Uganda U17 Football National Team will hope to start on a high as the Zonal Qualifiers for next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations get underway today.
The Uganda Cubs face Burundi in the opening game game of the Regional Qualifiers at the Abebe Bikila stadium in Ethiopia.
The Qualifiers were initially supposed to kickoff on 30th September but had to be postponed to today after the dismissal of Sudan and Djibouti.
Rwanda and Eritrea had also earlier withdrawn from the Championship.
Hamza Lutalo, the Uganda U17 believes his charges are ready to face Burundi and hoping to start the tournament with victory.
” First games in a tournament are never easy but we want to win and get running. We have never faced Burundi at this stage but the players are ready to face any kind of opposition, ” he said before adding, “We are now just three teams in the group and that means the first game is crucial. Therefore, our focus is to get the three points and see what happens next.”
The second game of the day and the first in Group A will be between hosts Ethiopia and Somalia.
It should be noted that the finalists at the Zonal Qualifiers represent the region at the final tournament.
Uganda Martyrs High School LFC 1-1 She Corporate FC
Lady Doves 2-0 Kawempe Muslim LF
Makerere University 0-1 Kampala Queens
Olila High School 2-1 Rines SS
UCU Lady Cardinals 4-0 Asubo Gafford Ladies
UCU Lady Cardinals registered a convincing home win in their second game of the season, beating Asubo Gafford Ladies on Sunday.
The University side wiped the floor, winning 4-0 against the hapless new comers who have now shipped in 14 goals in just three games.
Ashiat Nalugwa bagged a brace while Sandra Kisakye and Moreen Kinavudori added a goal apiece in the one sided affair.
Lucky Kobusinge failed to convert from the spot in what would be Gafford’s consolation.
Victory takes UCU Lady Cardinals to third place with six points from two games while Asubo Gafford Ladies remained rooted at the base of the log with no point.
Elsewhere, Kampala Queens grinded past Makerere University to return to the top of the table.
Hasifah Nassuna’s well taken penalty in the 17th minute on her debut guided her new team to victory.
Hasifah Nassuna takes on Josephine Ndagire.
Makerere University ended the game with a player less following the dismissal of captain Josephine Ndagire in the 80th minute.
Olila High School came from a goal down to win 2-1 at home against Rines SS.
Olila High School players celebrating one of their goals (File Photo)
Amina Nababi had given the visitors the lead in the 69th minute but Biira Nadunga struck from the spot before Cecilia Apiding got a stoppage time winner.
Kawempe Muslim suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Lady Doves in their first game of the season.
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Dorcus Kwikiriza and Resty Kobusobozi scored the goals for the Masindi based side.
The first game of the weekend between Uganda Martyrs High School and She Corporate ended in a one all draw.
Jackie Nakasi fired the Sharks into the lead before Latifah Nakasi found the equalizer for the school side.
Uganda Cranes on Saturday learnt the teams they will face at the forthcoming African Nations Championship Algeria 2022.
The draws for the biennial tournament were held in Algeria, the hosts nation on Saturday.
Uganda had a strong delegation at the function led by FUFA President and CAF Executive Member Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, Coach Milutin Sredojevic and National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege.
National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege(Left) poses for a photo with FUFA President Hon.Magogo Moses Hassim
The team was pooled in Group B alongside Dr Congo, Cote D’Ivoire and Senegal.
Coach Sredojevic aka Micho in his reaction to the draw indicated this was a fair draw and hopes Uganda to perform well.
“We can say this is a fair draw for Uganda. Before the groups were made, we prayed not to be put in groups with three teams, avoiding hosts Algeria and then Morocco,” he started before adding, ” this doesn’t mean that team that Senegal, Dr Congo and Ivory Coast are any weak. We have to get the best of preparations before the tournament starts.”
Coach Milutin Sredojevic
“It is important that the League back home has started and we shall have time shortly before Christmas when the first round is finished. That will give us ample time to start preparations early enough.”
This is the sixth successive time that Uganda Cranes will be playing at the final tournament having featured in the 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 editions.
Uganda U17 Boys Football National Team coach Hamza Lutalo has expressed readiness of his charges ahead of the Zonal Qualifiers for the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the CECAFA Championship scheduled to start on Saturday, 1st October in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Lutalo believes the Uganda Cubs have had the best preparations prior to the tournament.
Coach Hamza Lutalo giving instructions to players.
“The boys are mentally and physically ready for the tournament. Since we entered camp, the players have been improving and the several practice games played put them in the perfect shape,” he said.
Uganda Cubs training in Ethiopia.
The gaffer also added that getting to Ethiopia days before the tournament gets underway has helped the team to acclimatize to the weather conditions.
“The team arrived here on Sunday and this has helped the boys get used to the weather here. Therefore, we cannot wait for the games to begin.”
Uganda starts the tournament against Djibouti on Saturday, 1st October at Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The Cubs are pitted in Group B alongside Djibouti, Sudan and Burundi.
Having won the previous two editions, the ultimate target for Uganda is to be Champions in the Zonal Championship where the finalists qualify for the final tournament.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and pay TV company StarTimes have on Thursday entered into a partnership to broadcast games in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League games, starting with the 2022/23 season that gets underway on Friday, 30th September.
Details of the new partnership were announced by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and StarTimes Uganda Vice President, Aldrine Nsubuga in a press briefing held at FUFA Complex.
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim (L) and StarTimes Uganda Vice President Aldrine Nsubuga.
FUFA Super League Board Vice Chairman, David Sserebe was also present during the function.
FUFA Super League Board Vice Chairman David Sserebe.
The FUFA President indicated this is a giant step in the development of domestic competitions in Uganda.
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
“It is another momentous milestone for us as football in this country, knowing where we are coming from, when we get such giant leaps, we believe that our dreams and desires will be achieved. Our vision is to be the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the pitch but you cannot achieve this, without strong competitions and competitions are made with money. Football money comes from television and without it you cannot generate enough money for you to ably compete,” he started before adding, “As a Federation we decided to take a journey of trying to look for the money for football. It has been proven all over the world that football money majorly comes from television. Until you make corporations with television, that is how you can add value to the game.”
FUFA President speaking during the press conference.
The FUFA President also indicated that going forward, FUFA TV will broadcast games across the three professional leagues that include the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, StarTimes FUFA Big League and the FUFA Women Super League.
“We have also as FUFA taken strategy to have the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, StarTimes FUFA Big League and the FUFA Women Super League as the professional Leagues. And for us to be able to help these clubs get more revenue, we need to put them on TV. He added.
StarTimes Uganda Vice President, Aldrine Nsubuga expressed delight in the new partnership indicating the future is bright for the game of football with increased broadcast of domestic competitions.
StarTimes Uganda Vice President Aldrine Nsubuga.
“I am pleased to announce that StarTimes and FUFA have gone into a partnership to broadcast at least 60 games per season on FUFA TV for the six years. This creates an opportunity to have more game on TV. This is just a continuation of the journey that we started four year ago from scratch but we are confident that the future is bright.” He said.
Nsubuga confirmed that starting Friday, 30th September, FUFA TV will go live on StarTimes both on the aerial and satellite platforms.
“Friday this Friday, FUFA TV will be live on StarTimes, Channel 252 on aerial platforms and 239 on satellite. StarTimes Uganda Premier League games will exclusively air on these channels. FUFA TV is still available on other platforms but the games will only show on StarTimes.” He added.
FUFA President appealed to the fans to support Ugandan football by buying decoders and subscribing because that is one of the ways clubs will be able to generate income.
“I would like to appeal the fans of football that we need to pay for football and this is through subscription. When you pay to watch television, the money eventually gets to the clubs and in the long run, they can be self-reliant.”
The 2022/23 StarTimes Uganda Premier League starts on Friday with defending Champions Vipers SC hosting Soltilo Bright Stars FC at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
In a bid to promote Women Football in the country, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) through its Football Development Department (Women Football Division is organising a FUFA Marketing & Communications Course for media Officers of the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL) Clubs, FUFA Women Elite League (FWEL) Clubs, and Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA).
The three (3) day residential course is scheduled for Monday 3rd-5th October 2022 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru-Buikwe.
The course is aimed at equipping Women Football media officers and reporters with current trends and practices of marketing and communication to ensure increased visibility, awareness and development of the game starting at Club level.
The Communication has been sent to all FWSL and FWEL clubs. Nomination of names/participants (media officer attaché to the club) for the mentioned course should be sent to the FUFA Women Football Development Officer, Namusisi Joan on Email jnamusisi@fufauganda.com or namusisi74@gmail.com. Tel: +256758081874
The deadline for submission of participants is Thursday, 29th September 2022.
The International School Sport Federation (ISF) Executive Committee meeting that took place between 15th-17th September 2022 in Brussels, Belgium appointed Justus Mugisha as ISF Technical President for a period of 4 years.
He has been serving in the same position following his appointment in 2019 by ISF.
In a communication released on the 26th of September 2022, the ISF General Secretary Hrvoje Custonja thanked Mugisha for having committed himself to the activities of the ISF and further supporting the development of ISF events and experiences of school students around the world.
He also added that the ISF is certain the work Mugisha will do for the next four years will tremendously contribute to the growth and development of goals, legacy and values within the international sport.
Justus Mugisha is the 1st Vice President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA). He is also currently the President of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA).
Uganda U17 National Team Head Coach Hamzah Lutalo has named the final squad that will take part in the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations Zonal (CECAFA) Qualifiers between 30th September- 10th October 2022 in Ethiopia.
The contingent left on Sunday morning aboard Ethiopian Airlines with 22 players for the tournament that will in Addis Ababa at Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Some of the players arriving at Entebbe International Airport before heading to Ethiopia on Sunday.
Uganda is in group B alongside Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti and Sudan.
Group A: Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia
The Team will kick start the tournament against Djibouti on Saturday 1st October 2022.
Three days later, the Cubs will then face Burundi on Matchday two.
Uganda U17 players during training at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
Matchday three games in Group B will take place on 7th October with Uganda facing Sudan.
Lutalo’s charges will complete group business on 13th October against neighbours Rwanda.
The semifinals will take place on 16th October while the final will come on 19th of the same month.
Uganda will seek to advance to the finals for the third successive time including the 2021 edition that was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Final Team
Goalkeepers John Makumbu- Royal Giant High School, Mityana Siraje Etuta-Buddo SS Elisa Talemwa-ST Pontiano SS, Ngondwe
Defenders Farouk Lubega- Buddo SS Jamal Ssemwogerere- Buddo SS Hakim Wandera- Prosper SA Steven Mugisha- Latifah Mixed SS Edgar Kiggundu-Buddo SS Najib Nalingi- Royal Giant High School, Mityana Jamil Ed Rashid-Royal Giant High School, Mityana Pius Oyirwoth-Janan SS Hafidhu Ssonko Ssembatya- Kampala Junior Team
Midfielders Patrick Ouke- Prosper SA Patrick Ssembusi-Janan SS Elvis Ssekajugo- Royal Giant High School, Mityana Abubakali Walusimbi-St Mary’s SS, Kitende Martin Nsimbe-Buddo SS
Forwards Richard Okello- BUL FC JT Farouk Tumwesigye- Big Talent SA Alex Yiga- KCCA FC SA Frank Ssekanjako- ST Pontiano SS, Ngondwe Arafat Nkoola- ST Pontiano SS, Ngondwe
Uganda National Beach Soccer Team (Sand Cranes) continued with their impressive start at the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship after defeating Mauritius on Monday.
The team under the stewardship of coach Angelo Schrinizi routed Mauritus 9-2 in the game played at the Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa.
Goalkeeper Samson Kirya denies a Mauritius player.
Ambrose Kigozi once again put up a brilliant display, scoring a hat trick to take his goal tally to five at the tournament. He was also named man of the match like it was the case in the opening game against Tanzania.
Ambrose Kigozi.
The other goals came from Ashraf Apuuli (brace), Isma Kawawulo, Brian Nkuubi, Baker Lukooya and Joshua Lubwama.
Isma Kawawulo all smiles after scoring.
The result all but sends Uganda to the semifinals despite having one more group game against Egypt on Wednesday.
Coach Schrinizi was impressed with the performance of the players and hopes for more improvement.
Godfrey Lwesibawa challenges for the ball.
“I thank the lads for a job well done but obviously there is more room to do better and our next opponent is more experienced so we may need to offer something beyond the two games played.” He said.
Uganda is using the tournament as part of preparations for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations that will take place next month in Maputo, Mozambique.
Uganda made a perfect start to the 2022 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship, defeating Tanzania on Sunday.
Sand Cranes celebrate after winning against Tanzania.
In what was coach Angelo Schrinizi’s first game as coach of the Sand Cranes, the team managed to pick a 4-2 win at the South Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa.
Ambrose Kigozi orchestrated the damage on Tanzania scoring a brace while Joshua Lubwama and Isma Kawawulo got the other goals. Kigozi was at the end named man of the match.
Ambrose Kigozi with his man of the match accolade.
The Sand Cranes return to action on Monday (today) against Mauritius. The final group game will come against Egypt on Wednesday.
Kampala Queens needed to come from a goal down to overcome reigning Champions She Corporate on Sunday.
In the FUFA Women Super League game watched by a mammoth crowd at the MUBS Arena, the display on the pitch lived up to the billing.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who also doubles as Kampala Queens patron and FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyongi graced the game as well amidst the afternoon rains.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim watching on.
Either side had moments to take an early lead especially for the visitors who really came close in the opening stanza through Margaret Kunihira and Zaina Nandede.
Margret Namirimu and Resty Nanziri vie for the ball.
However, the forwards for both Kampala Queens and She Corporate failed to get the much needed calmness in front of goal.
A few minutes after the break, Margret Kunihira thought she had given the visitors the lead but her headed effort was ruled out for an infringement on the goalkeeper.
Shamirah Mutibwa closes down Phiona Nabbumba.
It was Favour Nambatya who broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when her effort deflected off Patrica Apolot to beat goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro.
The celebrations for She Corporate lasted for just a minute with the home side finding the equalizer through Resty Nanziri.
Resty Nanziri celebrates after scoring.
Nanziri was involved in the build up to the second goal as well when she went through, only to be brought down by goalkeeper Daphne Nyayenga.
Shamirah Nalugya took the resultant penalty to fire Kampala Queens into the lead and eventually to victory.
Shamirah Nalugya celebrates
The win means Kampala Queens finish Matchday two on six points same as Uganda Martyrs who defeated Asubo Gafford Ladies in a 5-3 thriller on Saturday.
Latifa Nakasi struck twice while Brenda Munyana, Kevin NNakacwa and an own goal guided Uganda Martyrs to their second win in as many games.
Miriam Nakayiwa (brace) and Nakilyowa got the goals for Asubo Gafford Ladies FC.
Makerere University got their first win of the season after defeating Lady Doves in Masindi thanks to Daphine Nalubowa’s lone goal.
UCU Lady Cardinals began the season on a perfect note, overcoming Rines SS in Wakiso. Asiat Nalunga and Jauharah Nabbagala got a goal apiece in the 2-0 win for the University side.
The FUFA Drum 2022 Quarterfinals, First Leg Sunday 25th September 2022 Teso 2-1 Tooro
Teso Province brightened their hopes of reaching the semifinals of this year’s FUFA Drum tournament after overcoming Tooro on Sunday.
In the first leg of the quarterfinal phase played at Soroti Stadium, Teso earned a 2-1 win.
Action between Teso and Tooro
Skipper Ben Ocen and Musa Esenu scored a goal each to guide the home side to victory.
Musa Esenu celebrates after scoring the winner.
The visitors got their consolation towards the end of the game through captain Timothy Musinguzi to keep their homes alive ahead of the return leg.
The opening half was lively but either side couldn’t get the breakthrough.
It was Ocen who fired Teso into the lead two minutes after recess when he curled home with his right foot.
With the game destined for the end, Musinguzi levelled matters in the 86th minute when the goalkeeper fumbled with the ball and spilled it towards the defender.
However, before Tooro could celebrate their goal enough, the hosts restored parity a minute later with Esenu scoring off an acrobatic kick to send the home fans into wild celebrations.
Musa Esenu was named player of the match.
The two teams will face in a fortnight’s time from now to determine who advances to the semifinals.
Bugisu Province took advantage in the quarterfinal tie against Lango, after winning the first leg at home.
The Bamasaba fought hard to overcome Lango on Saturday at Mbale City Stadium.
Action between Bugisu and Lango in Mbale.
Raymond Onyai scored the lone goal of the game midway through the first stanza and this turned out to be decisive moment of the game.
The fans came in big numbers to support their respective Provinces.
Despite missing the services of leading goal scorer Arafat Usama, Bugisu were able to put up a good performance to dispatch the visitors.
Bugisu celebrate their goal against Lango.
Bugisu capitalised on their prowess from set pieces and throw ins from right back Steven Namaisi.
The home side got a number of chances to take the lead in the first half but couldn’t break the deadlock and so did Lango.
Bugisu team that started the game.
Bugisu made a quick tactical change in the first half with Usam Khayemba coming on for David Zake.
In the second stanza that witnessed the heavens opening, the hosts eventually found the breakthrough when Onyai rose high to head home Emma Shikanga’s delivery from the corner.
Team captains with the match officials.
Joachim Ojera and Moses Aliro on different occasions tried levelling matters but were unsuccessful thanks to Bugisu skipper and custodian Edward Kasibante as well as the solid backline that stood firm to ensure they get the first leg advantage.
Lango Province Team.
The two teams will face off again in the return leg on 16th October at the Akiibua stadium in Lira to determine who makes it to the semi finals.
Uganda Cranes lost their final game of the Tri Nations tournament in Tanzania on Saturday, falling to neighbours Tanzania.
The Cranes team largely composed of U23 players had earlier played a goalless draw with hosts Libya on Wednesday.
In the game played at Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, the Cranes fell 1-0 to Taifa Stars.
Simon Happy Msuva scored the lone goal of the game in the 28th minute.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho made six changes from the team that faced Libya, with Denis Otim starting in goal ahead of Giosue Bellagambi.
Musa Ramathan ans Rogers Mato who picked knocks in the previous game also didn’t start. Bright Anukani and Derrick Kakooza too started on bench.
Otim made a brilliant save at the start of the game, denying Mbwana Samatta.
The resultant corner saw Tanzania take the lead when Msuva ran to the near post to head home.
Uganda almost found an early response when Ndahiro cut inside to find Richard Basangwa but his diving header was kept out by goalkeeper Beno Kakolanya.
Tanzania eventually held on to claim maximum points.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Denis Otim, Hillary Mukundane, Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Ibrahim Juma, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ismail Mugulusi, Steven Sserwadda, Titus Ssematimba, Richard Basangwa
Quarter Finals, First Leg Saturday, 24th September 2022
Bugisu vs Lango – Mbale Municipal Stadium 4 PM
Sunday, 25th September 2022 Teso vs Tooro -Soroti Stadium 4 PM
Live on FUFA TV
The final bend of the first legs in the quarterfinals of this year’s FUFA Drum edition is on this weekend
Two epic encounters are on card with Bugisu hosting Lango at Mbale Municipal Stadium on Saturday while Teso welcome Tooro Province at the Soroti Stadium a day later.
Bugisu Province Coach Godfrey ‘Toldo’ Awachango looks forward to relying on home advantage to secure a good result ahead of the return leg on the road.
“We have to play to home advantage to get good results. Our opponents will come up with a defensive strategy but we have to get a good result here before facing them away,” he said.
Bugisu’s Arafat Usama leads the scoring charts with 4 goals.
In the previous home game, Bugisu dispatched neighbours 3-0 and will hope the same performance can be replicated against a more competitive Lango side.
Lango’s tactician Daniel Ogwel Engwedo indicates his charges are on a mission and thus every game is treated as a final.
Lango team that eliminated Ankole.
“We are on a mission and therefore every game is treated as the final. The game against Bugisu is tricky and we are aware of their abilities but we know to handle them. My team has prepared well for Bugisu, with early preparations to playing practice matches. Therefore, we are set and optimistic of getting a descent result in Mbale.
The other quarterfinal game between Teso and Tooro Province will be played on Sunday at Soroti Stadium.
Teso Province Team.
Tooro’s coach Fred Muhumuza anticipates a tough encounter against a re-energized Teso side who eliminated Busoga.
“Teso is a good team that cannot be under looked. We therefore go into the first leg with full commitment knowing the opposition we face. We shall go and fight for the points and earn a good result to bring home in the second leg.” He stated.
Tooro Province Team.
To reach this stage, Tooro dumped out neighbours Rwenzori 1-0 on aggregate.
Asubo Gafford Ladies FC vs Uganda Martyrs LFC – Kampala Quality Playground
Rines SS vs UCU Lady Cardinals FC – Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Wakiso
Lady Doves FC vs Makerere University FC – Katusabe Stadium, Masindi
Sunday, 25th September 2022
She Corporate FC vs Kampala Queens – MUBS Arena, Nakawa (Live on FUFA TV)
All games kickoff at 10:00AM
There is evident anticipation towards this weekend’s fixtures of the FUFA Women Super League with the game between She Corporate FC and Kampala Queens standing out.
The aforementioned teams are the outright favorites for this season’s league title and they face off much early in the season compared to last season when met in the final games of the first and second round.
Phoebe Banura of She Corporate FC in action against Makerere University.Kampala Queens celebrate one of their goals against Asubo Gafford Ladies FC.
Ahead of Sunday’s game in Nakawa, coaches and players from either side had an interaction with the media on Friday in a joint press conference organised by FUFA.
She Corporate FC gaffer Hassan Issa stated his troops are ready to face Kampala Queens and hoping for maximum points.
She Corporate FC Head Coach Hassan Issa (Middle) speaking to the media.
“We come into Sunday’s game ready to compete and secure our first win of the season. We could not earn maximum points in the game against Makerere University but we have worked on the mistakes made in the last days and all we need on Sunday is three points,” He said.
Asked whether there is pressure on She Corporate given they are defending Champions.
“The target is to retain our crown and that definitely comes with pressure because the rest of the nine teams are looking at us but we know how to handle that and our focus is to take a game at a time.” Issa added.
Kampala Queens on the other hand had assistant coach Alimiah Kato who is unfazed by the tag name ‘Money Bags’ given their massive transfer recruitment and indicates the target is to do well in every game.
Alimiah Kato addressing members of the fourth estate
“We did recruitment in areas we felt needed bolstering. We don’t look at ourselves as money bags but rather a team with good players that are capable of delivering our target of winning the League this season.”
About facing She Corporate FC this weekend, Kato said they will aim to secure maximum points on the road.
“We respect them (She Corporate) because they are the reigning Champions but we don’t fear them. We shall go all out on Sunday to fight for the three points.” He indicated.
Kampala Queens began the season on a high, winning 5-0 against new comers Asubo Gafford Ladies FC.
Sumaya Komuntale opened the scores against Asubo Gafford Ladies FC.
With the addition of defender Jamila Nabulime and forward Hasifah Nassuna, Kampala Queens even look more stronger on paper.
However, the coach was coy on whether Nassuna will make her debut over the weekend.
Zaina Namuleme, the Kampala Queens skipper believes the result from the previous game gives them confidence going into Sunday’s game.
Zaina Namuleme, Kampala Queens captain.
“We lost the League last season on the final day and therefore, we don’t want to falter at the very beginning. All we want is to pick enough points at the start and winning our first game with a big margin gives us confidence ahead of the next games.”
Last season’s MVP, Phiona Nabbumba who played an integral role for She Corporate to win the League maintains the false start at Makerere University is not a concern ahead of the fixture against Kampala Queens.
She Corporate FC midfielder Phiona Nabbumba.
“We failed to pick maximum points off Makerere University in our first game because of a number of factors including the unplayable ground but we are not here to make excuses. That is behind us, the coaches have tried to make improvements and all we want on Sunday is to win.” She said.
Zaina Namuleme and Phiona Nabbumba shake hands after the press conference.
She Corporate FC are unbeaten against Kampala Queens in the last four League games, winning two while the other two (both from last season) ending in draws.
In the other games to be played this weekend, wounded Rines SS who lost 2-0 to Uganda Martyrs host UCU Lady Cardinals FC. The University side will be playing their first game this season having sat out last weekend.
Makerere University FC make a long trip to Masindi to face Lady Doves FC who lost to Olila High School while Uganda Martyrs visit new comers Asubo Gafford Ladies.
The Chairman of the FUFA Club Licensing Committee Rogers Mulindwa has witnessed baby steps taken in professionalising club football in Uganda. Many times, the Club Licensing Committee faces resistance from stakeholders during the off season when the Licensing exercise pens up in preparation for the new season.
Rogers Mulindwa, FUFA Executive Committee Member and FUFA Club Licensing Committee Chairman.
This year, the Club Licensing Committee and FUFA Secretariat rolled out the exercise as early as March with internal preparations.
The FUFA Communications team caught up with Mulindwa and shares his experience and thoughts about the Club Licensing exercise this season.
Mulindwa on Club Licensing exercise this season
It has been a very successful Club Licensing exercise for the season 2022/23.
We have achieved quite a lot. This is the eleventh year since we started Club Licensing in Uganda and of course our clubs have benefited a lot amidst challenges.
The home team dug out at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Mulindwa on Complianceby clubs
Club Licensing is a tool for both development and benchmarking of professional football. Here we expect our clubs to comply with some criteria and we begin holding consultative meetings with Club owners, discuss with them, the road map is issued then they have to submit the requirements and the First Instance Body has to convene.
FUFA EXCO member and Club Licensing Committee Chairman Rogers Mulindwa talking to FBL Club officials.
Mulindwa on Clubs getting Licenses
Clubs that succeed get licenses to compete in FUFA Competitions then those that do not meet the standards are left out but with an opportunity to appeal to the FUFA Appeals Committee which can either grant them permission or uphold the decision of the Club Licensing Committee.
Action between Rines SS and Uganda Martyrs.
Mulindwa on number of teams to play in the Uganda Premier League this season
This season, we shall ave 15 teams competing in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for the first time in the recent past because one of the members Kyetume FC did not meet the requirements.
Mulindwa on the success story of Club Licensing
Of course we have registered a number of successes and one of those is in the area of governance where clubs have appreciated the importance of having streamlined administration and proper running of the team.
Vipers and Uganda Hippos midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga.
We have also improved on the stadia. The playing surfaces look better for most of the teams, dressing rooms are better among others.
There is also improvement in the discipline on the technical bench since we introduced the bench permits, restricting the number of people that sit on the bench.
In the area of capacity building, we have had many people go for training. For instance we have many coaches who have enrolled for CAF License A and B. This is a standard we set that head coaches must have CAF A coaching licenses while the assistants must have a minimum of CAF B. However this season, we shall allow CAF B holders for the Head coach and assistant.
General Coordinators after successfully completing their course.
For Youth Football, we have been able to register academies and we believe that will help in nurturing of young players the right way.
Mulindwa on the Challenges faced during Club Licensing
One of the biggest challenges we have is that a good number of teams still believe in changing technical and administration staff. You find that a club has a new coach every season and that definitely hinders continuity.
Former Police FC Coach Abdallah Mubiru.
Additionally, some clubs are failing to meet the minimum requirements for instance having at least 18 players on the FUFA Connect System to be granted a license. .
Mulindwa on the future of Club Licensing
Our focus after this is to have continuous spot checks during the season, making sure that clubs do not work outside the set standards.
We are also going to continue with the FUFA Club Pro Agenda where constant interface with the clubs will be made.
Then we shall do a review after the season to know where the successes and challenges have been and how best we can work ahead of the next season.
I want to congratulate clubs like Vipers SC, She Corporate FC, Vipers SC and Jinja North United that have successfully undergone the Club Licensing exercise and this tool is not a punishment but rather aimed at adding quality to our League.
