Category: Cranes History

Uganda Cranes Regional Tour:

• Saturday, 9^th November 2019
• North East Vs Uganda Cranes at Katakwi Ground

*Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & All Official FUFA Social Media Platforms

The Uganda Cranes delegation for the North East region tour in Katakwi has set off from FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala on Friday morning.

The team had a successful session on Thursday at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo, where they were also joined by a couple of foreign based players but have not travelled for the trip and wil instead train at Lugogo.

The tour is in line with the preparations for the upcoming Uganda Cranes participation in the AFCON 2021 qualifiers (away to Burkina Faso on 13th November 2019 and at home against Malawi on 17th November 2019).

Also, the tours are intended towards taking the Uganda Cranes brand to the masses.

McKinstry has already lauded the regional tours project, saluting the Federation for the initiative as an element of preparing the players especially those who play in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for the national team duties.

‘This is a unique project (Regional Tours) and I have not seen it anywhere in Africa. We are set for the North East region when we play in Katakwi on Saturday. The local based players had a successful training session joined by some of the foreign based players at Lugogo on Thursday. These are early preparations for the two AFCON 2021 qualifiers away to Burkina Faso and at home against Malawi’ Johnthan McKinstry attested.

The tour is jointly sponsored by the Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel and Nile Breweries under the brand Nile Special, as organized by FUFA and Kibo Media.

Full Delegation:

Players:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), James Alitho (URA FC)

Forward Players: Paul Willa (Vipers SC),  Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), John Revita (KCCA FC),  Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Nicolas Kasozi (KCCA FC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Joachim Ojera (URA FC),  Allan Kayiwa (Vipers SC), Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Fahad Bayo (Vipers  SC) Ashraf Mandela (URA FC)

Officials:

Head coach: Johnathan McKinstry

1st Assistant coach: Abdallah Mubiru

Goalkeepers’ coach: Fred Kajoba

Doctor: Emmanuel Nakabago

Equipment Manager: Frank Bumpenje

Team Coordinator: Geofrey Massa

FUFA Marketing Director: Esther Musoke

Media Officer: Omaria Bosco

TOTAL Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021:

Burkina Faso Vs Uganda Cranes – 13^th November 2019 – Ouagadougou (10 PM)

• Uganda Cranes will travel with a chartered flight aboard Uganda Airlines Bombardier departing Entebbe International Airport on 12^th November 2019 and will return on 14^th November 2019 after the game.
• 30 Air-tickets have been reserved for the fans at $1500 each
• Uganda Cranes Vs Malawi Flames – 17^th November 2019 (Mandela National Stadium, Namboole – 4 PM)

*Entry charges: 20,000/= (Ordinary), 50,000/= (VIP) & 120,000 (VVIP)

*Early bird tickets will cost 15,000/- & School going children organised in groups will each pay 10,000/=

FUFA has confirmed that there will be a  chartered flight aboard Uganda Airlines to Burkina Faso as Uganda Cranes kick off the Total 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

This was confirmed during the press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo- Kampala on Wednesday, 23^rd October 2019 during the launch of the campaign, code named ‘366 Back to Namboole with Cranes’ for the match between Uganda Cranes and  Malawi on 17th November 2019.

FUFA Deputy CEO in charge of Football, Decolas Kiiza made the communication during the press conference that was also graced by the Ag. FUFA President Justus Mugisha, Uganda Cranes Head coach Jonathan McKinstry, FUFA Vice President Darius Mugoye and Chris Kalibala -FUFA Football Development Committee Chairman.

‘To ease the means of transport, FUFA has chartered a  flight for Uganda Cranes aboard Uganda Airlines Bombardier departing Entebbe International Airport on 12^th November 2019 and return on 14^th November 2019 after the game. 30  slots have been reserved for the fans with each costing $ 1500′  announced Decolas Kiiza, FUFA Deputy CEO in charge of Football

After Uganda Cranes’ away game on 13th November 2019 in Ouagadougou at 10:00 PM, there will be another AFCON Qualifier match against Malawi on 17th November 2019 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The match campaign code named ‘366 Back to Namboole with Cranes’ has been derived from the date when Uganda Cranes last played against Cape Verde on 17th November 2018 when Patrick Henry Kaddu scored to confirm Uganda’s berth at AFCON 2019 in Egypt.

Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry welcomed the idea of the chartered flight that will help the team travel away in West Africa and return in time for the home match against Malawi.

McKinstry will name the  Uganda Cranes Squad for the two matches next Wednesday, 30th October 2019.

TOTAL Chan 2020 Qualifiers: Uganda Cranes 3-0 Burundi

*Uganda Cranes qualifies 6-0 on aggregate

Uganda Cranes qualified for the 2020 TOTAL Championship of African Nations (Chan) finals after humbling Burundi 3-0 in the return leg against Burundi played at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo on Saturday.

Fahad Bayo, substitute Viane Ssekajugo and Allan Okello netted the goals that inspired Uganda Cranes to qualify 6-0 on aggregate.

Ssekajugo got the second in the 71st-minute moments after replacing Mike Mutyaba.

The last nail in the coffin of Burundi was sealed by Allan Okello.

This is the fifth consecutive time that Uganda Cranes will play at the Chan finals following earlier successes in 2011 (Sudan), South Africa (2013), Rwanda (2016) and lately Morocco (2018).

Uganda Cranes XI:

Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustapha Kizza, Halid Lwaliwa (Captain), John Revita, Yusuf Ssozi, Nicholas Kasozi, Allan Okello, Fahad Bayo (78’ Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma), Mike Mutyaba (65’ Viane Ssekajugo), Shafiq Kagimu (55’ Bright Anukani)

Substitutes Not Used:

James Alitho (G.K), Musitafa Mujuzi,, Allan Kayiwa, Saidi Kyeyune

Burundi XI

Onesime Rukundo (G.K), Cedric Mavugo (52’ Benjamin Gasongo), Iddy Muselemu, Youssouf Ndayishimiye (75’ Masudi Narcisse), Landry Ndikumana (69’ Olivier Bayizere), Abdoul Amini, Emmanuel Harerimana, Eric Ndizeye, Asman Ndimana, Abed Bigirmana, Cedric Dany Urasenga (Captain)

Substitutes Not Used:

Joseph Rugerinyange (G.K), Faustin Ndikumana, Blanchard Ngabonziza, Benjamin Gasongo, Raoul Vyamungu

TOTAL CHAN 2020 Qualifiers:

Saturday, 19th October 2019

Uganda Cranes Vs Burundi  – At Star Times Stadium, Lugogo ( 4PM)

Charges: 5000/= (Ordinary) and 20,000/= (VIP) and 50,000/= (VVIP) – Gates Open by 1 PM

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & All Official FUFA Social Media Platforms including FUFA TV

Uganda leads 3-0 on aggregate

Uganda Cranes starting XI to face Burundi in the return leg of the Total CHAN 2020 Qualifier has been confirmed.

Yusuf Ssozi is one of the two changes from the team that won 3-0 away during the first leg.

Ssozi replaces injured KCCA FC midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba and Mike Mutyaba takes over Viane Ssekajugo’s slot in the starting XI.

The rest of the team that played in Bujumbura is maintained.

Uganda Cranes will seal a fifth consecutive slot to the tournament if they hold onto that convincing lead from the first round.

The match will be broadcast live on FUFA TV,  102.1 FUFA f.m with timely updates on all the official FUFA Social media platforms.

The team against Burundi:

Charles Lukwago (GK), Willa Paul, Mustapha Kizza, Halid Lwaliwa (Capitain), John Revita, Yusuf Ssozi, Nicholas Kasozi, Allan Okello, Fahad Bayo, Mike Mutyaba, Shafiq Kagimu

Substitutes:

James Alitho, Vianney Sekajjugo, Musitafa Mujuzi, Daniel Serunkuma, Allan Kayiwa, Saidi Kyeyune, Bright Anukani

TOTAL Chan 2020 Qualifiers:

Saturday, 19th October 2019

Uganda Cranes Vs Burundi  – At Star Times Stadium, Lugogo ( 4PM)

Charges: 5000/= (Ordinary) and 20,000/= (VIP) and 50,000/= (VVIP) – Gates Open by 1 PM

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & All Official FUFA Social Media Plat forms

Uganda leads 3-0 on aggregate

Uganda Cranes will qualify for the fifth TOTAL Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament given a convincing result against Burundi on Saturday at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala.

Leading by a comfortable 3-0 result from the first leg, played in Bujumbura three weeks ago, the Cranes have a superior advantage and are favourites to make the final tournament that will be hosted by Cameroon in 2020.

Viane Ssekajugo, Muzamiru Mutyaba and Mustafa Kizza scored for Uganda during the first leg.

Whereas Mutyaba is out of the match day squad because of injury, the other players who traveled to Burundi are all available for selection.

Allan Kayiwa, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and youngster Abdul Karim Watambala were the additions to the team that made the away trip for the first leg.

The team started training with non residential drills on Sunday. On Wednesday, they played a test practice match with KCCA FC that ended goalless before entering residential camp at Sky Hotel, Naalya on Thursday.

The coach who has been in charge since the qualification process started, Abdallah Mubiru is optimistic.

‘The players are in shape and ready for the game on Saturday. We had a few aspects we had to address ahead of the return leg and that’s scoring problem. But we handled it and we are optimistic we shall get positive results. We have put much emphasis on transitional play on how to build an attack from our own defence. We also looked at space awareness for instance if we lost the ball how do we recover it very fast.” Mubiru noted.

Mubiru has been working closely with Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Sadiq Wassa with the newly appointed Uganda Cranes head coach Jonathan McKinstry keeping a keen eye.

The technical team is spoilt for choice with a number of players in camp all roaring to go for a killer.

Players available for selection:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA), James Alitho (URA), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume)

Defenders: Paul Willa (Police), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Arafat Galiwango (Police), John Revita (KCCA), Mustapha Kizza (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Mbowa (URA), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline)

Midfielders: Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Said Kyeyune (URA), Yusuf Ssozi (Police), David Owori (SC Villa), Allan Okello (KCCA), Shafique Kagimu (URA), Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants), Karim Watambala (Vipers), Bright Anukani (Proline), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City), Allan Kayiwa (SC Vipers)

Strikers: Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Dan Sserunkuma (Vipers), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA)

The match officials are all from Somalia for the 4 PM kick off match.

Uganda has played at four previous Chan final tournaments in Sudan (2011), South Africa (2014), Rwanda (2016) and lately Morocco (2018).

Match Officials:

Center Referee: Hassan Mohamed Hagi (Somalia)
1st Assistant Referee: Suleiman Bashir sh. Abdi (Somalia)
2nd Assistant Referee: Abdi Mohamed Nour (Somalia)
Fourth Official: Nur Muhudin Mohamed (Somalia

TOTAL Chan 2020 Qualifiers:

Saturday, 19th October 2019

Uganda Cranes Vs Burundi

At Star Times Stadium, Lugogo

The Uganda Men’s National football team, the Cranes (local based) have entered residential camp on Thursday, October 17th, as they intensify their preparations for the forthcoming second leg tie against Burundi in the 2020 Total African Nations Championship (Chan) final in Cameroon.

Right from the preliminary summoned squad of 26 players, Abdullah Mubiru has maintained all of them and entered camp at Sky Hotel in Nalya where they will stay for two days.

During their non-residential camp, the Cranes played one practice match to help coaches make tactical assessment on how players respond to match situations in relation to the training yet that game ended in a goalless draw against reigning Uganda Premier league champions, KCCA.

“We felt it wise to test these players in a match situation like this to see what their response is like.” Mubiru noted after KCCA trial game.

“Much as we won 3-0 away in Bujumbura, we must prepare ourselves pretty well by giving attention to each details from the smallest to the biggest and fighting complacency is one of them.” He added.

Tomorrow (Friday October 18th), the coach Abdullah Mubiru shall address the media at Lugogo.

The team will continue with one training session tomorrow on the 18th of this month (October) at the Star Times Stadium in Lugogo at 9 AM.

Players who have reported to Camp:

Goalkeepers:

Charles Lukwago (KCCA), James Alitho (URA), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume)

Defenders:

Paul Willa ( Vipers SC), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Arafat Galiwango (Police), John Revita (KCCA), Mustapha Kizza (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Mbowa (URA), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline)

Midfielders:

Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Said Kyeyune (URA), Yusuf Ssozi (Police), David Owori (SC Villa), Kirizestom Ntambi (Wakiso Giants), Allan Okello (KCCA), Shafique Kagimu (URA), Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants), Karim Watambala (Vipers), Bright Anukani (Proline), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City), Allan Kayiwa (SC Vipers)

Strikers:

Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Dan Sserunkuma (Vipers), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA)

TOTAL CHAN 2020 Qualifiers:

Saturday, 19th October 2019: Uganda Cranes Vs Burundi

*At Star Times Stadium, Lugogo (4 PM)

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & All official FUFA Social media plat forms

The Uganda National Football Team, Uganda Cranes of local based players has on Tuesday 15th October entered day three of non residential training in Lugogo at StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala.

The two hour session witnessed the head coach Abudallah Mubiru take the players through several paces for agility, space awareness, transitional play, passing, crossing, dribbling and creating scoring opportunities.

Allan Kayiwa and Kirizestom Ntambi, fresh from Uganda Cranes International friendly in Ethiopia against Ethiopia also joined the rest in the training.

Tuesday had a double session in the morning and afternoon and the training regime will continue through the week until match-day on 19th October.

‘We are fortunate enough that all players have reported including those who traveled with the senior team to Ethiopia friendly,Ntambi and  Kayiwa. Everyone is working hard and they’re positive towards our training’  Mubiru noted shortly after morning session.

The team is expected to enter residential training on Thursday in Naalya at Sky Hotel.

The Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA), James Alitho (URA), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume)

Defenders: Paul Willa (Police), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Arafat Galiwango (Police), John Revita (KCCA), Mustapha Kizza (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Mbowa (URA), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline)

Midfielders: Nicholas Kasozi (KCCA), Said Kyeyune (URA), Yusuf Ssozi (Police), David Owori (SC Villa), Kirizestom Ntambi (Wakiso Giants), Allan Okello (KCCA), Shafique Kagimu (URA), Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants), Karim Watambala (Vipers), Bright Anukani (Proline), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City), Allan Kayiwa (SC Vipers)

Strikers: Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Dan Sserunkuma (Vipers), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA)

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is greatly indebted to the wonderful service for Godfrey “Jajja Walu” Walusimbi that he has offered to football in general and the national team (Uganda Cranes).

Having officially announced his retirement from international football on 5th October 2019, the federation is humbled for great part he has had in football over the years in club football and the national team.

FUFA shall forever remember the fond and great memories especially when you ruled the left back role of Uganda for a decade ably controlling the world’s finest players as Muhammed Salah and the like. FUFA is proud of your services and commitment to this great Nation Uganda whenever you played and we wish you fruitful deliberations in future

Walusimbi earned 105 caps for Uganda Cranes since 2009 and had his name inked for the right reasons as part of the team that played two back to back Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Championships in 2017 and 2019 hosted by Gabon and Egypt respectively.

International Friendly Match: Ethiopia Vs Uganda Cranes

Sunday, 13^th October 2019

Bahrdar Town

Newly named Uganda Cranes head coach will handle his first official assignment away from home during an international friendly match away against Ethiopia in Bahrdar town.

All the players on the team are foreign based and will re-group in Ethiopia.

The match will be played on 13th October 2019 in Bahrdar town.

‘The squad that has been summoned  is largely reflective of the team that was selected for Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The primary reason is to allow myself to get to know the players, start building relationships with them and assess their qualities in a training environment. We have not included any of the home based players because the following week after the match in Ethiopia there will be a second CHAN qualifier at home against Burundi but will be considered for AFCON Qualifiers in November. Over the next two weeks, it will give me a good opportunity to work with around 45 – 47 of our top players -both local and foreign based’ Uganda Cranes Head coach Johnathan McKinstry disclosed to www.fufa.co.ug.

The essence of this international friendly match is to help preparations for the two AFCON 2021 qualifiers coming up in November 2019.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (Horoya AC, Guinea)

Defenders: Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu (FK Ostesunds, Sweden), Murushid Jjuuko (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Jeddah FC, Saudi Arabia), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania)

Midfielders: Michael Azira (Chicago Fire, USA), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Tadeo Lwanga (Tanta, Egypt), Khalid Aucho (El Meskir, Egypt), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids, Egypt), William Luwagga Kizito (Shakhter Karagandy, Kazakhstan), Milton Karisa (Oujda, Egypt), Moses Opondo (FC Odense, Denmark)

Strikers: Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkhane, Egypt), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Al Ittihad, Egypt)

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed the appointment of Johnathan McKinstry as the Uganda National Team A (Uganda Cranes) head coach for a period of three years, effective 1st October 2019.

The appointment was confirmed to the media on Monday, 30th September 2019 during a special press conference held at the FUFA Headquarters in Mengo, Kampala.

Acting FUFA President Justus Mugisha, CEO Edgar Watson, Executive Committee members Ronnie Kalema and Rogers Byamukama and the Communications Director Ahmed Hussein graced this special press conference.

Watson took the media through the entire procedure of recruiting the coach and wished him fruitful deliberations.

‘As you may be aware, the entire technical team for Uganda Cranes was disbanded after the TOTAL AFCON 2019 finals in Egypt and a new process to recruit new members was put in place. We appointed a panel to recruit the new head coach and this had a Government official, Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, coaches’ representative Stone Kyambadde, FUFA CEO and African football expert, Kalusha Bwalya. FUFA received a total 137 applicants between the period (27th July to 17th August 2019). The panel selected the final three man short list and the FUFA Executive Meeting that convened on 27th September 2019 confirmed Jonathan McKinstry as the coach.’ Edgar Watson, CEO of FUFA.

‘In line with FUFA’s mission of being the number one football nation in Africa on and off the field,  we thought of McKinstry. We also looked at the potential of the coach, one who could fit in the Ugandan style of play. And we needed a resident coach’ Watson on coach McKinstry.

Acting FUFA President Justus Mugisha hailed the panel of experts who helped in the selection procedure of the new coach.

‘As the FUFA Executive, it was easy for us to make a final decision on the choice of coach needed after the panel did a commendable job to sieve the 137 applications received. I therefore thank the committee set up to select the coach’ Mugisha lauded.

‘There is no doubt that the Uganda Cranes job is one of the best jobs in international football across all over Africa. I am excited to be here. The players here are the group I believe we can achieve a lot with. They are full of positive energy and burning passion. We shall work towards qualification to the FIFA World Cup’ Coach McKinstry stated as he freely interacted with the media

In the meantime, the backroom staff will constitute of all the coaches that have been on the interim technical team currently handling the national team.

Moments after McKinstry was officially unveiled and handed a branded Uganda Cranes jersey and ball, he was introduced to the members of the National Council of Sports (NCS).

TOTAL Championship of African Nations (CHAN) 2020 Qualifier:

2nd Round, 1st Leg:

• Burundi 0-3 Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes produced one of their biggest and smartest victories away from home, winning in convincing fashion 3-0 against Burundi at the Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura on Saturday.

This was during the first away leg of the Total Championship of African Nations (CHAN) 2020 second round qualifier.

Viane Sekajugo, Muzamiru Mutyaba and Mustafa Kizza netted the goals for the triumphant side on the colourful evening.

Sekajugo, a player at Wakiso Giants scored the opener in the 12th minute for the slim 1-0 lead.

Two late strikes from Mutyaba and Kizza, both KCCA players crowned the evening for the team coached by interim head coach Abdallah Mubiru.

As the match progressed, the technical team called for all the three mandatory changes.

Teenager Bright Anukani came on for Allan Okello, Yusuf Ssozi replaced Nicholas Kasozi and Shafiq Kagimu paved way for Mike Mutyaba.

The return leg will be played on 18th October 2019 at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo with the overall winner on aggregate making it to the final tournament that will be stage in Cameroon next year.

The delegation will return home on Sunday.

Uganda Cranes XI:

Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustafa Kizza, John Revita, Halid Lwaliwa (Captain), Nicholas Kasozi (Yusuf Ssozi), Muzamir Mutyaba, Allan Okello (Bright Anukani), Shafiq Kagimu (Mike Mutyaba), Fahad Bayo, Vianney Ssekajjugo

Unused Subs:

James Alitho (GK), Paul Patrick Mbowa, Mustafa Mujuzi and Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma

Interim Head Coach: Abdallah Mubiru

Assistant Coach: Abdallah Mubiru