As the list of teams to participate in the round of 16 takes shape, StarTimes Uganda Premier League side Onduparaka FC visit Junior Eagles FC today at Soroti Stadium.
During the round of 64, the Eastern Regional League side Junior Eagles FC eliminated FUFA Big League side Soroti City FC in a match that ended 2-1 at the same venue while Onduparaka FC eliminated Packwach Young Stars in a match that was played at St. Mary’s Omach Ground.
The FUFA Women’s Cup returns bigger and better after a three-year hiatus. The annual knockout tournament returns from a forced break that was caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.
Last staged in 2019 where Makerere University WFC emerged winners, the tournament characterized by thrilling action covers all teams at all levels including the non league.
The round of 32 games will commence on Saturday with five games lined up.
Reigning holders Makerere University make a short trip to Kawempe to face Kawempe Junior Team.
Asubo Gafford Ladies visit Luweero Giant Queens hoping for revenge. The last time the two teams faced (2021), the latter won 2-1.
In the other games to be played on Saturday, 2018 winners UCU Lady Cardinals take on Goldstar High School, inaugural winners Olila High School visit Golden Impact while Ehcoes will be at home to GYCO Girls.
Sunday will have three fixtures including Jinja SS taking on She Maroons, Acholi Queens facing Kampala Queens while Byafaayo Queens will entertain Rines SS.
The rest of the round of 32 fixtures will spread across next week.
An early goal from Ronald Otti in the 6th minute secured BUL FC’s slot in the round of 16 as they hosted SC Villa at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
In the last edition, SC Villa were eliminated by BUL FC during the quarter-finals after Ibrahim Nsimbe scored an extra time winner.
Kampala Regional League side Kisugu United today eliminated Paidha Black Angles, a team that plays in the West Nile Regional League. The match ended 4-3 after spot kicks where taken.
A first half goal from Kisugu United’s Bob Matovu was canceled out by Muber Jimmy in the 83rd minute.
Uganda’s representatives at the Zonal Qualifiers to the inaugural CAF African Schools Championship made a perfect start as the tournament got underway on Friday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Royal Giant High School (Boys category) were brilliant, winning their first game in Group A.
The Mityana based side defeated Benjamin Mkapa SS from Tanzania 2-0 thanks to goals from Enock Bagenda and Thomas Ogema.
Royal Giant High School team.
It should be noted that Group A has E.S Sumba (Rwanda), Geda Roble S.S (Ethiopia), Benjamin Mpaka S.S (Tanzania) and Royal Giant High School (Uganda).
The girls on the other made their intentions clear by winning their two opening games. Amus College first defeated Al Jadida from Sudan 0-3 with Asia Kakai, Sharom Nabunya and Joan Namungo scoring a goal each.
In the second game, Amus College edged Djibouti’s CEM Baulous 1-0.
The two schools will return in action on Saturday with another round of group games.
It should be noted that the Champions in either category will represent the CECAFA Zone at the final tournament in April.
Cup holders, BUL FC, will be looking forward to qualify for the next round as SC Villa visits the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. The visitors eliminated Kireka United in the round of 64 in match that ended 6-0 while BUL eliminated Sparks FC. The match ended 1-0 in favour of BUL.
Speaking to the media, the BUL FC team manager Alex Isabirye believes it will not be an easy game.
“We are going to try to do our level best to win the game although it will not be easy.”
“In the current SC Villa, we are meeting a different team from the one we faced last season. So, the game will not be the same as last season’s” he added.
Captain George Kasonko emphasised that today’s match is a final.
“It’s the final match we are having, there will be no any other game if we lose this one. It’s a game we must play to win.”
Elsewhere, Kisugu United FC host Paidha Black Angels at Bugolobi Coffee Grounds. Kisugu eliminated Marons FC while Paidha Black Angles saw off FUFA Big League side Kyetume FC.
The race for promotion slots in the FUFA Big League is wide open following Thursday’s results from the various games played on matchday 17.
Police stunned table leaders NEC to give themselves a big leap in their quest to return to the tier side.
Calvary also earned a narrow win at home against Kataka to make their dream of earning promotion a close reality.
Police in the early kickoff on Thursday edged NEC 1-0 at Kavumba Recreation Ground thanks to Emmanuel Mugume’s lone goal.
Police FC celebrate their goal against NEC FC.
The win meant Police moved to second place on 33 points same as NEC who have a better goal difference.
Calvary who are 5th on 27 points after winning 1-0 against Karaka. Junior Andama’s first half goal was enough to fetch all three points.
Elsewhere, Luweero United were 1-0 winners over Northern Gateway FC thanks to Enock Kabugo’s goal.
Soroti City won 1-0 against Kaaro Karungi, Adjumani held Kyetume to a one-all draw while the game between Ndejje University and Lugazi ended with a similar scoreline.
Action continues on Friday with Kitara FC hosting Booma in the Bunyoro derby.
Kitara have the opportunity to reclaim top spot should they win at home.
On Saturday, Mbarara City who is also in the promotion mix will take on Jinja North United.
Bunyaruguru United FC and Kiyinda Boys FC have progressed to the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after winning their respective matches.
Steven Namuwanda and Steven Dubi Sebufu scored for Kiyinda Boys in the 23rd minute and 76th minute respectively while Kigezi HomeBoyz got a consolation goal from the spot through Odeke Dickson in the 91st minute.
Bunyarugura United FC eliminated StarTimes Uganda Premier League side UPDF FC in a match that ended 2-1. Ahimbisibwe Ivan’s equaliser in the second half was not enough for his side to march on.
Kiyinda Boys FC plays in the Buganda Regional League while Bunyaruguru United FC plays in the Western Regional League.
Results – Thursday, 16th February 2023
Bunyaruguru United FC 2-1 UPDF FC – Nyakasharu Playground, Rubirizi (4:00 PM)
Kiyinda Boys FC 2-1 Kigezi Home Boyz – Ssaza Ground,Mityana (4:00 PM)
Uganda’s representatives at the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for the CAF African School Championship Amus College and Royal Giant High School have expressed their readiness to make the country proud.
It should be noted that Amus College and Royal Giant High School emerged winners of the National Qualifiers in the girls and boys category respectively last year.
The National Championship organized by FUFA and held in July 2022 attracted 20 schools and each of the participating getting 20 balls.
FUFA President Eng. Magogo Moses Hassim officiating at the launch of the tournament.Amus College player celebrate after winning the National Qualifiers at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.Royal Giant High School emerged winners in the boys category.
The two aforementioned schools are part of the zonal tournament that pits Champions from the rest of the countries in the CECAFA region.
The tournament will be played in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between 17-19th February 2023 with winners in either category qualifying for the CAF African Schools Championship.
Amus College team was officially flagged off by the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda Rt Hon. Anita Annet Among on Wednesday.
Rt. Hon Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among walking with Amus College players.
It should be noted that the Speaker is also the District Women Representative for Bukedea district where Amus College hails.
She urged the youngsters to make Uganda proud and pledged a USD10,000 reward if they win.
Amus College team pose for a group photo with the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among.
“Now we are giving you USD 5,000 to support the team. As you go for this championship, go with the determination to win. Make Amus college, Bukedea and Uganda proud. When you do that, you will become stars of this country,” Among said.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tayebwa who also attended the function at Parliament assured the team of government’s support indicating Government prides in sports.
“You are the best team and we hope you will emerge the best in Tanzania. Government has committed support towards sports and at your age, you must do well to benefit from your talents.” he said.
Sixteen schools from nine countries will be competing in the U15 CAF African Schools Championship Qualifiers.
The countries include; Burundi. Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda and South Sudan
The inaugural CAF African Schools Championship will take place in April this year.
As the country celebrates the life of Archbishop Janani Luwum, UPDF FC visits Bunyaruguru United FC as Kiyinda Boys FC host Kigezi HomeBoyz FC.
Buganda Regional League side Kiyinda Boys FC qualified for the round of 32 after shocking StartTimes Uganda Premier League side Gaddafi FC during the round of 64 in a match that ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts. The visitors Kigezi HomeBoyz FC that play in the Western Regional League saw off FUFA Big League side Booma FC at Kabale Municipal Stadium after scoring twice to tilt the result to their favour.
Bunyaruguru United FC from the Western Regional League eliminated FUFA Big League side Kaaro Karungi during the round of 64 in a match that ended 2-0. The visitors, UPDF FC, eliminated Bushenyi Veterans FC, a team that plays in the Western Regional League. UPDF FC plays in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Fixtures – Thursday, 16th February 2023
Bunyaruguru United FC vs UPDF FC – Nyakasharu Playground, Rubirizi (4:00 PM)
Kiyinda Boys FC vs Kigezi Home Boyz – Ssaza Ground,Mityana (4:00 PM)
Vipers have advanced to the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after eliminating FUFA Big League side Jinja North United at the Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe in a highly contested match.
Normal time ended in a goalless draw but the 2022 finalists were on receiving end. Defender Murushid Juuko cleared the ball off the line in the 15th minute when Jinja North forward Mataama Dickson beat Vipers goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora off the ball but his shot found the solid defender well positioned to clear the ball off the line. After two minutes, the hosts made another attempt which saw Fabien stretch on the ground to punch the ball out of the goal area.
The visiting side also got a scoring chance in the first half of the game but striker Karim Ndugwa headed Yunus Ssentamu’s freekick over the bar.
The second half was a bit dull with fewer scoring opportunities. A memorable long-range shot from David Bagoole was saved by Mutobora leaving him on the ground to call for medical attention.
Center Referee Stephen Kimayo had no choice rather than calling for the ball and ask teams to prepare for kicks from the penalty mark after a goalless scoreline at fulltime. The game ended 6-7 after kicks from the penalty mark to see Vipers traveling fans celebrating.
Jinja North’s Mataama Dickson missed the seventh kick with Outa Dickson, Kiiza Musa, Mwanje Samuel, Kyeyune Umar, Deo Isejja, and Kibande Paul converting while Desire Tety, Martin Kizza, Yisa Mubiru, Olivoer Osomba, Milton Kariisa, Hillary Mukundane, and Fabien Mutombora converted for Vipers SC.
FUFA on Wednesday held a strategic meeting with the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (board and secretariat) and Club Chairpersons aimed on how to improve the top tier league.
The meeting held at Imperial Royale Hotel which was interactive in nature made attempt at generating ideas on how to address the current challenges and how best the League can grow into a viable product.
A section of club chairpersons attending the meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel.
FUFA President who chaired the meeting started by lauding club chairpersons for their efforts in running clubs.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim addressing the media.
“I take this opportunity to thank Club chairpersons for always committing your resources in terms of money and time to football. Without clubs you cannot have football and with such meetings, we need to come up with strategic ideas on how best we can improve,” he started.
“We all have a duty to develop our League and decisions made today will in the long run bring transformation. As FUFA, Uganda Premier League board and the clubs we must synergy efforts to cause the desired change.” He added.
FUFA President having a chat with SC Villa President Hajji Omar Mandela (standing) and SC Villa Board Member Gerald Ssendawula (seated).
The President hinted on three salient areas where emphasis must be put in order to make a complete turnaround of League.
Resources
Infrastructure
The Sports Law
StarTimes Uganda Premier League Board Chairman, Arinaitwe Rugyendo believes consorted efforts must be made to push the brand in the right direction.
UPL Board Chairperson Arinaitwe Rugyendo.
“I’m happy to say that the League is taking strategic decisions to make improvement. From the period of turbulence in the early 2000s to the recovery process we have been undergoing, it is high time that we find strategic solutions to the current challenges in order to create a good brand which generates income.” Said Rugyendo
Artiste Bebe Cool who came on the invitation of the FUFA President made a presentation to Club chairpersons on how football must work hand in hand with entertainers to pull crowds during domestic games.
Musician Bebe Cool.
Music and sport work in tandem. For example, over the weekend Rihanna performed at Super Bowl. How many people who literally didn’t know anything about NFL but watched because the musician was performing? So as FUFA, UPL and clubs, you must make a strategic move to tap into our fans by bringing entertainers to closer to the game.
Arua Hill Chairman Joel Aita putting his point across.
Club chairpersons were impressed with this intervention and indicated such engagements should be made often.
BUL FC Club Chairman (with microphone) Ronald Barente.
Diana Hope Nyago, the President of Busoga United FC tasked FUFA to make up follow up on the numerous ideas generated from the meeting.
“I’m delighted that FUFA is coming up with such interventions. What we need as football is to make long term strategies and I’m happy that several aspects have been discussed. What FUFA and Clubs need is to do a follow up.” She stated.
FUFA will come up with a document at a later date to contextualize all the ideas that were generated during the meeting.
Last editions finalists Vipers SC visit FUFA big League side Jinja North United FC today at the Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe. The team eliminated Bujumbura United FC in the round of 64 in a match that was decided by penalties.
While speaking to Vipers SC Media, skipper Milton Karisa feels the critics need to be silenced.
“People who comment, their job is to comment, so you have to live with that. What is important is how we respond, how we analyse the game and how we respond in a united way.” he said
Elsewhere, Mbale Heroes FC host Soltilo Bright Stars at the Mbale Municipal Stadium as Admin FC visits Mbarara City FC at Kakyeka Stadium.
Mbale Heroes eliminated Araka FC in the round of 64 while Soltilo Bright Stars FC eliminated non league side Nakapelimen FC.
FUFA Big League side Mbarara City FC eliminated SC Tawai, a team that plays in the Northern Regional League as Admin FC from the Eastern Regional League shocked FUFA Big League side Northern Gateway FC to qualify for the round of 64.
Uganda Pentecostal University FC and Blacks Power FC have been eliminated from the on-going 49th edition of the stanbic Uganda Cup after losing to Kitara FC and Wakiso Giants FC, respectively.
Dudu Ramathan scored twice for Kitara FC in the second half to enable his side qualify for the round of 16. Abdulburst Bwambale scored for the visitors but it wasn’t enough to enable them see qualification. Kitara FC plays in the FUFA Big League while Uganda Pentecostal University FC plays in the Kitara Regional League.
At the Akii-Bua stadium, Blacks Power FC and Wakiso Giants FC had a goalless scoreline after the fulltime whistle and this led to spot kicks. Visitors, Wakiso Giants FC, emerged the better side overcoming Blacks Power 6-5. Both sides play in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Results: Tuesday, 14th February 2023
Kitara FC 2-1 Uganda Pentacostal – Kigaaya P/S, Hoima
Blacks Power FC 0(5)-0(6) Wakiso Giants FC – Akii Bua Stadium
The road to Lira continues today as StarTimes Uganda Premier League sides face-off at Akii Bua Memorial Stadium in Lira. Blacks Power FC host Wakiso Giants FC in an elimination match that is set to kick-off at 4:00 PM.
The homeside eliminated Bukedea Central FC in the round of 64 after defeating them by a goal while the visitors saw off Fort Portal Boda Boda FC in a match that ended 3-1 at Buhinga Stadium. Ojik, Aliro and Ssebuufu scored for Wakiso Giants FC while Hamza sored the lone goal for Fort Portal Boda Boda FC.
Else where, FUFA Big League side Kitara FC is hosting Kitara Regional League side Uganda Pentecostal University at Kigaaya P/S, Hoima.
Uganda Pentecostal University eliminated StarTimes Uganda Premier League side URA FC in a match that was decided by penalties. The home side won 4-3.
Kitara FC on the other hand eliminated Free Stars FC after spot kicks were taken.
Uganda Hippos intensified their preparations for the U20 AFCON tournament with a friendly match against host nation Egypt on Monday afternoon at the Military Academy Olympic Stadium, Cairo.
The closely contested clash ended in a one-all draw.
The Hippos looked the brighter side in the early stages of the game with John Paul Dembe and Travis Mutyaba both coming close to scoring.
Hippos continued dominating proceedings thanks to the quartet of Ssematimba, Mugulusi, Mayanja and Irinimbabazi taking charge.
With three minutes to the break, the Hippos launched an enticing attack that was initiated by Ibrahim Juma. Ddembe was at the tail end of the move and he did no mistake to break the deadlock.
However, the lead was short-lived with Egypt finding the equaliser at the stroke of halftime.
Defender Apollo Kagogwe was unlike to direct the ball into his own goal.
The start of second half saw coach Jackson Mayanja introduce Rogers Mugisha, Justin Opiro and Issa Bugembe for Dembe, Lukwago and Ssematimba in that order.
Mutyaba won a free kick for the Hippos right at the edge but Juma effort was dealt with by the opponent’s goalie.
Four minutes past the hour mark, Hippos made another change with Umar Lutalo coming on for Saidi Mayanja.
Bugembe came close to restoring the Hippos lead in the 79th minute but his shot was blocked.
Hippos made more changes in the 80th minute with Hakim Mutebi and Patrick Kakande coming on for Mutyaba and Juma respectively.
The Hippos will relocate to Ismailia on Tuesday where they will play their matches in group B against Central African Republic, Congo Brazaville and South Sudan.
The tournament will take place between 19th to 11th March in Egypt.
Uganda Hippos StartingXI
Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Apollo Kakogwe, Rogers Torach, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Saidi Mayanja, Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Titus Ssematimba, John Paul Ddembe
Substitutes
Kamya Shamran, Oyo Delton, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Patrick Kakande, Roger Mugisha, Issa Bugembe, Shafiq Magogo, Alpha Ssali, Emmanuel Mukisa, Hakim Mutebi, Samson Kasozi, Frank Katongole
Kampala Queens continue to stroll through teams in the FUFA Women Super League, picking results with relative ease.
The run away leaders who made a year without defeat last week, defeated She Corporate on Sunday to open up a 14-point gap at the top.
Patricia Akiror in action against She Corporate.Joan Ainembabazi takes on Kampala Queens defender Rukia Namubiru.
A goal in either half from Hasifah Nassuna and Resty Nanziri ensured the Queens of Soccer secured their 11th win in as many games this season.
With seven games to the end of the season, Kampala Queens now need at least four wins to wrap up the title.
Kampala Queens starting XI against She Corporate.She Corporate starting XI
Second placed Uganda Martyrs once again faltered, this time falling to improved Asubo Gafford Ladies.
The School side who lost to Rines SS a week ago, suffered yet another defeat, this time at home to former coach Rogers Nkugwa.
Asubo Gafford players celebrate one of the goals.
Sarah Nakuya, Teddy Nafwono and Kamiyati Naigaga scored a goal each for Gafford Ladies while Sumaya Nalumu got the consolation for Uganda Martyrs.
Kamiyati Naigaga celebrates after scoring.
Despite winning, Asubo Gafford Ladies remain bottom of the table on seven points while Uganda Martyrs are second on 19 points.
The relegating battle is now widened following results from the weekend. Right from third placed UCU Lady Cardinals to Asubo Gafford Ladies, anyone could easily suffer the drop.
Makerere University edged Lady Doves to temporarily move out of the red zone on goal difference thanks to Jemima Twesigye’s goal.
The University side have 11 points same as Rines SS who drew 1-1 at UCU Lady Cardinals.
Bridget Nabisaalu scored for UCU to cancel out Jesca Namanda’s opener for Rines.
Elsewhere, Kawempe Muslim had to rally from a goal down to earn a point off Olila High School in Soroti.
Dorcus Lwaliwa gave Olila the lead before Shakira Nyinagahirwa levelled matters from the spot.
Uganda Hippos (U20) head coach Jackson Mayanja has named the final squad to Egypt ahead of the U20 AFCON tournament.
The squad skippered by Isma Mugulusi is composed of 25 players with three goalkeepers and 22 outfield players.
The team conducted its last training on Friday morning at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Hippos are expected to fly out on Saturday evening (6PM) to Egypt and where a couple of friendly matches will be played.
The tournament will take place between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt with The Hippos pitted in Group B along Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic and South Sudan.
Lukwago Haruna (KCCA FC) Opiru Justine (URA FC) Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC) Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC) Kakogwe Apollo (Wakiso Giants FC) Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa), Ibrahim Juma (Leganes CD, Spain)
Midfielders
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC) Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC) Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Mutebi Hakim (SC. Villa), Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Forwards
Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC) Kakande Patrick Jonah (SC Villa), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC) Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20), Alpha Ssali (Proline FC), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC)
Officials
Leader of Delegation: Frank Ankunzire
Head Coach: Jackson Mayanja Assistant Coach: Massa Simeon Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu Fitness Coach: Kasule Noah Team Manager: Mutyaba Bashir Team Doctor: Gumisiriza Michael Kamu Physiotherapist: Kyasimire Darlian Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire Kits Manager: Bumpenje Frank. Videographer: Constant Ali