Uganda U-17 National Team (The Cubs) won their second game at the on-going CECAFA U-17 championships in Rwanda, condemning Ethiopia 3-0 at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu on Friday.
Striker Oscar Mawa scored a brace and midfielder Ivan Irinimbabazi added the other as Uganda Cubs triumphed in a game played under heavy rains.
Mawa broke the resilience of the Ethiopians with a 17th minute goal.
Travis Mutyaba in action against EthiopiaIt was a rain marred match
This was added by Irinimbabazi’s second with 10 minutes to the climax of the opening stanza.
The Ugandan youngsters thus led 2-0 by the half way mark.
Mawa made it three with another strike after 62 minutes.
This was the second victory for Uganda in a space of three days following the earlier humbling of Kenya 5-0 in the group A opener at the same venue on Wednesday.
Uganda Cubs will take on Djibouti in the semi-finals on Sunday, 20th December 2020.
Team captains with the match officials prior to kick off
The two finalists at this year’s championship will qualify for the AFCON finals in 2021 that will be hosted in Morocco.
Uganda Cubs XI: Henry Mwebe (G.K), Vincent Mulema, Juma Ibrahim (Captain), Ronald Madoi, Peter Gava, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Shugai Kaliisa, Travis Mutyaba, Oscar Mawa, Issa Bugembe, Hassan Mubiru
Subs: Abdu Magada (G.K), Humphrey Oyirwoth (G.K), Magogo Shafiq, Samuel Mudiba, Basil Tuma, Fahad Jumbe, Elvis Mwanje, Enock Luyima
Having had a perfect start to the tournament after treating our ailing neighbours Kenya to a yummy 5-0 buffet, Uganda Cubs technical staff knows exactly there is a lot at stake for the team to settle for.
A week back upon the team’s arrival to Rwanda and even before kicking a ball, Uganda has been tipped to be the favourite by many to win the tournament basing on various factors laid forth but commandant Hamuza Lutalo says this will not give them self complacency for they to sit back and look on.
He definitely knows, if Uganda lost to Ethiopia in their second group match, Uganda would then finish in position two in group A that comprise of Cubs, Kenya and Ethiopia thus so he risks not to take anything for granted.
‘I know what our second game tomorrow means to us, we shall not take anything for granted.’ Hamuza Lutalo disclosed after today evening training session.
‘Yes, we know we already qualified for semis but we shall treat every game in a special way possible. We have to give it utmost attention and the best shot by parading our best players on the battle front.’ he added.
Uganda Cubs players celebrate one of their five goals against Kenya
In their recent past meeting, Uganda beat Ethiopia 3-1, in the finals of U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Zonal qualifiers that were held in Tanzania in 2018.
Should Uganda apply the same tactics and approach like they did in that final game, then they’re rest assured of the number one slot in group A.
However, Uganda should be alert that Ethiopia’s only hope(s) of qualifying to the next stage is into this match and if I employ my mathematics so well, any slim loss (below four goals), a draw or victory for Ethiopia, would guarantee them a visa to semi finals. So they will want to fight till the last whistle, I presume.
Uganda held their pre-match training at Umuganda stadium (outside pitch) by 3pm (4pm Uganda time) for muscle relaxation and recuperation all players were in sober state and available for selection tomorrow apart from clean sheet master goalie Abdu Magada who is nursing a wound but subject to team doctor’s final assessment to determine his feat if he’s to feature in tomorrow’s game.
Uganda Cubs in action against Kenya
Uganda is here on a mission and that is to qualify for U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations that will be staged in Morocco next year 2021 and they know mere storming finals is enough so they have to over come the hurdles on their path to hit the intended target.
Match: Uganda Vs Kenya (*Live commentary on 102.1 FUFA fm)
Competition: U17 Total CAF AFCON Zonal Qualifiers
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 12:00pm
Host Country: Rwanda
The tournament attracted 6 countries divided into two groups A and B
Group A: Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia
Group B: Rwanda, Tanzania, Djibouti
It has been now almost two months of self denial while camping and staying away from our beloved ones.
Both playing and technical staff on the U17 Uganda National boys soccer team have been undergoing intensive and multiple trainings, either in practical drill form or rather theoretical classes of course plus numerous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests or CT body examinations and whatsoever.
Time for real test to write final examination has come to test who is who and who got it right during real time of preparations.
Assistant coach Brian Ssenyondo talks to the players
FUFA that started her development journey for youth football way back in 2014 has a huge task at hand to complete given the fact that Cubs are the defending champions of this tourney after winning it in Tanzania in 2018 when they beat Ethiopia 3-1 in the finals and 90 percent of the then project (team), the boys graduated to U20 national team (The Uganda Hippos) that recently qualified for 2021 AFCON U20 FINALS in Mauritania.
FUFA’s mission and vision if am to point it out is to be number one football nation in Africa on and off the field of play and this can visibly be seen by the set up put in place by the football governing body ranging from Youth team setup to senior ones for both sexes.
This alone confides a story why “The cubs” should die a little for the nation to register success in Rubavu.
Uganda U-17 players during training in Rubavu
Meeting between the two teams
Yes, In their last meeting in 2018 in the U17 Afcon Zonal qualifiers, Uganda beat Kenya 3-1 on their path to the finals.
Uganda will have to replicate the same magical performance tomorrow Wednesday December 16, if they are to register a good start.
Hamuza Lutalo and team are confident enough the boys will finish the assignment at hand.
Uganda Cubs Head Coach Hamza Lutalo
Lutalo thinks his side got enough preparation time and that he has no excuse as to why they shouldn’t perform pretty well.
‘Kenya played and we watched their game against Ethiopia and if we are to beat them we have to capitalize on their weaknesses that we saw during their first match.’ Head coach Hamuza Lutalo noted.
‘We have played against them on various occasions both in U15 and U17 competitions and we have won all games so the same approach we shall use even tomorrow.’ he added.
Kenya and Ethiopia are in first and second position in group A, respectively while Uganda is yet to play their first game since South Sudan was disqualified by the organizers before kicking a ball.
Uganda U17 Team Final training today ahead of tomorrow's match with Kenya U17 team in Rubavu, Rwanda. Kickoff 1pm, Live Commentary on 102.1 FUFA fm #cafcecafau17pic.twitter.com/ANwb3L3yOT
The tournament will attract 6 countries divided into two groups A and B
Group A: Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia
Group B: Rwanda, Tanzania, Djibouti
Uganda Cubs conducted their first training session in Umuganda Stadium (outside pitch) in Rubavu town on Saturday, 12th December 2020.
Uganda was meant to play against South Sudan on the same day in Rubavu district at Umuganda Stadium by mid day in their tournament’s opening game but South Sudan was disqualified by the organizers on account of age cheating.
Uganda U-17 head coach Hamzah Lutalo briefs the players
Uganda Cubs Head Hamuza Lutalo was quick to express his disappointment and frustration by the fact that their opening game never took place.
Lutalo said; ‘Of course we are sorry to our colleagues of South Sudan for not making it but to our side we are affected hugely. When you’re here all your mind is focused on playing your games and go.’
Uganda U-17 players in ball work session
‘We have decided to train as we wait for our second game on the fixture and that is against Kenya on Kenya on Wednesday next week.’ Lutalo added.
Some of the goalkeepers on the Uganda U-17 team
Group A, where Cubs is pitted is now remaining with three teams namely Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia and the two table toppers will go straight to the semi finals.
Uganda is the reigning champions and will be aiming to defend the title in order to book a place in the U17 Afcon finals that will be held Morocco next year.
Assistant coach Brian Ssenyondo and head coach Hamzah Lutalo
The Uganda Cubs (U17 boys football team) safely landed in Kigali Rwanda on Monday night December 7, 2020.
The team that comprises of 20 players and ten officials left Entebbe International Airport at 9:30pm aboard Rwanda Air.
The contingent is now accommodated at Dove hotel, Kigali where they will temporarily reside before being transported to Huye City where group A matches will be played from.
‘We traveled well from Entebbe to Kigali in Rwanda. As a requirement for visitors in Rwanda, we were subjected to COVID-19 tests upon arrival and in quarantine as we await the results by Wednesday. The players and officials are all safe as we await to travel to Huye’ Issa Kakaire Magoola, Leader of Delegation stated.
Team coordinator Bashir Mutyaba and Leader of Delegation Issa Kakaire Magoola Some of the Uganda Cubs players upon arrival at Kigali International Airport
Uganda being the reigning regional champion, will want to settle for nothing less but a trophy that will guarantee them an automatic place in the U17 AFCON finals.
Uganda is pitted in group A with rivals Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The tournament is set to kick-off on 12 December up to December 22, 2020.
The two finalists will qualify for the U17 AFCON finals that will be staged in Morocco next year where the two finalists still will qualify for U17 FIFA World Cup.
Full Uganda Delegation:
Players:
Mwebe Henry Goalkeeper – (Express Fc Junior Team)
Magada Abdu – Goalkeeper (Busoga United Junior Team)
Oyirwoth Humphrey- Goalkeeper (Express Fc Junior Team)
Mulema Vincent Defender (Kyetume Fc Junior Team)
Ibrahim Juma – Defender (KCCA SA)
Luyima Enock – Defender (Volf SA)
Mukisa Simon – Defender (KCCA SA)
Gava Peter – Defender (Express FC Junior Team)
Madoi Ronald – Defender (Wakiso Giants Junior Team)
Irinimbabazi Ivan – Midfielder (Bright Stars FC, Junior Team)
Kaliisa Shugai – Midfielder (Express FC Junior Team)
The Head coach of Uganda U17 National football team Hamuza Lutalo has today named a 20 man squad for the the U17 AFCON/CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Rwanda. The team flies out tonight at 10pm.
Uganda Cubs (U17) Team photo ready for a practice Match at the FUFA Technical Centre.
The tournament is slated to commence on Saturday 12th to 22nd December.
Uganda is the reigning U17 CECAFA champion and will be looking at defending it in order to qualify for the African Cup of Nations U17 Finals that will be staged in Morocco next year.
Team Captain Ibrahim Juma
Contingent traveling Rwanda
Mwebe Henry Goalkeeper – (Express Fc Junior Team)
Magada Abdu – Goalkeeper (Busoga United Junior Team)
Oyirwoth Humphrey- Goalkeeper (Express Fc Junior Team)
Mulema Vincent Defender (Kyetume Fc Junior Team)
Ibrahim Juma – Defender (KCCA SA)
Luyima Enock – Defender (Volf SA)
Mukisa Simon – Defender (KCCA SA)
Gava Peter – Defender (Express FC Junior Team)
Madoi Ronald – Defender (Wakiso Giants Junior Team)
Irinimbabazi Ivan – Midfielder (Bright Stars FC, Junior Team)
Kaliisa Shugai – Midfielder (Express FC Junior Team)
The Uganda U17 national football team (Cubs) fell short 4-1 to Kampala City Council Authority Football Club during the third practice match played at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Peter Senyonjo (brace), Brian Aheebwa and Joshua Kigozi scored for KCCA.
Travis Mutyaba got the consolation goal for Uganda Cubs.
This was yet another practice match for the Uganda cubs since they entered camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on November 6, 2020.
Action between KCCA and the Uganda U-17 team
The Cubs also lost in the first two practice matches against Uganda Hippos (U20) 5-2 and KCCA FC 5-1.
Cubs head coach Hamzah Lutalo believes that the matches have prepared the players physically and emotionally.
‘We had had great preparations and we thank FUFA for the adequate time provided. The players are in the best shape going to the tournament. The three friendly matches played have given us the best test of what we should be expecting in Rwanda where the main target is qualification to the AFCON U-17 finals in 2021‘ Lutalo stated.
Cubs head coach Hamuza Lutalo and fitness trainer Arthur Kyesimira consult each otherKCCA prepares for set piece against the Uganda Cubs team at the MTN Onondi Stadium, Lugogo
Uganda Cubs is in preparation for the forthcoming U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Zonal Qualifiers that will be staged in Rwanda from 13-28 of December.
They have since shifted base to Kampala at the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
The two finalists in the qualifiers tourney will get a permit to play in the U17 AFCON finals that will be held in Morocco next year.
Meanwhile, the team departs the country for Rwanda on Monday, 7th December 2020 for Rwanda where they will undergo a 48 hour quarantine of self isolation as per the tournament guidelines and regulations.
KCCA XI: Charles Lukwago (Captain), Denis Iguma, Herbert Achai, Peter Magambo, Musana Hassan, Ashraf Mugume, Gift Ali, Kizito Keziron, Brian Aheebwa, Peter Senyonjo, Kigozi
Subs: Fillbert Obenchan, Samuel Kato, Jum Balinya, Charles Lwanga
Uganda Cubs XI: Abdul Magada (GK), Vincent Mulema, Juma Ibrahim (Captain), Ronald Madoi, Simon Mukisa, Shugai Kalisa, Elvis Mwanje, Godfrey Sekibengo, Oscar Mawa, Travis Mutyaba, Hassan Mubiru.
Subs: Henry Mwebe (GK), Fahad Jumbe, Samir Mudiba, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Enock Luyima, Peter Gava, Issa Bugembe, Basil Tuma, Opaala Edrine Mukisa, Shafik Magogo, Christopher Nyongesa, Faisal Kifumba, Norman Rukai (GK)
Fitness coach Arthur Kyesimira goes through the paces with the playersAssistant coach Brian Ssenyondo and the team coordinator Bashir Mutyaba
CAF/CECAFA U-20 Zonal Qualifiers:Final: Uganda 4-1 Tanzania
Uganda U-20 National Team (The Hippos) convincingly overcame the hosts 4-1 during the final of the 2020 CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup played at the Black Rhino Academy sports center in Karatu, Tanzania on Wednesday, 2nd December 2020.
Both finalists started the match well aware they had already booked their tickets to the 2021 AFCON U20 Finals to be hosted by Mauritania but battles between the two teams are well documented.
Uganda and Tanzania have faced off in the last three years at all football levels right from youth to seniors for men and women.
So the final was a real football clash, but who wanted the trophy most?
Both teams were assured of total support from their Football Federation Presidents- Eng. Moses Magogo (Uganda) and Karia Wallace (Tanzania).
The hosts were further bouyed by the presence of Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, that extra support gave Ngorongoro stars every reason to believe that Uganda Hippos would be their next casuality in the final match of the tournament. The score board was so disappointing for the hosts as it flashed Uganda 4-1 Tanzania.
Uganda’s goals were scored by Najib Yiga, Steven Sserwadda, Ivan Bogere and Kenneth Semakula.
Uganda Hippos Captain Gavin Kizito receives the trophy from Tanzania Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in company of the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (R). Extreme (L) is Tanzania Football Federation President Wallace Karia. while the Prime
Abdul Hamisi Suleiman got the only goal for the hosts whch was an equaliser from the spot kick. It was fast paced match as the two teams played an open and free flowing football. Tanzania were looking to defend the title they won in 2019 after overcoming Kenya 1-0 in the final played at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. Uganda had revenge possibly on their mind having lost to the Tanzanians in the same tournament last year 4-2 in Gulu.
Uganda’s captain Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Azizi Kayondo and Ivan Bogere picked cautions in the game that saw the latter miss a penalty when he blasted the shot over the bar just before the half time break.
Each of the players picked their own medals, an initiative in the new normal epoch to minimize contact between the people due to Covid-19.
Ivan Asaba picks his winner’s’ gold medal as Ivan Bogere waits patiently for his turn. Raymond Onyai admires his medalIvan Bogere smiles with his prize as joint top scorer (5 goals), same as Tanzania’s Abdul Hamisi Suleiman. Tanzanian Abdul Hamis Suleiman was joint top scorer with Uganda’s Ivan Bogere
Bogere finished as the tournament top scorer with 5 goals, same as Tanzanian, Abdul Hamisi Suleiman.
South Sudan’s goalkeeper Simon Justine was best shotstopper of the tournament.
South Sudan’s goalkeeper Simon Justine was named best goalkeeper of the tournamentTanzania’s Pascal Msindo was the tournament Most Valuable Player
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, a CAF Executive Committee was among the dignitaries who watched the Final and graced the medals, awards and trophy presentation ceremony.
Captain Gavin Kizito Mugweri hoists the trophy aloft. He made history as he also Captained Uganda when they won the CECAFA U17 in 2018 and featured in the AFCON Finals hosted by Tanzania.
Uganda has further stamped authority of football dominance in the CECAFA region.
Uganda is the reigning CECAFA Champion in U-15 (boys), U-17 (Girls), U-17 (Boys), U-20 (Men), CECAFA Kagame Club Cup (KCCA FC) and the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup (Uganda Cranes).
Uganda U-20 team players sing the national anthem
Uganda U-20 XI Vs Tanzania: Jack Komakech (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Captain), Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Kenneth Semakula, Isma Mugulusi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Richard Basangwa (86′ Ivan Asaba), Najib Yiga (77′ Joseph Kizza Bukenya), Ivan Bogere, Steven Sserwadda (90′ Faisal Wabyoona)
SubsNot Used: Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (G.K), Richard Bbosa, Ashiraf Mulindi, Joseph Kafumbe, Raymond Onyai, Alpha Thierry Ssali
Final: Uganda Vs Tanzania – Black Rhino Academy, Karatu (3 PM)
*Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m
Uganda National U-20 team (The Hippos) head coach Morley Byekwaso confirmed the starting side against Tanzania in the final of the CECAFA U-2020 Challenge Cup.
The game will be played at Black Rhino Academy sports facility in Karatu town, the same venue where Uganda beat Kenya 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Jack Komakech starts in goal. The defenders are; Kenneth Semakula, Gavin Kizito Mugweri (captain), Abdul-Azizi Kayondo and Musa Ramathan.
It is a compact and solid midfield with the likes of Bobosi Byaruhanga, Isma Mugulusi, Najib Yiga, Steven Sserwadda.
The forward line has a lone striker in Ivan Bogere who has so far scored four goals in the tournament.
Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (goalkeeper),Richard Bbosa, Ashiraf Mulindi, Faisal Wabyona, Joseph Kafumbe, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Raymond Onyai, Alpha Thierry Ssali and Ivan Asaba are all substitutes.
The game is live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the football radio.
Tanzania is the reigning champion of the tournament last won in Uganda during the 2019 championship that was co-currently hosted at Pece War Memorial Stadium (Gulu) and FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru (Buikwe District).
Both Uganda and Tanzania have already secured their berths to the finals of the 2021 AFCON U-20 tournament that will be held in Mauritania.
Final: Tanzania Vs Uganda (Wednesday, 2nd December 2020) – Black Rhino Academy Ground (3:30 PM)
Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m
Hosts Tanzania and Uganda will face off in the final of the 2020 CECAFA Challenge Cup U-20 on Wednesday, 2nd November at the Black Rhino Academy, Karatu.
Tanzania are the defending champions and Uganda will be looking for the opportunity to dethrone them.
Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso is optimistic that the final will be interesting since both sides have ball players and the better organized country on the day will win the trophy.
Uganda Hippos players and officials pray after the semi-final victory over Kenya
‘I anticipate a great game of football. Both countries have both players and the better side on the day will win the trophy’ Byekwaso disclosed after the final training session on the match eve.
Uganda humbled Kenya 3-1 in the first semi-final on Monday before Tanzania edged South Sudan 1-0 during the subsequent game.
Both Uganda and Tanzania are already assured of slots in the AFCON U-20 finals come 2021 that will be hosted in Mauritania.
Uganda Hippos’ Richard Basangwa beats two Kenyan players in the semi-finalsUganda Hippos technical team during the pre-match customs that include the singing of the national anthems
COMPETITION: U-17 Total CAF Africa Cup of Nations Zonal Qualifiers
DATE: 13 – 28, December 2020
HOST: Rwanda.
The U-17 qualifiers will attract 9 countries distributed into three groups.
Group A: Rwanda, Eritrea and South Sudan
Group B: Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya
Group C: Sudan, Djibouti and Tanzania
Uganda National U-17 team (The Cubs) will travel to Rwanda early next month to play in the zonal qualifiers tournament of CAF U17 from 13-28 of December 2020.
The team has been in camp in Njeru for close to a month now and all the members on the squad right there from the technical department to the playing staff are ready for the task ahead.
Here is what some of the players on the team are saying ahead of the tournament’s commencement.
Simon Mukisa, defender
SIMON MUKISA (DEFENDER):
‘We are doing our best in training as we prepare for the task ahead and always coach gives us confidence in everything we do. He’s teaching us different drills during training like working on accuracy while passing the ball as well as getting behind the ball if we lost it. So it is a matter of self-confidence that can lead us to success.’
Oscar Mawa, forward
OSCAR MAWA (FORWARD):
‘I have played for various sides but I have never got this unity anywhere before like it is in this team. And also what amuses me most is that if we have a problem we sit as a team right from the technical down to the players and we solve it and this has helped us a lot. I thank the coach so much because he has advised us a lot on what to do when it comes to individual discipline and sports technicalities.’
Basil Tenywa Tamu
BASIL TENYWA TAMU (RIGHT WINGER):
‘I think this is a big opportunity for us as a team, we must use it well to sell our identity out there. I know Zonal qualifiers are into our way but our target is beyond this. We have a challenge that was set by our predecessors in the previous campaign and we can never go for less apart from winning it again. So it’s now or never because opportunity has come and it only comes once. I look forward to maintain my personal standards by listening to what coaches say and I feel that is the only way to go if I want to achieve success.’
UK Based Basil Tenywa Tamu during a demonstration in some of the off-field sessions at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
CECAFA U-20 CHALLENGE CUP 2020 (AFCON U-20 Qualifier):
1st Semi-final: Uganda 3-1 Kenya
2nd Semi-final: Tanzania 1-0 South Sudan
Uganda U-20 team (The Hippos) has qualified for the AFCON U-20 finals in Mauritania.
The development comes after a convincing 3-1 win over Kenya in the first of the semi-final clashes at the Black Rhino Academy sports stadium in Karatu, Tanzania.
Striker Ivan Bogere scored twice, including a kick from the penalty mark to compliment defender Kenneth Semakula’s opener.
Action between Uganda Hippos and Kenya on Monday. Uganda won 3-1
Half time had ended 2-0 in favour of Morley Byekwaso’s charges.
Enock Wanyama scored a late consolation for Kenya inside the goal area.
Uganda seals the berth to the AFCON finals and awaits the hosts Tanzania.
Tanzania, who are also the tournament defending champions beat South Sudan 1-0 in the second game on the day at the same venue.
Kassim Harunah scored the lone strike in the 56th minute.
The final game of the tournament as well as the third place play off will be played on Wednesday, 2nd December 2020.
Uganda Hippos players in a talk sessionSteven Sserwaada in action
Uganda Vs Kenya – Black Rhino Academy, Karatu (12 PM) *Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m
Tanzania Vs South Sudan – Black Rhino Academy, Karatu (3:30 PM)
The Uganda U-20 Head Coach Morley Byekwaso has confirmed the starting eleven against Kenya during the first semi-final of the CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup at the Black Rhino Academy stadium in Karatu on Monday afternoon.
There is one change to the team that beat Burundi 6-1 last Wednesday.
Defender Musa Ramathan returns to the starting line up since the opening game when he was sent off against South Sudan.
Gavin Kizito Mugweri will once again lead the Uganda Hippos
The defence has Musa, team captain Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Aziz Kayondo and Kenneth Ssemakula.
The midfield is having Isma Mugulusi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Richard Basangwa, Najib Yiga and Steven Sserwadda.
Ivan Bogere leads the line as the sole striker.
Uganda – Kenya kicks off by noon ahead of the second semi-final between Tanzania and South Sudan at 3:30 p.m.
The two finalists will thus make the grade for the AFCON U-20 finals that will be staged in Mauritania come 2021.
Head coach Morley Byekwaso briefs the players
Uganda U-20 Vs Kenya: Jack Komakech (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Captain), Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Kenneth Semakula, Isma Mugulusi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Richard Basangwa, Najib Yiga, Ivan Bogere, Steven Sserwadda
Subs: Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (G.K), Richard Bbosa, Ashiraf Mulindi, Faisal Wabyoona, Joseph Kafumbe, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Raymond Onyai, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Ivan Asaba
COMPETITION: U-17 Total CAF Africa Cup of Nations Zonal Qualifiers
DATE: 13 – 28, December 2020
HOST: Rwanda.
The U-17 qualifiers will attract 9 countries divided into three groups.
Group A: Rwanda, Eritrea and South Sudan
Group B: Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya
Group C: Sudan, Djibouti and Tanzania.
The days to the kickoff of the long waited U17 CAF AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Rwanda next month are getting closer.
Head coach Hamuza Lutalo is confident that the team is ready ahead of the tournament’s kick-off having trained for some good time.
‘We thank FUFA for giving us ample time to prepare. As of now we have a team in place that can compete’ noted Hamuza Lutalo.
Uganda U-17 head coach Hamuza LutaloU-17 players in a ball work session at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
‘In the remaining days, we shall concentrate on a few aspects for players to master but we are good to go, I should say. Of course we wanted to have some friendly matches to give us a clear picture of the team we intend to use in the tournament but we have Corona Virus challenges so its hard to play against other teams that are not tested.’ he added.
Uganda Cubs is currently at the FUFA Technical Center where they have been since 6th November 2020.
The team is expected to fly to Rwanda on December 9, to defend the championship they won in 2018 after beating Ethiopia 3-1 in finals that were held in Tanzania.
According to the regional football governing body CECAFA, the U-17 qualifiers will take place in Rwanda from 13 – 28 December 2020.
The U-17 qualifiers will attract 9 countries divided into three groups. Hosts Rwanda is pitted with Eritrea and South Sudan in group A, while reigning champion Uganda is in group B with Ethiopia and Kenya dubbed to be group of death and group C constitutes of Sudan, Djibouti and Tanzania
The two finalists in the tournament will have booked an automatic ticket to the U17 Total Afcon finals in Morocco.
CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers): Uganda 6-1 Burundi
Uganda Hippos have registered an overwhelming 6-1 victory against Burundi during a group B clash of the 2020 CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup at the Shiekh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Wednesday.
Uganda’s goals came from two braces apiece by Ivan Bogere and Isma Mugulusi with Najib Yiga and second half substitute Joseph Kizza Bukenya completing the rout.
Uganda U-20 players pray before the match
The Hippos’ technical department headed by Morley Byekwaso called for three changes in the game.
Raymond Onyai, Joseph Kizza Bukenya and Alpha Thierry Ssali replaced Richard Basangwa, Ivan Asaba and Najib Yiga respectively.
The Hippos succumbed to a late consolation goal on the stroke of full-time.
Uganda now has 4 points from 2 matches ahead of the final group B match on Friday when South Sudan takes on Burundi at the same venue.
The top placed team qualifies for the Semi finals. Uganda will now keep an eye on the final group match between South Sudan and Burundi for a place in the last four stage.
On Monday, a 10 man Uganda Hippos’ side had registered a goal-less draw with South Sudan.
Uganda Hippos XI Vs Burundi
Uganda U-20 XI Vs Burundi: Jack Komakech (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Captain), Aziz Kayondo, Kenneth Semakula, Isma Mugulusi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Richard Basangwa (Raymond Onyai), Najib Yiga (85′ Alpha Thierry Ssali), Ivan Bogere, Ivan Asaba (Joseph Kizza Bukenya)
Changes:
Raymond Onyai For Richard Basangwa
Joseph Kizza Bukenya For Ivan Asaba
Alpha Thierry Ssali For Najib Yiga
Subs Not Used: Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (G.K), Richard Bbosa, Ashiraf Mulindi, Faisal Wabyoona, Joseph Kafumbe
Wednesday, 25th November 2020 – Uganda U-20 Vs Burundi U-20 (Group B)
At Shiekh Amri Abeid Stadium, Arusha – 1 PM (Live commentary on 102.1 FUFA f.m)
The Uganda U-20 head coach Morley Byekwaso has confirmed the starting eleven against Burundi in the AFCON U-20 qualifiers (CECAFA Zone) group B encounter.
There are two changes in the team that picked a point off South Sudan on Monday.
With defender Musa Ramathan suspended, Isma Mugulusi and Ivan Bogere have been introduced as Raymond Onyai comes to the substitutes’ bench.
The other 9 players who started against South Sudan in the goal-less draw all start.
The Uganda Hippos players in pre-match talk session on Wednesday morning
Goalkeeper Jack Komakech, defenders Gavin Kizito Mugweri (captain), Azizi Kayondo and Kenneth Semakula are at the back.
Others are Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Richard Basangwa, Isma Mugulusi, Bogere and Ivan Asaba.
Uganda needs maximum points for a chance to make it to the semi-finals.
Uganda U-20 XI Vs Burundi: Jack Komakech (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Captain), Aziz Kayondo, Kenneth Semakula, Isma Mugulusi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Richard Basangwa, Najib Yiga, Ivan Bogere, Ivan Asaba
Subs: Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (G.K), Richard Bbosa, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Ashiraf Mulindi, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Faisal Wabyoona, Raymond Onyai, Joseph Kafumbe
CECAFA U20 CHALLENGE CUP (Group B): South Sudan 0-0 Uganda
South Sudan and Uganda U-20 national teams played to a non scoring draw in group B of the CECAFA Challenge Cup U-20 at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, Arusha on Monday.
Since the 35th minute of the game, Uganda played with 10 men following a direct red card to defender Musa Ramathan.
Before the send-off, Uganda was dominant and came close to scoring through Richard Basangwa in the 10th minute.
Richard Basangwa in action
Ivan Asaba, Bobosi Byaruhanga and second half substitute Ivan Bogere were also close.
Bogere had the very last attempt at goal flying over with a with time half volley.
Uganda will have a day’s rest before taking on Burundi on Wednesday, 25th November 2020.
Ramathan is expected to sit out the game against Burundi.
Uganda U20 XI
Uganda U-20 XI: Jack Komakech (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Captain), Aziz Kayondo, Kenneth Ssemakula, Musa Ramathan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Najib Yiga (88′ Joseph Kafumbe), Richard Basangwa (85′ Isma Mugulusi), Raymond Onyai (62′ Ivan Bogere), Ivan Asaba
Subs Not Used: Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (G.K), Richard Bbosa, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Ashiraf Mulindi, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Faisal Wabyoona
The match referees with the team captains
Match Officials:
Centre Referee: Saddam Houssein Mansour (Djibouti)
Assistant Referee 1: Abdi Mohamed Nour (Somalia)
Assistant Referee 2: Liban Abdourazak Ahmed (Djibouti)
Fourth Official: Ahmed Hassan Hussein Ahmed (Somalia)
Commissioner: Omar Mohamoud Nor (Somalia)
Referee Assessor: Leslie Leonard Liunda (Tanzania)
General Coordinator: Baraka Kizuguto (Tanzania)
Technical Study Group: Tewodros Franco Karoni (Ethiopia)
Media Officer: Ramadhani Kibuga (Burundi)
Security Officer: Hashim Abdallah (Tanzania)
Assistant General Coordinator: Yacoub Ali Elmi (Djibouti)
The strategic framework of FUFA administration since 2013 has seen the creation of (8) key focus areas aimed at realizing the FUFA Vision and Mission.
Among them, is Football Development that covers areas which were struggling previously.
Initially it was called the Technical Department before changes were made in 2018 renaming it Football Development Department which now has four full time staff to handle football matters in; Youth Football, Women Football, Capacity Building, Refereeing Development, Sports Science, Beach Soccer and Futsal.
Vipers Junior Team Ivan Ashaba in action against Onduparaka Junior Team during the 2018 FUFA Juniors League final
The past 96 years of FUFA’s history have witnessed the growth of the game under various leaders. FUFA has grown spontaneously right from the first President of the federation Sekabakka Daudi Chwa II to the current head (27th FUFA President) Eng. Moses Magogo.
All the leaders have immensely contributed to the game.
The creation of the FUFA Juniors League in 2015 provided a platform of a young and vibrant staff at FUFA Bashir Mutyaba to take charge of a project that many thought would suffer still birth. It is a league designed to cater for players under the age of 17.
FUFA Youth Development Officer Bashir Mutyaba receives a plaque from the FUFA President Eng. Moses MagogoFUFA Youth Development Officer Bashir Mutyaba receives the fair play award on behalf of Paidha Black Angels FC Junior Team
The story has since changed as products of the project are so many to give testimony.
Mutyaba is the FUFA Youth Development Manager who works under the supervision of FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe.
In a detailed interview with www.fufa.co.ug, Mutyaba notes that FUFA’s is to be the Number one football Nation in Africa on and off the field.
He is currently coordinating the U17 National team preparing for the CAF U17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers due next month in Rwanda as he also keeps a close eye on what is happening in Tanzania where Uganda entered a team in the CECAFA U20 tournament-another continental qualifiers tournament.
Bashir Mutyaba
FUFA media brings you the excerpts from the interview with Mutyaba-the CAF B Licensed coach.
What is the value of youth football development programs in Uganda?
Bashir Mutyaba: FUFA has a strategic plan and football development is one of its focus areas.
We have youth football falling in this department and we are looking at ensuring that all youth players are given opportunity to be developed from a young age and getting exposure through the youth national teams.
We have an objective of ensuring that we engage them in as many youth competitions as possible at both domestic and international level.
We need to nurture them to ensure a strong foundation and final product for Ugandan football and Uganda Cranes.
KJT won the inagural edition of the FUFA Juniors League in 2015
Vipers SC JT players lifting the 2017/2018 Juniors League Trophy at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo in June
Why has FUFA given these two teams-U17 and U-20 ample time for camping?
Bashir Mutyaba: We aredefending champions of the zonal qualifiers that were hosted in 2018 by Tanzania.
We are preparing these boys to ensure that first of all we defend the trophy they won in 2018 during the zonal qualifiers when Uganda qualified for the very first time to the AFCON U17 Finals.
It was prudent for us to ensure that the coaches and players get ample time so that we go and give our best during the tournament and also qualify for the U17 AFCON 2021 and the U-20 tournament.
What targets do you have for the youth projects?
Bashir Mutyaba: We have several targets and one of them is empowering the Talent Identification System which will help us pick on the best of the best to help them develop further through the youth national teams.
Uganda U17 players celebrating after winning the CAF U17 regional qualifiers in Dar es Salaam Tanzania
What targets has FUFA set for the U17 team ahead of the forthcoming AFCON/CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers?
Bashir Mutyaba: We are going for nothing but trophy since we are the defending champions. We have no shortcut. We need to ensure that first of all we win the championship as well qualify. The coaches are very much aware that their target is to help the team to qualify for the AFCON U17 2021 that will be held in Morocco.
Comment about age cheating in Africa and how it has affected the growth of the game?
Bashir Mutyaba: Age cheating has been a challenge for youth football in Africa for several years.
Several teams have been eliminated in championships simply because of age cheating.
FUFA ensures that we eliminate the vice.
Our programs like the FUFA Juniors league help us to screen the players before they engage in any youth competition.
Uganda Cubs forward Rogers Mugisha taking on a Cameroon player in a Group 2 match of UEFA Assist U17 International Tournament in Turkey
We have set up a data base of information about all youth players in Uganda.
We ensure that we collect information about the players, their age, background to avoid challenges related to the vice that stunts the growth of the game.
Where do you see Uganda in the next five years with these youth projects?
Bashir Mutyaba: FUFA’s vision is to become the number one football Nation in Africa on and off the field.
The youth projects are getting support from the FUFA Executive and FIFA. The future is bright with our youth programmes.
We shall conquer Africa soon.
Bashir Mutyaba
FUFA Achievements
Youth Football
Recruited a full time FUFA Youth Football Development Manager to majorly handle the FUFA Youth Project that has the element of Youth Competitions (FUFA U17 Juniors League, Odilo), Drassroots football, Academies, National Junior teams, National football player development curriculum and Talent Identification.
Continued to partner and provide technical support to organisers of youth competitions like Copa and Airtel Rising Stars
Trained over 50 FUFA Juniors League coaches under the FIFA Youth Coaches Programme
Entered Teams for all International Youth Football Tournaments ( CECAFA, CAF and FIFA)
Created a pool of 400 players who feature in the FUFA Juniors League every season.
Over 150 players have graduated from the FUFA Juniors League to the Senior (Professionals Leagues).
The collection of players’ data at various tournaments has reduced the vice of age cheating in our competitions.
Introduction of National Football player Development curriculum
Creation of FUFA Registered Academy Rules and Regulations
Establishment of a Talent Identification system.
Champions of CECAFA U17 CAF Zonal qualifiers
Qualified for AFCON U17 in 2018 for the very first time in Ugandan football history.
Champions of the inaugural CECAFA U15 Championship 2019
Bridged the gap between Uganda Youth Football Association and FUFA
Provided Technical and Financial support to organizers of youth football competitions
Established pilot projects for U15 League in Kampala and Buganda regions
Decentralization of the FUFA Juniors League to regional level to attract more youth players, youth coaches thus enhancing development of youth football country wide.
Uganda U17 captain Garvin Kizito Mugweri receiving the CAF U17 qualifier trophy after defeating Ethiopia in the final. Kizito and several other players have since graduated to the U-20 team
