Category: Uganda Cranes

Total AFCON 2017: Uganda Cranes starting XI vs. Ghana

Uganda Cranes team to face Ghana Black Stars has been named by the technical team.

The match starts at 7 p.m Ugandan time and will be live on 102.1 FUFA f.m as well as all the FUFA official media plat forms (website, facebook and twitter handles).

The team is focused and set to face Ghana at the Port Gentil Stadiu facility.

UGANDA CRANES XI: Dennis Onyango (GK), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje,Geofrey Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geofrey Massa

January 17, 2017
AFCON 2017: Uganda Cranes trains on Sunday at Stade Tchengue

Uganda Cranes enjoyed a second successive full training on Sunday but on a different stadium from the one used on Saturday night.

Cranes in Gabon for the Total 2017 AFCON Finals, used Stade Tchengue stadium which is opposite the main stadium for Tuesday’s game against Ghana.

Faruku Miya (M) getting close to the ball during training on Sunday morning.

All Cranes players were fully involved except for experienced Denis Iguma who was taken to hospital for an appointment with the dentist due to a problematic tooth.

Iguma later took part in the mandatory CAF briefing for the Uganda Cranes 35 contingent on media, marketing, security and refereeing ahead of Tuesday’s game.

L-R Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara, Godfrey Walusimbi and Geoffrey Sserunkuma in training

The official photo shoot in the same jersey (red shirts, black shorts) to be used in Cranes opening match for the players was also conducted at the Hotel Du Parc where the team is accommodated.

Shortly after the training Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic was optimistic of Uganda Cranes chances.

Uganda Cranes players stretching as part of the training session on Sunday

‘We are here on merit. We have a huge following and suport from our people back home in Uganda. Let’s wait and see what happens on Tuesday but we are edging closer to a very historic day after 39 years without taking part in the AFCON finals’ said Micho.

Time for refreshments after training

Uganda Cranes skipper Geoffrey Massa said his teammates are more than ready.

‘The two training sessions have opened our eyes and we keep learning each passing day. We are here on a mission. Games between Uganda and Ghana are always closely contested’ said Massa.

Uganda Cranes will conduct the final training session on Monday morning at 11 O’clock at Stade Sogara-not main stadium for Tuesday’s game.

The local organizing Committee has already communicated to all Group D teams-Uganda, Ghana, Egypt and Mali that the main stadium will not be used as per usual rules and regulations.

However schedules have been released for all teams to conduct familiarization tours of the Main stadium for Uganda Cranes it will be at 6.15pm Local time in Gabon).

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes and Tusker FC defender Shafik Batambuze with the ball during Sunday’s training session at the Stade Tchengue in Port Gentil. Nicholas Wadada and Kizito Luwagga featuring on the same team during training were closing in one Batambuze. Tony Mawejje in pink top is monitoring the situation.

January 15, 2017
Total 2017 AFCON: Uganda Cranes contingent arrives in Gabon, players looking forward continental action

The Ugandan contingent has safely arrived on Saturday afternoon in Gabon ahead of their opening fixture against Ghana on Tuesday in Port Gentil.

FUFA advance team of 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye and Depurty CEO Humphrey Mandu were at Port Gentil Airport with Local organising Committee team to receive the team.

A 35 man contingent has been accommodated at Hotel Du Parc located along the shores of Atlantic Ocean.

The contingent including a group of fans and media all boarded a dometsic flight from Libreville to Port Gentil.

The journey started with a retrun from Dubai, a stop over where they spent the night in Ethioipa before flying out direct to Libreville on Saturday morning.

A local dance troupe as part of the warm reception to the guests also entertained the Contingent as they arrived at the team hotel.

Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic will hold his team’s first training session at Stade Sogara, 7pm (local time in Gabon) 9 pm EAST. It is a five minute drive from Hotel Du Parc while reaching the main stadium takes about 25 minutes.

Players speak out on arrival in Gabon

Team captain Geoffrey Massa

‘We know why we are here. We are on the same table with big boys of African football and we know they are planning for us but we are ready for the battle come next week’

Dennis Onyango-Uganda Cranes goalkeeper/ Glo CAF player of the year based in Africa

‘We are set for the training sessions before playing our first match. All players are raring to go. We are praying day by day for the best results’ said the 1st assistant captain of the Cranes

Tony Mawejje- 2nd Assistant captain of Uganda Cranes

‘We dreamt about this opportunity. We are not here to participate but play competitive football’

Mike Azira-Colorado Rapids star player, playing in midfield for Cranes

‘The boys have already created competition in the team. We are happy to be here. we shall offer our best to the country to make our fans happy’

Faruku Miya-scorer of the goal when Uganda Cranes beat Comoros 1-0mto qualify for the AFCON 2017 finals

‘We worked as a team. That goal wasn’t about me alone but the entire team that put in alot to deliver and make every Ugandan happy. We shall not change from our basics of team work’

LOD: FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo

Hamid Juma-Chairman Technical Committee

Rogers Byamukama-LOD with team in UAE

Head coach: Sredojevic Milutin

Assistant Coach: Basena Moses

Goal keeper coach: Kajoba Fred

Team Physician: Dr. Kisolo Ronald

Team Physiotherapist: Ssewanyana Ivan

Communictions: Ahmed Hussein

Kits man: Lugolobi Saidi

Goalkeepers: Salim Jamal (Al Merrikh, Sudan), Robert Odongkara (Saint George, Ethiopia), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

Defenders: Timothy Dennis Awany (KCCA, Uganda), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA), Shafiq Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya), Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Isaac Isinde (Unattached), Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), Nicholas Wadada (Vipers, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa), Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA), Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quang Ninh, Vietnam), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal), Tony Mawejje (Thotur, Iceland), Hassan Wasswa (Nijmeh, Lebanon), Moses Oloya (Hanoi T and T, Vietnam), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

Strikers: Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa), Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda)

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January 14, 2017
PROJECT CAMEROON 2019: Uganda’s opponents revealed for AFCON qualifiers

As Uganda Cranes continue to prepare for the AFCON 2017 championship in Gabon, the long awaited Project Cameroon 2019 has kicked off with the draws for the next tournament edition.

The Cranes have been pooled in group L alongside Cape Verde, Tanzania and Lesotho.

Groups:

Group A: Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Sao Tome or Madagascar

Group B: Cameroon, Morocco, Malawi, Comoros or Mauritius

Group C: Mali, Gabon, Burundi, Djibouti or South Sudan

Group D: Algeria, Togo, Benin, Gambia

Group E: Nigeria, South Africa, Seychelles

Group F: Ghana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya

Group G: DR Congo, Congo, Zimbabwe, Liberia

Group H: Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Central Africa Republic, Rwanda

Group I: Burkina Faso, Angola, Botswana, Mauritania

Group J: Tunisia, Egypt, Niger, Swaziland

Group K: Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea Buissau, Nambia

Group L: Cape Verde, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho

How the draws were conducted (Full Procedure):

Preliminary Round: A team was drawn from Pot 5 to play against a team that will be drawn from the same pot. This procedure will be repeated for the 4 remaining teams of Pot 5.

The winners of the 3 matches will qualify to the Groups Stage and will automatically go the positions A4, B4 & C4. Groups Stage: There will be 12 Groups of 4 teams (Group A to Group L).

A team will be drawn from Pot 4 and will go to position D4.

The procedure was repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 4 who will go to positions E4, F4, G4, H4, I4, J4, K4 & L4 according to the draw order.  A team will be drawn from Pot 3 and will go to position A3. This procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 3 using the same positioning rationale applied above.

A team was drawn from Pot 2 and will go to position A2. This procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 2 using the same positioning rationale applied above.

A team was drawn from Pot 1 and will go to position A1. This procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 1 using the same positioning rationale applied above. Unlike the qualifiers of the 31st edition of Total Africa Cup of Nations, all matches of the host team will lead us to the 3 following scenarios: – If the host team is the winner of the group, the runner-up will automatically qualify to the final tournament. No other team will be eligible to qualify from this group.

– If the host team is the runner-up of the group, only the winner of the group will qualify to the final tournament.

Pot 1: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cap Verde, RD Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia & Zambia are the seeded teams of level I.

Pot 2: Angola, Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Togo & Uganda are the seeded teams of level II.

Pot 3: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Malawi, Niger, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania & Zimbabwe are the seeded teams of level III.

Pot 4: Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritania, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles & Swaziland, are the seeded teams of level IV.

Pot 5: Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sao Tome E Principe & South Sudan are the seeded teams of level V.

SOURCE: www.cafonline.com

January 12, 2017
Pictorial: Uganda Cranes vs. Ivory Coast | International friendly match

Uganda Cranes 0-3 Ivory Coast

Glo CAF team of the year, 2016 Uganda Cranes lost 3-0 to the reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast at the New York University Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Team captain, Geofrey Massa leads the team

Uganda Cranes staged an outstanding first half performance before Jonathan Kodji, Wilfried Zaha and Serge Aurier scored three second half goals for the West African opponents.

Earlier, the Uganda Cranes had lost 2-0 to Tunisia in Tunis before recovering to overcome Slovakia 3-1 at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Standard Liege midfielder Faruku Miya

Ivory Coast XI versus Uganda

Uganda Cranes fans in the stands cheered the team from start to finish

Team captains with the match referee prior to kick off

Uganda Cranes substitutes during the game against Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast substitutes in the match against Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes physio Ivan Ssewanyana

Coach Micho before the match

FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo with the other officials

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo chats with an Executive Committee member, Rogers Byamukama

Moses Oloya, Faruku Miya and team skipper Geofrey Massa got the goals for Uganda against Slovakia.

The team will now head to Gabon with some international match experience.

Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awany, Tonny Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Kizito, William Luwagga Kizito, Michael Azira, Geofrey Massa

January 12, 2017
Uganda Cranes end the Abu Dhabi training camp, set for Total AFCON 2017 tourney

Uganda Cranes 0-3 Ivory Coast

Uganda Cranes had ended their training camps in Tunisia and Abu Dhabi with a promising performance against the current African Champions, Ivory Coast.

Despite falling 3-0 on the day, there are lots of positive attained from the Ivory Coast game , the other warm up games and the training camps as well.

Against Ivory Coast, Uganda Cranes staged an outstanding first half performance before Jonathan Kodji, Wilfried Zaha and Serge Aurier scored three second half goals for the West African opponents.

Earlier, the Uganda Cranes had lost 2-0 to Tunisia in Tunis before recovering to overcome Slovakia 3-1 at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Moses Oloya, Faruku Miya and team skipper Geofrey Massa got the goals for Uganda against Slovakia.

The team will now head to Gabon with some international match experience.

Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awany, Tonny Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Faruku Miya, Geofrey Kizito, William Luwagga Kizito, Michael Azira, Geofrey Massa

January 11, 2017
Uganda Cranes hold successful training session at Al Wasl Stadium on Tuesday

International Friendly Match:

Match: Ivory Coast Vs Uganda

Venue: At New York University Stadium Abu Dhabi

Time: 17hr

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the Football Radio

Uganda Cranes is ready for Wednesday’s International Friendly Match (Wednesday, 11th January 2017) against Ivory Coast after holding a successful training at Al Wasl Stadium on Tuesday evening.

During the training, coach Micho’s drills were centered most on pitch orientation and weather acclimatization and indeed everything worked on well.

Players responded very well to the drills as there was no injury concern and they all looked lively throughout the one and half hour session.

The session was also watched by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, FUFA Executive committee member Dr. Patrick Ogwel, National teams’ officer Patrick Ntege and the team manager, Chrispus Muyinda.

Uganda Cranes play their final international friendly match against Cote D’ I voire on Wednesday evening.

January 11, 2017
CAF ‘B’ License coaching course officially opened

Confederation of African Football Level (CAF) ‘B’ License coaching programme has officially been opened on Tuesday 10^th January by FUFA 2^nd Vice President Darius Mugoye at FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.

The course is organized by FUFA under the auspices of continental football governing body CAF and Livingstone Kyambadde, Mujib Kasule, Jackson Nyima and Asuman Lubowa are among the resource personnel taking participants through various course modules.

Jackson Nyiima, the FUFA Education Officer

FUFA Education boss Nyima Jackson disclosed that 50 persons registered for the two –week course, which will end on 22 January.

“In all, 50 coaches are taking part in the 2 week long course conducted by CAF local Instructors, myself then Asuman Lubowa, Mujib Kasule, and Livingstone Kyambadde.” Nyima said

Asuman Lubowa who is the gentleman behind all technical related issues said the course is examinable with practical, Oral and Theory

FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa said “Oral and practical examinations will be conducted too by an International CAF Instructor who will be coming here soon. The course will run for the next two weeks”

He also added “This time round participants will answer their exams online. We are the pioneering country in this and we are proud I urge you coaches to embrace it.”

FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson also used the platform to warn coaches over contract wrangles with their teams.

“Contractual problems between clubs and you coaches is becoming a serous cancer. This is because you don’t want to involve the federation while signing them but when you get problems with clubs you rush to us.” Watson cautioned coaches.

Some of the coaches

Edgar Watson also warned coaches about pre-determining match results.

There is a vice of match manipulation or match fixing hitting the game in the country but FUFA and FIFA we are coming out strongly on this I don’t want you to be culprits.

FUFA is planning to hold a sensitizing workshop about this.

Chief guest Darius Mugoye expressed his gratitude towards CAF for providing the opportunity to organise the course and asked coaches to embrace technology as well.

He said “We should embrace technology if we are to move with this fast growing world. With effect from this class, coaches will be doing their exams online and that is the way to go if we are to compete with those developed countries.”

He also took time to commend Uganda national football team “The Cranes” and goal keeper Dennis Onyango for lifting our country flag high in the just recently concluded Caf Glo Award.

“Let us give a round of applause to Uganda Cranes and Dennis Onyango for winning the CAF Glo awards that were held in Nigeria last week.

“This shows to you that we are doing some tremendous work and its not by mistake that all these are happening, No, we have worked for it and you coaches have played a great role either directly or indirectly”

January 10, 2017
Total 2017 AFCON Update: Uganda Parliamentarians honour Cranes, Onyango

The Parliament of the Republic of Uganda has today held a special session to congratulate and honour the Uganda Cranes for doing the nation proud by winning a prestigious continental award at the Glo CAF awards held in Abuja Nigeria last week.

The motion for a resolution of parliament to congratulate the Uganda Cranes and shot stopper Denis Onyango for being voted the African national team of the year 2016 and the African player of the year based in Africa respectively by CAF was moved by Hon Denis Obua the captain of the Parliamentary football team.

‘First we need to congratulate and thank the Cranes for finally qualifying to the AFCON after so many years. They did us proud as a nation and now we are optimistic that at the final tournament which starts this weekend in a group that has Ghana, Egypt and Mali the Lord will bless and strengthen the team such that they continue to do us proud by winning more games’ stated Obua.

Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga with FUFA officials

FUFA was heavily represented by a strongman delegation that included Darius Mugoye the 2^nd Vice president, Executive Committee member Hamid Juma, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and his Deputy Humphrey Mandu and FUFA fm senior staff Hassan Kirunda Kakaire.

Many members took to the floor to commend the team and Onyango for their achievements making suggestions of how suitably they should be rewarded.

They went on to deliberate on several issues concerning the sports sector as a whole and what ought to be done to promote it such that Uganda can develop many ‘Onyangos’ and make sure the ‘successes’ of 2016 are not a one off.

FUFA officials following the parliamentary session

Many of the members who took to the floor called for increased funding towards sports, tax exemptions on sports equipment, development and preservation of sports facilities across the country among others as some of the items that can be handled to boost the sports sector in Uganda.

The members agreed that a sum of Ushs 500,000/- ( Five Hundred Thousand shillings only) be deducted from each one of their emoluments as a one off and be given to the Cranes as a token of appreciation for flying the Uganda flag so high on the continent.

January 10, 2017
Total 2017 AFCON update: Toure’s Inspirational message to the Uganda Cranes

International Friendly Match (Wednesday, 11th January 2017): Cote D’Ivoire Vs Uganda

At New York University Stadium

With hours to the high profile international build up match between newly crowned GLO CAF best team of the year, Uganda Cranes and the reigning African Champions, one legend Kolo Toure has offered a message of inspiration to the Cranes players.

Kolo Toure shares a light moment with the Uganda Cranes head coach, officials and players

Toure met with the Uganda Cranes contingent currently camping in Dubai at the London Suites Hotel and encouraged them to work to the best of their abilities.

With keen emphasis, Toure conveyed a special message about trusting in the Almighty Lord and training effortlessly to excel.

Kolo Toure with coach Micho

AFCON and Cote D’Ivoire legend Kolo Toure with the Uganda Cranes contingent in Dubai

“I am happy to meet you all. Trust and believe in God. Work hard to achieve the best in life. I wish you the best at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon” Toure stated.

Uganda Cranes will take on Cote D’Ivoire in an international friendly match on Wednesday.

January 9, 2017

Uganda Cup 2016/17: Round of 64 draws set for this Wednesday

The FUFA Uganda Cup round of 64 draws will take place this Wednesday, 11th January 2017 at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.

All the 16 clubs in the Azam Uganda Premier League and the 23 FUFA Big League teams are part of this round of 64.

The others are the successful regional clubs from all the eight FUFA regions (Kampala, Kitara, Eastern, Northern, West Nile, North East, Western and Buganda).

The draws will be supervised by the FUFA competitions director, Ali Mwebe starting at 10 a.m

Also, kick off dates for the matches involving the round of 64 stage shall be communicated on the same day

The final of this year’s Uganda Cup shall be hosted by the West Nile region in Arua.

Vipers Sports Club is the reigning title holder after defeating Onduparaka 3-1 in a well attended final at Nakivubo Stadium.

List of Teams to be considered in the round of 64 draws:

1	KCCA FC	17	Mbarara City	42	Lungujja	Kampala
2	SC Villa Jogoo	18	Masavu	43	Thunder-Luzira
3	Onduparaka FC	19	Nyamityoobora FC	44	Kibuli
4	Soana FC	20	Kireka Utd FC	45	KCCA Corporate
5	Vipers FC	21	Airtel Kitara FC	46	Kiwanga-Ssonde Mukono	Buganda
6	URA SC	22	Suncity SC	47	Kiboga Young
7	Saints FC	23	Hope Doves FC	48	Kyetume-Mukono
8	Sadolin Paints	24	Synergy FC	49	Kampala Univ/ Luweero Utd
9	Lweza FC	25	Baza Holdings FC	50	UCU Mbale-Mbale	Eastern Registered
10	Express FC	26	Kataka Fc	51	Agape SS-Namutumba
11	Bright Stars FC	27	Entebbe FC	52	Igombe FC-Iganga
12	Police FC	28	Water FC	53	Ntoda FC-Ntungamo	Western
13	Proline FC	29	Boma Young FC	54	Mbarara FC-Mbarara
14	BUL FC	30	Bright Light FC	55	Mbarara Red Amy-Mbarara
15	Kirinya Jinja SSS	31	Sporting Utd	56	Ngora United-Ngora	North East Only 1 2 be registered
16	JMC Hippos	32	Paidha Black Angels	57	Future Stars-Soroti
		33	Doves All Stars	58	Bukedea TC FC-Bukedea
		34	Artland Katale	59	Create Peace-Masindi	Kitara in play offs
		35	Kira Utd	60	FortPortal Boda Boda	Kitara in play offs
		36	Simba FC	61	Premio FC-Koboko	WestNile
		37	Ndejje University FC	62	Koboko Rising Stars	WestNile
		38	Kyambogo Fc	63	Lira United FC	Northern
		39	Moroto Utd	64	Football for Good	Northern
		40	Maroons FC
		41	Busia Fisheries

January 9, 2017

Coaching education: 50 coaches enroll for CAF ‘B’ licence course

At least 50 coaches will on Monday, 9th January 2017 embark on a journey to acquire new skills, knowledge and the much desired CAF ‘B’ credentials.

The coaches enroll for the CAF ‘B’ coaching course which gets underway at the FUFA Technical Center.

The course, according to the FUFA Education Manager, Jackson Nyiima will constitute of theory and practical sessions for a period of 2 weeks covering the laws of the game, sports medicine, field practicals, theoretical, orals and ethics.

FUFA’s agenda under the leadership of FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo has been to front capacity building, education where at over 1000 personnel have been educated at the various levels of coaching, management, refereeing and administration.

This time round, the participants will do their Theoretical examinations online using the E-Learning system

Some of the coaches expected for the course include Uganda U-20 assistant coach Richard Wasswa, Edward Golola, Paul Mukatabala, James Odoch, Leo Adraa, Vincent Tumusiime, Kenneth Magada, Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, Wasswa Bbosa, Hamza Kalanzi, Yusuf Kyambadde, among others.

The course instructors are Mujib Kasule, Asuman Lubowa, Jackson Nyiima, Stone Kyambadde, Samuel Egesa and Yahaya Katumba.

Coaches to attend the course:

VIALI	BAINOMUGISHA
HENRY	BARUNGI
BEN	MWESIGWA
ABDUL	DAMRON	SSERUYANGE
WILFRED	KATO	MUHUMUZA
IBRAHIM	KIRYA
VICENT	TUMUSIME
RAYMOND	KOMAKECH
BOSCO	DUDU
HAMZA	KALANZI
ROBERT	MUKASA
TOM	KIRUNDA
RONALD	SSEBAGALA		KAWEESA
GEOFFREY	AKENA
ARTHUR	KYESIMIRA
GODFREY	MAATO		KIREEWA
SWAIBU	WAKU	SABASABA
JOHN	MUTABARUKA
HAMISS	WASSWA
HABERT	TSMA
JACKSON	MAGERA
MICHAEL	JOHN	EREBU
GEOFFREY	OKWI
CYRUS	GWAYAMBADDE		NSUBUGA
BADRU	MUKASA		KADDU
ABBY	BOGERE	KIKOMEKO
HAMUZA	LUTALO
CHRISTOPHER		LOBBO
IVAN	NTAMBI
YUSUFU	KYAMBADDE
JOHN	LUYINDA
AYUB	KHALIFA
MOSES	NKATA
EDWARD	KALUNGI
PIUS	SERUGO
PAUL	KIWANUKA
JOHN	KAYANJA
BBOSA	WASSWA
SAMUEL	MUJABI	KAWALYA
JAMES	ODOCH
PAUL	MUKATABALA
BAKER	ABU	MBOWA
DAVID	BBALE
LEO	ERIMA	ADRA
PAUL	NKATA
EDWARD	GOLOLA
DAVID	OBUA
RICHARD	AMATRE
JIMMY	KINTU	MWERA
MICHAEL	AJUMA
HUSSEIN	KHERI	ALI

MAIN PHOTO: CAF B License holders in a group photo with FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo in Njeru but many of them have since graduated to CAF A. Over 50 coaches have enrolled for the CAF B course that starts today at the FUFA Technical Centre.

January 9, 2017

International friendly match: Slovakia 1-3 Uganda Cranes

International friendly match: Slovakia 1-3 Uganda Cranes

Moses Oloya dribbles the ball during the match. He scored the first goal against Slovakia

A determined Uganda Cranes outfit overcame Slovakia 3-1 in an exciting international friendly match held at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening.

Moses Oloya (5th minute), Faruku Miya (14th minute) and historic captain Geofrey Massa (77th minute) got the goals for the Uganda Cranes.

Denis Vavro had moments into the second half pulled a goal back for Slovakia.

The game was free of charge and hundreds of Ugandan fans watched the game to cheer the favourite stars to a famous victory against a country ranked 25th by Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

Some of the passionate Uganda Cranes fans who attended the match in Abu Dhabi

Some of the female Uganda Cranes fans in the stands at the Armed Forces Stadium

This was the third test match for the Uganda Cranes after the games against Tunisia (Tunisia won 2-0) and the training game with Slovenia (Uganda won 1-0).

The Cranes will play another international friendly against the reigning African champions Cote D’ Ivoire on Wednesday, 11^th January 2017 at the New York University Stadium in Dubai.

Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara instructs the rest of the players during the game

In Dubai, the team is accommodated at London Suites Hotel in the heart of Dubai.

Team Line Ups:

Slovakia XI: Michal Sulla (46′ Adam Jakubech), Denis Vavro, Filip Orsula (85′ Pavol Safranko), Martin Bukata (70′ Miroslav Kacer), Thomas Malec (70′ David Guba), Roman Gergel (70′ Thomas Huk), Filip Hlohovsky (Captain), Jakub Holubek, Martin Kralik, Michal Skvarka, Juraj Kotula (46′ Martin Sulek)

Subs Not Used: Dominik Kruzliak, Jan Krivak, Patrik Misak, Matus Conka, Martin Dubravka

Head Coach: Jan Kozak

Uganda Cranes XI: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada (63′ Nico Wakiro Wadada), Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awanyi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (46′ Murushid Jjuuko), Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya (46′ Geofrey Massa), William Luwagga Kizito (82′ Godfrey Walusimbi), Faruku Miya (62′ Yunus Sentamu), Muhammed Shaban (62’ Khalid Aucho)

Subs Not Used: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Shafiq Batambuze, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Salim Jamal (G.K)

Head coach: Milutin Sredejovic

Match Officials:

Center Referee: Sultan Abdulrazaq Al Marzouqi

1st Assistant Referee: Hassan Suqatari Al Mahri

2nd Assistant Referee: Sabet Al Ali

January 8, 2017
International Friendly match: Uganda Cranes XI vs Slovakia
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH (Sunday, 8th January 2017):
- Uganda Cranes vs Slovakia @ 6.30PM
- Armed Forces stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Follow the match proceedings on 102.1 FUFA f.m (Also get timely updates on the FUFA official face book page and twitter handle)
The Uganda Cranes’ team to play Slovakia in a high profile international friendly match on Sunday evening has been released.

The match will be held at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Dennis Onyango returns to the goalposts after a brief resting period. He has been named in team B alongside Dennis Iguma, Shafiq Batambuze, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey Massa, Geofrey Sserunkuma and Godfrey Walusimbi.

Follow the match live on 102.1 FUFA f.m, the football radio with expert commentary courtesy of Reagan Kyanda.

Team A: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awanyi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, William Luwagga Kizito, Faruku Miya, Muhammed Shaban

Team B: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Dennis Iguma, Shafiq Batambuze, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Khalid Aucho, Geofrey Massa, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Godfrey Walusimbi
January 8, 2017
Glo CAF Awards: FUFA dedicates National Team of the Year accolade to President Museveni, Onyango to be rewarded

Uganda Cranes fans thronged Entebbe International airport on Saturday morning to give a warm reception to the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson who returned home with the coveted Glo CAF National Team of the year award.

FUFA Executive led by the 1^st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Uganda Cranes sponsors Airtel and partners NIC, Nile Special, Ecobank and Bidco were also in Entebbe for the function.

Watson arrived at the airport amidst cheers and jubilations from the FUFA Vice Presidents Mugisha, Darius Mugoye, Denis Mbidde, Executive members Sam Mpiima, Agnes Mugena and Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel.

The FUFA CEO talked of the experience in Abuja where everyone at the ceremony was pleased for Uganda winning the award for the first time.

‘It was Uganda’s day as we won on three occasions. Denis Onyango won the African footballer of the year based in Africa and was also named on the Africa XI’ said Watson

He later passed on his appreciation to the HE, President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, sponsors, FUFA Officials and all Ugandans for the unconditional support to the Uganda Cranes.

‘Uganda won not only as a team but because of the players, government, sponsors, FUFA, the media together with the fans. We all need to celebrate this victory and continue working together so that we win more awards’ said Watson.

Paul Mukatabala who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Football Players Association was in awesome mood.

‘This is a great moment for all Ugandans. Let’s enjoy the moment. Well done FUFA, players, sponsors and fans’ said the former Uganda Cranes international.

In his welcoming remarks, the FUFA 1^stVice President Justus Mugisha applauded the support every one especially the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the endless financial and moral support to the Uganda Cranes .

‘Due to the support from the Government of Uganda, we dedicate this award to the President of Uganda and asked him for the continued support to the National team and football in general’ said Mugisha who represented the FUFA President at function in Entebbe.

On behalf of the sponsors, Jocylene Ucanda the NIC Head of Marketing thanked other sponsors Airtel , Nile Special, Bidco Uganda and Ecobank for working together to see that Uganda Cranes reaches the highest levels.

‘Team work has seen the Cranes reach the best heights. At NIC we value team work and always excel in whatever we do’ said Ucanda .

From Entebbe, the entire delegation headed to FUFA House where they met the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo. He welcomed back Edgar Watson who represented the Nation in Abuja at the Awards Ceremony.

Eng Magogo was all praise for all those who contributed towards the success of Ugandan football and Uganda Cranes in 2016.

‘I dedicate the honour to H.E the President of Uganda for the environment that favored the game of football to be played’ said an excited Magogo

‘I appreciate the work done by everyone including coaches, players, sponsors and fans for the work done thus being recognized by the whole of Africa. As executives we dedicate this award to HE the President of Uganda’

FUFA Executive will sit and decide on what reward to give Onyango for winning the African Player of the award.

‘I also take a moment to congratulate Denis Onyango for winning the continental award. Our culture is to reward excellence. When Onyango won the CAF Champions League, we rewarded him with land. FUFA Executive will meet and decide on how to reward him for being the best on the continent’ FUFA President.

FUFA President who will join the Uganda Cranes in Dubai, will carry the Continental award to the camp for the players to enjoy the moment.

January 7, 2017
Glo CAF Awards 2016: Uganda Cranes, goalie Onyango win accolades

Uganda Cranes was voted the best team of the year at the Glo CAF Awards as goalkeeper Dennis Onyango scooped the player of the year based in Africa accolade.

This was at the glamorous awards night held at the International Conference Center in Abuja on Thursday night.

Uganda was ably represented by the FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson and Onyango himself before hundreds of CAF dignitaries, invited guests, sponsors, media personnel, the respective federation administrators, current and retired footballers.

Dennis Onyango receives his award

Uganda Cranes beat DR Congo and Senegal to the team of the year award after a clinical year of breaking the 39 year of jinx after failure to return to the continental showpiece.

On the other hand, Onyango was better of Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Khama Billiat and TP Mazembe’s Reinford Kalaba.

He thus became the first goalkeeper to scoop the award designed to reward players who ply their trade on the continent.

Onyango, who was also named among the CAF best XI is now in transit to join the Uganda Cranes team where the national team is preparing for the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations.

Full list of Winners:

African Player of the Year – Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)

African Player of the Year – Based in Africa: Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Women’s Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Arsenal Ladies)

Most Promising Talent: Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester City)

Youth Player of the Year: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria and Arsenal)

Coach of the Year: Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns

National Team of the Year:Uganda

Women’s National Team of the Year:Nigeria

Referee of the Year: Bakary Papa Gassama

Football Leader of the Year: Manuel Lopes Nascimento, President of Guinea Bissau Football Federation

Legend Award: Laurent Pokou, Former player of Cote d’Ivoire and Emilienne MBANGO, Former player of Cameroon

Africa Finest XI

Goalkeeper: Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Serge Aurier (Cote d’Ivoire & Paris Saint-Germain), Aymen Abdennour (Tunisia & Valencia), Eric Bailly (Cote d’Ivoire & Manchester United), Joyce Lomalisa (DR Congo & AS Vita)

Midfielders: Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns), Rainford Kalaba (Zambia & TP Mazembe), Keegan Dolly (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund), Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)

Substitutes
Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli), Salif Coulibaly (Mali & TP Mazembe), Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City), Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma), Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester City), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria and Arsenal)

January 6, 2017
Total Africa Cup of Nations 2017: Uganda Cranes 23 man squad to Gabon named

The final 23 man squad for Uganda Cranes to play at the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations finals has been revealed by the head coach Milutin Sredejovic on Wednesday after the international friendly match against Tunisia in Tunis.

Cranes lost the match 2-0 and will now head to Dubai for another training camp that shall involve two high profile friendlies against Slovakia and Ivory Coast before flying to Gabon.

Uganda Cranes 23 man squad (Shirt numbers in blue):

1 – Robert Odongkara (Saint George, Ethiopia), 2 – Joseph Ochaya (KCCA), 3 – Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quang Ninh, Vietnam), 4 – Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), 5 – Isaac Isinde, 6 – Tony Mawejje (Thotur, Iceland), 7 – Sentamu Junior Yunus (Ilves, Finnland), 8 – Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa), 9 -Geofrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda), 10 – Luwagga William Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal), 11– Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa), 12 – Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), 13 – Moses Oloya (Hanoi T and T, Vietnam), 14 – Nico Wadada Wakiro (Vipers, Uganda), 15 – Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), 16 – Hassan Mawanda Wasswa (Nijmeh, Lebabon),17 – Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), 18 – Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), 19 – Magoola Salim Omar (El Merriekh, Sudan), 20 – Awany Timothy Dennis (KCCA, Uganda), 21– Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda), 22 – Batambuze Shafik (Tusker, Kenya), 23 – Azira Michael (Colorado Rapids, USA)

MAIN PICTURE: The entire historic Uganda Cranes starting XI against Comoros on 4th September 2016 at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole has been named by Micho in the final 23 man squad to Gabon.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

January 4, 2017
Tunisia 2-0 Uganda: Cranes play the first of three build up matches lined up ahead of AFCON 2017

International Friendly Match: Tunisia 2-0 Uganda Cranes

There are plenty of positives picked from the international friendly match as Tunisia overcame Uganda 2-0 under cold conditions at the El Menzah Olympic Stadium in Tunis.

Hamza Lahmar and Mohamed Ali Yâakoubi scored for the home side in each half.

Lahmar scored the first in the 7th minute via a direct free-kick and the second was a headed attempt from yet another free-kick as the second half kicked off.

Uganda Cranes got close when Tonny Mawejje had a long range 30th minute effort settle on the goal up right and later in the half Muzamiru Mutyaba, a second half substitute headed onto the cross bar from fellow substitute, Faruku Miya.

Micho tested the players in the different positions and he is yet to come up with the final 23 man squad.

All the six Uganda Cranes substitutes named for the game were given a run in to the game at some stage of the match.

Mike Azira, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and historic captain Geofrey Massa were booked for various reasons during the game.

Meanwhile, Portuguese based midfielder William Luwagga Kizito arrived in Tunisia on Wednesday.

The head coach will announce the final 23 man squad and the stand by players, hours to come as a requirement set by CAF to beat the 4th January 2017 deadline.

Moments after the game, Micho disclosed to the football radio 102.1 FUFA f.m that he was satisfied with the performance of the team ahead of two more international build ups;

Happy for open play of the match. We rested 7 players who passed the test for the 23 man squad.

Today, we have checked 17 players. However, three players (a goalkeeper, midfielder and striker) will have to return home as we continue with the journey to Dubai for another training camp.

There is need to polish up on set pieces. I am impressed by the mental and physical strength of the players.

Micho’s voice was also echoed by one of the senior players on the team, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda;

As players, we have picked positives from the game. We showed character throughout the match. We have not managed to score but we showed intent in front of goal.

The players selected for the final tournament are all determined and motivated to represent the country

The 7 players who did not feature in the game against Tunisia are Dennis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, William Luwagga, Nicholas Wadada, Murushid Jjuuko, Joseph Ochaya and Moses Oloya.

Uganda is set for a second training camp in Dubai where they will still play two build up matches against Slovakia and Cote D’Ivoire on the 8th and 11th January 2017 respectively.

Team Line ups:

Uganda Cranes XI: Salim Jamal, Denis Iguma, Shafik Batambuze, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Isaac Isinde, Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Mike Azira, Geofrey Massa, Yunus Sentamu, Edrisa Lubega

Substitutes: Benjamin Ochan, Godfrey Walusimbi, Timothy Dennis Awany, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Shaban Muhammad, Faruku Miya

Tunisia XI: Balbouli, Mathlouthi, Ben Youssef, Yaakoubi, Maaloul, Azouni, Sassi, Hamza Lahmar, Sliti, Msakni, Khenissi

January 4, 2017