAFA championships and 2 back to back league title with Prisons in 1967/68 and 1968/69 seasons.

All the players who traveled for the Nile Special Cranes Na-Mutima northern region tour led by head of delegation, Hamid Juma paid a courtesy visit to the grieved family.

Head of Delegation, Hamid Juma (standing) addresses the family of the late Parry Oketch on Monday morning in Pageya Laroo Village,Gulu. Looking on are Cranes officials and players.

“It is a very trying moment, may the Almighty strengthen you in this time”, Juma, also FUFA’s technical head and executive member remarked.
The family and the neighbours have convened at their Gulu family home awaiting burial this Saturday.
One of the deceased’s sons, Lt. Joseph Oketch (currently in Somalia) is being waited to be part of the final send off programme for the former Cranes star.

Derrick Teko greets the widow to Parry Oketch as the Uganda Cranes players and officials paid a courtesy visit.

Parry Oketch, who captained the Cranes in the late 60’s as a defender, is survived by a widow, Betty Owoda Oketch and 4 children; Sunday Otim, Moses Odoch, Stellah Lanyero and Lt. Joseph Okello Oketch.

Charles Tills Kilama, a brother to the deceased talks to the widow

Meanwhile, the players have embarked on the return journey back to Kampala where they will join their respective clubs for the Uganda Premier league engagements which resumes tomorrow with match day 3 fixtures.

MAIN PHOTO: The late Parry Oketch

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

Cranes Na – Mutima Northern Regional Tour:

Uganda Cranes 5 – 0 Northern Region Team
At Pece Stadium.

A mammoth crowd estimated to be in thousands has today watched Uganda Cranes humiliate the Northern region select team at Pece Stadium in Gulu.

The crowd included FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson, Head of Technical (Ahmed Juma), FUFA Finance Committe member, George Otim, Nile Special’s brand Manager, Isaac Ssekaasi, Vice President Northern region, Walter Okello and many others.

The VIP section at Pece Stadium in Gulu on Sunday evening.

A minute’s silence in honour of the departed Uganda Cranes star and captain of the 1960’s, Parry Oketch was observed.

Goals by Karim Ndugwa (36th minute), William Wadri (43rd minute), Saidi Kyeyune (brace) and a Richard Langoya own goal after 58 minutes have given Cranes a comfortable win.

The Cranes team that started the game in Gulu against the Northern Region team.

Uganda is preparing for the upcoming AFCON 2015 qualifier against Togo at Namboole Stadium that will take place on 11th October 2014.

A very big gathering attended the match at Pece Stadium on Sunday evening. Lucky fans earned tickets to watch the Cranes – Togo game at Namboole stadium on the 11th October 2014.

Team inspection before the match kick off at Pece Stadium.

The Cranes Na – Mutima campaign is exclusively sponsored by Nile Brweries Limited under the brand, Nile Special.

As Uganda nears the next round of action for the AFCON qualifiers against Togo (home on the 11th October 2014) and away the following Wednesday, this was a perfect build up to shape the locally based players.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Fred Nkata, Savio Kabugo, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa, William Wadri, Saidi Kyeyune, Ivan Ntege, Allan Kyambadde, Karim Ndugwa

Second Half Changes:

Mathew Odong for Karim Ndugwa ,  Isa Lumu for Murushid Juuko, Brian Nkuubi for William Wadri,Dennis Okot for Hassan Wasswa, Baker Lukooya For Ivan Ntege, Dan Birikwarira for Fred Nkata and Derrick Teko for Savio Kabugo.

Note: Benjamin Ochan was replaced after 30 minutes by Ismail Watenga.

Match Referees: Joseph Olobo Joseph (Center Referee), David Oyet  (Assistant referee 1), Marion Okwang (Assistant referee 2), Alex Ojera Alex (4th official)
Match Commissioner: Denis Ojwee Denis

MAIN PHOTO: Northern Uganda regional team that started the game at Pece Stadium in Gulu on Sunday.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department.

CAF U -17 Qualifiers:
Uganda 1 – 2 Zambia (Zambia wins 4 – 1 on aggregate)
Zambia has beaten Uganda 1- 2 in the return leg of the CAF U-17 qualifier played at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday.

Uganda Cubs Starting line up at Nakivubo Stadium against Young Chipolopolo

Striker, Patson Daka’s brace after 20 and 65 minutes gave the Young Chipolopolo side victory as Uganda only netted the consolation through an Alex Komakech penalty.

Zambia thus makes it 4 -1 on aggregate after the first leg 2 – 0 win in Lusaka two weeks ago.

Uganda’s Pius Obuya takes on Zambia’s Wayne Museba (5) and Enock Mwepu. Obuya had a fair game before he was replaced by Ashraf Mugume in the second half.

However, Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to officially announce who the successful nation to the continental youth nations cup is.

This is after FUFA filed a petition questioning the ages of some Zambian players who are over aged.

The match was watched by a record crowd that included State Minister for sports, Hon Charles Bakabulindi and the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo and other invited guests.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo (third left), State Sports Minister, Charles Bakabulindi (on the left of the President) among others graced the Uganda – Zambia game.

MAIN PHOTO: Zambian team line up prior to kick off

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications department