Uganda National Beach Soccer Team Head Coach Salim Jamal Muwonge has named a provisional squad that will commence preparations for the forthcoming COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament 2022 – Durban.
The coach on Wednesday revealed a squad comprised of 20 players, largely maintaining the core that took part in the qualification games against Comoros with two additions, Bernard Ndifuna of Kiringente BSC and Peter Mukwata from Mutoola BSC.
The Coach believes that this tournament Will be used as preparation for the final tournament of Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations – Mozambique.
“Our target is to qualify for Beach Soccer World Cup. Using the confidence the players showcased during the previous qualifiers the team will use this tournament to collect the few mistake before the final tournament. We have enough time to prepare for the very best.” He said.
The team will enter residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Friday, 2nd September 2022.
The tournament will be held between 17th – 25th September in Durban, South Africa.
The 2022 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will be held from 21st to 30th October in Maputo, Mozambique.
Provisional Squad Goalkeepers Samson Kirya (Buganda Royal BSC), Meddie Kibirige (St. Lawrence BSC), Ronald Mutebi (St. Lawrence BSC), Siraje Masembe (Mutoola BSC)
Defenders Peter Mukwata (Mutoola BSC) Hassan Ali Luboyera (Buganda Royal BSC), Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Jonathan Kikonyogo (St. Lawrence BSC), Rica Arch Byaruhanga (St. Lawrence BSC), Allan Katwe (St. Lawrence BSC), Asharif Apuuli (Mutoola BSC), Bernard Ndifuna ( Kiringente BSC)
Forwards
Isma Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Baker Lukoya (St. Lawrence BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Joshua Lubwama (St. Lawrence BSC), Shaka Ssozi (Jinja Lions BSC), Nicholas Mwere(Jinja Lions BSC), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Buganda Royal BSC), Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence BSC)
Officials Salim Jamal Muwonge – Head Coach Bashir Mutyaba – Technical Director Manager/ Performance Coach Tonny Ssebagala -Team Manager – Ivan Kulika – Team Doctor Conrad Musiime– Media Officer
Bombo UMEA Primary School, Nyakatooma Primary School, Oasis Primary School and Habanom Primary School in the last four stage
Semifinals to be played on Wednesday
Match-day 3 results
Ngora Girls PS 1-1Habanom Quality Academy Kivubuka PS 0-4 Bombo UMEA Primary School Nyakatooma III Primary School 1-0 Otino Waa Primary School Oasis PS 3-0 Bwabya Primary School
The FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru turned into a fortress for teams as the battle for places in the semifinals intensified and ended on Tuesday.
Nyakatooma entered today’s game their minds set on nothing but three points. The team from Bushenyi never disappointed their technical team as they registered a vital win 1-0 over Otino Waa Primary School. The all-important goal was scored by Abaasa Promise in the first half for the Western region representatives to book a place in the last four stage. The full time whistle was followed by wild celebrations on the pitch a clear indicator of a sigh of relief to the victors.
Nyakatooma settled for second place with six place behind table leaders Oasis Primary School who won their last group game against Bwabya Primary School 3-0 thank to goals from Letio Janet, Ciria Sonia and an own strike by Kabarokole Irene in Group B.
Otino Waa finished third with three points while Bwabya was fourth having lost all their games.
In group A, a point was enough for Habanom Quality Academy to sail through to the semifinals after they shared spoils with Ngora Girls Primary School in a highly contested encounter. Alupo Elizabeti opened the scoring for Ngora girls which was leveled just after two minutes by Habanom’s lethal striker Mupyanga Halima to see the Kampala representatives finish second in group A with four points the same as Ngora Girls who had a better goal difference.
Bombo UMEA Primary School topped group A after collecting maximum points form the three matches played.
Happiness as Habanom Quality make it to the next stages
In the last match, Buganda Region Representatives Bombo UMEA thumped Kivubuka Primary School 4-0 thanks to Adong Meble’s brace plus further goals by Nanateza Getrude and Nakanjako Patricia.
Ngora Girls finished third with four points and Kivubuka Primary fdidn’t win any match as they finished fourth in the group.
Ngora Girls technical bench reaction after failure to make it to next stage
Mupyangu Halima of Habanon Quality, Ciria Sonia of Oasis Primary School, and Adong Meble of Bombo UMEA Primary School leading the scorer’s chart with three goals each.
Action returns on Wednesday 31st/ 08/2022 with semifinals and classification matches which will all be broadcast live on FUFA Tv.
Nyakatooma also qualified for semi finalsOasis celebrations
Fixtures Wed 31/08/2022
Semifinals
Bombo UMEA PS Vs Nyakatooma PS 3PM Oasis PS Vs Habanom PS 4.20PM
Classification Matches
Ngora Girls Vs Bwabya PS 9AM Otino Waa PS Vs Kivubuka PS 11AM
The first edition of the FUFA Primary Schools Odilo Girls’ version kicked with pomp on Sunday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Schools match during the official opening ceremonySchools match during the official opening ceremony
With girls playing football in this tournament for the first time, players were eager to try out their skills and talent on an artificial turf-many of them have never played on such a surface.
Kampala Region representatives Habanom Quality Academy registered the biggest win of the day defeating Eastern Region side Kivubuka Primary School 3-0.
Mupyangu Halima netted a brace while Nabukeera Lillian scored the other goal for the Kawempe based school.
Buganda Region’s Bombo UMEA edged Ngora Primary School from North East 1-0 thanks to Mable Adong’s strike.
Bombo Umea celebrate their goal
Nyakatooma Primary from Bushenyi (Western Region) defeated Bwabya Primary School from Kabarole (Kitara Region) 1-0. Ainembabazi Adellah scored for the victors.
Hope Christine of Oasis Primary School from Arua scored the game’s solitary goal for her school against Otino Waa from Kole District.
The FUFA 1st Vice President and Chairman Odilo Organising Committee Justus Mugisha presided over the official opening ceremony. He advised participants to utilise the tournament to develop their talents. He also handed over three balls and a full set of jersey to each participating school.
‘Our intention to include the girls in the Odilo Championship is to tap talent and give them more exposure to the game of football. We expect you to utilise this opportunity well because the games are live on FUFA Tv. The world is watching you and from here we expect you to become better footballers. The winning team and runners-up will represent Uganda in Arusha at the Regional Championship’ noted Mugisha
Schools representatives and captains receiving balls.
The third edition of the FUFA Drum has reached the quarterfinals stage with the organising Committee conducting the draw to create fixture for the last eight teams.
The draw was held on Monday 29th August 2022 at FUFA House, Mengo.
Rogers Byamukama, the Chairman of the FUFA Drum Organising Committee expressed his joy about how this year’s edition has been received by the fans.
‘FUFA Drum is very unkind. It gives you all sorts of surprises. As the organising committee, we are happy with the traction gained so far.’
The FUFA Competitions Director Aisha Nalule who is also a member of the FUFA Drum Organining Committee explained the format in which the quarter-finals will be played.
‘We have eight teams at this stage. It will be played on a home and away basis and the winner of each tie qualifies for the semi-finals. We urge teams to use only licensed players. The team that has scored more goals at the end of the second leg fixtureshall be the winner of the tie. If teams are tied at the end of the second-leg, the away goal’s rule shall apply. If teams are still tied, spot kicks shall be applied to determine the winner’
FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema highlighted the Federation’s effort in respect to the tournament. Kalema is also the Executive Secretary of the FUFA Football Development Unit where refereeing falls.
‘The federation has tried to give its best in terms of officiating and the technical aspects of the game. We shall continue giving those aspects our best.’
The matches will be played starting 9th and 11th September 2022 but only one fixture will be played per day.
Quarterfinals Draw
Bugisu vs Lango
Acholi vs Buganda
West Nile vs Kampala
Teso vs Tooro
The first fixture is to be played on the 9th September 2022
The FUFA Drum is sponsored by Nile Special and Insurance Company NIC Holdings
Travis Mutyaba was the hero for Uganda as the Cranes overcame Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the first leg of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers.
In the game played on Sunday at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Mutyaba came off the bench to score the solitary strike towards the end of the game.
Travis Mutyaba is joined by teammates in celebration.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when the diminutive left footed forward won possession from defender Mohammed Hussein at the right wing, dribbled past another defender before firing the ball into the back of the net.
The win gives Uganda advantage over Tanzania in the tie ahead of the return leg slated for Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho started with the same lineup that drawn goalless against Ethiopia a week ago.
Nafian Alionzi started in goal with Gavin Kizito, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo and John Revita playing in the back line positions.
Goalkeepers Mathias Muwanga(left) and Nafian Alionzi(right) all smiles after the game.
Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youmgman and Moses Waiswa played in the three-man midfield while skipper Milton Karisa, Martin Kizza and Rogers Mato started upfront.
Marvin Youmgman in action.
The opening stanza saw either side opt for a cautious approach and thus offered few scoring opportunities.
The second however saw Uganda dominate proceedings and indeed created the better scoring opportunities.
The introduction of Richard Basangwa, Saidi Kyeyune and Mutyaba offered more threat for Uganda upfront with the former troubling Tanzania’s centre backing pairing.
Richard Basangwa in action against Tanzania.
The lone goal of the game three minutes to time when Mato’s long ball was fumbled by Mohammed Hussein who thus offered opportunity for Mutyaba to win possession and strike home.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Tanzania will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria
Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo, John Revita, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youmgman, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Martin Kizza, Milton Karisa (C)
Substitutes Mathias Muwanga, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Ssemakula, Saidi Kyeyune, Richard Basangwa, Travis Mutyaba
First Leg Sunday, 28th August 2022 Tanzania vs Uganda Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium Kickoff: 4PM
Uganda will hope go get a descent result in the first leg of the African Nations Championship Qualifiers for the 2022 edition.
The Cranes will face Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Sunday at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
The target for coach Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho is to do well on the road and finish off the job at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende next week in the return leg.
Micho believes his charges are ready to execute the job given the month-long preparations the team has had.
“We believe that everyone is ready and fully focused on the game before us. We know their pockets of weaknesses and we want to exploit those then close their points of strength,” Coach Micho said.
“Our target is to get a good result away and hope to build from that in the home game at Kitende next week.” He added.
Captain Milton Karisa is equally oozing with confidence and believes the players are up to the task ahead.
“We are ready as players and the Federation has given us the best preparation for the Qualifiers. It is now our moment as players to carry on the mantle and deliver the desired results both away and at home.”
The second leg at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende will be played on 3rd September 2022 with the winner on aggregate progressing to the final tournament.
The FUFA Drum returned after a two-year lull due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 . With the 2020 and 2021 editions not played, football enthusiasts quenched for the coming back of a tournament that not only gives thrilling action on pitch but also offers a precious moment for people to celebrate their ancestry.
Action between Ankole and Lango in Ibanda.
The round of 16 for the third edition successfully came to a climax last weekend and the 8 quarterfinalists are now known.
They are;
1- Kampala 2- Buganda 3- West Nile 4- Lango 5- Acholi 6- Tooro 7- Teso 8- Bugisu
In this article, FUFA Media Team looks at the key ten talking points from the previous round and what to expect ahead.
Giants sail through
For every competition, there are favorites and teams that are more powerful than the rest. Equally, the round of 16 portrayed this with men separated from boys.
Defending Champions Acholi saw off Bunyoro to progress, inaugural winners Buganda overcame Kigezi while Lango, Kampala and West Nile also beat their opponents to advance.
Lango Province Team Tooro Province TeamWest Nile ProvinceTeso Province Kampala Province Team Acholi Province Team Bugisu Province TeamBuganda Province Team
Historic feat of having games live on TV
For the first time ever, all the games were broadcast live on television. The entry of FUFA Tv into the football arena has come with several advantages, offering an opportunity for people far away from their provinces to watch games live.
For instance games involving Acholi, West Nile and Lango registered big numbers that watched via the FUFA TV YouTube Channel.
Additionally, the tournament has received great coverage from print and conventional media.
Passion and culture on the show
To many, football is a religion and the passion exhibited by fans of different Provinces tell it all. This blended with culture has given the FUFA Drum a unique aspect experienced no where else.
On matchdays, fans throng different grounds to show support to players who they are closely connected to either by blood or language.
At the round of 16, Acholi and Lango home games were crowd pullers and indeed FUFA Drum’s theme of “Celebrating Our Ancestry” was at display.
Thrilling action, plethora of goals scored
What is football without goals? Definitely that would be boring. Whereas some ties were too close to call, goals have been registered in the games played at the round.
For example, games between between Bugisu and Sebei produced 11 goals including a 4-4 draw in the return leg.
A total of 32 goals were scored at the round of 16.
Bugisu’s Usama leads the scoring charts
The race for the top scorer’s gong will be tight if the opening round is anything to go by.
However, Arafat Usama from Bugisu Province took the helm and already leads the scoring chart with four goals.
The forward who plies his trade at KCCA FC scored a brace against Sebei both home and away.
Ibrahim Dada follows closely with three goals. He also scored home and away against Karamoja.
Bunyoro show football is more than a game
Football has great impact in the transformation of society in different ways. The games goes beyond 90 minutes of action on pitch and often used by many as a unifying factor of society.
Bunyoro Province proved that regardless of Acholi being opponents on pitch, football is about sharing and fairplay.
A delegation from Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom led by Prime Minister Owek. Andrew Byakutaga paid a courtesy visit to Ker Kwaro Acholi with the aim of strengthening the bond between the two kingdoms.
The draw for the quarterfinals will be conducted on Monday, 29th August at FUFA House. It should be noted the quarterfinal fixtures will also be played on home and away basis with the winner on aggregate progressing to the next stage.
Uganda Cranes suffered defeat in their final friendly game ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers against Tanzania.
Despite being dominant and producing the better scoring chances, Uganda fell to Zanzibar 1-0 at Amaan Stadium on Wednesday.
Ibrahim Mkoko scored the lone goal of the game in the 76th minute to hand the Zanzibar Heroes victory.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho rang changes in the team that had started against Ethiopia on Sunday with goalkeeper Nafian Alionzo and defender Gavin Kizito Mugweri the only players keeping their places.
Milton Karisa, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, John Revita and Livingstone Mulondo were all rested.
Uganda started the better side and kept knocking on Zanzibar’s back line in a bid to break the deadlock.
Hakim Kiwanuka, Saidi Kyeyune and Isma Mugulusi all had attempts in the first half at different intervals.
Kiwanuka went through on goal but fired wide while Zanzibar goalkeeper was well stationed to deny both Kyeyune and Mugulusi.
At the start of the second half, coach Micho brought on Mathias Muwanga, Rogers Mato and Ibrahim Juma in places of Alionzi, Kizito and Mugulusi.
Uganda kept pilling pressure even after recess but it was the hosts that found the back of the net.
Mkoko was well stationed to drill a low drive beyond a fully stretched Muwanga in goal thus sending the fans into celebrations.
Uganda will stay in Zanzibar up to Friday before connecting to Tanzania mainland.
The first leg between Uganda and Tanzania is slated for Sunday, 28th August at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
The return leg will be played on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Uganda Starting XI Nafian Alionzi, James Begisa, Ibrahim Juma, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Walter Ochora, Kenneth Ssemakula, Saidi Kyeyune, Isma Mugulusi, Richard Basangwa, Travis Mutyaba, Hakim Kiwanuka
Substitutes Mathias Muwanga, Dennis Otim, Ibrahim Juma, Moses Waiswa, Martin Kizza, Rogers Mato
Ecstasy and emotions covered Chamazi Stadium as the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL) Champions She Corporate FC defeated highly-fancied Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) FC to secure a place in the final of the CAF Women Champions League Zonal Qualifiers (CECAFA) in Dar es Salaam. She Corporate beat CBE FC 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
Battles shared evenly during the semifinal match between She Corporate FC and CBE FC on Wednesday
She Corporate FC took the lead in the 20th minute courtesy of Anita Namata’s volley inside the area. She followed up the ball after Phiona Nabbumba’s effort that hit the bar had beaten the CBE FC goalkeeper.
The Ugandan Champions withstood all pressure from the Ethiopian side to go into the half time break leading. However, in the second half CBE skipper Loza Abela capitalised on the lapse in defense in the 62nd minute to slot past goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga off a Medina Awol low pass in the final third.
CBE skipper Loza Abela cecked by She Corporate defender Stella Musibika
With fifteen minutes left, the sharks regained the lead when midfield gem Phiona Nabbumba smashed in a free kick from just outside area to carry them into the final. From there on, buoyed by the goal, the Nakawa based side pushed to put on a show and seal the ticket to the final.
Calm down- this is Phiona Nabbumba
She Corporate will now face Simba Queens who beat AS Kigali from Rwanda 5-1 in the second semi final to complete the final match up for Saturday.
The Sharks ran through the group stage but hit a small speed bump and suffered a 2-0 loss to Tanzania’s Simba Queens in the second group game. The FWSL champions had started their campaign on a high with a 6-0 drubbing of South Sudanese side Yei Joint stars.
Under coach Musa Hassan and Charles Ayiekoh, She Corporate are daring to dream and and are just 90 minutes away from regional glory a feat that will guarantee them a ticket to the CAF Women Champions league finals later this year in Morocco.
I am really excited that we have reached the final. This was our target coming from Kampala to reach the final and by the Grace of God possibly win the championship.
I want to thank and congratulate my colleagues, the players, our coaches and fans for their support. They have continuously supported and pushed us to work hard even when we lost one of the games in the group stages. I want to also thank our club chairman Mr. Kawere Richard, our Principal (Makerere University Business School) Professor Wasswa Balunywa and everybody else who has supported us. FUFA supported the FWSL champions with 25 air tickets for their contingent on top of guidance and other intangible support through the CAF Club licensing process in preparation for the tournament. FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein and Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule were some of the officials that organized training sessions with the team to prepare them for the tournament.
The second edition of the FUFA Primary Schools football Championship has been launched with the draws conducted on Wednesday at FUFA House, Mengo. This year’s championship will attract girls for the first time after a decision by the FUFA Executive in 2019.
The championship will take place from August 27th – September 9th, 2022 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The girls’ tournament will be held from 27th August to 1st September while the boys have been reserved for the period running 2nd -9th September.
The Vice Chairperson Organising Committee and FUFA Executive Committee member Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe presided over the draws at ceremony attended by Chairman of the Uganda Youth Football Association Roberts Kiwanuka, Tonny Mawejje and Farouk Kigongo (members of the Odilo Organising Committee). The FUFA Professional Leagues Manager Shawn Mubiru representing Competitions Director Hajati Aisha Nalule helped with the draw process.
Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe – Vice Chairperson Organising Committee and FUFA Executive Committee member
While addressing the media, Dr. Ahimbisibwe said that Odilo is part of the FUFA President’s strategic plan for mass football to tap talent. He expressed his delight at the increased participation of schools at the district level this year.
‘Odilo is intended to get back to the ground and introduce competitive football to the underage categories with the aim of tapping young talents to prepare them become better footballers. It is one of the ways for implementing the FUFA strategic plan’ noted Dr. Ahimbisibwe before adding;
‘We are glad to introduce the girls’ competition this year. We are looking forward to seeing more girls play football. We also recorded a 50% increment in the boys’ schools category. FUFA will meet all the expenses at the National Finals and will support fully the two winners representing Uganda at the East African Competitions in Tanzania’
Tony Mawejje picked the defending champions Rays of Grace during the drawFarouk Kigongo picking one of the teams during the draw.
Shawn Mubiru on details, qualification process, format of play
The qualification journey started at the District Football Association level before graduating to the Regional Football Associations.
The winners from the eight regions will take part at the National Finals. The teams were drawn into two groups but will play a single round robin with the top two teams in each group progressing to the semifinals.
Shawn Mubiru FUFA Professional League’s Manager
The remaining teams will still continue with the tournament but for classification matches to give players a chance to play more matches.
The eight aside tournament will be played for twenty five minutes per half with unlimited substitutions.
Each player will be required to present a letter of consent from their parents allowing them take part in the tournament.
Groups
Rays of Grace PS players lifting Odilo trophy in 2019 at FUFA Technical Center- Njeru
Boys
Group A: Kibuli Islamic Primary School (Western), Paorihner Nursery and Primary School (Northern), Winners Academy Primary School (Kitara), Prime Vision Education Center (Eastern)
Group B: Vision For Children Nursery and Primary School (North East), Rays of Grace Primary School (Buganda), Bright View Primary School (Eastern), Nansana Modern Primary School (Kampala)
Girls
Group A: Ngora Girls (North East), Kivubuka Pirmary School (Eastern), Habanom Quality Academy Primary School (Kampala), Bombo UMEA Primary School (Buganda)
Group B : Nyakatooma III Primary School (Western) , Oasis PS (West Nile), Otino Waa Primary School (Northern) , Bwabya Primary School (Kitara)
Zanzibar vs Uganda Wednesday, 24th August 2022 Amaan Stadium Kickoff: 7PM
Uganda’s preparation for the forthcoming CHAN Qualifiers continue and as the Tanzania clash draws closer, the team is also making final patches .
On Wednesday, Uganda Cranes will face Zanzibar Heroes in the final friendly match at Amaan Stadium before connecting to Tanzania mainland.
Uganda Cranes team that started against Ethiopia.
The team arrived in Zanzibar on Monday after four days in Ethiopia where a friendly game was played on Sunday against Ethiopia National Team, ending goalless.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic also known as Micho believes camping in Zanzibar is important to his charges in acclimatizing to the conditions in Tanzania.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho
“Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and our major reason for coming here is to get used to the conditions before Sunday’s encounter in Dar es Salaam,” he said.
“Secondly, playing against Zanzibar gives us a clear picture of what we are likely to face against Tanzania and therefore this game is important in our preparations.” Added Micho.
The first leg of the CHAN Qualifiers will take place on Sunday, 28th August at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium while the return leg will happen on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregation between Uganda and Tanzania will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
The FUFA Women Super League is back. The fixtures have today been released by the FUFA Competitions department. Tighten your seatbelts as 10 teams are ready to display great football.
After an action-packed break that saw Uganda lift the CECAFA Senior Women Championships for the first time and marking a return to the continental stage featuring at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2022 first time since 2000, FUFA Women Super league action is set to return with a host of domestic stars bracing to take to the field to break a sweat.
It is believed that after the busy break, more fans have had their first taste of women football and will eagerly wait to make a follow up on their new stars.
All the 10 clubs succeeded in the FUFA Club Licensing exercise as they vetted in the five criteria areas of; 1. Administration, 2. Finance, 3. Legal, 4. Sporting and 5. Infrastructure.
FWEL vs FWSL Champions face off in season’s opener
It will be a battle of Champions as FUFA Women Elite League (FWEL) Champions host FUFA Women Super League (FWSL) Champions in the 2022/23 season’s opener on 17th September at Makerere University grounds.
It will be the only fixture on the day when newly promoted Makerere University WFC take on She Corporate. Makerere beat Asubo Gafford Ladies 6-0 in the FWEL playoff final as the two promoted sides battled for Championship glory.
Three other fixtures are set to be played the following day Sunday 18th September; pitting Kampala Queens against Asubo Gafford Ladies at IUIU Kabojja Campus, Uganda Martyrs HS WFC Lubaga hosting Rines SS WFC and Soroti outfit Olila HS WFC hosting former champions Lady Doves FC from Masindi.
The defending champions She Corporate still the team to beat
The Sharks are currently in Tanzania representing Uganda at the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers (CECAFA) in Dar es Salaam. Upon return, the She Corporate will out rightly still be the team to beat this season.
The defending champions have literally had a busy pre season that has also doubled as preparations for the regional qualifiers. With an already established strong squad they have made a number of signings to bolster their squad and these are expected to go along way in their quest to become only the second side to defend the league title.
Joanita Ainembabazi from Rines SS WFC, Anita Namata and Esther Naluyimba (both from Uganda Martyrs), Zahara Nankya from Makerere University, Spencer Nakacwa from Lady Doves, Cissy Nakate, Phoebe Banura and Jackline Nakassi all from UCU Lady Cardinals are now playing for the Champions.
She Corporate stormed the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women Champions League Zonal Qualifiers and will be taking on Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) FC tomorrow for a place in Saturday’s final that will decide the team to represent CECAFA region in the continental finals.
Kampala Queens out to prove a point
Kampala Queens is home to several of the Crested Cranes players that featured at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2022 in Morocco. Shamira Nalugya, Margaret Kunihira, Lilian Mutuuzo, Zaina Nandedeand Rukia Namubiru were with the national team.
The ‘Queens of Soccer’ have had a fairly busy pre-season in the market making a number of acquisitions to improve the squad as they make another go at the championship. The Palace is now home to Sumaya Komuntale who scored Uganda’s first goal at the WAFCON Finals in 22 years. The left back beat Moroccan goalie from a free kick in the Crested Cranes 3-1 loss against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat.
Goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro (Uganda Martyrs), defender Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies) and midfielder Teddy Najjuma (UCU Lady Cardinals) are among the new players in the Palace. They don’t look like stopping now to sign players as the transfer season ends on 21st September 2022.
Four time Champions Kawempe Muslim out to redeem former glory
Kawempe has arguably produced more stars in this country and was once home to some of Uganda Women football’s biggest brands such as Hasifa Nassuna, Sandra Nabweteme, Ruth Aturo, Yudaya Nakayenze, Tracy Akiror among others.
The record champions had a nightmare season to forget but they are never to be taken for granted as they are a side that enjoys the luxury of abundant raw talent coming through the feeder school team.
With emerging stars like the silky Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Hadijja Nandago, Samalie Nakacwa, Nankwanga Shakira, Esther Nangendo among others, Kawempe is expected to mount a stronger challenge than the previous season.
Former Champions UCU and Lady Doves out to recover from last season’s faltering
Two previous winners UCU Lady Cardinals and Lady Doves FC were a shadow of the sides that were known to be.
Immediate past champions Lady Doves had a very disappointing first round that had the fans and well wishers worried of possible relegation only to recollect themselves and narrowly surviving in the second round of games. They finished in 7th place with 18 points only 4 points above relegation.
On the other hand, the Lady Cardinals had a somewhat better season that saw them finish 4th behind season’s surprise package Uganda Martyrs HS WFC. UCU has lost a host of players amongst them starters and without any known replacement, fans are eager to see how far the Hasifa Nasuuna captained side can go this term.
Uganda Martyrs matching on without Nkugwa
Last season’s surprise pack; Uganda Martyrs will be out to prove that last season’s performance was not a one off. The Lubaga school side was one of the most exciting sides to watch pulling off a number of results and making their home – St. Gerald playground one of the toughest places to visit for any opponent. The dip in form in the final 4 games of the season saw their would-be title challenge fall short. With a youthful and athletic young squad women football lovers are waiting to see how the girls will manage without their longtime coach Rogers Nkugwa who part ways with the team. Uganda Marty’s will also have to contend with life after losing a couple of players.
Match Day 2 welcomes title rivalry clash She Corporates vs Kampala Queens
Match day 2 will serve women football with a repeat of what was one of the most exciting and intriguing fixtures of last season. She Corporate will host Kampala Queens at MUBS-Nakawa on Sunday 25th a side they beat to the trophy on the final day of last season on goal difference after tying on 39 points apiece.
Both games ended in a stalemate when the sides met last season with the first at 2-2 in Kabojja while the eventual title decider on the final day of the season played at MUBS did not produce goals handing the trophy to the Nakawa based side.
The Chairman of the FUFA Electoral Committee Mathias Bwire has released a list of candidates for to fill up positions during the forthcoming By- Election.
Ethiopia and Uganda played out a goalless draw in an International friendly game played on Sunday at Adama Science and Technology University Stadium.
The closely contested encounter saw Uganda produce better scoring chances than hosts Ethiopia. However, the cutting edge to put them to good use was lacking.
Uganda Cranes players singing the national anthem.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho set up in a 4-3-3 system with Nafian Aliozi starting in goal while the backline had Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo and John Revita.
The midfield trio included Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman and Moses Waiswa.
Marvin Youngman takes on Ethiopian players.
Rogers Mato led the line, getting support from Martin Kizza and captain Milton Karisa.
The first realistic opportunity for Uganda came in the 15th minute when Waiswa released Karisa on the right. He beat his opponent for pace but the delivery went wide.
Youngman who was arguably the best player for Uganda on the day, took control of proceedings in the midfield and always made dashing runs into the area.
Gavin Kizito Mugweri in action.
In the second half, coach Micho made changes bringing on Richard Basangwa for Kizza. Hakim Kiwanuka, Travis Mutyaba and Kenneth Ssemakula later came on for Waiswa, Mato and Ssentamu.
Before getting off, Mato went through on goal in the 76th minute but fired wide of goal.
In the closing stages of the game, Mutyaba gave a defence splitting pass to Youngman but his effort was saved by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper.
At the death of the clock, Mulondo failed to connect home a header from Karisa’s corner kick delivery.
Micho believes there were many positives picked from the game and thinks the team will be in perfect shape ahead of next Sunday’s game against Tanzania.
“We have played against a very strong side and there are many positives to pick from today’s match. We now have the next days to polish a few aspects ahead of the game against Tanzania.” He said.
Uganda will face Tanzania on Sunday, 28th August 2022 at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam and the two teams will face off in the return leg on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregate will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo, John Revita, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Martin Kizza, Milton Karisa
Substitutes Dennis Otim, Mathias Muwanga, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Walter Ochora, Kenneth Ssemakula,Saidi Kyeyune Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Richard Basangwa, Kenneth Ssemakula
The FUFA DRUM 2022 Matchday Four Round of 16, Return Leg
Sebei 4-4 Bugisu Bugisu advance 7-4 on aggregate
Ankole 0-1 Lango Lango progress 1-0 on aggregate
Sebei’s journey in the FUFA Drum 2022 came to an end on Saturday, falling to neighbours Bugisu on aggregate.
However, their elimination did not come without a fight. Sebei put up a great performance to hold Bugisu 4-4 in the thrilling return leg played at Sebei College, Kapchwora on Saturday.
In a game of two halves, Bugisu dominated the opening stanza and led 2-0 but the home side proved a hard nut to crack and eventually producing a goal galore that ended 4-4.
Emmanuel Mukisa and Usama Arafat gave the Bamasaba a comfortable lead at the break.
Sebei returned an improved side after recess with John Olwo scoring in the 50th minute before Peter Kanyere found the equalizer two minutes after the hour mark.
The celebrations for Sebei were cut short, four minutes later when Usama restored parity for Bugisu.
Two minutes later, the score was even again after an own goal by Emma Shikanga put the score at 3-3.
In the 75th minute, Innocent Egweudu put Sebei in the lead for the first time but this only lasted for three minutes before Raymond Onyai found the equalizer.
The result meant Bugisu advanced to the quarterfinals 7-4, having won the reverse fixture 3-0 in Mbale.
Therefore, Bugisu joins Buganda, Kampala, Lango, Acholi and West Nile as the teams that have booked their slots in the last eight.
Two slots are up for grabs on Sunday with Teso hosting Busoga in Bukedea. The former lead this contest 2-1, having won the first leg in Iganga.
The other fixture is between Rwenzori and rivals Tooro who face off today in Bundibugyo. Tooro leads this contest 1-0 from the first leg.
The FUFA Drum 2022 Matchday Four Round of 16, Return Leg
Ankole 0-1 Lango (Lango advance 1-0 on aggregate).
Sebei 4-4 Bugisu (Bugisu advance 7-4 on aggregate).
Lango Province secured a slot into the quarterfinals of this year’s FUFA Drum tournament after eliminating Ankole.
In the game played on Saturday at St. George Core PTC Kagongo Playground, Ibanda, visiting Lango won 1-0 thus progressing to the next stage.
Lango players celebrate their goal against Ankole.
Dennis Omedi’s solitary strike in the first half turned out to be decisive moment of the game.
Omedi was well stationed to slot home from close range after Moses Aliro set him up in the 23rd minute.
Goal scorer and man of the match Dennis Omedi is lifted shoulder high by Lango Province fans.
A long pass from Emmanuel Odur found Aliro in the box and the latter headed the ball into Omedi’s path who was quick to tap the ball beyond goalkeeper Muhammad Ssekeba.
Despite efforts to search for the equalizer, Ankole failed to break a resilient Lango side.
Ankole Province Starting XI against Lango in Ibanda.Lango Province starting XI against Ankole.
The result eventually meant Lango stormed the last eight 1-0 on aggregate. It should be noted that the first leg at Akii Bua Stadium had ended goalless.
Lango fans celebrating after their team eliminated Ankole.Jubilant Lango Province fans in Ibanda.
Lango therefore joins Buganda, Kampala, West Nile, Acholi and Bugisu as the other teams that have reached the quarterfinals.
The last two slots will be completed on Sunday with Teso playing Busoga in Bukedia while Rwenzori take on neighbours Tooro in Bundibugyo.
The 2022 Ticad Cup for women football teams has officially kicked off at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Saturday morning.
The tournament consists of six teams including, Pagirinya Young Ladies Sports Club, a football team from Pagirinya Refugee Camp in Adjumani district, Jinja Senior Secondary School, Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, Rines Secondary School from Wakiso, Taggy High School, Entebbe and King of Kings Secondary School from Fort Portal.
Rines SS forward Eva Naggayi taking on Kawempe Muslim player
Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) in partnership with FUFA have organised the two-day tournament that is aimed at promoting gender equality, empowering all girls and women, fostering mutual understanding between refugees and host communities, in addition to raising awareness of the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8).
This tournament dubbed ‘Women in Sports: Peaceful Co-existence’ is part of the promotional activities of TICAD8, which takes place every three years since 1993, bringing together African nations, international organizations, private sector, and civil society for the development of Africa.
In the matches played on opening day Kawempe Muslim managed to win Jinja SS 2-1, Taggy HS defeated King of Kings 2-0. Refugee Team Pagirinya lost to King of Kings HS 5-0.
Fukuzawa Hidemoto Japanese Ambassador to Uganda inspecting Refugee Team Pagirinya
The official opening of the tournament was graced by Hon. Fukuzawa Hidemoto Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, Hon. Peter Ogwang Minister of State for Sports, Rev. Can. Dancan Mugumya Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, FUFA Deputy CEO- Football Decolas Kiiza among others.
Uganda U23 Men’s National Team, the Kobs have learnt their qualification path to next year’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations.
The draw for the qualification phase was conducted on Thursday.
The Kobs who got a bye at the first round will face Guinea at the second qualifying round.
Guinea will host the first leg between 21st -23rd October in Conakry with the return leg coming a week later.
If Uganda progresses to third round, they will face either Nigeria or the winner between South Sudan and Tanzania.
South Sudan meet Tanzania at the first round, with the winner meeting Nigeria in the subsequent round.
The third round ties will be played in March next year, with the winners of the seven fixtures joining hosts Morocco to make a total of eight teams at the final tournament.
It should be noted that the tournament also serves as Qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games that will be held in Paris, France.
The top three teams (Champions, Runners-up and bronze medlaists) will represent Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
