Uganda U15 Boys National Football Team continued to fine tune for the forthcoming CECAFA U15 Boys Championship with yet another practice match.
The game played on Friday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru where the team is currently based saw them secure a 2-0 win.
Simon Wanyama and Frank Ssekanjako scored a goal each for the national team.
Head coach Hamuza Lutalo believes there is still room for improvement before the Championship gets underway.
“We have been in camp for some time now and the boys have been improving everyday. I believe there is still room for us to polish what we feel is still lacking,” he said.
“We need to work more on scoring so that we can replicate our record in 2019 when Uganda had the top scorer’s accolade. The ball distribution in this friendly was good but we can even do better going forward.” The coach added.
It should be noted that Uganda won the inaugural edition of the CECAFA U15 Boys Championship in Eritrea four years ago.
This year’s edition is slated to take place between 4th -18th November 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Uganda U15 national team (Rhinos) newly appointed head coach Hamuza Lutalo has summoned a provisional squad of 45 players to start preparations for the forthcoming U15 CECAFA Championships to be held in Uganda from 4th – 18th November at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The Squad will enter camp on Tuesday 17th October in Njeru to start preparations under the guidance of Lutalo and his newly appointed technical team as they look forward to defend the tournament Uganda won in 2019 as they defeated Kenya 4-0 in the inaugural edition held in Eritrea.
The squad is comprised of players under the age of 15 years who were born in 2008 and above. This marks the eligibility of the players to feature in the U15 category as most of them are from school Championships.
Hamza Lutalo is deputised by Ssali Ronald as his first assistant Coach, Kenneth Magada the goalkeeping coach, Kizito Dennis as the Fitness Trainer, Kulika Ivan the team’s Physiotherapist, Micheal Gumisiriza the team Doctor, Damba Veron the kits officer with Bashir Mutyaba the team Manager. Joel Kivumbi is the Team Media Officer.
Here is the full summoned squad
Goalkeepers
Lukyamuzi Ashiraf (Kibuli SS), Okori Andrew (BUL FC JT), Muwonge Calton (Volf SA), Maseruka Ashiraf (Central College School), Waibi Edrisah (Buddo SS SA), Katumba Patrick (Royal Giant High School)
Defenders
Mubiru Samuel (Kibuli SS), Ssesazi Tom (Rays of Grace Academy), Musa Godi Akbar (Bukedea Comprehensive), Sseruwu Arafah (Buddo SS SA), Oyirwoth Pius (Buddo SS SA), Kafu Sharif Omini (Jinja SSS JT), Kaaya Uthman (Mbarara Sports Academy), Gulanyago Ratib (Vipers SC JT), Tamale Shafic (Buddo SS SA), Kyeyune Ephraim Micheal (Buddo SS SA), Ssendawula Dirisa (Prosper Soccer Academy), Kombi Eze (Central College School) Mujuni Farouk (Bulo Parents SS), Kigoye Ronald (Vipers SC JT), Musaazi Marvin (Royal Giant High School), Bbale Mathias (Namasuba Juventus SA)
Midfielders
Adia Tom (Paidha Football Foundation/St Jude SS, Masaka), Walusimbi Abubakali (Vipers SC JT), Ssebagala Ibra (Vipers SC JT), Langol Joseph (Paorhinar Soccer Academy Agago), Jjemba Gideon (Rays of Grace Academy), Owino John Brian (Jinja SSS JT), Ogema Thomas (Royal Giant High School), Wanyama Abdul Lucky (Amus College), Kasujja Shafik (Buddo SS JT), Tamale Frankline (Prosper SA), Mukisa Owen (Buddo SS JT)
Forwards
Ssali Ramadan (URA FC JT/Kawempe Muslim SS), Mwebe Disan (Rays of Grace Academy), Ssegirinya Shafic (Buddo SS JT), Babi Shakur (Buddo SS JT), Okello Richard (BUL FC JT), Ssekanjako Frank (Vipers SC JT), Sserwadda Henry (Rays of Grace Academy), Nyonyintono Geofrey (Janan Sports Academy), Nkoola Arafat (Viper SC JT), Wanyama Simon (Rays of Grace Academy), Bagenda Enock (Royal Giant High School), Gift Fred Mutalya (Kiira College Butiki)
FUFA has released the names of the new technical set up for the Uganda U-15 men’s team that will take part in the CECAFA U-15 Championship to be hosted from 4th-15th November 2023 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The full technical team is as follows;
Lutalo Hamuza – Head Coach
Ssali Ronald – Assistant Coach
Magada Keneth – Goalkeeping coach
Kizito Dennis – Fitness trainer
Mutyaba Bashir- Team Manager
Gumisiriza Michael -Team Doctor
Kulika Ivan – Team Physiotherapist
Damba Veron – Kits Officer
All appointments are on a permanent basis.
The team will start preparations on 16th October 2023 for the CECAFA U15 Championship.
The National Qualifiers to the inaugural edition of CAF African Schools Championship officially came to a climax on Sunday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru with Amus College emerging winners in the girls’ category.
Amus College joined Royal Giant High School (Boys Category Winners) as the two schools that will represent Uganda at the CECAFA Zonal Championship slated for December this year.
The National Qualifiers attracted a total of 20 schools from across this country, competing for nine days in Njeru.
There were a lot of captivating moments both on and off the field and the cameras were available to tell the story.
Take a look at some of the key moments (in pictures) as taken by Julius Mutebi, Andrew Talenga and Morgan Jale.
Teams arriving
The FUFA Communication team was available to get shots as schools made their way to FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru prior to the start of games.
Buddo SS pose for a group photo after arriving at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru Kibuli SS School Team Rines SS team that featured at the CAF African Schools Championship.Kawempe Muslim SS
Opening Ceremony
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim officially launched the tournament on 17th July 2022 indicating this is a good platform to nurture and developed young talented players that will form the Junior National Teams.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses (middle) flanked by FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha(left), FUFA EXCO Member Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe (in jacket) and Member of Parliament for Kachumbala Constituency, Hon. Patrick Isiagi (extreme right).FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim speaking during the launch.Amus College displaying the balls received from FUFA.Each of the schools that participated got 15 balls.
Action on pitch
Eight group games were played per day with each game lasting for 40 minutes (20 minutes per half and a ten-minute break).
Action between Jinja SS (green) and Standard High School, Zzana (blue).Action between Mukono Kings High School (left) and Buddo SS. A Kawempe Muslim player tries to go past Royal College Namugongo defender.Action between King of Kings and Rines SS.
Goal celebrations
After scoring a goal, players always celebrate for a wonderful job done. There were unique goal celebrations from different schools.
Royal College Namugongo goalkeeper celebrates after her School scored a goal.Tagy High School celebrating one of their goals during the Championship.Thomas Ogema of Royal Giant High School celebrates after scoring.Dynamic SS players pose for the FUFA TV camera after scoring.
Match Officials
Bearing mind that the Championship catered for young players, FUFA equally thought it wise to deploy budding referees.
Match Officials leading Kawempe Muslim SS and Royal College to the field.Match officials and team captains before kickoff
Matchday Three Results Rines SS 6-0 Standard High School Amus College 0-0 King of Kings Kawempe Muslim SS 1-1 Tagy High School, Entebbe Royal College 2-0 Gadafi Integrated Academy
The semifinal puzzle at the ongoing CAF African Schools Championship (National Level) is complete following successful climax to group business on Saturday.
The games played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Saturday produced the four teams that advanced to the semifinals.
Rines SS and Amus College School sailed through from Group A while Kawempe Muslim and Royal College, Namugongo led the pack in group B.
Rines SS from Wakiso district were perfect winning all their four group games, the only team to do so.
In their final group game, they obliterated Standard High School, Zzana with a 6-0 score.
Amus College settled for second spot in the same group after picking a point in the goalless draw, against King of Kings who ended with 6 points, one below the former.
Kawempe Muslim SS finished top of Group B with ten points after drawing one-all against Tagy High School in their final group game.
Royal College, Namugongo on the other hand settled for second place following their 2-0 win over Gadafi Integrated Academy.
The semifinals matches will be played on Sunday morning and the final in the afternoon.
The Winners will represent Uganda in the Zonal Qualifiers that will happen in December.
Third Place Playoff Mukono Kings High School 1-0 Standard High School
Royal Giants High School are winners of the first edition of the CAF African Schools Championship (National Level).
The Mityana based outfit defeated Dynamic SS 2-0 in the final played on Tuesday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
L-R: FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza, FUFA EXCO Member, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha and FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson watching the final.Royal Giant High School Director Benon Ntambi lifts the trophy aloft as players join in celebrations.
Thomas Ogema scored a second half brace to help his School emerge as winners.
Thomas Ogema celebrates after scoring in the final.
He also scored the solitary goal in the semifinal against Standard High School.
The Winners on top of taking the trophy and medals will represent Uganda at the regional Championship that will be staged in December.
Royal Giant High School celebrating after the full-time whistle.
Dynamic SS on the other hand defeated Mukono Kings High School 2-1 in the semifinal.
Amus College were named the Fairplay team of the Championship while Royal Giants School swept all the individual awards.
L-R: Top Scorer, Enock Bagenda, Best Goalkeeper Patrick Katumba and MVP Thomas Ogema.
Thomas Ogema was named the Most Valuable Player, Patrick Katumba took home the Golden Glove while Enock Bagenda finished as the tournament top scorer with 6 goals.
Top scorer Enock Bagenda receives his plaque from FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson.Tournament MVP Thomas Ogema receives his accolade from FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha.Best Goalkeeper, Patrick Katumba.
Focus will now shift to the girls’ where 10 schools will also compete in the same format between Thursday, 21st – Sunday 24th July.
Awards
Amus College School – Fairplay Award
Top scorer – Enock Bagenda (Royal Giant High School)
Best Goalkeeper – Patrick Katumba (Royal Giant High School)
MVP- Thomas Ogema (Royal Giant High School)
Third Place – Mukono Kings High School
Runers up – Dynamic SS
Winners – Royal Giants High School
Schools that participated
Royal Giants High School Dynamic SS Mukono Kings High School Standard High School, Zzana St. Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende Jinja SS Amus College School Boston High School Kibuli SS Buddo SS
CAF African Schools Championship-Uganda 2022 Matchday Two
Group A Boston High School 2-4 Jinja SS Mukono Kings High School 3-1 Standard High School, Zzana Jinja SS 0-1 Mukono Kings High Standard High School 3-1 Buddo SS
Group B Amus College 0-4 Dynamic SS Royal Giants High School 3-2 St. Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende St. Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende 9-0 Kibuli SS Dynamic SS 1-3 Royal Giants High School
Final Group Fixtures Monday, 18th July 2022
Mukono Kings High School vs Boston High School
Buddo SS vs Jinja SS Royal Giants High School vs Amus College School Kibuli SS vs Dynamic SS
Royal Giants High School and Mukono Kings High School maintained their perfect start at the CAF African Schools Championship-Uganda, winning their respective games on day two.
Royal Giants High School-Mityana.
In the games played on Sunday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, Royal Giants High School made it three wins in as many games to all but secure a slot into the final.
Action between Royal Giants High School and St. Mary’s Kitende.
The Mityana district based outfit had to come from two goals down to win 3-2 against St. Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende before defeafing Dynamic SS 3-1 in the later game.
It should be noted that they won 6-0 against Kibuli SS in their first game on Saturday.
Royal Giants celebrate one of their goals.
With one game to play(against Amus College School), Royal Giants High School lead Group B and only need at least a draw to advance.
In Group A, Mukono Kings High School lead the top on 9 points with one game to play (against Boston High School).
Mukono Kings High School.
Standard High School in second place also have 9 points but have completed their group games and only hoping Mukono Kings lose to Boston High School.
It should be noted that the leaders of either group will play a final on Tuesday to determine the school that will represent Uganda at CECAFA Zonal CAF African Schools Championship slated for December.
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim officially launched the National Championship on Sunday , giving out 15 balls to each of the 10 participating schools.
Students display the balls during the opening ceremony.
In his remarks, the President indicated it is important to have players identified at this age to nurture them into future stars.
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim addressing the players and officials.
“I am a member of CAF EXCO and President Dr. Patrice Motsepe who was here recently brought the idea of having a tournament for young boys and girls which we supported. I believe this helps in identifying talent at a young age and then be able to develop them into better players, ” he said.
“Uganda is the Champion of CECAFA U15 and U17. So this is a good platform for FUFA to identify players that will feature in those age brackets. It is the Junior National Teams that feed Uganda Cranes and thus to have a good Senior Team, we must develop players at such tournaments.” The President asserted.
FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha who is also the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee also attended the opening ceremony.
FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha speaking.
The other notable dignitaries included Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot, Member of Parliament for Kachumbala County and also the Director Amus College, Hon. Mary Annet Nakato, Woman Member of Parliament for Buyende District, FUFA Executive Committee Members Ronnie Kalema and Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe among others.
Group A Standard High School 2-0 Jinja SS Buddo SS 1-1 Boston High School Mukono Kings High School 3-0 Buddo SS Boston High School 0-2 Standard High School
Group B St. Mary’s Boarding School 0-4 Dynamic SS Kibuli SS 1-1 Amus College Royal Giant High School 6-0 Kibuli SS Amusi College 0-1 St. Mary’s Boarding School
Standard High School-Zzana and Royal Giant High School set the pace as the CAF African Schools Championship got underway on Saturday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Action between Royal Giant High School and Kibuli SS.Standard High School (blue) won their opening two games.
The National Championship that serves as qualifiers to the Zonal (CECAFA) stage attracted ten schools, pooled into two groups of five apiece.
Standard High School made their intentions clear, winning their two games played on Saturday to take lead in Group A.
Standard High School team that started against Jinja SS.
In the opening game, they defeated Jinja SS 2-0 thanks to Reagan Lwanga’s brace.
They also won the second game with the same scoreline against Boston High School.
The other games played in Group A saw Boston High School share spoils with Buddo SS in a one-draw. The latter went ahead to lose their second game 3-0 at the hands of Mukono Kings High School.
Action between Mukono Kings High School and Buddo SS.
In Group B, Royal Giant High School from Mityana district registered the biggest win on Matchday one, obliterating Kibuli SS with a 6-0 scoreline.
Hassan Ntale, Tom Kasumba (brace), Junior Ngoobi, Enock Bagenda and Thomas Ogema were on target for Royal Giant.
Royal Giant High School players celebrating one of the goals against Buddo SS.
Dynamic SS defeated St. Mary’s Boarding School 4-0 before the latter bounced back with a slim victory over Amus College in their second game.
St. Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende defeated Amus College.
Action will continue on Sunday with teams vying for a spot into the final.
It should be noted that the top teams in each group advance to play the final where the winner will repesent Uganda in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
FUFA has issued communication contained in Circular No. 1107 dated 24th March 2020 to all football stakeholders with decisions taken about proposed reforms on FUFA Competitions during the 22nd FUFA Exco meeting held on 13th March 2020 at the Executive House-FUFA Complex in Mengo. The reforms are expected to be effective with the 2020/2021 season for the transition period while the 2021/2022 takes centre stage fully.
However the public and football stakeholders are encouraged to be involved by sending their ideas to rules@fufauganda.com
Here is the full communication in the Circualr with proposed reforms about FUFA Competitions;
In a bid to achieve FUFA’s Vision ‘To be the number one football nation in Africa on and off the field’ with a Mission ‘To develop promote and protect football for all’ the FUFA Executive Committee received proposals to reform Professional Club Football in Uganda, hereby presented for any ideas for implementation.
For the past 10 years, a number of achievements have been registered; creating an independent league body voted for by the clubs with a fulltime secretariat established; many clubs have known owners (natural or legal); increased sponsorship for some clubs and the league; 7 of the 18 clubs in the Uganda Super League then still exist in 2019/2020 while 2 are in the 2nd division league and 9 are defunct.
With the above achievements it is paramount new reforms are instituted to, among others, enhance quality of Clubs, increase Sporting Competition, improve Service delivery by Organizers, create better Club and League Brands, and increase revenues for both the clubs and the league.
Consequently, the 22nd FUFA Executive Committee approved wide scale consultations with First Division Clubs, Second Division Clubs, Sponsors, UPL Management, FUFA Regional Football Associations, and the General Public/Football fraternity on the proposals for the reform of professional club football in Uganda.
The proposals to be implemented at the beginning of the 2021/2022 season are as follows;
CURRENT 2019/2020
TRANSITION
2020/21
PROPOSED 2021/22 ONWARDS
1st Division (UPL) Clubs
16
16
12
1st Division (UPL) rounds
02
02
03
1st Division relegation to 2nd division
03
06
02
1st Division promotion from 2nd division
03
02
02
UPL-U20 Reserve League (INTRODUCED)
00
00
12
2nd Division (FUFA Big League) Clubs
18
16
16
2nd Division (FBL) Groups
02
02
02
2nd Division promotion to 1st Division
03
02
02
2nd Division relegation to 3rd Division
04
06
04
3rd Division promotion to 2nd Division
04
02
04
The First Division, Second Division, the UPL U20 Reserve Leagues are to be under the Professional League Board and Professional League Secretariat replacing the current UPL Board and UPL Secretariat respectively.
Every First Division club shall be compelled to have an U20 team to compete in a league played over two rounds. A player with a first division license may play in the reserve league and player with a reserve league license may play in the first division league.
There shall be an established FUFA Juniors’ Leagues in each of the 8 FUFA regions in the country under the supervision of the UYFA and the respective FRAs. The FJL at every FRA shall consist of 12 teams. The FRA may manage more than one FJL of 12 teams each. For example Eastern RFA may have FJL-Jinja and FJL-Mbale the winner being determined under an agreed format. The UPL club U17 team may compete in the respective FRA FJL within their locality or as appropriate.
FUFA wishes to invite ideas from our stakeholders or from anyone “To Whom It May Concern” via rules@fufauganda.com on the proposals as enumerated in this circular. These ideas and views shall be compiled and shall be debated on when FUFA organises the review workshop before the kick-off of the 2020/2021 season.
The exercise will be coordinated by the FUFA Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Football Mr. Kiiza Decolas Hantali+256 753 374 898 / +256 772 475 739 / dkiiza@fufauganda.com.
The newly crowned CECAFA U15 challenge Cup champions returned home on Monday evening and were received at Entebbe Intertional Airport Deputy CEO/Football Decolas Kiiza amidst cheers from the adoring fans.
Time to enjoy life back home. The youngsters upon arrival at Entebbe international airport
Team Captain Vincent Mulema poses with the trophy on arrival at the airport
From the airport, the team was led to Jevine Hotel in Rubaga where it was hosted to a dinner to duly welcome them back home and celebrate their triumph.
Leader of Delegation Ms. Agnes Mugena and Head Coach Jackson Magera on arrival at the Entebbe International Airport
Uganda won the CECAFA U15 challenge championship hosted in Asmara, Eritrea after seeing off all opposition in style in six games, scoring 23 goals and conceding none.
Team Captain Vicent Mulema and Leader of Delegation Ms. Agnes Mugena handing over the trophy to the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at Jevine Hoel
At the dinner, the Leader of the Delegation Ms. Agnes Mugena praised the team spirit, discipline and effort that helped them to glory. She called onthe Team Captain Vicent Mulema to hand over the trophy to the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at the high table who was flanked by second Vice President Darius Mugoye and the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
Ms. Agnes Mugena at Jevine Hotel on Monday addressing the guests
The dinner was also attended by some of players’ parents.
‘ I would like to congratulate you on this achievement. We always got daily reports and your discipline is very commendable. Early this year we narrowly missed out on qualifying for the U17 FIFA World Cup and so preparations for the next U17 AFCON had to start early, you are the group that is going to play in the qualifiers. Our vision is to be the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the field and this success aligns with that. We shall continue with the development of this group’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
‘I met you before you left for Eritrea and i told you that i would like you to see you continue with your education. I also wish to see yo get clubs and start playing in the rebranded U17 FUFA Juniors League as this will help you develop as players. Development of players at your stage is done on a daily basis’ further said FUFA President.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo while delivering his speech at Jevine Hotel
The players were each rewarded with a ball and a new pair of boots. FUFA guidelines do not allow monetary incentives to players at this age.
Players pose for a photo after receiving a pair of boots, and ball.
A pair of goal nets were handed to the players to take back to their schools as a contribbution to the efforts towards thse players and a FUFA branded cup to their parents as a souvenir for allowing them to represent the country.
Students of Buddo SS and a school’s representative received a pair of goal nets from the FUFA President. Extreme Left is the FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye.
Uganda’s Abas Kyeyune finished as the top scorer of the tournament with 9 goals and Travis Mutyaba had 6 six
L-R; FUFA Second Vice Ptresident Darius Mugoye, Abas Kyeyune and FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda U15 pose for a photo upon return at Entebbe International Airport.
