One of the greatest feelings in one’s career is meeting the person you idolize.
This time it is one budding talent Kenneth Ssemakula who feels inspired to work more because of training alongside his idol and role model Murushid Juuko.
The two met during the on-going preparations for the upcoming international friendly between Uganda and South Africa at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala.
Murushid Juuko and Kenneth Ssemakula
While speaking to www.fufa.co.ug, Ssemakula who played a key role for the Uganda Hippos in the recently concluded AFCON U20 tournament in Mauritania where Uganda finished runners-up admitted that he admired Juuko from the first time he saw him play.
‘The moment I saw Juuko play is when I fell in love with his style of play. He is a complete central defender who fits in all situations. He is calm when it calls for calmness, Good in the air, great timing and rough where need be.’ notes Ssemakula.
Ssemakula added that his admiration for Juuko made him switch from the central midfield position for central defence because he wanted to play like Juuko.
Murushid Juuko and Kenneth Ssemakula (right)
‘How I wish I ever partner with him in the central defence of the Uganda Cranes’ Semakula added.
Ssemakula is a product of the FUFA Juniors league with Busoga United Junior Team who was later promoted to the senior Busoga United FC and currently features for Bul FC.
The Chairman, FUFA Electoral Committee Mathias Bwire through circular EC/001/06/2021 has issued notifying football stakeholders and the general public that the declaration of candidates for the position of FUFA President and the FUFA Executive Committee will be held on 7th June 2021 at FUFA House 10 am.
This comes after the change in the earlier date (30th May 2021).
This change in schedule was necessitated by some aspiring candidates requesting for extension of time within which to return their respective nomination forms.
The event like the norm has been over the years will be covered live on 102.1 FUFA f.m and all official FUFA Social media platforms.
The 97th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly will be hosted by the Eastern Region Football Association in Mbale city on 21st August 2021.
The election of the FUFA President and his executive will be one of the eagerly awaited items on the agenda.
The quarter finals of the 47th edition for the Stanbic Uganda Cup were successfully completed on Friday, 4th June 2021 after the 2nd leg matches.
BUL FC, Vipers sC, Police FC and Express FC are the teams that have advanced to the semi-finals of the annual tournament.
Jinja based side BUL eliminated 2019 winners Proline 2-1 on aggregate.
BUL had defeated Proline 2-0 at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo in the 1st leg but lost 1-0 at the Kyabazinga Stadium during the return leg.
Vitalis Tabu and Joseph Ssemujju were on target for BUL at Lugogo as Ivan Ocholit scored Proline’s solitary goal in Jinja city.
SC Villa Vs Vipers action at the Army Military Barracks stadium, Bombo (Credit: Vipers SC Media)
Vipers overcame SC Villa 3-1 on aggregate; the first leg at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende ended one goal apiece.
Second half substitute Lawrence Tezikya scored the opener for Vipers before Ronald Ssekiganda headed powerfully past goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya in the closing minutes.
Bobosi Byaruhanga expertly curls the ball from a set piece (Credit: Vipers SC Media)
During the return leg at the Military Barracks stadium in Bombo, Vipers scored through Bobosi Byaruhanga (free-kick) and substitute Milton Karisa.
SC Villa ended the game with 10 men following Ssekiganda’s red card.
Action between KCCA and Express during the return leg of the quarter finals at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. It ended 1-1 (Credit: KCCA FC Media)
The final two return legs of the quarter finals were played at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Friday.
The early kick off at 1 PM witnessed Wakiso Giants beat Police 2-0 but bowed out on away goal’s rule after a 3-3 aggregate score.
Viane Ssekajugo scored a brace in the return leg in which midfielder Joshua Lubwama missed a penalty.
Express booked the last semi-final berth with a 1-all draw away to KCCA to advance on away goal’s rule.
Martin Kizza’s penalty cancelled out the opener by KCCA forward Sadat Anaku as the game ended 1 goal apiece.
By and large, Express made the last four stage on the away goal’s rule.
The date and venue of the semi-final draw will be communicated by the FUFA Competitions Department.
The final of this year’s championship will be hosted by the Kitara Region Football Association at Masindi Municipal Stadium.
MAIN PHOTO: Wakiso Giants’ defender Edward Satulo (left) in action against Police’s Ben Ocen at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. The game ended 2-0 in favour of the purple sharks but bowed out on away goal’s rule (Credit: Police FC Media)
FUFA has issued Circular number 1136 directing all clubs not to admit fans to the stadiums until further notice.
The communication signed off by the FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza was issued on Thursday 3rd June 2021.
The circular is addressed to FUFA Members, Special Interest Groups of FUFA and Stakeholders reads;
As you are all aware according to statistics from the Ministry of Health there is an upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases as well as deaths in Uganda.
FUFA had earlier allowed up to 200 fans to watch FUFA organised and FUFA authorized competitions with strong adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This is no longer tenable in the current situation.
Therefore, in order to ensure the Health and Safety of players, Technical staff and all stakeholders, all matches shall be played without spectators or fans until further notice.
As we wind up the 1st Division, 2nd Division and the Uganda Cup there shall be no fans in the stadiums. Teams are further strongly encouraged to limit all other authorized personnel to the bear minimum. SOPs must be strictly observed and COVID-19 vaccination enhanced by football officials and players throughout the country.
In a circular No. 1135 dated 2nd June 2021 and signed by FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza, FUFA has taken a decision to postpone the Regional leagues that were due to kick off in the near future. The communication reads;
‘As you are all aware, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health there is an upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases as well as deaths in Uganda. Therefore, in order to ensure the Health and Safety of players, Technical staff, and all stakeholders, the FUFA Regional Leagues anticipated for kick off in the near future are hereby postponed until further notice. Clubs and all stakeholders are advised to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccination is taken by all;
She Maroons FC are the Champions of the 2020/21 FUFA Women Elite League after defeating Rines SS WFC in the final played on Thursday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
In a closely contested affair, striker Millicent Namwembe scored the all-important goal to guide the Sentries to success.
The lethal forward struck home in the 75th minute capitalizing from the rebound after goalkeeper Elsie Najjemba had saved initially.
The final was graced by several dignitaries such as FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha who was the guest of honour. The others included; FUFA Executive Committee Members Issa Magoola and Chris Kalibbala plus Uganda Women Football Association Chairperson, Margaret Kubingi.
She Maroons showed class throughout the tournament, winning all the six games played, including the final.
Road to the Final
Group D
She Maroons 6-1 EHCOS WFC
She Maroons 2-1 Wakiso Hills WFC
She Maroons 1-0 Lango Queens FC
Quarterfinal
She Maroons 3-1 Ajax Queens
Semi-final
Wakiso Hills 1-2 She Maroons
Final
She Maroons 1-0 Rines SS WFC
For winning the League title, She Maroons earned a cash prize of UGX 8M while the runners-up Rines SS WFC got UGX 5M.
In the third place playoff, Bunyaruguru Girls overcame Wakiso Hills winning the game 2-1.
Norah Alupo scored a brace for the Rubirizi based outfit to end the tournament with 5 goals. Wakiso Hills got their consolation through Sarah Namatovu.
Namwembe finished the tournament as the top scorer while her teammate Joan Naggayi was named the Most Valuable Player(MVP).
Elsie Najjemba of Rines SS WFC took the goalkeeper of the tournament accolade while Kataka She were awarded with the Fair Play gong.
The Uganda Cranes camp has been boosted by the timely arrival of the foreign based legion led by the newly appointed team captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Abdu Lumala and Mustafa Kizza.
These three players were part of the team’s training session on Wednesday at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Abdu Lumala during training
Mustafa Kizza
Egypt based Okwi expressed gratitude upon the special role assigned to him as he also hailed the great work of his predecessor, Denis Onyango.
‘It is a great honour to lead the team as new captain and I thank the Almighty God. I have spoken to the players and welcomed the new ones onto the team’ Okwi stated.
Emma Okwi during training today at Lugogo
Mutual respect:
‘As a captain, I have reminded them that we all respect each other regardless of age. The previous captain Denis Onyango congratulated me and wished me the very best. Onyango besides being my captain is also my good friend. He served us well and he is still with the team spiritually’ he added.
Essence of the upcoming international build up:
Okwi hailed the planning of FUFA for this international friendly match, which he believes will further spur the team and assist in planning.
‘I believe that the friendly against South Africa will push us. South Africa is a good side and like us, rebuilding the team. This match will help us to plan for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers’ Okwi disclosed.
Day four of the Uganda Cranes training will take place on Martyrs’ Day (3rd June 2021) at same venue at 9am.
Meanwhile, the technical team added four more players; Geofrey Wasswa (Sc Villa), Steven Mukwala (URA FC), Tom Ikara and Yusuf Ssozi (all from Police FC).
Yusuf Ssozi Steven Mukwala Goalkeeper Tom Ikara
Some players were released to feature for their clubs in the Stanbic Uganda Cup Quarterfinals but will return immediately to camp after the matches.
Trained on Wednesday:
Goalkeepers: Tom Ikara, Charles Lukwago, Simon Tamale
Defenders: Murushid Juuko, Enock Walusimbi, Innocent Wafula, Mustafa Kizza, Hassan Muhamood, Patrick Mbowa, Kenneth Ssemakula
Midfielders: Yusuf Ssozi, Abdul Lumala, Steven Sserwadda, Joseph Akandwanaho, Ivan Sserubiru, Bright Anukani, Shafic Kagimu, Isma Mugulusi, Bright Anukani
Forwards: Emmanuel Okwi (Captain), Steven Desse Mukwala, Derrick Kakooza
FUFA embarked on the mass vaccination exercise for the football family against Covid-19 across the country.
Having received clearance and backing from the Ministry of Health through the National Council of Sports, FUFA issued a circular for all its Members and football stakeholders to enroll for the vaccination in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The exercise at FUFA House was for all members of the Executive, Standing Committees, Judicial Bodies, Delegates, Secretariat, Clubs at all levels of both Men and Women Leagues and other stakeholders. However some players and officials have taken the vaccination from upcountry at various Government Health Centres.
For any further details in this regard the FUFA Covid 19 Official Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe on +256 700 669 922 or email apolloni04@yahoo.com.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Mulindwa who represented FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson who led all staff for the vaccination said the aim of the exercise is to try and stop the spread of covid19. He added this is being done in partnership with Lubaga Hospital in compliance with the Ministry of Health guidelines, National Council of sports guidelines, FIFA, CAF and all stakeholders that fall in the game of football.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson
National Beach Soccer team Head coach Salim Jamal Muwonge also got vaccinated
FUFA Exco Member Hamid JumaFIFA Referee Issa Masembe took part in the exerciseFUFA Legal Manager Denis Lukambi had his turn for vaccination Uganda Cranes defender and Express FC Captain Enoch Walusimbi National Women Senior team Captain-Crested Cranes- Ruth Aturo Uganda U-17 Head coach Hamuza LutaloFUFA Finance Assistant Muhamud ‘Blatter’ KalemaFUFA Communication Department represented as well during the exercise- Conrad MusiimeFutsal heavily represented as well during the vaccination exercise Kireka United FC’s Semwanga NormanBuganda Region’s Walakira Mukisa Andrew from Nakaseke
FUFA Competitions Officer in Charge of the Big League Phoebe Kutamba flashed her certificate after vaccination
FUFA Competitions Officer Shirah Nakagwa will carry the same smile for the 2nd dose in three months time. She is seen here displaying her certificate after the vaccination.
Uganda Cranes and Police FC defender Muhamud Hassan Both staff of Lubaga Hospital and FUFA after completion of the vaccination exercise in Mengo on Tuesday
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes Players after taking their Covid-19 vaccination jab at FUFA House on Tuesday
She Maroons and Rines SS WFC have earned promotion to the FUFA Women Super League on sporting grounds after winning their respective Semi-final games on Tuesday at the FUFA Technical Centre.
Rines SS WFC from Buganda region overcame Bunyaruguru Girls FC in the first semifinal while She Maroons on the other hand went past Wakiso Hills.
Like it was the case in the quarterfinals, Rines SS had to endure another tense penalty shootout to advance to the finals.
Normal time ended goalless but Rines SS won 4-3 on penalties to eventually secure a slot in net season’s FUFA Women Super League.
Halima Katushabe and Adella Aine missed for Bunyaruguru while Florence Nakalule on the other hand failed to find the target for Rines WFC.
Eva Nagayi, captain Shakira Nalule, Yuster Kayesu and Catherine Wujja scored from the spot to guide the Wakiso based side to victory.
Coach Bright Nyanzi indicated the target has been achieved and dedicated the success to the late Richard Byamukama who passed on in March.
On the other hand, Bunyaruguru coach Medie Nyanzi lauded his team for the effort and believes there are positives picked that will them next season.
In the second semi-final, She Maroons fought hard to edge past Wakiso Hills thanks to Kautharah Naluyima’s first half strike.
She Maroons and Rines WFC will face on Thursday to determine the Champion while Wakiso Hills and Bunyaruguru Girls will play in the third place playoff.
Ugandan Football is a hospital where the ambulance driver undertakes brain surgery and is applauded by the gallery.
Modern Day Football is a highly technical practice that requires a lot of human expertise in;
Governance
Business
Sport
Expertise is developed by experience and/or training. A brain Surgeon is prepared for over 10’s of years and so is a football player, coach, referee, administrator and any professional support staff.
Many an occasion, you find individuals without any experience nor training, aggressively providing expert opinion on how to play, coach, officiate (as in refereeing) and administer the game.
1. A Journalist with hours of experience on air will inform the audience on how Arsene Wenger made mistakes in the team chosen or player signed and will be applauded by the audience.
2. A football administrator will dismiss a coach over failure to perform when the team is lacking basic needs and get applauds from the gallery.
3. A football fan will not buy a ticket or replica jersey but expect the referee to give a penalty to his team to win and will be applauded by the gallery
4. A Referee will make an ‘intended’ mistake that everyone at the match sees but himself and will explain using the 18th Law of the Game- the Common Sense Law.
5. A player will feel cheated for not being paid even when the club he is playing for does not make any income from his trade and will be applauded by the gallery.
6. A Coach will tell the media at the post match press conference of how his/her team lost because the referee was the 12th opponent player and will be applauded by the gallery.
We need to respect that every human activity in the modern game of football requires expertise gained over training and practice.
Innocent Wafula was born to the late Bwire Ogutu and Mary Omoding.
Like most footballers, Wafula fell in love with the beautiful game at the age of ten and virtually kicked whatever came his way.
The love was stimulated when his parents moved to the rich footballing hub of Walukuba in Jinja city, where football is the order of the day.
While at Walukuba, the little Wafula picked inspiration from retired Uganda Cranes Captain Geoffrey Massa and Moses Oloya who currently plays in Vietnam thus kept pursuing his dream of playing football to get to their level.
Because his parents were traders, Wafula moved with them wherever they went for business and therefore moved with them to Kenya and it is where he started playing serious football with Busia Combined Football Club and later Chemeli Sugar before joining giants Gor Mahia.
He later switched sides to Uganda Premier League League at Vipers Sports Club, playing two seasons and now at Mbarara City in the Western region.
Innocent Wafula dribbles the ball during Uganda Cranes first training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
At Kogero, the flying right back featured with Ugandans like Dan Mzee Sserunkuma, Khalid Aucho and Godfrey ‘Baba’ Kizito.
His spectacular display at Gor Mahia tickled the Harambe Stars technical side to summon him for National Team Duties which later did not go well because his citizenship was doubted.
Wafula says that former Uganda Cranes Tactician Sredejovic ‘Micho’ Milutin had started monitoring his progress but unfortunately left before a call up.
‘Since then I lost hope of featuring for the Cranes and concentrated on club football’ said Wafula.
He narrates that returning to Uganda to play for Vipers revived his hopes of playing for Uganda Cranes thus this called up is a wakeup call to work harder .
‘God has granted me a rare second chance which I need to put to the best utilization. This might be my chance to feature at AFCON or even World Cup. I can not rule out the pressure but I will play my part and leave the rest to the technical team’ Wafula adds.
About the competition in his position, the soft spoken flying right back said that he welcomes the competition and it is positive for him because it pushes him to work harder and also learn from those who featured earlier for the Cranes.
While speaking about the Cranes transition process, Wafula says it is a good composition of the youth and experienced players, where the young can always learn from the experienced and by the time the young ones become mainstays it will be easy for them.
He also added that this transition is here for a reason and had not it been so he wouldn’t have been part of the squad.
International Build Up Match: Saturday, 12th June 2021
South Africa Bafana Bafana Vs Uganda Cranes
The National senior team A (Uganda Cranes) has on Monday, 31st May 2021 embarked on residential training at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo ahead of the up-coming international build up against South Africa.
Fourteen players turned up for the two hour session conducted by the head coach Abdallah Mubiru alongside the assistant Charles Livingstone Mbabazi.
Busoga United’s Isma Mugulusi shoots as Steven Sserwadda closes on during day one of the Uganda Cranes training at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo on Monday, 31st May 2021
With the exception of the foreign based legion as well as those players whose clubs will be engaged in the upcoming Stanbic Uganda Cup return leg matches for the matches, the rest of the players were present.
Head coach Mubiru expressed gratitude upon the positive response of the players who turned up; with the right mentality, character and fitness.
Head coach Abdallah Mubiru closely monitors the proceedings
Soltilo Bright Stars’ Joseph Akandwanaho dribbles during the Uganda Cranes training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
‘I thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of life and making all things happen. We have started our training sessions today in preparation for the match against South Africa. This is a rebuilding process for the team as most of the senior players retired from the beautiful game on the senior team. I am however happy by the attitude of the players on the team’ Mubiru disclosed.
All the players and officials were subject to the mandatory COVID-19 test before entering the residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
Soltilo Bright Stars goalkeeper Simon Tamale collects the ball as Bright Anukani closes by
Day two of the training sessions will be held on Tuesday, 1st June 2021 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, kicking off by 9 am.
South Africa will host Uganda Cranes on Saturday, 12th May 2021 during the international build up match.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has committed self towards promotion of beach soccer in the various regions of the country (Northern, Eastern, Buganda, Kitara, Kampala, Western, Northern and North Eastern).
This was revealed by the FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo as he hosted the Uganda national beach soccer team, Sand Cranes to a welcome luncheon held at Jevine Hotel, Rubaga in Kampala on Monday, 31st May 2021.
The Sand Cranes finished fourth at the AFCON 2021 beach soccer finals hosted by Senegal on their debut performance.
The luncheon was also attended by the first vice president of FUFA, Justus Mugisha; Executive Committee committee Hamid Juma (also the leader of delegation for the team in Senegal), Uganda Beach Soccer Association chairman Deo Mutabazi and delegate Anthony Tumwesigye, national teams coordinator Patrick Ntege Kaweesa, Hamzah Junju (Futsal Association Uganda chairman), among others.
L-R: Justus Mugisha, Eng. Moses Magogo, Hamid Juma and Anthony Tumwesigye
‘I welcome back the Uganda Sand Cranes from AFCON from the historic performance. You are historic players. We came very close to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. We have got extra hunger to perform better. As FUFA, we have a lot of interest in beach soccer. We shall continue giving our best to support the game across the different regions of the country. We are working hard to construct a standard beach soccer facility. We shall continue providing logistics for the Uganda Sand Cranes, one of the nine national teams. In last 8 years, we have had our teams play on the continental level 10 times (CHAN and AFCON tournaments). Proper strategy for each member in terms of competitions, training of coaches and other working methodologies’ Eng. Magogo stated.
Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo
The captain of the team, Meddie Kibirige applauded the Federation for the efforts of facilitating the team and its promotion since the camping days in Uganda.
‘I am happy for the results we managed to get. Special thanks to FUFA for everything did to the team especially the facilitation. I thank the players for the fight. We call upon continued support from FUFA’ Kibirige noted.
Hamid Juma, FUFA Executive Committee Member
Hamid Juma, leader of delegation was full of praise for the players for their endeavors.
‘We fought gallantly and earned good results. Very religious and hard working players. This was their first time and have gone to history. If we do things properly, we shall achieve a lot in Beach Soccer’ Hamid disclosed.
Each of the 24 members on the team will get at least Shs. 7,700,000 as per the FUFA payment scheme of players on the national team.
Some of the Sand Cranes playersSome of the Uganda Beach Soccer Team players and the technical committee members
‘We gained a lot from the AFCON beach soccer tournament played in Senegal. As the head coach, we shall revise each and every game we play going forward for better planning in future’ head coach Salim Muwonge said.
The UBSA chairman Mutabazi was full of praise for the federation for the funding, clubs, players and the media.
Mutabazi revealed that they are using the AFCON experience to design a technical strategy for the development of the game, to assist clubs on how best to approach the game.
‘The AFCON experience was a real blessing to us. We learnt first hand how to hand different situations. Technically, we are planning a retreat and shall design a technical strategy’ Mutabazi revealed.
She Maroons secured the final slot in the Semi-finals of the 2020/21 FUFA Women Elite League in scintillating fashion after obliterating Ajax Queens on Sunday.
In a one side affair, She Maroons showed their mighty and dominated in every aspect to dispatch hapless Ajax Queens.
Right from onset, all indicators showed the Prison Warders were in perfect shape and looked the better side.
As early as the second minute, the floodgates were opened as striker and captain of the day Millicent Namwembe set the tone of the game with a sweet finish.
She beat Joanita Nassali for pace to slot past onrushing goalkeeper Pamela Nakayondo, thanks to Kautharah Naluyima who set her up.
Five minutes later, Babirye produced one of the best goals at the tournament with her intended cross beating the goalkeeper and going straight into the back of the net.
With Ajax Queens still at sixes and sevens, She Maroons kept surging forward and Namwembe got her second on the day in the 13th minute to stretch the lead further.
Ajax Queens seemed to have calmed their nerves and She Maroons contended with the big lead slowed down the tempo a bit.
At the start of the second half, Ajax Queens lost goalkeeper Nakayondo through injury and striker Annet Namwenge switched to goal.
Jacinta Nanjobe who replaced Nakayondo got the consolation for Ajax Queens with her left-footed effort beating goalkeeper Esther Akujo in the 67th minute.
She Maroons FC will face Wakiso Hills in the semifinals on Tuesday. The latter edged Amuria High School 1-0 in the first Quarterfinal on Sunday.
Wakiso Hills defied odds to overcome Amuria High School WFC on Sunday and earn a slot into the semi-finals.
Despite struggling to qualify out of Group D and garnering just 4 points, Wakiso Hills managed to defeat Amuria High School who topped Group C with 9 points and scored 12 goals.
In the absence of skipper Faridah Nanyonjo who was suspended because of card accumulation, Wakiso Hills played as one unit.
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Amuria defender Josephine Atilong directed a corner kick into the back of her own net.
Amuria looked a shadow of themselves and failed to replicate the performance they had had in the Group stages.
The absence of influential captain Emmanuel Akoel and Evans Kunihira seemed to have destabilized the game approach for Amuria who looked to be at sixes and sevens.
Wakiso Hills therefore become the third team to secure a berth into the semi-finals, joining Rines WFC and Bunyaruguru.
The Antelopes will face either She Maroons or Ajax Queens who face off in the final quarter final game.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has rewarded the 24 man Uganda Sand Cranes with Shs. 185,900,000.
This is as per the FUFA allowance and bonus system for their exceptional performance at the 2021 AFCON BEACH Soccer tournament in Senegal, West Africa.
For the 22 days spent in camp preparing for and taking part in the tournament, each member of the 24-man Contingent will be entitled to; camp allowances, appearance fees, winning bonuses for matches and reaching the Semi-finals.
Therefore, each member of the contingent will earn about UGX 7.7M.
This was communicated to the team by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye on behalf of FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo before their departure for the tournament in Senegal.
The team finished fourth at the tournament on the debut appearence.
Uganda Sand Cranes finished fourth at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) beach soccer tournament in Senegal, West Africa.
Uganda lost the third place play-off 5-3 to North Africans, Morocco on the final day of the championship where the CECAFA footballing giants were making a debut.
Rabi Aboutalbi and Nassim El Hadaoui each scored a brace and Yassir Abada added the other at the Saly Portudal beach soccer stadium.
Uganda’s goals came from Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (brace) and Baker Lukooya.
Uganda Team against Morocco
The team’s media officer Julius Mutebi Bazzeketta cited a couple of positives from the championship, a spring board for laying a firm foundation for future engagements as well as appreciation to all stakeholders.
‘It is my pleasure to extend the honest appreciation for the support, air play and encouragement you showered to the Uganda Sand Cranes during the AFCON beach soccer Senegal 2021 tournament. I believe that together, we stand the biggest chance to promote and obtain the biggest brand for our game in the time to come so that we bounce back stronger on the continent. It was a such a great experience and a lot has been learnt. The future is bright’ he disclosed.
An aerial challenge between Morocco and Uganda during the third place play offEmmanuel Wasswa and Morocco’s opponent during the third place play off
The team returns home on Monday, 31st May 2021 aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
Meanwhile, hosts Senegal beat Mozambique 4-1 to lift their sixth title, the third consecutive one.
Both Senegal and Mozambique will represent Africa at the FIFA World Cup beach soccer tournament in Russia come August 2021.
Uganda Sand Cranes head coach Salim Jamal Muwonge (right) picked a couple of positives to build upon from the team’s debut showing on the continental event
Uganda’s Delegation to the AFCON 2021 Beach Soccer Tournament:
Players:
Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige (St Lawrence University BSC), Nasser Lwamunda (Kiringente BSC), Mutebi Ronald (St Lawrence University BSC)
Defenders: Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Davis Kasujja (MUBS BSC), Douglas Muganga (MUBS BSC),Byaruhanga Rica (St Lawrence University BSC), Kikonyogo Jonathan (St Lawrence University BSC), Suleiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University BSC)
Forwards: Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Baker Lukooya (St Lawrence University BSC),Emmanuel Wasswa (St Lawrence University BSC), Swalley Ssimbwa (St. Lawrence University BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal BSC)
Rines Women Football Club became the second team to confirm their place in the Semi-finals of this year’s FUFA Women Elite League after overcoming Dynamic SS Jjeza in a closely contested game on Saturday.
The game had few scoring opportunities for either side. The two teams struggled to find the breakthrough.
For instance, the opening stanza had only two chances one falling to Shadia Nabukenya of Dynamic SS Jjeza while Rines skipper Shakirah Nalule blasted wide at the death of the clock.
In the second half, Rines started on the front foot and made several inroads but failed to find efficiency in the final third.
Substitute Yuster Kayesu nearly broke the deadlock with five minutes on the clock but her feeble effort was saved by goalkeeper Scovia Kabiiri.
In the kicks from the penalty mark, Rines WFC were perfect and had goalkeeper Elsie Najjemba to thank after saving Victoria Namakula’s effort.
Shakira Nalule, Eva Nagayi, Yuster Kayesu, Florence Nakalule and Maureen Nankinga all converted their kicks.
On the other hand, Daphine Nalubowa, Aisha Namukaaya, Frankline Natumanya and Sandra Nakalya scored for Dynamic SS Jjeza.
Rines WFC will now face Bunyaruguru Girls in the semi-finals on Tuesday. The latter overcame King of Kings in the other quarterfinal.
