Category: Latest News

International Build Up Game:

Tuesday, 2nd September 2014

Niger Vs Uganda – 7 pm (Ugandan Time)

Uganda Cranes head tactician, Micho has named a strong squad to face Niger this evening in Niamey during an international build up game.

Uganda will dress in red shirts and black shorts while Niger is set to don all white attire.

While briefing the players, Micho urged all the players to prove their worth prior the crucial AFCON game against Ghana in Kumasi on Saturday.

Niger is using this game as a build up game ahead of their encounter against Cape Verde.
Cranes XI :
Robert Odongokara (G.K),Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Andrew Mwesigwa (Captain), Isaac Isinde, Luwagga Kizito, Geofrey Baba Kizito, Moses Oloya, Khalid Aucho, Brian Umony, Farouk Miya, Tony Mawejje

Subs:

Denis Onyango (G.K), Savio Kabugo, Richard Kasagga, Robert Sentongo, Hamis Kiiza and Yunus Sentamu

Main Photo : Team Captain, Andrew Mwesigwa is joined by Tonny Mawejje in in a warm up session. The two will start against Niger in the build up game.

Photo Credits: FUFA Communications Department.

With just 12 days to the kick of the final round fixture against Zambia of the CAF U-17 Qualifier to the 2015 finals in Niger, Uganda Cubs will today take on FUFA Super league side, Bul f.c in a build up game.

The match will be held in Jinja.

On Saturday , the Cubs beat Gaba based academy team, Tranova 5 – 1 at Njeru technical center.

Main Photo: Cubs players greet Tranova counterparts prior the match

Ezra Bida

.He is just 14 years old

.He loves KCC FC but has never watched them ‘live’ in action

.He credits Mike Letti for opening up an opportunity for him to play at the bigger stage

.The furthest he has traveled away from his parents-is from Koboko to Gisenyi when Uganda played Rwanda.

.His local football idol is Cranes striker Emma Okwi

.MVP Airtel Rising Stars 2013

.Top scorer with 5 goals in the 2014 Airtel Rising Stars-West Nile region

Some people consider football a luxury sport while others openly believe that it is business which can help them achieve their dreams. Ezra Bida is not a prominent name when you talk about Uganda football but he is popular among his folks falling in his age group.

He is a member of the 27 man squad for Uganda U-17 team-Cubs preparing for a two legged affair with Zambia in 12 days’ time.
The 14 year old Bida says football is a game of passion and desire-no one forces you to play it. Fufa.co.ug caught up with Bida at the FUFA technical centre, Njeru and this is what he had to say.

‘If you try to follow the background of some senior players keenly more so here in Uganda or abroad, you will find out that most of them have a negative side of the story to tell but they did not retreat and what inspires me is the talent we have in Uganda’
The pint sized but talented is confident that he will represent his country at senior level.

‘Yes I have talent and now I want to help myself realize my dreams by using this platform in the Uganda U-17’ said Bida who was on target on Saturday when Uganda hammered Tranova Academy 5-1.

When fufa.co.ug staff made a visit to the team’s training sessions in Njeru, Bida was on the pitch but his frightening skills and talent were evident with the way he controlled the ball with ease.

Fufa.co.ug meets Ezra Bida:
Fufa.co.ug: How do you feel being part of this team?
Bida: Of course I feel happy because I know very many boys out there want to be here however I am working hard to penetrate into the starting team.

Fufa.co.ug: Who inspired you to play football?
Bida: My brother Samuel Bida who taught me how to play football deep in Koboko district

Fufa.co.ug: Who do you dedicate this achievement to?
Bida: Of course my brother Samuel Bida and FUFA delegate Mr. Mike Letti who spotted me playing in during the Airtel rising stars tournament. Without these two I would be nothing.
Note: Mike Letti is a member on FUFA Youth Football committee and International Match Organising Committee

Fufa.co.ug: Who is your idol(s) in football?
Bida: Uganda Cranes striker Emma Okwi and Sergio Aguero (Manchester City, Argentina) I like their style of play.

Fufa.co.ug: Do you miss your parents while you are with the National team?
Bida: Yes, I miss them very much especially my Mother, brothers, sisters and friends

Fufa.co.ug: What is your best dish?
Bida: Posho and fish

Fufa.co.ug: What is your best movie?
Bida: Nigerian movies make my day

Fufa.co.ug: Your future dream?
Bida: To become a professional player

Fufa.co.ug: Which football team do you support?
Bida: KCC FC and Arsenal though I have never watched KCC FC playing (he then smiles)

Fufa.co.ug: What do you wish to be after playing football?
Bida: A football coach

Fufa.co.ug: What if you didn’t take up football?
Bida: I would wish to be businessman

Brief profile about Ezra Bida
Full name: Ezra Bida
Class: Primary seven

School: Teremwa Primary School (P.7)
Born: 1999
Father: Samuel Bida
Mother: Lucia Sadia

MAIN PHOTO: Eza Bida’s first official photo taken by fufa.co.ug team at FUFA House before traveling to Njeru to start preparations for the away fixture against Seychelles.

Photo Credit: FUFA Communications department

 

 

Build Up Fixture:
Uganda Cubs 5 – 1 Tranova Academy

Uganda National U-17 team, The Cubs had a perfect warm up game with Tranova Academy from Bugonga in Gaba, winning 5 – 1.

The friendly game was played at Njeru Technical Center where the team has been camping for now 2 weeks.

Pius Obuya, Willy Peter Ocen, ,Peter Lusimbula, Steven Okot and Ezra Bida scored the goals for the side preparing for the Zambia first leg clash on 13th September 2014 in Lusaka.

The Tranova football team academy players pose prior kick off at Njeru technical center on Saturday.

The Cubs team will resume training at the Kimaka Barracks military grounds on Sunday to acclimatize to the natural grass conditions since the fixture in Zambia will be played on a grass ground.

Uganda travels to the Zambia capital, Lusaka for the first leg of the final round of qualification for the Africa U-17 Championships that will be held in Niger in January 2014.

The 4 semi finalists will represent  CAF at the FIFA World U-17 championships in Chile.

Main Photo : Uganda Cubs players pray before a friendly game which was played at Kabale Municipal Stadium last month.

Photo Credits: FUFA Communications Department.

Kampala Central wins 2014 Chenga City Tyres U-14 Football Title
Finals:
Kampala Central 0 (2) – 0 (0) Kids of Arua
3rd Place Match:
Bunyoro Kitara 3 – 0 Lugazi SCOUL
Kampala Central successfully defended the national U-14 Chenga City Tyres football title after overcoming Kids of Arua 2 – 0 in the post match penalties after a thrilling barren normal time of the finals played at the Masaka recreational stadium on Saturday.

Action in the entertaining finals between Kampala Central (Black) and Kids of Arua (yellow).

Kampala striker cum goal keeper, Kenneth Kimera was the hero as he saved all the Arua penalties before clinching the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award.
Kimera, a Primary 5 pupil at Gayaza Church of Uganda School, was rewarded with a year long school fees, a bicycle and a trophy, courtesy of the sponsors, City Tyres.

“This is our continued commitment towards supporting the development of youth football across the country”, Umar Mandela, the chairman of Mandela group of companies remarked.

Mandela group of companies, Chairman, Hajji Umar Mandela rewards the Kids of Arua team with U.shs 3M and Silver medals

Bunyoro Kitara was the second runners up team after beating Lugazi SCOUL in the third place match.
There were special prizes to all the excelling players at the tourney.

Top Scorer, Steven Walumu (Kampala Central) with 6 goals was awarded with a new pair of Shin Guards, Boots, Trophy and a bicycle.
The best goal keeper, Joram Nsubuga (Kampala Central) took home a trophy and brand new pair of gloves.

 

Franco Mugabe decorates Hoima’s Brian Aktwsige and his team mates with Bronze medals.

There was a lottery conducted at the end of the tournament where close to 10 bicycles were given to the lucky fans.
The annual tournament started with the nation wide qualifiers and climaxed at Masaka with the grand finals.

 

Chief Guest, Vincent Ssempijja hands over the trophy and U.shs 5M to winning team – Kampala Central U-14 team.

Each of the 10 teams at the national finals received a set of uniforms, branded City Tyres T-Shirt and was given accommodation, feeding plus transport facilitation.
The best team of the tournament selected will travel to Rwanda for a series of build up games.
10 teams took part in the national finals of the event organized by Friends of Football under the exclusive sponsorship of City Tyres.

Some of the Friends of Football Members pose with sponsors and the invited guests.

FUFA’s delegate from Masaka region, Meddie Sserwadda attended the two day tournament.

FUFA delegate from Masaka region, Meddie Sserwadda awards the players from SCOUL in Lugazi. They finished the 4th best team at the U-14 tourney.

FFull Results:
Group Stages:
Group A:
Kids of Arua 6 – 0 Alpha Junior Academy (Masaka)
Katuna Emma Boys (Kabale) 1 – 2 Jinja United
Alpha Junior Academy (Masaka) 1 – 1 Bunyoro Kitara (Hoima)
Kids of Arua 1 – 1 Katuna Emma Boys (Kabale)
Alpha Junior Academy (Masaka) 3 – 0 Katuna Emma Boys (Kabale)
Bunyoro Kitara (Hoima) 1 – 0 Jinja United
Group B:
Kampala Central 2 – 1 Gulu Junior Academy
Sheema (Mbarara) 0 – 0 True Vine Academy (Mbale)
SCOUL 0 – 2 Kampala Central
Gulu Junior Academy 0 – 1 Sheema (Mbarara)
SCOUL 1 – 0 True Vine Academy (Tororo)
Kampala Central 3 – 0 True Vine Academy (Mbale)
Semi Finals:
Kids of Arua 1 – 0 SCOUL
Kampala Central 0 (4) – 0 (3) Bunyoro Kitara
Third Place Play off:
Bunyoro Kitara 3 – 0 SCOUL
Finals:
Kids of Arua 0 (0) – 0 (2) Kampala Central
Awards:
Champions : Kampala Central (Gold Medals, School Bags for each player with Dictionary, Books and Geometry Set, Ug.shs 5M)
1st Runners Up: Kids of Arua (Silver Medals, School Bags for each player with Dictionary, Books and Geometry Set, Ug.shs 3M)
2nd Runners Up: Bunyoro Kitara (Bronze Medals, School Bags for each player with Dictionary, Books and Geometry Set, Ug.shs 5M)
3rd Runners Up: SCOUL (3 pens and A dozen of books per player)
Best Goal Keeper: Joram Nsubuga (Kampala Central) – Pair of Gloves, Bicycle and Trophy
Top Scorer: Steven Walumu (Pair of Shin Guards, Boots, Trophy and Bicycle)
MVP: Kenneth Kimera (Bicycle, Trophy and One year education Sponsorship courtesy of City Tyres).

Young football commentator, Shafik Karungi excelled at keeping everyone abreast of what was going on at the Masaka recreational stadium.

Main Photo: Kalungu Member of Parliament, Vincent Ssempijja awards gold medals to the members of the winning team, Kampala Central after the finals at Masaka Recreational Stadium on Saturday.

Photo Credits: FUFA Communications Department.

Third round 1st leg, CAF U17 Championship
Match: Zambia vs Uganda
Date: Saturday 13th September, 2014
Time: (3pm in Zambia, 4pm in Uganda)
Venue: Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka.

Match Officials:
Gervais Munyanziza-Referee-Rwanda
Honore Simba- Assistant Referee 1-Rwanda
Raymond Nonati Bwiliza- Assistant Referee 2-Rwanda
Abdoul Karim Twagiramukiza-Reserve Referee-Rwanda
Kalombo Bester-Commissioner-Malawi

 

By Joseph Mataka in Jinja

We work as a team-says Uganda U17 striker Sebutinde

Uganda Cubs have enjoyed a flying start so far to their qualifiers of the 2015 African U-17 championship. The juniors have scored 12 goals in four outings so far against Seychelles and Rwanda with Charles Subutinde, 16, netting three times.

Unlike his father and now head coach for the Cubs Matia Lule who played as sweeper during his hey days, Sebutinde has made his name by scoring goals for the national junior team.

In this campaign so far, Sebutinde who is a student at St Edwards Bukumi has promised to score more goals if selected. He netted against Seychelles (both legs) and Rwanda in Gisenyi.
‘I score goals because this is what I can do better when I am on the pitch. And I thank God for that opportunity’ said Sebutinde a few minutes after a vigorous evening training session on Wednesday at FUFA technical Centre in Njeru.

About the upcoming fixture against Zambia, Sebutinde looked unshaken by their opponents and said the pressure is on their opponents.
‘Zambia is a good side but we have characters as a team to challenge our opponents. We have faith and belief that we can overcome them’ added Sebutinde.
Sebutinde further said “I know the pressure is on them but we shall do our best to see that we finish up this game in Zambia to avoid tension when they come here at home.

Uganda will travel to Zambia for the first leg set for 13th September, 2014 at Nkoroma Stadium, Lusaka.
The Cubs will play some build up matches to help the coaches assess the fitness of the boys.
So far all boys have joined the camp except captain Andrew Okiring who is in the US for studies but is expected to join the rest of the team next week.
Uganda Cubs has now got Zambia left on their way for the continental finals to be staged in Niger next year.
Squad in camp.

Goal keepers: Kibowa Erick, Mwirusi Ali, Kasibante Edward.

Defenders: Jangeyambe Joel, Katumba Diego, Komakech Alex, Kato Samuel, Asiku Bashir, Matovu Victors

Midfielders: Oringa Emma, Hassan Senyonjo, Tumwesigye Frank, Ashiraf Tugume, Kizito Akram, Nsubuga Badru, Lusimbura Peter
Strikers: Bida Ezra, Obuya Pius, Ochen Willy, Shaban Muhammed, Mpata Imran

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda U-17 that beat Rwanda 3-2 in Gisenyi. Sebutinde (2nd from right, front row started the game).

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department

 

 

GROUP E: 2015 NATIONS CUP QUALIFIER

UGANDA VS GUINEA

DAY/DATE; WEDNESDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER, 2014

TIME: 7.30PM

VENUE: MANDELA NATIONAL STADIUM, NAMBOOLE

FUFA has confirmed that only 1,234 of the 5,000 discounted tickets sold at UGX 15,000 are left on market for the Nations cup qualifier between Uganda and Guinea on 10th September, 2014 at Mandela National stadium.
The ordinary tickets went on market last Wednesday to give fans a chance to enjoy a 25% discount (UGX 5,000) off the original value of UGX 20,000.
The federation is happy with the response from the fans who have bought the 3,764 tickets.
The discounted tickets were due to be taken off the market by close of business today (Wednesday 27th August, 2014) but FUFA has extended the selling period by two extra days (Thursday and Friday) to allow fans buy them.
The UGX20, 000 tickets will go on market starting Monday 1st September, 20114.
The rest of the tickets 0UGX50,00 and UGX 120,000) are already on market.

Ticket selling outlets
1 – Airtel Uganda Outlets: Lugogo, Ben Kiwanuka Street, Bugolobi, Bweyogerere and Jinja Road
2 –City oil branches: Bombo Road, Martin Road, Bakuli, Nakawa and Kamwokya.
3 – Gapco Ben Kiwanuka
4 – Total branches: Nakivubo, Bwaise, Kajjansi, Kireka, Bweyogerere and City Centre
5 – Kobil branches: Kawempe, Kasubi and Kansanga
6 – Shell branches: Capital, Kibuye and Bugolobi
8 – Hard Ware World-Ntinda
9 – City Shoppers Super Market-Mukono
10 – FUFA House-FUFA Merchandise Store (Only Selling Point for the UGX 120,000 tickets or special delivery if an order is placed in by a fan or institution).

MAIN PHOTO: SAMPLE TICKETS OF THE UGX 15,000

Course Programme

Started today (Tuesday) 26th-Sunday 31st August

Time: 8 O’clock every morning

Kampala Region Football Association has taken a giant step in developing new and young referees. The six day course at FUFA House Mengo that rolled off today has attracted 20 young and promising referees.

The course is conducted by former FIFA assistant referee Ali Tomusange who officiated at the 2002 FIFA world cup in Japan/South Korea and CAF Referees Instructor Samuel Egesa who will be the chief examiner.

Referees beginners’ courses will also be held in the other seven FUFA regions-Kitara, Western, Northern, North East, West Nile, Buganda and Eastern.
‘We are looking for young and new faces to create a big pool of referees in the near future’ said Tomusange

The freshly enrolled referees will go through the laws of the game with theory and practical sessions.
The course starts at 8 O’clock every morning and ends on Sunday.

MAIN PHOTO: Participants in the referees; beginners’ course: L-R: Abdul Hakim Juma, Bossa David, Kiwewa Emma, Kasala Joshua and Kavuma Vincent

Photo credit: FUFA Communications department

Africa Youth Championship
Third round first leg
13th September, 2014: Zambia vs Uganda
Uganda head coach for the National U-17 team Matia Lule has made two additions to the squad currently in camp at FUFA technical centre in Njeru. The new players are left full back Matovu Victor from Aspire Academy in Senegal and winger Peter Lusimbula of Kakungulu High.

The players who are yet to join camp are Kipper Luwalo, Kasibante Edward and Andrew Okiring lsiagi.

Left fullback Alex Komakech speaks out about his dream
‘My dream is to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. It can only start when we go to Niger for the Africa youth championship finals’ says Alex Komakech who is a senior four student at St Julian High School Gayaza.

Komakech who wnet to Kisugu Church of Uganda primary school and idolizes Uganda Cranes left full back Godfrey Walusimbi is a son of Mr Moga Simon and Melida Kujo of Kisugu.

Cubs for friendly game
Head coach Matia Lule has set up a friendly match for his Cubs to play against former players of Jinja this Sunday.
The U-17 are in camp preparing to play Zambia in the Africa Youth Championship qualifier on 13th September, 2014.

All Photos by: FUFA Communications department