Thursday, 12th November 2020 – Uganda Vs Sudan – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (4 PM)
*Live on FUFA Facebook page, 102.1 FUFA f.m and BBS TV
As per the Circular No.1125 under the subject; ‘CLOSED DOOR MATCH – AFCON 2021 QUALIFIER-UGANDA VS SOUTH SUDAN‘ addressed to the FUFA Executive Committee members, Delegates and stakeholders;
‘FUFA will host the 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier match no. 60 between Uganda Cranes and South Sudan National ‘A’ Men’s team at St. Mary’s Stadium – Kitende on Thursday 12th November 2020, 16hours (E.A.T).
The match will be played under special arrangements as directed by the Government of Uganda, CAF Guidelines and FIFA recommendations on the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
Under the above guidelines, this will be a Closed Door Match and no fans will be allowed inside the stadium.
Based on the above henceforth, you are informed that no stakeholders will be allowed entrance to the Stadium unless accredited and permitted by the CAF Match Commissioner in compliance with the special CAF Safety and Security Regulations.
Stakeholders are advised not to travel to the Stadium but to support the Uganda Cranes through the FUFA Facebook page Live Coverage and local television (BBS TV) that FUFA and Airtel (U) limited have improvised for the stakeholders and fans to be able to watch the match within Uganda territory.
Let us keep safe and support the Uganda Cranes from Home.
It is Our Game, It is Our Country‘
This match will be broadcast live on FUFA Facebook page, 102.1 FUFA f.m, local television (BBS TV) after the federation and Airtel (U) limited have improvised for the stakeholders and fans to be able to watch the match within Uganda territory.
Match Day 3: Thursday 12th November 2020 – Uganda Vs South Sudan – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (4 pm)
Match Day 4: Monday 16 November 2020 – South Sudan Vs Uganda – Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi (4 pm)
Seven home-based players made it to the list of twenty-seven as the Uganda Cranes team intensifies preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2021 Qualifier double header against South Sudan.
Inclusive is the budding talent Karim Watambala who caught many by surprise but the Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry is poised with the decision to retain him.
The agile forward who is gifted with great energy and dribbling skills cut his teeth with St Mary’s SS Kitende from where he joined Vipers Sports Club the reigning StarTimes Uganda Premier League Champions.
Karim Watambala dribbles the ball during a trial match against KCCA
According to McKinstry, Watambala is one player who attracts any body’s eye because of his great intensity, real force and positivity he exhibits while playing.
‘Some of the reasons we were attracted to Karim is that he plays with great intensity, Karim attracts everyone’s eye because he does everything with force and positivity. He is really hungry to learn and improve. We have worked with him for the past six months and he gas made step by step progress’ disclosed McKinstry.
Coach Johnathan McKinstry with players during training (Watambala is second from left)
‘He is still young who will make mistakes but in general he is moving in the right direction. There’s no doubt that he deserves to be in the squad and I also think he can learn so much because of the exposure with the experienced players like Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, Emmanuel Okwi from whom he can learn so much from them and that can help him improve further’ added McKinstry.
McKinstry added that they can not exert pressure on Watambala given his age but he believes there’s a lot they can do to help him reach the highest professional ranks.
Karim Watambala in action for Vipers Sports ClubKarim Watambala gets to the ball ahead of Ibrahim Orit
‘We can’t put much pressure on Karim (Watambala) because he is still young. I have worked with young players of Karim’s age and helped their transition to professional games. We have to be patient, supportive and understand that he will make mistakes thus help and guide him through’ McKinstry adds.
Karim started his football journey with Blessed Soccer Academy under Coach Isingoma and Town view Primary School all in Mbale.
He continued playing football at High School at St John’s SS Mukono and St Mary’s kitende was the turning point of his careers from where graduated to Vipers Sports Club.
Karim Watambala was also part and parcel of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup Uganda Cranes winning teamKarim Watambala (left) during the work-outs
He featured for Vipers in the 2019/2020 season where he guided the team to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League championship.
During the same year, he also won the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup with Uganda Cranes on home turf , the COPA Coca Cola schools championship and the East African Secondary Schools’ tournament.
Abdul Karim Watambala spent his early life in Mbale where there were a few football figures thus he had no one to look up to.
‘I wasn’t much exposed and didn’t have any role model. I just loved football which I played for fun. It is that wanted to excel in life I always played with zeal to stand out from the rest’ noted Watambala.
Watambala during the Uganda Cranes training session at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
The energetic forward dreams of playing in the top leagues and clubs in the world in a few years to come and also make history as one of the greatest footballers from the Pearl of Africa.
Watambala applauds Coach McKinstry for the contribution to the development of his career because there’s a lot he has added to his game since they met.
He calls upon young players to give in their best while playing and eagerness to learn everyday plus and consulting from successful and experienced people to add to what they have.
Watambala breaks away during the trial match against KCCA at Lugogo
Match Day 3 (12th November 2020): Uganda Vs South Sudan – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (4 pm)
Match Day 4 (16th November 2020): South Sudan Vs Uganda – Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi (4 pm)
As part of the tranquil organization procedure for the forthcoming TOTAL AFCON 2021 Cameroon group B qualification match when Uganda Cranes hosts South Sudan, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) remains focused.
A series of planning meetings have been held since last week to-date.
On Friday, 6th November 2020, a team of FUFA officials led by the FUFA Second Vice President Darius Mugoye and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edgar Watson had the third guided tour around St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, the venue for the closed door match as a regulation from CAF in the brave fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The FUFA Security and Safety Committee headed by Hajji Abdul Lukooya also provided guidelines during the inspection.
The Ministry of Health, Uganda Sports Press Association and FUFA Travel partners Satguru also attended.
Here are some of the moments captured on the lens.
L-R: Counsel Alex Luganda, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius MugoyeThe inspection team of FUFA, Health and Vipers Sports Club officialsInside dressing roomsUSPA President Patrick Kanyomozi points to the designated area where journalists will work from during the gameL-R: FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) President Patrick Kanyomozi and Vipers SC media personnel Kenneth MuwangaThe fumigation personnel on duty to ensure good hygieneThe home team dug out at St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeHajji Abdul Lukooya Ssekabira directs during the inspection at St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeSanitising at St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeL-R: FUFA Events Manager Leilah Nankya, FUFA Deputy CEO – Football Decolas Kiiza and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson during the inspection process at St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeThe officials on a guided tour around St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeThe officials inspect the inner part of St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeThe officials outside St Mary’s Stadium, KitendeDr James Ssekajugo was part of the inspection team
Match Day 3 (12th November 2020): Uganda Vs South Sudan – St Mary’s Kitende (4 pm)
Match Day 4 (16th November 2020): South Sudan Vs Uganda – Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi (4 pm)
In respect to the safety, security precautions and guidelines from the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) as a mitigation to the current health pandemic conditions as presented by COVID-19, FUFA will adhere to the closed door match arrangement in the Uganda Cranes home match against South Sudan on 12th November 2020.
This match at St Mary’s Stadium will be played without spectators to reduce the inherent danger that this may pose to the general public this is in line with the CAF recommendation for the development of football activity recovery plan.
‘We miss the fans inside the stadium because we have to follow the set guidelines. Please support us from home safely. COVID-19 is real.’ Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Communications Director disclosed.
The principles of Safety, Security and Health will all be adopted in the different operations and more attention should be concentrated on ensuring that the safety of all persons that shall be allowed into the stadium for the purpose of a match is guaranteed and protected through enforcement of the right health protocols.
Uganda Cranes fans have been politely asked to follow the match from home and rally behind the team with 100 percent support
CAF Safety and Security Department released key pillars on ensuring safe environs for the matches.
Upon fulfilment of the conditions, a Safety certificate is issued.
Others are under the Transport Protocol for Teams and Officials, Hotel Safety and Security Protocol, Training Site / Official Training Safety and Security protocol, Stadium Safety and Security Protocol, New Stadium Accreditation Zones, Command and Control protocol, Considerations for Personnel Deployment on the match day, end of match protocol, medal Presentation safety and security protocol, match risk assessment and emergency evacuation considerations.
The fans’ ambiance in the terraces on match day will be missed
Match Day 3: Uganda Vs South Sudan- St Mary’s Stadium Kitende (4 pm)
Tuesday, 17th November 2020:
Match Day 4: South Sudan Vs Uganda- Nairobi (4 pm)
The Uganda Cranes team composed of twenty two local players started preparations ahead of the AFCON 2021 Qualifiers double encounter against South Sudan.
The team conducted a single session on Monday evening at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.
Head coach Johnathan McKinstry, his assistants Abdallah Mubiru, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi and physical fitness trainer Alex McCarthy all attended the lively session.
Vastly experienced midfielder Tonny Mawejje
Amongst those who trained is experienced midfield gem Tony Mawejje.
It is nearly three years since Tony Mawejje last donned the Uganda Cranes Jersey.
The midfield dynamo could hardly conceal his elation after receiving the news of his summon for the national team to prepare for the AFCON 2021 Qualifiers double header against South Sudan.
In an interview with www.fufa.co.ug, Mawejje said that it’s always a matter of time when one is prepared.
‘I am glad that I have returned to the National team setup. It seems a surprise to many but I expected it. I am in the best shape to deliver like before. My role is to train, follow instructions and the technical team does the selection. My vast experience with the national team has to create an impact‘ Mawejje disclosed.
L-R: Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Murushid Jjuuko and Tonny Mawejje during the work outs at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Mawejje made his Cranes debut in 2008 in a 3-1 defeat to Mauritius away from home and last featured for the Uganda cranes on 25th January 2017 against Mali in AFCON.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes resume training on Tuesday, 3rd November 2020 between 4 PM – 5 PM.
Players in camp:
Goalkeepers: Alionzi Nafian (URA FC), Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Mutakubwa Joel (Kyetume FC)
Defenders: Ndahiro Derrick (SC Villa), Galiwango Disan (Vipers SC), Willa Paul (Vipers SC), Mandela Ashraf (URA), Iguma Denis (KCCA FC), Kato Samuel ( (KCCA FC), Juuko Murushid (Express FC), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC), Mbowa Patrick ( URA FC)
2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification (Group B):
Match Day 3: (First Leg) – 12th November 2020 – Uganda Vs South Sudan – St Mary’s Kitende (4 pm)
Match Day 4: (Second Leg) – 16th November 2020: South Sudan Vs Uganda – Nairobi (7 pm)
Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has confirmed the dates and venues for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations group qualifiers between Uganda and South Sudan.
Uganda hosts the first leg at the St Mary’s Kitende on 12th November 2020 with kick-off at 4 pm.
The return leg will be played on 16th November 2020 in Nairobi (kick off at 7 pm).
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry last released the provisional squad majorly of foreign based players who will be joined by assessed players from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Uganda Cranes officially ended their nine days training camp in Dubai with a class session on Monday, 12th October 2020.
FUFA Executive Committee member Ronnie Kalema, who led the delegation officiated over this session that lasted for one hour session.
Kalema, also the Uganda Football Referees Association (UFRA) chairman handled this session targeted at capacity-building amongst players and coaches based on important corner stone.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema
He stressed the essence of the players and coaches, to prove how valuable they are to the beautiful game.
The former FIFA Referee promised more support on behalf of FUFA at all costs to ensure they achieve their number one goal that is to become the best team in Africa on and off the pitch.
The Uganda Cranes players in Dubai during the capacity building session
‘Our vision of becoming the number one football nation in Africa on and off the pitch. The world of football has changed dramatically over the last few decades, and every country faces it’s own challenges in coping with these changes. If we want to promote the game in Uganda, we must be ready to meet the needs of our strategy as FUFA. This is the idea behind the Pro Agenda programme that offers such a vast array of different possibilities to enhance the capacity of National team, staff (players and coaches). All internal football stakeholders of FUFA ought to know what’s going on at FUFA so as to have a sense of Belonging & accountable to one another.’ Kalema remarked.
Uganda Cranes Head coach Johnathan McKinstry and national teams officer Paul Mukatabala also contributed with different statements that carried forth the same message to the players.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry with his address to the playersFUFA Executive Committee member Ronnie Kalema with his presentation to the Uganda Cranes players and officials
The team is expected to return back home on Tuesday at 10am with Joseph Ochaya and Jamal Salim who will later connect to their respective clubs while the rest of the foreign based players will fly direct to their clubs from Dubai.
Scottish based defender Bevis Mugabi and midfielder Allan Kyambadde who is stationed in Egypt have already flown back to their respective clubs.
The camp is in line with the Cameroon 2022 AFCON tournament qualifiers as well as the 2020 Cameroon CHAN Tournament.
Officials and players pay keen attention during the presentation
Players who were part of the camp in Dubai:
Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume, Uganda), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda), David Owori (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (KCCA, Uganda), Saidi Kyeyune (URA, Uganda), Paul Mbowa (URA, Uganda), Samuel Kato (KCCA, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA, Uganda), Karim Watambala (Vipers, Uganda), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor, Turkey), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United), Salim Jamal (Al Hilal Omdurman, Sudan), Roy Jayden Onen (Reading, England), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Allan Kateregga (Erbil SC, Iraq), Alexis Bbakka (Umea FC, Sweden), Alex Kakuba (CD Cova Piedade, Portugal), Edrisa Lubega (Paide Linameskond).
Team manager Geofrey Massa
Officials:
Leader of Delegation: Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Executive Committee member)
Johnathan McKinstry (Head coach), Abdallah Mubiru (Assistant Coach), Livingston Mbabazi (Assistant Coach), Ibrahim Mugisha (Goalkeeping Coach), Alexander McCarthy (Fitness Trainer), Felix Ayobo (Sport Scientist), Emmanuel Nakabago (Doctor), Regan Innocent Baluku (Doctor), Samuel Mulondo (Kitman), Geoffrey Massa (Team manager), Paul Mukatabala (Team officer), Ronald Lusulire (Media Officer)
Alexander McKinstry, Fitness TrainerSome of the players
A 25 man Uganda Cranes contigent including officials safely arrived in Dubai in the wee hours of Thursday ahead of the training camp.
The contigent left Entebbe international Airport on Wednesday at 10:30pm aboard fly Dubai non stop flight and touched down at the Dubai International Airport at 3:25am.
Upon arrival at the airport, they all understand went mandatory Covid 19 tests before they were driven to JA Ocean view hotel in Dubai, Jumeirah street.
Uganda Cranes players upon arrival in Dubai
They were welcomed by a host of foreign based players like Miya Farouk, Bevis Mugabi and Salim Jamal.
‘We have safely arrived in Dubai and everyone is in good mood including all foreign based players we have found here. Now our next step is to embark on the mission that has brought us here as we plan for our AFCON qualification double header against South Sudan.’ Ronnie Kalema, the leader of Delegation remarked.
This evening at 3pm EAT, head coach Johnathan Mckinstry will hold a brief meeting with the entire team before they conduct their first joint session at 6pm EAT.
The camp is in line with the 2021 TOTAL AFCON qualifiers as well as the 2021 Cameroon CHAN Tournament.
Uganda Cranes players and officials in Dubai
Current players in camp in Dubai:
Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume, Uganda), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda), David Owori (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (KCCA, Uganda), Saidi Kyeyune (URA, Uganda), Paul Mbowa (URA, Uganda), Samuel Kato (KCCA, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA, Uganda), Karim Watambala (Vipers, Uganda), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Farouk Miya (Konyaspor, Turkey), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United), Salim Jamal (Al Hilal Omdurman, Sudan), Roy Jayden Onen (Reading, England), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Allan Kateregga (Erbil SC, Iraq)
Officials:
Leader of Delegation: Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Executive Committee member)
Johnathan McKinstry (Head coach), Abdallah Mubiru (Assistant Coach), Livingston Mbabazi (Assistant Coach), Ibrahim Mugisha (Goalkeeping Coach), Alexander McCarthy (Fitness Trainer), Felix Ayobo (Sport Scientist), Emmanuel Nakabago (Doctor), Regan Innocent Baluku (Doctor), Samuel Mulondo (Kitman), Geoffrey Massa (Team manager), Paul Mukatabala (Team officer), Ronald Lusulire (Media Officer)
Today 30th September 2020, marks exactly one year since Johnathan Mckinstry took over as Uganda Cranes head coach from French man Sebastein Desabre.
Following a convincing 2019 TOTAL Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt that saw the Uganda Cranes proudly bow out in the round of 16, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Executive Committee agreed to have a change in the technical department.
Fast forward, hundreds of coaches openly expressed interest in the job.
Johnathan McKinstry was warmly welcomed by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson at FUFA Headquarters in Mengo – Kampala.L-R: Ronnie Kalema, Rogers Byamukama, Johnathan Mckinstry, Justus Mugisha and Edgar Watson during the official unveiling ceremony of the coach at FUFA House, Mengo – Kampala on 30th September 2019
Northern Irish born coach, a holder of UEFA Pro License Jonathan McKinstry beat a big field and stiff competition to earn the job after resigning from Bangaladesh club Saif FC.
L-R: FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, Johnathan McKinstry, Justus Mugisha and Ahmed Hussein during the maiden press conference at FUFA Headquarters in Mengo, Kampala
On Sunday, 13th October 2019, he officially began his tenure on a winning note defeating Ethiopia 0-1 at Bahir Dar Stadium – thanks to a goal by Emmanuel Arnold Okwi.
The victory away in Ethiopia set a firm foundation as he has won 9 of the 10 matches played thus far, drawing once with no game lost yet with the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup trophy in the pouch as well.
L-R FUFA Deputy CEO -Football – Decolas Kiiza, Johnathan McKinstry and FUFA Marketing Director, Esther Musoke during the launch of the Uganda Cranes AFCON 2021 campaignUganda Cranes players lift head coach Johnathan McKinstry after lifting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 2019 at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in KampalaJohnathan McKinstry during the official unveiling ceremony at FUFA House, Mengo
Out of the ten games, the Uganda Cranes have scored 20 goals with 8 coming in the first half while 12 have come in the second half.
Two goals have been conceded under his helm against Burundi and Djibouti both in the 2019 CECAFA tournament.
His biggest highlight so far at the helm is winning the 2019 CECAFA senior challenge cup were the Cranes beat Eritrea 3-0 thanks to Bright Anukani, Mustafa Kizza and Joel Madondo strikes.
L-R: Johnathan McKinstry, Abdallah Mubiru, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Fred Kajoba, Alexander McCarthy and Geofrey Massa
McKinstry works alongside a committed team of former Uganda Cranes internationals; Abdallah Mubiru (first assistant), Charles Livingstone Mbazazi (second assistant) and Fred Kajoba Kisitu (Goalkeeping coach) as well as Alexander McCarthy (Trainer) and Geofrey Massa (Team coordinator)
We are still in the early stages of our journey. But I believe that together; with unified Effort, effective Application & Discipline in our approach – we can scale the highest peaks.
Thank you to everyone who has played their part so far and for the continued support.
Uganda Cranes will be traveling to Dubai for a training camp (6th – 13th October 2020) as a precursor for the AFCON 2021 double header against South Sudan in November 2020.
Summary of Jonathan Mckinstry matches so far as Uganda Cranes head coach.
Ethiopia vs Uganda Cranes- 0-1 (International friendly)
Uganda 3-0 Burundi (CHAN qualifiers)
Burkina Faso 0-0 Uganda (AFCON qualifiers)
Uganda 2-0 Malawi (AFCON qualifiers)
Uganda 2-1 Burundi (CECAFA)
Uganda 2-0 Somalia (CECAFA)
Uganda 2-0 Eritrea (CECAFA)
Uganda 4-1 Djibouti (CECAFA)
Uganda 1-0 Tanzania (CECAFA)
Uganda 3-0 Eritrea (CECAFA)
Coach Johnathan McKinstry giving instructions to players during a training session for the CHAN team at GEMS Cambridge play ground, Butabika
The CAF Emergency Committee has approved dates for the resumption of the qualifiers of the Total Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 and the group stages of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers-Qatar 2022.
The latest update indicates that Uganda Cranes will now play Match Day 3 and 4 between 9th and 17th November 2020.
The Group B leaders will then play Match Day 5 and Match Day 6 between 22nd – 30th March 2021.
The Cranes is at the top of the table with 4 points from 2 games played followed by Burkina Faso, Malawi in third while South Sudan at the bottom. The Finals will be hosted by Cameroon in January 2022.
Meanwhile, FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers new dates have also been confirmed with the Match Day 1&2 scheduled to be played between 31st May – 15 June 2021.
Match Day 3&4 are slated between 30th August – 7th September 2021 while Match Day 5&6 are to happen between 4th – 12th October 2021.
The Knockout Matches (Playoffs) will be played between 8th – 16th November 2021.
Uganda Cranes is in Group E together with Mali, Kenya and Rwanda.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry remains a busy party as he plans for the national team despite the COVID-19 lockdown period.
In the latest interview with www.fufa.co.ug on Thursday, he shares his plans and the thoughts about the decision by CAF to change the TOTAL CHAN 2020 to January 2020 as well as the extension of TOTAL AFCON 2021 to 2022.
Question:CAF has finally announced the new dates of the CHAN Finals 2020 and AFCON 2021. How much is this a relief to you as head of technical matters in the Cranes?
McKinstry: The confirmation by CAF of the CHAN Tournament for January 2021 is a relief to the players. The players were more concerned and worried that this tournament could be called off because if you looked at the schedule, it was a challenge to see where it could be fixed. Now the tournament is only six months away. This is really close. Everyone is refocused, re-energized and hungry to go. The Star Times Uganda Premier League kicks off in October 2020 and the players are really ready. We as the technical team are also looking forward and putting together some plans. Hopefully, CECAFA 2020 will be happening and this will help in the preparations. The players are staff are now motivated with more energy.
Uganda Cranes CHAN team in training
Question:No football for now and you have just 6 months until January 2021 for CHAN Finals. Do you have any special and designed plans for the team?
McKinstry: The players have been given special pre-season training scheduled. The programs have been sent to them, quite different from the ones in the COVID-19 period because anytime we expected football to return soon.
We hope to have six weeks of competitive football before the training camp will be summoned for the CHAN 2021 finals.
McKinstry gives defender Geofrey Wasswa instructions during the CHAN tournament preparations
Question:How tough is it for you as a coach to be in such suspense and let alone to reignite the players’ moods to get back on the pitch and play football?
McKinstry: It has been really challenging but as a coach, there has been hope and planning never stops. Everyone was frustrated with no football but it is two-sided; the supporter, player, or coach. Everyone was frustrated that football was not happening. I am a little bit jealous that my colleagues in Europe are involved in what they love to do best but hopefully, this frustration will be converted to energy when football returns.
Uganda Cranes fans cheering a game at Mandela National Stadium. McKinstry calls for positive energy from the fans as football returns to Uganda
Question:The Qualifiers for both AFCON and World Cup 2022 will be played this year and spread into the new year 2021. This seems to be a demanding time for you and the Federation. Do you have any idea about the kind of players to use for these Qualifiers?
McKinstry: The Uganda Cranes players are hungry to get back to AFCON and play at the FIFA World Cup. We are all hungry for football to resume. Selection will purely be down to it will be down to player performance. There is a wide pool of players to think about and select; these are players in the domestic league, in the diaspora league, and those of Ugandan heritage playing elsewhere. If u want to put on the treasured Uganda Cranes shirt, you have to be on top of your game. There is need for continuous assessment of the players, monitoring all and they must maintain that high performance. The wider the pool of players, the more competition it brings to the team, the more competition, the better the 11 we shall have to produce. Uganda is a football-loving country. Fine, the supporters have been frustrated with no football action but let us turn this frustration into positive energy. Remember the fans are part of this beautiful journey.
Since 8th June 2010, Airtel Uganda Limited officially launched their services in Uganda and has since established themselves as the country’s leading telecommunications company.
Airtel Uganda is the main sponsor of the Uganda Cranes but have also joined hands to support the FUFA Awards, FUFA Juniors League, Airtel Rising Stars U-17 boys and girls competition, Masaza football tournament as well as the Kabaka’s Birthday run.
The FUFA President, also a CAF Executive Committee Member Eng. Moses Magogo has heaped praise on Airtel Uganda and their strong bond, association with Ugandan football and sport in general.
Ten Years of Airtel in Uganda. Having started with 2.5 million subscribers, it is 10 million subscribers today.
As football, as a fraternity of the most beautiful game, we are very proud of our association with Airtel, the biggest supporter of Ugandan football and Ugandan sports.
Uganda Cranes qualified for AFCON after 38 years
We already have our association with the Uganda Cranes, the U-17 League, the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS), The FUFA Awards, The Masaza Cup and together with the Kabaka Birthday Run.
Launch of the 2018 Airtel Rising Stars
Katuuso Community girls pose with the Airtel Uganda and FUFA officials at Lugogo during the launch of 2018 ARS U-17 programme
As Sport, we are very proud of this association that Airtel has committed and lived up to its commitment to change the tide of sport in this country.
It is not by coincidence that after 37 years of failing to qualify for the Total Africa Cup of Nations, it is until our association with Airtel that this happened.
Airtel Uganda Brand and Strategy manager Noela Byuma hands over the dummy cheque to FUFA officials as sponsorship for the FUFA Juniors League
KCCA FC Head Coach Mike Mutebi receiving his best Male coach of the Years award from Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi during the 2018 Airtel FUFA Awards
L-R, FUFA CEO Watson, FUFA VP1 J. Mugisha, FUFA President Magogo, Katikiro of Buganda Owek Charles Peter Mayiga, Buganda Sports Minister Owek Sekabembe ,Masaza Cup Chairman Sejjengo and BFPC Sam Mpiima
Airtel Kabaka Birthday run
Airtel has supported the Kabaka Birthday for over 7 years
We are proud and call upon all Ugandans, the followers of the most beautiful game, the lovers of sport in this country to associate with Airtel, buy all their products, support all their endeavors, we can only get better.
As the entire world is aggressively battling the effects of COVID-19, sports on general has been adversely affected. There has been no football action for over three months in most countries of the world, including Uganda. This situation has forced players to train at the confines of their respective home steads, coaches are offering tips and monitoring the players online whilst the administrators have used this period to lay strategies before football resumes.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan Mckinstry, in a special interview with www.fufa.co.ug shares how the pandemic has affected him, the behind the scenes planning process and how he closely monitors the players.
QUESTION:This seems to be an awkward period in your coaching career. The world is on its knees due to Covid-19. Has this ever happened to you before?
MCKINSTRY: This is a new situation for the entire world. I do not think anyone has experienced this situation in the entire world. I faced a similar situation in 2014 unfortunately in Sirrea Leone during the Ebola pandemic. It posed very unique challenges and some of which are quite similar. We have not figured out the best way forward. The current epidemic is something new to everybody in the entire world.
Uganda Cranes coach Johnathan McKinstry demonstrates some of the dills that can be executed in minimal spaces
QUESTION:CAF and FIFA are yet to communicate on the latest developments in regard to the international fixtures. How are you anxiously waiting for this communication?
MCKINSTRY: Obviously, everyone is waiting for guidance from FIFA and CAF in terms of how we are going to proceed. We have international windows in September, October and November and hopefully the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January 2021. I know there are lots of discussions going on if we shall go on or postponed. At the moment, if we can start to play in September. We have four games in that window. But nobody knows how this pandemic is going to unfold. Progress is being monitored not only here in Uganda but across the African continent because If one of our opponents is still struggling with the pandemic, then we can not play. We patiently waiting. The other thing most of the people are not aware about is that in football, when you are making plans, you plan backwards from the moment you are due to play. So, if you do not know when you are going to play, it makes the planning process difficult. That also puts us in a difficult situation Everybody is in the same scenario.
Defender Timothy Awany is back into active football in the Israel National football league
QUESTION: When you broke off the CHAN Cranes camp, you shared some fitness videos for the players. Are they still using the same programme?
MCKINSTRY: We are actively working in the background. We are in constant communication with the players and discussions with them everyday. We have an online learning platform for all our players where every week we are engaging not just our foreign based players but also the home based players. Aware that some players have robust training programmes by their respective clubs, we are acting as a supplementary for them and many of them have sent pictures to show the amount of space they have as we advise according on what kind of drills they can do.
McKinstry gives defender Geofrey Wasswa instructions during the CHAN tournament preparations
QUESTION:How often are you in touch with the foreign based players during this Covid-19 era even when their football seasons have been off?
MCKINSTRY: Like said, before, we have an online platform for all the players. are actively working in the Socially, It can be a case of phone calls and whats app. Also, we are getting into the situation when football is returning. For example, Luwagga Kizito (Hapoel Kfar Saba) and Timothy Denis Awany (F.C. Ashdod) played in Isreal last weekend as well as Robert Kakeeto (AaB) who played the full 90 minutes in the Danish top flight division. We are starting to have our players get back to the field of play. In the coming weeks, we are getting more and more players coming into action. The Swedish league is coming back soon, the South African league.
William Luwagga Kizito dribbles the ball. He is back from injury and played 65 minutes last Saturday
QUESTION:When you named the Cranes Squad for AFCON 2021 Qualifiers against South Sudan, there were some players who were recovering from injuries and missed out on the call ups. What’s the latest on these players?
MCKINSTRY:All these players are doing well. With the forced break in football, nobody welcomed it. But it has been a period for most players to fully recover from their ailments.In March for instance Faruku Miya was injured but he is now doing well and will be ready to play when the Turkish league resumes. Kizito Luwaga in Isreal is back and played 65 minutes last Saturday for his club Hapoel Kfar Saba. The biggest challenge is now match fitness. When you have not played for so long, it is tiring and physically demanding. That is where they need to improve but it is the same situation for all footballers everywhere in the world.
Faruku Miya and youngster Allan Okello share a light moment before a warm up session at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
The President of the World’s football federation, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino has sent a message of condolence to FUFA, the family of the late Jimmy Kirunda and the entire Ugandan football fraternity.
In a message delivered through the FUFA President, Infantino expresses his sympathy to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), and to Jimmy’s family, friends and loved ones.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo hands an award to the late Jimmy Kirunda
The detailed message (In verbatim):
I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player and coach, Jimmy Kirunda.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss affecting Uganda football.
During his playing career, Jimmy captained Uganda’s national team during ten years, and participated in three CAF Africa Cups of Nations in 1974, 1976 and in 1978, where the Cranes reached the final, their best performance until today. During his time with the national team, he also won five CECAFA Cups.
At club level, he will be remembered for his career at Express FC and KCC FC, where he notably won three league titles and two Uganda cups, SC Villa, where he added one league title and one Uganda Cup to his trophy room, as well as Abu Dhabi Sports Club in the UAE.
After his retirement, he managed different clubs in Uganda, as well as the national team between 1989 and 1996, winning three CECAFA Cup titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992.
Uganda football legend, longest serving national team captain, considered as one of the greatest African players of his generation, defender with style, class and elegance, but also top scorer of the national league, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his leadership and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.
On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Federation of Uganda Football Associations, and to Jimmy’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.
We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.
The Football family in Uganda and the world at large is still in shock following the sudden passing on of former Uganda Cranes captain and Manager Jimmy Kirunda.
Kirunda was pronounced dead on Monday, 25th May 2020 moments after collapsing at Bwaise in Kampala.
Jimmy Kirunda (2nd L) in the Uganda Cranes team. The legend passed on Monday
‘The demise of Jimmy Kirunda will leave a huge gap in our game. He made his contribution on the pitch as a player, Manager, administrator and advisor. On the eve of the Uganda Cranes vs Comoros match in 2016, Kirunda and other legends of the 1978 AFCON Squad talked to the Cranes team on how they were on the verge to to take Uganda back to the Continent. He will remain a legend of the game who contributed tirelessly with a good return of results on and off the pitch’ FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo
According to the family, the burial of the body remains will take place on Wednesday, 27th May 2020 at 2 PM at his ancestral home in Mayire, Bulesa – Kyadondo.
Jimmy Kirunda (holding microphone) with a message of hope during a FUFA organized luncheon for the diligent ex-internationals Abbey Nasur and Paul Ssali ahead of Uganda vs Comoros AFCON match in 2016. The words of encouragement delivered by the legends played a part in helping Captain Denis Onyango and his teammates to beat Comoros 1-0 to qualify for AFCON after 39 years of waiting.
‘I was shocked because I spoke to him three hours before he was pronounced dead. He sounded very normal. When the news about the death broke, as FUFA and members of the football family, we ran very fast and establish the fact. We joined the family at Mulago. There is no best word that will describe Jimmy Kirunda than legend. He was a mentor to many, a real legend, a counselor and advisor. He served as personal assistant to former FUFA President Dr Lawrence Mulindwa to the early years of Eng. Moses Magogo. Football has lost a real football legend” FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson.
Former Uganda Cranes captain Geofrey Massa and midfielder Khalid Aucho join the legends before that much awaited AFCON qualifier against Comoros
Kirunda has often frequented local and international matches for clubs and the Uganda Cranes, often advising youngsters on what should be done and how.
Jimmy Kirunda (left) conducts one of the numerous pre-match customs as a Uganda Cranes captain
About Jimmy Kirunda:
Jimmy Kirunda was born in 950 to late Henry Kirunda and Constance Nawalu at Mulago, a famous footballing hub in Uganda.
He held his elementary education at Mengo Primary School, Naggalama and later Old Kampala SSS.
Kirunda joined Mulago FC in 1965, before moving to Express, KCC and Sports Club Villa.
He played professional football at Abu Dhabi sports club in 1979, a year after skippering the Uganda Cranes to the AFCON final in Ghana.
Three league titles with KCC FC and one with S.C Villa in 1982 where they went the entire season unbeaten are just a few of many accolades the former Cranes team manager amassed in his career.
He captained Uganda for ten years and played in three Africa Cup of Nations (1974, 1976 & 1978)
He won the CECAFA Cup with Uganda (1969, 1970, 1973, 1976 & 1977)
As Cranes Team Manager, he won three CECAFA Cup titles (1989, 1990 & 1992)
He won three league titles with KCC (1976, 1977 and 1981) and two Uganda Cups (1980 & 1984)
He also won a league title with Villa (1982) and one Uganda Cup (1983)
His brothers William Kityo and Dick Bintanula played for KCC and Mulago respectively.
He top-scored the league in 1978 with 32 goals
He coached three clubs (Bell, Buikwe & Cooperative)
He returned to football in 1987 and featured for his Ngeye clan team
Worked at FUFA Secretariat in the office of former FUFA President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa and current FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo on football matters before retiring in 2015.
Jimmy Kirunda conducted the draws of the 1st edition of the FUFA Drum at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
When two legends were invited to conduct the FUFA Drum Draws: Uganda Cranes skipper Denis Onyango displays a draw as 1978 Cranes Captain Jimmy Kirunda (L) and FUFA Competitions Director Hajati Aisha Nalule follow the event at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The legacy of former Uganda Cranes captain Majid ‘Magic’ Musisi as a professional footballer is well cast out in bold for country and all the clubs he played for.
Right from the parent club Mulago, Pepsi to Sports Club Villa through to France at Stade Rennes, Bursaspor, Dardenelspor (Turkey), Da Nang (Vietnam) and finally back in Uganda at Ggaba United, Musisi was an icon.
Magid Musisi
Magid Musisi in action for Uganda Cranes against Rwanda Amavubi Stars at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium in 1998
At Bursaspor, his first club in Turkey, Musisi’s iconic crocodile celebration lives on to-date.
Every time he found the back of the net, Musisi would crawl on his knees with the hands on the ground, followed by delighted teammates in momentous scenes that lifted the entire stadium and those following on Television.
Today, the Timsah Arena, the home of Bursaspor Football Club in Turkey was built in a design of the Club’s nickname ‘Green Crocodiles’.
Aerial view of the Timsah Arena ina crocodile design, the home of Bursaspor Football Club
The club made sure this iconic celebration was captured with a huge photo designed inside the stadium.
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo paid a courtesy visit to this gigantic stadium for a guided tour.
Majid Musisi’s iconic celebration was captured during the designing of the new stadium. FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo points to the wall.
Eng. Moses Magogo during a guided tour around the Timsah Arena, the home of Bursaspor Football Club
The famous Crocodile celebration lives on to-date in Turkey
Eng. Moses Magogo outside the Timsah Arena making a phone call
Musisi remains a big inspiration to many Ugandan footballers and sportsmen at large who have the hope of exceling on the global platform.
Individual brilliance aside, Musisi was also a team player who skippered Sports Club Villa and the Uganda Cranes without fear or favour.
Musisi with Bursaspor teammates
During the 2019 Airtel-FUFA Awards at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Magid Musisi was honoured with the Life time Achievement Award, a special honour given out by the FUFA President.
He died on 13th December 2005, aged 38 years old.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
MAGID MUSISI FACTFILE:
Parents: Mr. Siraje Katende & Miss Deborah Namutebi
Date of Birth: 15th September 1967
Place of Birth: Mulago, Kampala
Education: New Mulago Primary School, Bashir High School in Wandegeya
Football Club Career: Mulago, Pepsi, Sports Club Villa, Stade Rennes (France), Bursaspor, Dardenelspor (Turkey), Da Nang (Vietnam) and Ggaba United
Won 2 CECAFA titles with the Cranes 1989 and 1990. Won 6 league titles, 3 Uganda Cups and 1 Cecafa title with Sports Club Villa
Won the league golden boot four times 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1992
Won the CECAFA golden boot twice 1987 and 1990. Won 2 CECAFA titles with the Cranes 1989 and 1990
Scored hat tricks for the Ugandan Cranes on three occasions 1987 versus Zambia, 1991 against Tanzania and 1998 against Rwanda
Twice Voted Footballer of the Year 1987 and 1990
First Ugandan to play professional football in Europe
Police FC defender Henry Katongole has been added to the Uganda Cranes provisional squad preparing for CHAN Cameroon 2020.
The lanky central defender joined the rest of the players on Monday evening at the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi and was part of the Tuesday morning session at GEMS Cambridge International School in Butabika.
According to the Coach Johnathan McKinstry, Katongole has been on the list of players who they monitored during the StarTimes Uganda Premier League Games.
Group Photo for all the players in training on Tuesday
‘Despite our communication prior to the camp to all the clubs, the information we got on certain players wasn’t clear as we would have liked it. We are still assessing some players like John Revita who has a problem with his knee and for precaution measures we bring in a Center back and who was one of the players in our discussion when we were selecting the initial training squad and deserved to come in. We have not ruled out Revita because we are still monitoring his progress. We are confident that Henry will compete that he will compete for a place in CHAN’ Said McKinstry.
Henry Katongole
The players go through the paces
KCCA FC, Proline FC and Kyetume FC players were released to join their teams because their teams had Uganda Premier League engagements and were not part of the day two training session.
According to the coach Johnathan McKinstry there was an agreement between the Uganda Cranes Technical team and the Uganda Premier League Secretariat to release players whenever their clubs were engaged.
Pre- CHAN Tri Nations Tournament (17th -21st March) Uganda, Zambia and Mali at Namboole stadium.
Dates:
17th March Uganda vs Zambia
19th March 2020 Mali vs Zambia
21st March 2020 Uganda vs Mali
After the Uganda Cranes Coach Johnathan McKinstry summoned his CHAN Squad last week, there was little time to waste as the players reported to camp on Sunday evening at the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
Real business got underway on Monday morning with the training at GEMS Cambridge International School in Butabika when thirty one (31) of the thirty-four summoned players attended the first training session.
Under the watchful eye of Johnathan McKinstry the head coach with his assistants Abdallah Mubiru, Livingstone Mbabazi, Fred Kajoba the goalkeeping coach and Alex McCathy the Physical fitness trainer, the players had some fitness drills before doing ball work for the day’s program.
Geofrey Wasswa tackles Paul Mucureezi on day one of the training session at GEM Cambridge play ground
McKinstry couldn’t hide his excitement after the players positive response and below is what he said after training.
‘It’s been a good first day, we got all the players in last night for their medical checkings, so the body mass, body fat, all of those sorts of things. So, everyone registered last night, we had a team meeting to outline our expectations for the coming weeks so everyone was clear on what we are looking for. And yet today it’s been a good first day, you got to remember we’ve got sort of 4-5 weeks until the tournament kicks off and now it’s a step by step process obviously some of these boys were part of our group during the CECAFA tournament so they are a little bit ahead in terms of our playing model. The team has got four players in the group who haven’t worked with me as a coach before so they have to sort of learn somethings in terms of how just we want to play as a team, but I think today was a good start for them and the boys who have been with us before helped raise the intensity levels today so for our day one. The intensity was there you can see all the boys are pleased to be here.We looked at a few different options, we could have had the training camp in Kampala but we want our training base to be as similar as possible to what we will experience in Cameroon. Now we can’t get everything exactly the same but look the field here is a good quality grass field and it’s only going to get better. We’ve got the flood lights here which is great at the Cambridge international school because it means as you may be aware our three group games in Cameroon will all kickoff at 8 O’clock in the evening so they will be played under the lights.We have the facility here to train under the lights on occasions which we will do.We think here we’ve found a good home for the next month and am also certain that we are looking forward to a good month here but we hope it’s a relationship that can continue for the months and years ahead for the Cranes‘
McKinstry talks to the players before start of the training session
Goalkeeping Coach Fred Kajoba with goalkeepers R-L Saidi Keni, Godwin Kiwanuka, Alionz Nafian and Joel Mutakubwa during training at GEMS Cambridge International School in Butabika
