Uganda Beach Soccer National Team (Sand Cranes) head coach Salim Jamal Muwonge has summoned a squad of 20 players to begin preparations for the 2021 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana.
Uganda will face Ghana on 27th March 2021 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru and a return leg away between 9th-10th April.
The team will enter residential camp on Monday, 8th March at the FUFA Technical Centre.
Defenders Paul Lule (Buganda Royal) Davis Kasujja (MUBS) Douglas Muganga (MUBS) Paul Kato (Buganda Royal) Suleiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University)
Midfielders Peter Mukwata (Mutoola Beach) Swaibu Kakwaya (Buganda Royal) Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (St. Lawrence University) Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal) Rica Byaruhanga (Isabet)
Forwards Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS) Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence University) Said Munir (MUBS) Swalleh Ssimbwa (St. Lawrence University) Godfrey Lwesibwa (Buganda Royal) Baker Lukooya (St. Lawrence University)
Officials Head coach – Salim Jamal Muwonge Assistant Manager – Peter Sseguya Fitness Coach – Charles Lukula Ayiekoh Team Physician – Ivan Kulika Team Manager – Tonny Ssebagala Media Officer – Julius Bazzeketta
About the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (added information via internet)
The 2021 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will be the fourth edition of the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations (BSAFCON), the premier beach soccer championship in Africa contested by men’s national teams who are members of the Confederation of African football (CAF). Originally organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) under the title FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup CAF qualifier (informally known as CAF Beach Soccer Championship), in 2015, CAF became organisers and began using the BSAFCON title to which the competition was officially renamed the next year.
Overall, this will be the 10th edition of the event.
The tournament was due to take place in Uganda between 23 and 29 November 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and rising water levels on the shores of Lake Victoria affecting the host beach, Uganda withdrew from hosting.Senegal were subsequently chosen as the new hosts,with the tournament rescheduled to take place from 23 to 29 May 2021,in the city of Saly.
The event also acts as the qualification route for African teams to the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia; the winners and runners-up qualify.
‘The FUFA Executive Committee has asked the Head Coach of the National Senior side-The Uganda Cranes Mr. Johnathan McKinstry to step aside from managing and coaching the team for the period from 2nd- 31st March 2021.
In the meantime Assistant Coaches Mr. Mubiru Abdallah, Mr. Mbabazi Livingstone and goalkeeping coach Mr. Kajoba Fred will take charge of the team during this period. The rest of the Technical team remains unchanged.
FUFA will use the period to assess and monitor the performance of the team.
The Total AFCON U20 final has been decided. Uganda and Ghana will contest for the top honours on Saturday 6th March in Muaritania. Many fans and high profile figures in Uganda have followed the tournament. The 4-1 for Uganda U20 over Tunisia sent the social media platforms buzzing with little space left to breath as the Hippos strolled heavily over their North African opponents.
The President of the Republic of Uganda HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with 2.1 Million followers was among those to congratulate the team.
‘Congratulations to the #UgandaHippos for that emphatic victory against Tunisia which gives us a shot at the trophy in the #AFCONU20 finals. Your country is solidly behind you!
The First Lady who is the Minister of Education and Sports alos sent her message to the team on her twitter handle.
‘Hearty congratulations to the Uganda Hippos upon reaching the finals of #TotalAFCONU20 .This is the first time to play in this tournament and we have reached this far. Keep up the good fight and we shall bring the trophy home’
The Speaker of Parliament RT. Hon Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala posted on her twitter handle in ecstasy.
On behalf of Uganda Parliament, I congratulate the HIPPOS for thier sterling performance at the U20, reaching the semi – finals of Afcon, Boys we are nearly there! GO UGANDANS Go!
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo who is MP elect Budiope East kept it simple and precise.
It is not the win but how and against who!! Yes it is: #TotalAFCONU20 Semi Final Uganda 4 vs Tunisia 1 Football is not an event, It is a process It is Our Game, It is Our Country.
FUFA President’s tweet after Uganda beat Tunisia 4-1 to qualify for the Final.
Minister of State for Sports Hon Hamson Obua
Uganda Cranes Captain Dennis Onyango congratulated the boys. Prior to the match he sent a message of good luck to the Hippos
KCCA FC Chairman Martic Ssekajja has an array of wonderful players on the team
Former Presidential Candidate (20216) Kizza Besigye had a moment to congratulate the Hippos
League Champions Vipers SC also had a message for the Hippos. Richard Basangwa who opened the floodgates for the goals on the night plays for the Venoms.
Experienced journalist Usher Komugisha also congratulated the youngsters while a fan Bumari Innocent had a word too.
Uganda U20 Team Skipper Gavin Kizito
A light moment from a fan Oscar Juniors on Facebook about the 200,000 USD promised to the team as winning bonuses.
A message from National Council of Sports
Aldrine Nsubuga-seasoned opinion writer on football
Henry Thierry Musabe has witnessed the growth and playing career of most of the boys on the Uganda U20 team.
Debutants Uganda U20 Team- the Hippos are in the final of the Total AFCON U20 after a well drilled 4-1 win over Tunisia 4-1 at Stade Cheikha Ould Boïdiya in Mauritania.
Striker Derrick Kakooza recorded the first hattrick of the tournament hitting the back of the net in the 36th, 50th and 73rd minutes.
Before the final Head coach Morley Byekwaso has said a the Pre-mathc Press Conference that winning had become part of his teams DNA while FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo asked the players to go and eat Grass for 90 minutes against Tunisia.
The youngsters, many of them (20 out of 25 products of the FUFA Juniors League started in 2015) listened to the two statements very well on Sunday ahead of the semifinal clash.
Uganda Hippos starting Lineup: Back Row; Jack Komakeck, Musa Ramathan, Richard Basangwa, Kenneth Semakula, Derrick Kakooza and Captain Gavin Kizito. Front Row; Aziizi Kayondo, Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi, Najib Yiga and Bobosi Byaruhanga
Police FC’s Derrick Kakooza netted a hat-trick-the first if the entire tournament while Richard Basangwa gave the Hippos the early lead on five minutes for the match to end 4-1 as Uganda stormed the final to face Ghana who ejected Gambia 1-0 in the other semifinal.
Do you watt to try our celebrations? Goal scorers Derrick Kakooza (left) and Richard Basangwa celebrating
It will be a repeat of the 1978 Nations Cup Final when the two teams faced off but at senior level. Ghana won 2-0 in Kumasi. This time round the final is in a different country and for a junior tournament.
Except for the game against Cameroon where they lost 1-0, the Hippos have been enjoying such moments in every game they have played in Mauritania. The celebration in this photo is from Monday’s 4-1 semifinal win over Tunisia
The match had enough highlights ranging from Basangwa’s early goal to Isma Mugulusi’s well struck shot that hit the crossbar just before halftime. The first half three goals including Tunisia’s strike but the attention was on how Basangwa coolly controlled the ball in the penalty area for Uganda’s opener before he set up Derrick Kakooza for his first of the three goals on the night.
Tunisia Defender Adam Karim Benlamine pulled back the consolation goal in the 39th minute.
Hippos Head Coach Morley Byekwaso was forced to make a first-half substitution after midfielder Najib Yiga suffered a groin injury. He was replaced by Ivan Bogere.
Halftime ended 2-1 in favour of Uganda.
After the break, Tunisia piled a lot of pressure on Hippos with raid after raid but the Hippos never lost their shape in team formation and play. Bobosi Byaruhanga who was at CHAN in Cameoroon this year but never played in the tournament, bright out all the experience he learnt during the camp with a million dollar long range pass over the Tunisian defence to spot out Kakooza who headed over goalkeeper Damergy for Uganda to lead 3-1. At this stage Uganda took control of the game but were yearning for more on the night as they also stuck to their game plan that has characterized their style of play with accurate passing, relentless pressing, never give up attitude and desire to win.
Defender Kenneth SSemakula made a monster clearance off the line in the second half.
The Hippos goal poacher Kakooza was named Man of the Match and he is the leading top scorer of the tournament with five goals followed by Ghanaian Percious Boah with three goals.
Kakooza was named Total Man of the Match.
Derrick Kakooza with his Man of the Match accolade
‘We spent days focusing on how to stop the Tunisians. It was easy for us but God was on our side. We tried to prevent them from possessing the ball. It was challenging to play against one of the Africa strongest teams but our game plan worked for us’ said Hippos Head Coach Morley Byekwaso
Uganda Hippos will play Ghana in the Final on Saturday 6th March 2021 at the Stade Olympque in Nouakchott.
This is the third time both teams are meeting in U20 competition. They played each other in the AFCON U20 Qualifiers in 2012 where the Hippos won 3-1 at home before losing 3-0 away in Ghana during the 2nd leg.
MAIN PHOTO: Derrick Kakooza celebrating his first goal of the day against Tunisia
The history makers Uganda U20 TeamHippos will be back in action on Monday night for the semifinal match against Tunisia at the ongoing Total AFCON U20 tournament in Mauritania.
Uganda is playing at the tournament for the first time and the Hippos have continued to showcase resilience, strong character and beautiful football for good results.
Another task awaits the Hippos at the next stage after ejecting Burkina Faso on penalties in the Quarterfinals.
While attending the Pre-Match Press Conference on Sunday afternoon, the Hippos head Coach Morley Byekwaso made it clear that he wants winning to be part of his players’ DNA as he looks forward to the last four stage clash against the North African opponents.
‘We have come a long way to this stage. Believing in ourselves and working together as a team has been key to our progress. Winning games at this level has now become part of our DNA and we hope to put up a strong fight against Tunisia to qualify for the final‘ said Byekwaso.
Uganda Hippos Head Coach Morley Byekwaso during the Pre Match Press Conference on Sunday
‘Any team at this level can win the championship. We respect our opponents but we are more than ready to face any strong side on the continent’ added Byekwaso.
The Team Captain Garvin Kizito Mugweri called on his teammates to continue with the fight.
‘We want to keep playing well as we continue making history. We are a strong force because of the bonding in the team. The next match is very important as we want to perform well’ noted Kizito who has grown through the ranks starting with the Uganda U17 team.
Tunisia eliminated Morocco in the quarterfinals on penalties just like the Hippos did against Burkina Faso.
Uganda Hippos has scored 4 goals in their match to the Semifinals and conceded 2 goals so far while Tunisia has netted 3 goals and let in 2 goals since the beginning of the tournament.
The match will be played at Stade de Olympique in Nouakchott on Moday 1st March 2021 at 7:30pm (10:30pm E.A.T)
The Uganda Cubs (U-17) National Team head Coach Hamza Lutalo has named the final 25 man squad for the Total U-17 AFCON that will be played between 13th-31st March in Morocco.
The Cubs were pooled in group A in the draws of the tourney held on Wednesday. They will face off with Morocco, Ivory Coast and Zambia
The contingent will fly out today at 3pm aboard Ethiopian Airways.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena is the Leader of Delegation for the period the team will camp in Morocco before they get into the CAF designated facilities.
Rogers Byamukama-another Executive Member will take over the roles of Leader of Delegation when the tournament proper kicks off. Full Contingent
Leader of Delegation: Agnes Mugena
Head Coach: Hamuza Lutalo
Assistant Coach:Ssenyondo Brian
Goalkeeper coach: Kiberu Mubarak
Team Manager: Mutyaba Bashir
Team Doctor: Lule Micheal
Media Officer: Bwanika Lawrence
Kits Manager: Damba Noah Veron
Goalkeepers Magada Abdu (Busoga United FC JT), Mwebe Henry (Express FC JT), Oyirwoth Humphrey (Express FC JT), Kamya Shamulan (Bright Stars FC JT)
Defenders Mulema Vincent (Kyetume FC JT), Mungufeni Yabezi (Matete Comprehensive Seed), Ibrahim Juma (KCCA FC SA), Luyima Enock (Volf SA), Nsambu Lloyd Tendo (Metz FC U17, France), Gava Peter (Express FC JT), Madoi Ronald (Wakiso Giants FC JT), Mukisa Simon (KCCA FC SA)
Midfielders Irinimbabazi Ivan (Bright Stars FC JT),Jemba Abudshakur Ramsey (Isra SA), Alafi Ceasor (Matete Comprehensive Seed), Mutyaba Travis (Vipers SC JT), Ssekajugo Elvis (Bright Stars FC JT), Mutebi Hakim (St Henrys College-Kitovu), Mwanje Elvis Eddy (KCCA FC SA)
Forwards Magogo Shafiq (KCCA FC SA), Mubiru Hassan (Express FC JT), Mawa Oscar (KCCA FC SA), Jumbe Fahad (Vipers SC JT), Bugembe Issa (Bright Stars FC JT), Mukiibi Marvin (Wakiso Giants FC).
Key points as per current status and requirements for FBL Clubs ahead of new season
Tentative kickoff date for StarTimes Big League is 18th March 2021.
Mandatory Covid Tests for players and technical team.
Hosting of fans shall be granted upon written request but subject to approval by FUFA
Two rounds (home and away format) will be played
All FBL players must be contracted
32 man Squad per team
12 of the 16 clubs have undergone Clubs Pro Agenda programme
Clubs Pro Agenda to be oraginsed for Gadafi FC, Calvary FC, Luwero United, Teraazo and Tiles
Two clubs Tooro FC, Terrazo and Tiles have not submitted any requirements in line with Club Licensing. The two teams have until 3rd March to beat the new grace period.
Head Coaches and their Assistants must hold CAF C Licenses
Teams will be groups under Brand names Rwenzori and Elgon
The greens lights are on. Teams are ready. Players and fans are itching to see FUFA Big League action back.
Following a decsion by the FUFA Executive Committee on the resumption of five more competitions including the 2nd Tier League (Big League), preparatory meetings are now in top gear for kick off of various leagues.
FUFA held a consultative meeting with StarTimes FUFA Big League clubs on Friday morning at Jevine Hotel, Kampala in preparation for the forthcoming season.
FBL Club officials listen attentively during the meeting today
At the meeting, the FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye called upon all the football stakeholders especially the Big League officials to embrace the FUFA Vision of; To Become the Number One Football Nation in Africa on and off the pitch.
FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye addressing the FBL Club Officials
‘We cannot do that alone without your contribution. After the return of StarTimes Uganda Premier League, the FUFA Executive has made strides to ensure that other competitions resume’ said Mugoye who represented FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at the function.
The Chairman FUFA Competitions committee Hamid Juma cautioned Club officials to pay attention to avoid being caught on the wrong of the regulations during this Covid-19 era.
FUFA Competitions Committee Chairman Hamid Juma
Several subjects were highlighted including the Covid-19 guidelines by the FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza, Competitions Director Hajat Aisha Nalule who briefed the officials on the player transfer and registration while the FUFA Club Licensing Manager Ivan Kintu Bayige emphasized on the Club licensing.
FUFA Deputy CEO-Services Humphrey Mandu who is a CAF Security Officer cautioned clubs to have proper security plans as he also highlighted the importance of the Regional General Secretaries.
Sserubiri Edrisa of Luwero Unted FC contributing during the meeting proline FC Delegation Hussein Kato and Asuman Bakshi at Jvenine Hotel for the meeting FUFA Club Licensing Manager Ivan Kintu Bayige presenting durig the session
Gadafi FC CEO Paul Mukembo Nandala Nasur of Kataka FC Adebo David of Calvary FC
The tentative kickoff date the StarTimes FUFA Big League is 18th March 2021.
FUFA Big League Groups 2020/21 season
RWENZORI GROUP
1. Luwero United
2. Tooro United
3. Nyamityobora
4. Kigezi homeboyz
5. Proline FC
6. Water FC
7. Ndejje University
8. Tiles & Terrazzo FC
ELGON GROUP
1. Arua Hill FC
2. Calvary FC
3. Paidah black angels
4. Maroons FC
5. Kiboga Young FC
6. Kataka FC
7. Blacks Power FC (Fromerly Bukedea Town Council)
The Uganda U20 National Team is through to the semifinals at the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.
The Hippos overcame Burkina Faso in the quarter finals on Thursday on kicks from the penalty mark after normal time had ended in a barren stalemate.
A closely contested encounter saw no goals produced between the two sides both in normal time of 90 minutes and 30minutes of extra time. The two sets of players were matched pound for pound befor the match was decided on penalties.
The result means that the youngsters are edging closer to the USD 200,000 (UGX740M) winning cash prize promised by FUFA if they win the tournament.
Uganda Hippos players celebrating after defeating Burkina Faso in Quaterfinals
The Hippos nick name for Uganda U-20 team defended resiliently and worked as a unit in the other departments to make sure victory was finally delivered.
Goalkeeper Jack Komakech was the hero in the penalty shoot out when he saved Yacoub’s kick from the spot-the first attempt for the Burkinabes.
For Uganda, all the players that were selected converted their efforts to help the team win 5-3.
Derrick Kakooza who has scored two goals at the tournament so far led the way sending the goalkeeper the wrong.
Steven Serwadda (Yellow) in action
He was followed by Joseph Kizza Bukenya then Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere who all came on as substitutes.
Defender Kenneth Ssemakula did the icing on the cake with the final take that crawled past the Burkinabe goalkeeper.
Richard Basangwa taking on Burkina Faso defender
Uganda will now face the winner between Tunisia and Morocco in the semifinals.
Uganda Hippos Team that started against Burkina Faso (L-R: Back Row- Jack Komakech, Musa Ramathan, Richard Basangwa, Sam Ssenyonjo, Kenneth Semakula and Gavin Kizito (C), Front Row- Azizi Kayondo, Isma Mugulusi, Steven Sserwadda, Ivan Asaba and Bobosi Byaruhanga
FUFA and local football coaches engaged in a brainstorming meeting on Thursday to try and address technical challenges of the game but also devise ways on how to improve.
With the game growing at supersonic speed, adapting to the changing approaches is a must and the technical insight meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel dwelled on that exactly.
The meeting was chaired by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo in the company of FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha, 2nd FUF Vice President, Darius Mugoye, 3rd Vice President. Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. The other Executive Committee Members who also graced the function included Ronnie Kalema, Hamid Juma and Rogers Byamukama.
The coaches ranged from those managing teams in the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League and National teams.
In his opening remarks, the FUFA President indicated that several observations have been made in as far as the technical aspect of the game is concerned and it’s high time solutions got to be found.
‘A number of observations have been made on our side. We have made progress but we can’t say we are where we want to be. The purpose of this meeting is to forge a way forward and address the challenges that are derailing our progress.’ He started.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo addressing coaches on Thursday.
‘At one time, our challenge was to qualify to tournaments. That has been addressed and the next stage should be about our performance while at such levels. In our observations, we have realized that whereas we do well against teams from Southern and East Africa, we tend to struggle against teams from West and North Africa both at national team and club level.’
The coaches made their submissions with many pointing to the fact that as a country, we lack a football philosophy.
BUL FC head coach Arthur Kyesimira called for implementation of a uniform approach to the game across all stages of football development and also inculcate a football curriculum.
BUL FC coach Arthur Kyesimira
‘Every team, academy or club play differently. We seem not to have a strategic approach to the game. In Germany, there are basics that are done at Bayern Munich and elsewhere including teams in as low as the fourth division. We need to have a football curriculum that we follow.’
Edward Kaziba of SC Villa re-echoed his concern indicating there is a need to draw a strategic plan in as far as player development is concerned.
Coach Edward Kaziba of SC Villa
Crested Cranes head coach Faridah Bulega called FUFA to set up centres of excellence across the country where coaches and players are equipped with football knowledge.
Wilfred Muhumuza, a sports phycologist who also attended the meeting observed that Ugandan football lacks the mental preparation side.
Sports phycologist Wilfred Muhumuza
‘As a country, we are still stuck in the era of physical training, having players fit but sports is now more of a science. Sports phycology is lacking and that helps players and coaches in decision making on and off the pitch.’
Soltilo Bright Stars FC coach Baker Mbowa stated that there is no follow up on the many sprouting talents that show potential at a tender age but fail to break through at the senior level.
Soltilo Bright Stars FC coach Baker Mbowa
Livingstone Kyambadde, the Uganda Football Coaches Association chairman noted that there’s improvement in the quality of coaches coming up and are willing to embrace modern trends.
Uganda Football Coaches Association chairman, Livingstone Kyambadde
‘I thank FUFA for the efforts made in equipping the coaches with football knowledge through courses. There is a big improvement in approach to the game, analysis and preparations and we believe these interventions can only make us better.’
FUFA President in response to the concerns put up by the tacticians revealed that FUFA has looked at five areas that need to be addressed.
These included;
1- Player identification, development and management
2- Infrastructure, facilities and equipment
3- Management and Coaching
4- Sports Science and Technology
5- Governance and Administration
The coaches were divided into small groups and assigned to make research about the aforementioned areas.
They will later come up with suggestions in those areas and this will be discussed at the next meeting between FUFA and the coaches.
Football continues to be a viable industry globally and several interventions are made everyday to brand it into a better product.
FUFA and Uganda Premier League also think in the same way and the discussions from the first Breakfast meeting this year held on Thursday at Imperial Royale hinged on this.
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo who chaired the meeting gave an account of how far the StarTimes Uganda Premier League has moved, what challenges lie ahead and the strategies that must be taken.
‘I’m happy that we are having these engagements because it is at such meetings that we can generate good ideas and look critically at our challenges. Today’s discussion will dwell a lot on finding strategies on how to make our product(league) better.’ Said the FUFA President in his opening remarks.
‘We must have a common agenda and that is to create a commercial good. Football is business and our league has potential to become better if we lay out a clear strategy on how to improve.’ He added.
The President also indicated that it’s important to understand the challenges that the League faces and try to find solutions.
‘Until you have done the proper diagnosis, it’s when you can do prescription. So we need to do self reflection. Do we have a common goal as clubs or we have multiple goals?’
The key challenges that were highlighted in the meeting included funding, technical, infrastructure and officiating.
KCCA FC Chairman, Martin Sekagya noted that there must be emphasis on product development and embracing the new trends to suit modern times.
KCCA FC Chairman, Martin Sekagya making his point in the meeting.
‘It is important that we are discussing strategy here because it’s very key in developing our product. But as a league in conjunction with FUFA we must make deliberate research. For instance are we looking at embracing technology? Football is not only consumed at the stadium. Have we looked at how we can tap into the virgin market?’
AIGP Asan Kasingye, the Police FC chairman noted with concern the challenge of officiating, asking for a reflection into the growing concern.
AIGP, Asan Kasingye highlighted the challenge about officiating.
‘It is a growing concern that almost every match day, we have a challenge with our referees. We are talking about making a better product but shall attain this with the match officials not improving. I request FUFA to make deep investigations and make interventions in as far as refereeing is concerned.’ He said.
SC Villa Acting President, Eng. William Nkemba asked FUFA to think about the return of the FUFA Junior’s League so that football doesn’t miss out on the young players who are now redundant.
‘We appreciate that the league returned but it’s also important to highlight that the Junior’s League has been ignored. We may create a gap that can kill the young talents coming up.’
Wakiso Giants FC Director, Musa Ssebulime noted that the use of foul language at stadia from fans could be a potential threat to new fans and called upon clubs to make interventions.
Wakiso Giants FC Director, Musa Ssebulime putting across his point.
‘I’m happy that we are talking about making the league better to attract more fans and in the end make better value. However, there are clubs with fans that have persisted with the habit of using obscenities and foul language at games. We want to have kids cultured in supporting our local clubs at a tender age but can we achieve this if such incidents are still happening?’ He asked.
FUFA 3rd Vice President, Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi indicated that the turn over of human resource such as coaches, CEOs and Chairpersons at clubs could be a challenge in having continuity thus dragging progress.
In his closing remarks, FUFA President revealed that the Federation will make interventions going forward. Some of these include setting up a business committee to looking at the commercial end of the game, technical committee to address areas to do with the sport and FUFA facilitating of club officials to make visits abroad and learn from others.
Club Officials that attended the FUFA UPL Breakfast Meeting
1: James Kizza-URA 2:Sebulime Musa-Wakiso Giants 3: Martin Ssekajja – KCCA FC 4: Kayondo Henry Titus – Kyetume FC 5: Hon Mwine Mpaka-Mbarara City 6: Bamwenda Godfrey- Kitara FC 7: Isaac Mwesigwa – Express FC 8: Njuba Simon Peter – Vipers SC 9: Barente Ronald – Bul FC 10 : Mathias Mugwanya – Soltilo Bright Stars 11: Ayeet Paul – MYDA FC 12: Col J M Ssemanda – UPDF 13: AIGP Asan Kasingye – Police FC 14: Mugerwa Hassan – Busoga United FC 15: Sebasaba Edison – Onduparaka 16: Eng. William Nkemba – SC Villa 17: Hassan Lule- Wakiso Giants
Uganda Hippos will play their first-ever quarterfinal match at the ongoing AFCON U20 tournament in Mauritania against west African opposition Burkina Faso on Thursday evening.
The Hippos tactician Morley Byekwaso believes his players have gone through enough tests playing against the hosts Mauritania, Mozambique and Cameroon during the Group stage.
While attending the Pre- Match Press Conference at the Stade Cheikha Boidiya on Wednesday, Byekwaso stated that his team has no pressure and has played under all situations during the group matches.
He further promised an interesting and attacking style of football from his team.
‘Burkina Faso is a strong Team but we have gone through all the tests and challenges in our group games. We are facing a new team that is physical but we are like a wounded lion. We have lost and won, there is nothing to lose but to give out what we are naturally capable of doing. It will be an interesting match for both teams. We shall play more attacking football to have the best results from the match.’ Said Byekwaso.
Uganda Hippos Head Coach Morley Byekwaso during the Pre-Match Press Conference
Uganda Hippos finished Group A in the second place with 6 points from 3 matches (Uganda Hippos 2-0 Mozambique, Cameroon 1-0 Uganda Hippos and Mauritania 1-2 Uganda Hippos) while Burkina Faso won 2 matches and drew 1 in the three games played in group B.
The winner between Uganda Hippos and Burkina Faso will meet the winner between Morocco and Tunisia in the semifinals.
Uganda U17 National Team (The Uganda Cubs) have been pooled in group A in the draws of the Total Africa U17 Cup of Nations held on Wednesday.
FUFA was represented by Executive Commitee Member Rogers Mulindwa who was designated by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
Mulindwa is also in Mauritania as the Leader of Delegation for Uganda U20 team.
Uganda has been pitted against hosts Morocco, Ivory Coast and Zambia in the same group for the Total AFCON U17 in Morocco.
The tournament that will for the first time have 12 teams is slated to take place from March 6th to 31st.
Coach Hamza Lutalo is optimistic that boys will be able to put up good performance against the aforementioned teams.
‘We are ready to face the teams that are in our group. As the technical team, we preparing the boys to face any kind of opposition because our target is to advance past the group stage’ said Lutalo.
Uganda Cubs Head Coach Hamza Lutalo
This is the second time that Uganda is playing this Championship at the Finals. The maiden appearance came in 2018 in Tanzania.
To qualify for the 2021 edition, Uganda emerged Champions in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers last year in Rwanda.
The team is currently in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The FUFA Executive has authorised the kickoff of the FUFA 2nd Division League (StarTimes FUFA Big League), FUFA Women Super League, FUFA Women Elite League, the Stanbic Uganda Cup and The FUFA Drum.
The communication is in a circular No. 1128 dated, FUFA/C/01/21 and signed off by the FUFA Deputy CEO- Football Kiiza Decolas Hantali.
The circular reads;
In compliance with the Government of Uganda directives and guidelines on COVID-19 pandemic, the CAF & FIFA COVID-19 protocols, and the FUFA COVID-19 Regulations, FUFA will issue comprehensive guidelines to be adhered to by the respective competitions entities to safeguard the health of all the stakeholders involved.
The FUFA Competitions Directorate and the FUFA Drum Committee will soon release the schedule of events and formats to be followed during the respective Competitions.
FUFA wishes to call upon all stakeholders to understand the sporting spirit behind the delayed kick-off of these competitions and appreciate any format changes that may be suggested in this regard.
Meanwhile the FUFA Executive will guide on other competitions as the Covid 19 situation improves.
It was another fantastic weekend for a number of Ugandan foreign based players in the diaspora as they registered different results.
Towering defender Martin Mpuuga had a debut in the Kenya Premier League at Western Stima.
Western Stima lost at home 3-2 to Kakamega Home Boys.
The former SC Victoria University, KCCA and Maroons defender featured full time with another home boy Isaac Mweru Doca, formerly at Express and lately MYDA.
Forward William Wadri grabbed a brace as his Bandari FC side beat AFC Leopards 2-1 at home.
Former Friends of Football (FOF), SC Villa and KCCA goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan was in goal for AFC Leopards.
AFC Leopards XI
Defender Yusuf Mukisa was not in Nairobi City FC’s match day squad as they beat Zoo 2-1 at home.
Goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi kept a clean sheet as his Red Arrows FC side beat Green Buffaloes 3-0 at home in a Zambia Super League duel.
Left back Shafiq Batambuze played full time as his Kabwe Warriors side drew 2-2 at Green Eagles.
Shafiq Batambuze (third from left) in action in Zambia
Custodian James Alitho was not in the match day squad as his Zanaco FC side won 3-1 at Indeni.
Elsewhere in Turkey, Miya Farouk started before paving way for Daci in the 64th minute as his Konyaspor side beat Yeni Malatyaspor 3-2 on the road.
In Sudan, custodian Salim Jamal was an unused substitute as his Al Hilal Omdurman side beat Al Khartoum 4-0.
In the Scottish Premier League, Bevis Mugabi was not in the match day squad as his Motherwell FC lost 3-0 at home to St. Johnstone.
In the Portuguese Segunda, Alex Kakuba did not make the match day squad as his CD Cova Piedade drew 1-1 at home against Chaves.
In the Primus Premier League in Burundi, midfielder Allan Brian Kiiza played full time while defender Mugisha Steven was an unused substitute as their Le Messanger Ngozi side drew 1-1 at Bumamura.
Meanwhile defender Joseph Othieno played full time as his Musongati FC lost 2-0 at Rukinzo in Burundi.
In the Danish Premier League, Moses Opondo played full time as his Odense FC drew goalless at Horsens.
Robert Kakeeto started before being substituted for Kusk in the 61st minute as his Aalborg FC lost 2-0 at home to defending champions Midtjylland.
In the Egyptian Premier League, Emmanuel Okwi was an unused substitute as his Al Ittihad side lost 3-1 at home to Aswan SC.
Allan Kyambadde wasn’t in the match day squad due to a groin injury as his El Gouna FC side lost 3-2 to Arab Contractors.
Khalid Aucho was not in the match day squad as his Misr Le Makasa side beat Wadi Degla 3-1 at home.
In the Ethiopian Premier League, Yassar Mugerwa wasn’t in the match day squad due to a knock in his knee as his Sidama Bunna lost 1-0 at Jimma Aba Jifar.
Defender Isaac Isinde played full time as his Hadiya Hossana side drew goalless at Ethiopia Bunna.
In the South Africa Premier League, Moses Waiswa was an unused substitute as his Supersport United side drew 1-1 at Kaizer Chiefs.
Custodian Ismail Watenga wasn’t in the match day squad as his Chippa United side drew 1-1 against TS Galaxy.
In the South African second division, Daniel Isiagi featured as his Jomo Cosmos side lost 3-0 at Polokwane.
In the Swedish Svenska Cupen, Alex Bbakka wasn’t in the match day squad as his Umea FC side beat Kalmar 2-1 on the road.
Still in the same competition, defender Ronald Mukiibi played 87 minutes before coming off for Awad while Isak Ssewankambo played full time as their Ostersunds FK beat Landskrona 3-0 on the road.
In the Tanzania Premier League, goalkeeper Cleo Ssetuba started as well as Joseph Zziwa as their Biashara Mara beat Ruvu Shooting 3-0.
Joseph Zziwa in action for Biashara Mara
Jackson Kibirige started on the bench as his Kagera Sugar lost 3-0 at KMC.
Boban Zirintusa was not in the match day squad as as his Mtibwa Sugars lost 1-0 at Young Africans.
In Algeria, Allan Okello came off the bench as his Paradou AC beat Medea 2-1.
In the Morocco Botola Pro League, Patrick Kaddu started and was taken off in the 41st minute for Aoufir as his Youssoufia Berrechid side beat Fus Rabat 2-1.
Nelson Ssenkatuka wasn’t in the match day squad as his Mogreb Tetouan lost 3-1 to Olympique De Safi.
Burly forward Karl Mubiru Ikpeauzi played for 85 minutes before paving way for Muskwe in the championship in Wycombe Wanderers’ goal-less draw at Millwall.
Meanwhile, Jordan Obita, teammate for Mubiru played full time for the “Chairboys”.
In the English League 2, Elvis Bwomono played full time and also saw yellow in the 83rd minute as his Southend FC lost 1-0 at Bolton.
Meanwhile, Jayden Onen played full time as his Reading U23 side lost 3-1 at Stoke City U23.
Elsewhere in the Germany Bundesliga 2, Herbert Bochorn started and was taken off at the start of second half in the 46th minute as his Bochum side lost 1-0 at Aue.
Finally in the CAF Confederation cup, left back Fred Nkata was on the bench as his Gor Mahia FC side drew 2-2 at Napsa Stars to miss out on the lucrative group stages while Abdu Lumala wasn’t in the match day squad as his Pyramids FC side also stormed the group stages.
MAIN PHOTO: William Wadri shots for Bandari United. He scored a brace.
Compiled by Ronnie Lusulire, a presenter on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the football radio
Football has been looked at by many at the tail end of the process but what is neglected often is the stages through which success is attained.
The Uganda Hippos on Saturday qualified to the quarterfinals of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations on their first time of asking.
The efforts put behind this team with majority of the players products of the FUFA Junior’s League is what needs to be appreciated and FUFA President in this article notes how the game is a process not an event.
Below is the excerpt
Previously Uganda National Football Teams qualification to major continental finals was spaced by decades and only stopped at group stages in the final tournament save 1999
Previous qualifications to note were; 1.1978 (AFCON)
1991 (U23 All Africa games)
1999 (U23 All Africa games)
2011 (U23 All Africa games)
CHANs 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018
FAST FORWARD Did you notice it is only Uganda in the whole of Africa that has qualified teams to play in the following major continental tournaments in a space of 2 years?
Uganda Hippos celebrating wining the CECAFA Trophy in Tanzania in December 2020
1.AFCON 2019 (Egypt) finished in knock out stages. Uganda’s second-best Afcon ever after the famous 1978
2. CHAN 2021 (Cameroon) group stages
3. Afcon U20 2021 (Mauritania) on-going
4. Afcon U17 2021 (Morocco) starting in March 2021
Uganda Cubs lifting the CECAFA Trophy
5. FIFA WOMEN World Cup U17 qualifiers (stopped because of Corona) was stopped when Uganda was in the last 6 teams in Africa only to beat only Cameroon and qualify to maiden world cup.
Qualification for major tournaments has become a minimum performance indicator. This is not an accident but a result of hard work by the various football people
Uganda Girls U17 National Team celebrating winning the trophy
We must now engage the next gear thus performance and results at these major tournaments
Uganda U20 National Team is through to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.
The Uganda Hippos saw off the hosts in the final group game at Stade Olympique to progress to the knockout face.
Despite trailing at halftime, the team coached by Morley Byekwaso put up a spirited fight to score twice in the second stanza.
The hosts took the lead in the 40th minute through Silly Sanghare converting from the spot after Aziz Kayondo brought down Oumar Mbareck in the area.
However, Uganda rallied back through Steven Sserwadda and substitute Derrick Kakooza to claim all the points.
Sserwadda levelled matters at the hour mark after good interplay with Sam Ssenyonjo before the former drilled home.
Kakooza who came on for Najib Yiga, another substitute converted a penalty with two minute on the clock after defender Mohammed Sarr handled the ball in the box.
The win sends Uganda to the quarterfinals as the second placed team in group A with 6 points, three behind leaders Cameroon.
Africa U20 Cup of Nations Group A Cameroon 1-0 Uganda
Mozambique 0-2 Mauritania
Uganda lost its first game at the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania on Wednesday, suffering defeat at the hands of Cameroon.
The Uganda Hippos matched their counterparts for the better part of the game but it was Sunday Junior Jang’s 31st minute goal that settled the contest.
The striker capitalised on poor marking to head home from a corner. This eventually turned out to be the decisive moment of the game.
Coach Morley Byekwaso made no changes on the team that had started in the 2-0 win over Mozambique.
The Hippos were resilient from onset and kept Cameroon in check for the larger part of the game.
Richard Basangwa always troubled them with his pace from the flanks while Bobosi Byaruhanga gave good cover to the back line.
Uganda became even better after the interval when the coach made changes to bring on fresh legs.
Ivan Asaba posed trouble to the Cameroon defenders after coming on in place of Najib Yiga.
Sam Ssenyonjo who also came off the bench to replace Derrick Kakooza provided aerial presence upfront.
He nearly came close to finding the equaliser when he got onto a feeble back pass but Cameroon’s goalkeeper was quick to come off his line.
The best chance for the Hippos fell to Asaba who was found unmarked in the box but his right footed attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Uganda kept pressing with the introduction of Joseph Kizza Bukenya and Ivan Eyamu who replaced Isma Mugulusi and Richard Basangwa respectively.
However, Cameroon defended resiliently to hold onto their early lead.
Uganda will now look to bounce back against hosts Mauritania in the final group game on Saturday. Mauritania beat Mozambique 2-0.
Uganda Starting XI
Jack Komakech, Garvin Kizito Mugweri (C), Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Isma Mugulusi, Najib Yiga, Derrick Kakooza, Ivan Bogere, Richard Basangwa
