Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 32 draw has been held on Friday at FUFA Complex, Mengo.
The function was conducted by FUFA EXCO Member Rogers Mulindwa who is also the chairperson of the FUFA Club Licensing committee. He was flanked by FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza and FUFA Competitions Director Aisha Nalule.
Mulindwa lauded the teams that featured in the round of 64 and indicated knockout competitions are thrilling because of the surprise element.
FUFA EXCO Member Rogers Mulindwa.
“The results from the previous round show how cup games are unpredictable. To have 14 regional league clubs means a lot. And we hope that the next rounds will produce more thrilling moments.” He said.
In some of the notable fixtures, holders BUL FC will face SC Villa, last season’s runners-up Vipers SC will visit Jinja North United while Express have been pitted against Lugazi FC.
FUFA Competitions Director, Nalule explained that two fixtures are still pending decisions from the judicial bodies following petitions.
Kataka FC petitioned Gorilla Highlands for allegedly fielding ineligible players while Arua Hill SC also petitioned Elite FC for the same reason.
The round of 32 games will be played between 13th -20th February.
Here is the full draw
BUL FC vs SC Villa Pajule Lions FC vs Police FC Junior Eagles FC vs Onduparaka FC Express FC vs Lugazi FC Bunyaruguru United FC vs UPDF FC Kitara FC vs Uganda Pentecostal University FC Kiyinda Boys FC vs Kigezi Homeboyz Gorilla Highlands FC/ Kataka FC vs KCCA FC Blacks Power FC vs Wakiso Giants FC Jinja North United vs Vipers SC Ndejje University FC vs Blue Star FC Kisugu United FC vs Paidha Black Angels FC Mbale Heroes FC vs Soltilo Bright Stars FC Adjumani Town Council vs Elite FC/Arua Hill SC Mbarara City FC vs Admin FC Calvary FC vs JLOS FC
Kitara FC and Mbarara City FC drew against Northern Gateway SC and Booma FC respectively as third placed NEC FC won their match against Calvary FC to rise to the top. NEC FC captain Marvin Kavuma scored the lone goal in the 90th minute to move his side up.
Else where, Kyetume FC overcame Kataka FC at Nakisunga Ssaza ground through a goal from Simon Okwil in the 59th minute. The result pushes the home side from 10th to 6th on the table standings.
Fourth placed Police FC suffered their second defeat of the season a the hands of Lugazi FC at the Lugazi Stadium. Paul Wasswa scored in the 59th minute for the home side. Lugazi FC moves up to 8th from 11th place.
The Ndejje University lions had their fifth win of the season from Jinja as they beat the home side Jinja North United FC 2-1. The lions opened scoring in the 19th minute through Brian Obedi only for the hosts to equalise from the spot in the 48th minute through Dickson Mataama. New recruit Kipper Luwalo scored for the visitors from the spot to hand them the three points.
The FUFA Big League top scorer Denis Omedi’s goal for Booma FC in the 1st minute was equalised by Mbarara City FC’s Seiri Arigumaho in the 47th minute. This saw the match end in a 1-1 draw.
Adjumani TC FC overcame Soroti FC to rise from 15th to 13th on the table standings. Both teams remain in the red zone.
Match day 16 Results
Jinja North Utd FC 1-2 Ndejje University, Kyabazinga Stadium
Uganda Hippos (U20) camp has been boosted by the arrival Spanish based left back Ibrahim Juma and midfielder Ivan Irinimbabazi from Scotland.
Juma arrived in the wee hours of Thursday while Irinimbabazi arrived on Thursday afternoon.
Ivan Irinimbabazi (right) received by captain Isma Mugulusi.
Both players headed straight to the team camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi to join the rest of their teammates.
Juma arrives after making his debut at Spanish Segunda side Leganes CD two weeks back while Irinimbabazi has been undergoing trials at Scotish Premier League side Dundee United FC.
Ibrahim Juma all smiles after arriving at the team camp in Kisaasi
The development means it is now full house with head coach Jackson Mayanja expected to name his final 25- man squad on Friday before the team flies out on Saturday to Egypt.
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.
Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.
The secound round of the 2022/2023 FUFA Big League season gets underway on Thursday 9th February 2023.
The table leaders Kitara FC host Kataka FC as Mbarara City FC, NEC FC and Police FC play against Booma FC, Calvary FC and Lugazi FC respectively.
The FUFA competitions department has postponed M#127 Kaaro Karungi FC v Luweero United FC after the visiting side reported a Typhoid outbreak in their camp. The date which the fixture is to be played will be communicated.
Match day 16 Fixtures
Jinja North United FC vs Ndejje University FC, Kyabazinga Stadium – Bugembe
NEC FC vs Calvary FC, Bugolobi Coffee Ground
Lugazi FC vs Police FC, Lugazi FC Stadium
Kyetume FC vs Kataka FC, Nakisunga Saza Ground
Booma FC vs Mbarara City FC, Masindi Stadium
Northern Gateway SC vs Kitara FC, The Gate Stadium – Lira
Adjumani TC FC vs Soroti City FC, Paridi Stadium – Adjumani
FUFA Tv continues to grow in leaps and bounds barely a year after its arrival. With the main target set at professionalization of the sport industry through television, the progress is this far positive.
On Tuesday, another milestone was realized with FUFA Tv officially launching on Digital Satellite Television (DStv), a Sub-Saharan African direct broadcast satellite service provider owned by MultiChoice.
Multichoice PR and Marketing Manager Jinaldi Jamugisa and FUFA Media Services CEO Shawn Mubiru outside the studios of FUFA Tv.
The launch hosted by FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein live in the FUFA Tv studios was conducted by FUFA Media Services CEO Shawn Mubiru, Head of Marketing at Multichoice-Uganda Lois Kwikiriza and Multichoice-Uganda PR and Marketing Manager, Jinaldi Jamugisa.
L-R: Lois Kwikiriza, Shawn Mubiru and Jinaldi Jamugisa all smiles.FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein hosting Multichoice-Uganda Head of Marketing Lois Kwikiriza.FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein.
Mubiru indicated the move to have FUFA Tv on DSTV helps in driving the agenda of commercialization of sport.
FUFA Media Services CEO Shawn Mubiru.
“This is the moment that we have been waiting for. We saw the gap and decided to position ourselves for the benefit of sports, athletes and the entire fraternity,” he started.
FUFA Media Services CEO Shawn Mubiru.
“This is a good opportunity for Ugandan sport to venture into aspects of professionalization and commercialization. Television dictates business in sport and we will make sure that clubs generate more income.” Added Mubiru.
Kwikiriza stated that Multichoice is committed towards promoting local content.
Multichoice Head of Marketing, Lois Kwikiriza live on FUFA Tv.
“We are very excited at Multichoice-Uganda to have yet another powerful Ugandan brand on our platform. DStv has different packages and I’m glad to inform our esteemed customers that FUFA Tv will be available across all bouquets. We are committed towards pushing local content and we promise to drive traffic to FUFA Tv.” She said.
Jamugisha further asserted the motive to promote local content ranging from music, movies and now sports.
Jinaldi Jamugisa also had a session on 102.1 FUFA fm
“We have a hyper local strategy to ensure that our customers get as many options as possible. For example during the FIFA World Cup, we introduced commentary in Luganda and the feedback was positive. With FUFA Tv on board, we are going a notch higher of introducing a local channel that brings Ugandan footballer closer to Ugandans.”
FUFA Tv will be available on Channel 381 on DStv across all bouquets.
KCCA FC, Calvary FC and Uganda Pentecostal University are the latest teams to qualify for the Round of 32 of the 2022/23 Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Visitors, KCCA FC elimated Kampala Junior Team (KJT) in a match that was played at the Bugolobi Coffee Grounds after scoring three goals. Rogers Mato opened scoring in the 11th minute while Charles Lwanga and Moses Waiswa scored in the 53rd and 86th minute respectively.
KJT v KCCA, Bugolbi Coffee Ground
URA FC suffered early exit at the hands of Uganda Pentecostal University. In the game played at Buhinga Stadium, the hosts won 4-3 on kicks from the spot after normal time ended 2-2. Abdallah Salim and Hudu Mulikyi scored for the Tax Collectors while Goodman Muhulizi and Julius Tuju netted a goal apiece for the University side.
Calavary FC defeated Budondo United FC 1-0 at Budondo Subcounty. A lone goal from Kedi Micheal in the 67th minute sealed the qualification for the visitors.
Results – February 6th, 2023
Uganda Pentecostal University 2(4)-2(3) URA FC, Buhinga Stadium
Kampala JT 0-3 KCCA FC, Bugolobi Coffee Grounds
Budondo United FC 0-1 Calvary FC, Budondo Subcounty
The second round of the 2022/23 FUFA Women Super League began over the weekend with all the ten teams in action.
Bearing in mind that every game will count especially for the relegation battle, the teams engulfed therein will go all out in a bid to keep their slots. And the results posted on matchday ten pointed exactly to this fact.
Kawempe Muslim and She Corporate had a poor run out in the first round but the two seem to have come back better if results from the weekend are anything to go by.
The Sharks who are the reigning League Champions posted the biggest win on matchday ten, defeating Makerere University 3-0 in Nakawa.
Joan Ainembabazi came through with a brace before Noeline Namiiro added the other in the clean out victory.
She Corporate celebrate one of their goals against Makerere University (Photo by Ismail Mulangwa)
The result lifted She Corporate to fifth place on 14 points while Makerere dropped to second from bottom on 8 points.
Rines moved out of the drop zone with a hard fought win over Uganda Martyrs Lubaga at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
Eva Naggayi tucked home from the spot to hand Rines maximum points and move to 10 points.
The game saw defender Stella Namisango who was making her debut for the Lubaga based side sent off.
Uganda Martyrs remain second on the log but are now 11 points behind run away leaders Kampala Queens who won 3-1 at Asubo Gafford Ladies.
The Queens of Soccer had to come from a goal down to remain perfect, registering their tenth win in as many games.
Zaitun Namaganda had fired Gafford into the lead midway through the first half at Kampala Quality Playground but goals from Elizabeth Nakigozi, Margaret Kunihira and Sophia Nakiyingi gave the visitors all three points.
Elsewhere, Olila High School stunned Lady Doves in Masindi on Saturday thanks to Sheilah Galenda’s eighth minute strike.
Olila occupy fourth place on the table with 15 points, two places and points above Lady Doves.
Allen Nassazi’s second half close range strike was the difference as Kawempe Muslim defeated UCU Lady Cardinals at the Valley Ground.
Allen Nassazi (left) celebrates with teammate Hadijjah Nandago.
Action will resume next weekend with several interesting fixtures lined up, the biggest pitting Kampala Queens against She Corporate.
The round of 64 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup continued today as six teams were in action.
Lira-based Elite FC eliminated Arua Hill SC in a match that was held at the Lira Integrated School playground. The home side scored first in the 11th minute, and Innocent Media leveled the score in the 29th minute. The StarTimes Uganda Premier League side scored one penalty out of five while the home side sloted twice.
Express FC and UPDF FC qualified for the next round after eliminating Kajjansi United FC and Bushenyi Veterans FC, respectively.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League side Soltilo Bright Stars FC scored eight goals past Moroto based non-league side Nakapelimen FC in a match that was played at Naetawae Primary School.
An opening goal from Ibrahim Kasinde, a hattrick from Emmanuel Loki and a goal Denis Omony gave the visitors the edge at the half hour mark.
In the second half, a brace from Sam Senyonjo and a goal by Ibrahim Kasinde sealed the scoreline 8–0.
Elsewhere, Paidha Black Angels SC, Onduparaka FC, Bunyaruguru United FC and Mbarara City FC eliminated Kyetume FC, Pakwach Young Stars SC, Kaaro Karungi FC and SC Tawai, respectively.
Uganda Hippos (U20) camp has been boosted by the arrival of Greece based midfielder Isma Mugulusi.
The Makedonikos FC player, who is also skipper of the Hippos, jetted into the country in the wee hours of Saturday and headed straight to the team camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.
He didn’t take part in the Saturday morning session due to jet lag and expressed readiness for the task ahead.
“I am happy to join camp and I am ready to lead my nation to the World Cup. We are aware it won’t be easy as many nations now see us as a strong side but we shall give in all to ensure to achieve what we set and that is going to the World Cup.”
He told FUFA Media.
Ivan Irinimbabazi (currently in Scotland) and Ibrahim Juma (Leganes CD, Spain) are the other players expected to join the team.
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.
Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.
The list of teams that are to take part in the Round of 32 is taking shape as five more join in.
Mbale Heroes FC overcame Araka FC 2–0 at the Mbale Municipal Stadium in a match that was televised by FUFA Tv. Junior Mukisa headed home the first goal, and the visiting side’s fate was sealed by Akiram Muzanyi in the 27th minute.
Booma FC lost to Kigezi Highlands FC 2–1 through goals from Seremba Joseph and Mutungi Muniru. Agaba Ashiraf scored for the visitors before the halftime whistle was blown, but it wasn’t enough to give his side the nod to the next round.
At the UICT Grounds, Water FC lost to FUFA Big League side Lugazi FC 5–4 in a match that was determined by spot kicks. At full time, the score read 1–1.
Wakiso Giants FC won their encounter against Fort Portal Boda Boda FC 3–1. The purple sharks were two goals up at the half time mark. In the second half, the home side pulled back one only for their fate to be sealed by Frank Ssebuufu in the 87th minute. Moses Aliro and Norman Ojik scored the other two goals for the visiting side.
Adjumani Town Council FC eliminated Simba FC 4–2 after spot kicks. At full time, the score read 1–1.
Results – February 3rd, 2023
Mbale Heroes FC 2–0 Araka FC
Kigezi Homeboyz FC 2–1 Booma FC
Simba FC 1(2)–1(4) Adjumani Town Council FC
JLOS FC – Busoga United FC
Water FC 1(4)–1(5) Lugazi FC
Fort Portal Boda Boda FC 1–3 Wakiso Giants FC
Next Matches – February 4th, 2023
Paidha Black Angels FC v Kyetume FC, Barokoro Ground – Zombo
Packwach young Stars FC v Onduparaka FC, St. Mary’s Omach Ground
Bunyaruguru United FC v Kaaro karungi FC, Nyakasharu Playground- Rubirizi
SC Tawai v Mbarara City FC, Angwecibange P/S Ground – Dokolo
Nakapelimen FC v Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Naetawae P/S Ground, Moroto
Kisugu United FC, Blacks Power FC, Kiyinda Boys FC and Gorilla Highlands SC are the latest teams to qualify for the Round of 32.
The Luzira-based side, Maroons FC, lost 2-1 to Kisugu United FC; a team that plays in the Kampala Regional League while fellow StarTimes Uganda Premier League side, Blacks Power FC, won their match by a goal to march on.
Kiyinda Boys FC and Gorilla Highlands SC knocked out Gadaffi FC and Kataka FC, respectively, with the visiting sides failing to score a goal.
Uganda Hippos continued with preparations for the upcoming Egypt AFCON U20 tournament with their seventh friendly match on Thursday morning against Soltilo Bright Stars FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
The Hippos won the tie 2-0, putting up an impressive display through out the entire match.
Umar Lutalo broke the deadlock in the first half from the spot kick after Soltilo Bright Stars FC defender Gideon Eto handled the ball in the box off a Mayanja Saidi shot.
Bright Stars tried to respond through Sam Senyonjo but was unlucky to miss out on connecting Kasinde cross.
In the second half, the both besides made some changes as the Hippos continued showing hunger for more goals.
Titus Ssematimba then doubled the lead with a beautiful header thanks to Mayanja brilliant cross in from the right.
It the the Hippos seventh friendly match since entering residential camp their sixth win, with one loss.
The AFCON U20 tournament will run between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt.
How both teams lined up.
Uganda Hippos Abdu Magada, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach,Titus Ssematimba, Travis Mutyaba, Hakim Mutebi, John Paul Dembe, Saidi Mayanja, Rogers Mugisha
Soltilo Bright Stars FC
Hassan Matovu, Jonathan Odong, Omony Denis Kaka, Warren Bbule, Gideon Eto, Fiat Cleophas, Ibrahim Kasinde, Alex Mandela, Sam Ssenyonjo, Noordin Bunjo, Emmanuel Loki
Note: Kamya Shamran, Frank Katongole, Issa Bugembe, Shafiq Magogo, Patrick Kakande, Pius Ssebulime, Ronald Madoi, Kiano Kitareko and Alfa Thierry Ssali came on at different intervals of the second stanza.
FUFA Big League side Police FC and StarTimes Uganda Premier League side SC Villa are the latest teams to qualify for the Round of 32.
A lone goal from Joseph Ssentume in the 66th minute sealed the fate of Apuutun FC after he capitalized on Benard Kateregga’s corner kick in the early kickoff match.
SC Villa won 6-0 at King’s Park as Kireka United FC hosted them. Rogers Kiwanuka and Hassan Musana scored braces, and Charles Bbaale scored a goal. The home side conceeded an own goal in the second half through Yaweh Twaha.
The FUFA Women’s Cup is back after a three-year break. The knockout competition for Women Football in Uganda was put on hold due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
The detailed road map to this year’s edition was released on Wednesday with the draws also conducted.
The function was graced by FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi and FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Mulindwa who also doubles as the Vice Chairperson of the FUFA Competitions Committee.
FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi conducting the draw.
Others included FUFA Competitions Director Aisha Nalule, Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) Vice Chairperson Wilber Shaka, Uganda Women Football Association delegate Owek. Florence Bagunywa Nkalubo and Uganda Football Players Association (UFPA) Chairman Paul Ssali.
FUFA Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule.
The 2022/23 edition will feature teams from FUFA Women Super League (10), FUFA Women Elite League (11), FUFA Regional Leagues (9), one team from Buganda 4th division and the other being a non- league team.
Hon. Nakiwala indicated it is important to have women play as many games as possible and believes the return of the FUFA Women’s Cup is important.
Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi.
“We are delighted to have this competition return. As FUFA we believe Women’s Football is growing at a high rate and having such competitions gives the girls more exposure and chance to play.” She said.
Mulindwa on the other hand stated FUFA will be keen on the teams fulfilling the club licensing standards.
FUFA EXCO Member Rogers Mulindwa speaking during the event.
“We are glad that this competition is back but we shall observe the Club licensing measures. The pitches must be up to standard and the rest of the measures will be followed.” Mulindwa stated.
The round of 32 fixtures will be played between 18th -25th February while the round of 16 games will happen between 18th-19th March.
The dates for the other rounds (Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Final) will be confirmed by the Competitions Department on a later date.
Road map to the final
Round of 32
Match 1- Kyambogo University WFC vs Isra Soccer Academy
Match 2- Luweero Giant Queens vs Asubo Gafford Ladies
Match 3- Mbarara Royals FC vs Uganda Martyrs WFC
Match 4- Goldstar H/S Girls FC vs UCU Lady Cardinals
Match 5- Golden Impact WFC vs Olila High School WFC
Match 6- Jinja SS WFC vs She Maroons FC
Match 7- Rubaga WFC vs FC Tooro Queens
Match 8- Acholi Queens vs Kampala Queens FC
Match 9- Taggy FC vs Kawempe Muslim WFC
Match 10- Byafaayo Queens WFC vs Rines SS WFC
Match 11- Dynamic Jjeza WFC vs She Corporate FC
Match 12- Ehcos SS WFC vs GYCO Girls SC
Match 13- She Game vs Lango Queens
Match 14- Bunyaruguru Girls FC vs Lady Doves FC
Match 15- Kawempe Junior Team vs Makerere University WFC
Match 16- St. Noa Girls vs Wakiso Hills WFC
Round of 16
Match 17- Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 15
Match 18- Winner Match 8 vs Winner Match 7
Match 19- Winner Match 9 vs Winner Match 4
Match 20- Winner Match 11 vs Winner Match 5
Match 21- Winner Match 16 vs Winner Match 14
Match 22- Winner Match 13 vs Winner Match 3
Match 23- Winner Match 12 vs Winner Match 2
Match 24- Winner Match 10 vs Winner Match 6
Quarterfinals
Match 25- Winner Match 21 vs Winner Match 23
Match 26- Winner Match 24 vs Winner Match 20
Match 27- Winner Match 18 vs Winner Match 19
Match 28- Winner Match 17 vs Winner Match 22
Semifinals
Match 29- Winner Match 28 vs Winner Match 27
Match 30- Winner Match 26 vs Winner 25
Final Match 31- Winner Match 30 vs Winner Match Winner 29
Uganda Hippos continued with their preparations for the upcoming 2023 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt with another friendly match on Tuesday morning against KCCA FC at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
The Hippos came from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to substitute John Paul Dembe leveller and Umar Lutalo winner from the spot after Hakim Mutebi was brought down in the forbidden area.
Defender Ronald Madoi closes down KCCA FC forward Charles Lwanga.
Earlier before the end of the first half, KCCA FC took the lead through Charles Lwanga.
KCCA FC ended the match with 9 men after defender Peter Magambo was shown red in the first half after a second booking for a foul.
In the second half, forward Muhammad Shaban also saw red from referee Ali Sabira for unsporting conduct.
It was Hippos sixth friendly match since entering residential camp with now five wins and one loss.
The Hippos are expected to play another friendly match on Thursday against Soltilo Bright Stars FC.
The AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt will be played between 19th February to 11th March.
How both sides lined up
KCCA FC: Benjamin Ochan (Gk), Filbert Obenchan, Mustafa Kizza, Peter Magambo, Denis Iguma, Charles Lwaga, Allan Okello, Brian Aheebwa, Usama Arafat, Brian Majwega
Uganda Hippos: Abdu Maganda (GK), Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Rogers Torach, Frank Katongole, Hassan Mubiru, Faisal Wabyoona, Issa Bugembe, Saidi Mayanja, Roger Mugisha
Note: Pius Ssebulime, Dembe John Paul, Patrick Kakande, Titus Ssematimba, Apollo Kagogwe, Hakim Mutebi came on in the second half.
Uganda Hippos (U20) camp has been boosted by the timely arrival of Titus Ssematimba and Travis Mutyaba.
Travis Mutyaba training with Uganda U20 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.Titus Ssematimba joined the rest of team in training on Monday morning.
Fresh from the 2022 Algeria CHAN Tournament with Uganda Cranes, the duo joined the rest of the Hippos in camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi and took part in the two hours Monday session at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
Both players featured in all Uganda Cranes three matches in the group stages against DRC, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Titus Ssematimba closes down a Congolese playe at CHAN.Travis Mutyaba in action against Senegal.
The Hippos relocated to Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi on Sunday after ending their 17 days stay at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
Before coming to Kisasi, head coach Jackson Mayanja trimmed the squad as preparations continue to take shape.
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.
Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.
Uganda Cranes journey at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an end last Sunday following a 3-1 defeat to Ivory Coast at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Algeria.
The ultimate target of qualifying to the knockout stage for the first time in six attempts may not have been realized but there were positives picked.
On Sunday, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim treated the CHAN contingent to a luncheon at FUFA Complex in Mengo and highlighted several aspects indicating there was evident progress of the team.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim (middle) addressing the 2022 CHAN team.
The function was also attended by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA EXCO Members Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Ronnie Kalema, FUFA EXCO Honorary member Hamid Juma, FUFA delegates Hassan Kirunda, Brian Miiro Nsubuga and Kampala RFA Chairman Dirisa Kasalirwe.
Others included National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege, National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala, Kampala Region CEO Isaac Ssengendo and Chairman Uganda Football Players Association Paul Ssali.
A section of the officials in the meeting.
‘I know many people look at results on the pitch but as administrators we consider a number of factors. There was a huge difference between the team that played at CHAN in Cameroon and the current squad. The difference this time, there were positives in terms of the performance of players’ stated the FUFA President.
Uganda Cranes players listening attentively.
‘I have always said that results do not paint the whole picture. We know this team is in a transitional period and whatever we are going through is part of the process. Unfortunately, the fans and everyone wants to win but World over transitions take time. It can even take two or three generations to return to the best.’
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
The President gave an example of the team that qualified to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the number of attempts made before achieving the target.
‘I always give the team that qualified us to AFCON 2017 after 39 years as an example. They tried about six times but both the players and federation kept learning and when the right time came, we qualified. We even reached the knockout stage in the 2019 edition. After that, a number of players have retired and we had to go through transition to create a new team.’ He stated.
About CHAN 2022, the President indicated Uganda performed well despite not getting out of the group.
“In my rating, this is the best CHAN performance Uganda has had. In 2014 we also finished with 4 points, competing against Morocco, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso. Look at our opponents this time, Senegal are the Champions of Africa, DR Congo have won this tournament twice and Ivory Coast are perennial contenders. Therefore, we had the chance to be tested at that level and I believe the players benefited.”
He also promised to give the team maximum support to ensure the process of transition is handled well.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim addressing the media.
“I know we have a double header against Tanzania coming up in March. As players, you have the League resuming and it is upon you to go, perform well and get summoned. Many of you are capable of playing on the senior team.” He told the players.
The President then revealed that every member of the team (Players and officials) that was in Algeria will receive a package of $2,500.
‘According to calculations, everyone was supposed to get about $1,800 but as FUFA, we decided to make it $2,500 as a way of motivating you.’
FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye lauded the team for the performance and told them not to lose focus.
FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye speaking to the players and officials.
‘I know you read and listen to a lot of opinions from the public but that should not make you lose focus. I was in Algeria and saw everyone performing to their best, so we should keep going and not lose focus.’
The Leader of Delegation, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe appreciated FUFA for providing the best preparations to the team.
FUFA Executive Committee member Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe.
“I want to confirm that this team had the best preparations going to CHAN both here and abroad. Camping in Tunisia and playing three friendlies offered a good gauge and I am confident to say this team is destined for the best’ Noted Dr. Ahimbisibwe.
Coach Micho was full of praise for the players and also thanked FUFA for doing their best in terms of preparations.
“FUFA has the technical agenda for the National Team and CHAN was one of the the pillars. The others are international friendlies, AFCON Qualifiers and the World Cup Qualifiers. I thank FUFA for providing the best conditions and I’m confident this team has a bright future.” The coach noted.
Skipper Milton Karisa also thanked FUFA for the opportunity and vowed to reciprocate the efforts on the pitch.
Captain Milton Karisa giving a vote of thanks.
“We are happy as players that FUFA has provided the best environment for us to play. We promise that as a group, we will always play to our best efforts to make Ugandans proud.” Karisa stated.
