AFCON 2016 QUALIFIERS:
Match No. 60: Burkina Faso Vs Uganda Cranes
Ouagadougou 4 Aout (6:00 p.m Local Time, 9 p.m in Kampala)
Saturday 26th March, 2016
Match Officials:
Match Referee: Ghead Grisha (Egypt)
Assistant Referee 1: Tahssen Abo El Sadat Bedyer (Egypt)
Assistant Referee 2: Ahmed Taha Hossam (Egypt)
Reserve Referee: Mahmoud Zakria El Banna (Egypt)
Commissioner: Jammeh E.K Bojang (Gambia)
#MUJJETULUMBE
AFCON 2017 QUALIFIERS
Saturday: 26th March 2016 – BURKINA FASO Vs UGANDA CRANES (6pm in Burkina Faso, 9pm in Uganda)
Tuesday: 29th March 2016 – UGANDA CRANES Vs BURKINA FASO , 7pm at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic has released the names of players for the national team set to play against Burkina Faso in the upcoming AFCON 2017 group D matches.
Team training starts with non-residential drills on Friday 18th March 2016 at the Nelson Mandela National stadium(outer pitch).
The Squad was announced during the FUFA weekly Press conference on Wednesday morning at FUFA House.
Proline teenager Edrisa Lubega was also named in the squad.
The referees to handle the first leg will come from Egypt.
Uganda Cranes full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia), James Alitho (Vipers, Uganda), Salim Jamal (El Merriekh, Sudan)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (Al-Ahed, Lebanon), Isaac Isinde (St George, Ethiopia), Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars, Uganda), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Denis Okot Oola (KCCA, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (SC Villa, Uganda), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Al Shorta, Iraq), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA, Uganda), Bernard Muwanga (Bright Stars, Uganda)
Midfielders: Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, US), Aucho Khalid (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Moses Oloya (Becamex Binh Duong), Yassar Mugerwa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Tonny Mawejje (Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, Iceland), Ivan Ntege (KCCA, Uganda), William Luwagga Kizito (Feirense, Portugal), Mike Sserumaga (SC Villa, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium)
Forwards: Geofrey Massa (Bloemfontein Celtics, South Africa), Emmanuel Okwi (Sonderjsyke, Denmark), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers, Uganda), Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza (Simba, Tanzania), Ceasar Okhuti (KCCA, Uganda), Edrisa Lubega (Proline, Uganda)
MUJJE TULUMBE:
Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2016:
West Nile 1-0 Uganda Cranes
The Uganda Cranes four match unbeaten run came to a halt when a determined West Nile side won 1-0. The home side had promised to give the national team a run for their money and they indeed gave their fans great memories to cherish forever.
Second half substitute Sizza Olega who had replaced former U-17 National team striker Muhammed Shaban scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute.
Earlier striker Rashid Agawu had a goal bound shot hit the cross bar.
James Alitho started in goal for Uganda Cranes Regional team before he was replaced by Mathias Kigonya in the 30th minute.
Kigonya later paved way for Proline young goalie, Keni Saidi in the 60th minute.
Uganda Cranes created a series of chances through out the game but the defence of the home side and goalie Nisar Kasim remained solid.
The Cranes technical department used two different sides for either halves of the game.
The national team regional tours are exclusively sponsored by Uganda Cranes’ main sponsors Airtel Uganda and partners Nile Breweries Limited.
Team Line Ups: Uganda Cranes XI:
James Alitho (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Hassan Musana, Sadat Kyambadde, Timothy Denis Awani, Ivan Ntege, Milton Karisa, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Yasin Mugume, Rahamat Senfuka, Emmanuel Kalyowa
Uganda Cranes Team II:
Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Denis Okot, Allan Munaaba, Bernard Muwanga, Sam Kintu, Yunus Sibira, Kezironi Kizito,Erisa Ssekisambu, Julius Mutyaba, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Edrisa Lubega
Sub:
Keni Saidi (G.K)
West Nile XI:
Kasim Nisar (Onduparaka FC), Alex Gasper Adriko (Onduparaka FC), Sabir Nesta Rajab (Paidha Black Angels FC), Toha Rashid (Onduparaka F.C), Khalid Odagui (Paidha Black Angels), Ibrahim Faisal (Onduparaka FC), Gadhino Gadafi (Onduparaka FC), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka F.C), Rashid Agau (Onduparaka F.C), Gadafi Wahabu (Onduparaka), Vitalis Adulmalek Tabu (Paidha Black Angels F.C)
Subs: Oyrwoth Jonathan (Hot Springs FC), Simba Sabir (Onduparaka FC), Henry Madrama (Comboni), Gadafi Alcantra Wahabu (Onduparaka FC), Mohamad Rashid Captain, (Paidha Black Angels FC), Victor Aweko Victor(Paidha Black Angels), Saviour Anzovuku (Paidha Black Angels FC), Solomon Ovoyo (Doves All Stars FC), Akbar Khemis (Hot Springs FC), Kabon Living (Bugoigo F.C, Bulisa)
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes starting XI against West Nile at the Green light play ground on Saturday, 12th March 2016
PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department
Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2016:
West Nile Vs Uganda Cranes – Saturday, 13th March 2016
Kick-off: 4 p.m – Green Light Play Ground, Arua
Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m
Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has released the two teams set to play the West Nile region at the Green light play green on Saturday.
Micho has planned to use two different line ups for the game intended to rally support for the national team and also help in the preparations ahead of the up-coming AFCON double header against Burkina Faso.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Alitho James (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Hassan Musana, Sadat Kyambadde, Timothy Awani, Hassan Musana, Milton Karisa, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Yasin Mugume, Rahamat Senfuka, Emmanuel Kalyowa
Uganda Cranes Team II:
Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Denis Okot, Allan Munaaba, Bernard Muwanga, Sam Kintu, Yunus Sibira, Kezironi Kizito,Erisa Ssekisambu, Julius Mutyaba, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Edrisa Lubega
Sub:
Keni Saidi (G.K)
West Nile XI:
Nisar Kassim(Onduparaka FC), Adriko Alex Gasper (Onduparaka FC), Sabir Nesta Rajab (Paidha Black Angels FC), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka F.C), Khalid Odagui (Paidha Black Angels), Ibrahim Faisal (Onduparaka FC), Gadhino Gadafi (Onduparaka FC), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka F.C), Rashid Agau (Onduparaka F.C), Gadafi Wahabu (Onduparaka), Vitalis Adulmalek Tabu (Paidha Black Angels F.C)
Subs:
Oyrwoth Jonathan (Hot Springs FC), Simba Sabir (Onduparaka FC), Henry Madrama (Comboni), Gadafi Alcantra Wahabu (Onduparaka FC), Mohamad Rashid Captain, (Paidha Black Angels FC), Victor Aweko Victor(Paidha Black Angels), Saviour Anzovuku (Paidha Black Angels FC), Solomon Ovoyo (Doves All Stars FC), Akbar Khemis (Hot Springs FC), Kabon Living (Bugoigo F.C, Bulisa)
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes players pray before the start of their training session in Arua on Friday
The West Nile Region team is confident of ending the Uganda Cranes’ unbeaten run, says the their two coaches Bosco Dudu and Allan Kabonge.
‘We have talented players who are committed to play with one heart’ Kabonge, who is also head coach at FUFA Big league side, Onduparaka says.
Uganda Cranes reached on Friday evening and held a light recovery session at the Green light play ground, the same venue that will be used for the match.
The match will start at 4 p.m on Saturday.
Their Squad has;
Goal keepers
1-Nisar Kassim(Onduparaka FC)-Arua
2-Oyrwoth Jonathan (Hot Springs FC)-Nebbi
Defenders
3-Adriko Alex Gasper (Onduparaka FC) -Arua
4-Toha Rashid (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
5-Simba Sabir (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
6-Sabir Nesta Rajab (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo District
7-Odagui Khalid (Paidha Black Angels) -Zombo
8-Madrama Henry (Comboni)-Adjumani
Midfielders
9-Ibrahim Faisal(Onduparaka FC)-Arua
10-Gadhino Gadafi (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
11-Gadafi Alcantra Wahabu (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
12-Mohamad Rashid Captain, (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
13-Aweko Victor(Paidha Black Angels)-Zombo
14-Anzovuku Saviour (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
15-Tabu Adulmalek Vitalis (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
16-Ovoyo Solomon (Doves All Stars FC)-Arua
17-Akbar Khemis (Hot Springs FC)-Nebbi
18-Kabon Living (Bogoigo FC from Buliisa District-is member of Kitara region but player is from West Nile region)
Strikers
19-Agau Rashid (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
20-Ceasar Olega (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
21-Miraji Killa Ayiki (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
22-Oting Francis (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
Coach: Dudu Bosco (Paidha Black Angels), Allan Kabonge (Onduparaka FC)
MAIN PHOTO: West Nile Region players with their officials after training on Friday evening
West Nile Region Football Association Technical Committee has released its 22-man squad to face Uganda Cranes on Saturday in Arua.
The Squad has;
Goal keepers
1-Nisar Kassim(Onduparaka FC)-Arua
2-Oyrwoth Jonathan (Hot Springs FC)-Nebbi
Defenders
3-Adriko Alex Gasper (Onduparaka FC) -Arua
4-Toha Rashid (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
5-Simba Sabir (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
6-Sabir Nesta Rajab (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo District
7-Odagui Khalid (Paidha Black Angels) -Zombo
8-Madrama Henry (Comboni)-Adjumani
Midfielders
9-Ibrahim Faisal(Onduparaka FC)-Arua
10-Gadhino Gadafi (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
11-Gadafi Alcantra Wahabu (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
12-Mohamad Rashid Captain, (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
13-Aweko Victor(Paidha Black Angels)-Zombo
14-Anzovuku Saviour (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
15-Tabu Adulmalek Vitalis (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
16-Ovoyo Solomon (Doves All Stars FC)-Arua
17-Akbar Khemis (Hot Springs FC)-Nebbi
18-Kabon Living (Bogoigo FC from Buliisa District-is member of Kitara region but player is from West Nile region)
Strikers
19-Agau Rashid (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
20-Ceasar Olega (Onduparaka FC)-Arua
21-Miraji Killa Ayiki (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
22-Oting Francis (Paidha Black Angels FC)-Zombo
Coach: Dudu Bosco (Paidha Black Angels), Allan Kabonge (Onduparaka FC)
#MUJJE TULUMBE
Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2016: Saturday, 12th March 2016
West Nile Vs Uganda Cranes
In Arua
Uganda Cranes team to the West Nile region has departed from Kampala to Arua on Friday morning.
The team of 24 players left FUFA House, Mengo in Kampala at 10:10 a.m aboard Gaagaa coach.
Save for Hassan Wasswa (flight problems from Iraq), the rest of the 22 players earlier named by the Coach Micho on Wednesday have made the team.
There are two new faces added on the team, Ken Saidi (Proline) and Julius Mutyaba (Lweza).
Geofrey Sserunkuma will skipper the side that takes on West Nile region in Arua.
FUFA second Vice President, Darious Mugoye is the head of delegation.
Head coach Micho remains positive that tour will be useful to Uganda Cranes’ AFCON 2017 Qualification campaign;
‘We remain positive that the national team regional tour will be important for our preparations and campaign as we test the local players ahead of the squad naming on Wednesday, 16th March 2016’ Micho told www.fufa.co.ug.
The Cranes remain unbeaten from the previous regional tours having opened with a 1-0 victory over Western Region.
They also defeated North East 2-0. Northern 5-0 and lately Kitara region 6-0 in Masindi.
Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel Uganda and partners Nile Brweries Limited jointly run the national team’s regional tours.
Experienced striker, Sserunkuma of Lweza Football Club will captain the team.
The Full Team:
Goal Keepers: James Alitho (Vipers), Saidi Keni (Proline F.C) Mathias Kigonya (Bright Stars)
Right Back Defenders: Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars) and Denis Okot Oola (KCCA)
Left Back Defenders: Allan Munaaba (URA), Hassan Musana (The Saints)
Central Defenders: Bernard Muwanga, Sadat Kyambadde, Timothy Awani (KCCA)
Central Midfielders: Kizito Kezironi (Vipers S.C), Ivan Ntege (KCCA), Rahamat Senfuka (Police), Ibrahim Kayiwa (Express), Emmanuel Kalyowa (Lweza), Yunus Sibira (Bul), Sam Kintu (Express), Julius Mutyaba (Lweza F.C)
Attacking Midfielders / Strikers: Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers), Milton Kalisa (BUL), Yasin Mugume (The Saints F.C)
Forwards: Edrisa Lubega (Proline), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Lweza)
MUJJE TULUMBE:
Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2016: Saturday, 12th March 2016
West Nile Vs Uganda Cranes – Arua
Full Programme:
A team of 23 players has been named by the Uganda Cranes’ Head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic for the regional tour of West Nile this weekend.
Micho released the names during the FUFA weekly press conference held on Wednesday at FUFA House in Mengo.
The tactician who was flanked by the National Teams’ Officer Patrick Ntege Kawesa also released the detailed programme to the media;
The team departs Kampala for Arua on Friday morning and shall be expected to train in the evening on the same day before the match is played on Saturday
At the same press conference, Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel Uganda were represented by Head Brand and Communications Remmie Kisakye and Brand Strategy Manager Noela Byuma.
Kisakye further highlighted on the significance of the tour;
‘As the main sponsors of the national team, we are rallying for the team’s support in all the regions. Also, football fans in Arua will stand a chance of winning in the on-going Yoola Amajja promotion‘ she noted.
Kibo Media Limited’s Bobkins Kibirige, also the main event managers represented Nile Breweries Limited, the other partner of the Uganda Cranes regional tours.
The tour is also intended to help the technical team assess the players who can make the grade at the senior team that will be named on Wednesday, 16th March 2016 ahead of the crucial double header against Burkina Faso in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers.
Full Team of Uganda Cranes players for West Nile Tour:
Goal Keepers: James Alitho (Vipers S.C) and Mathias Kigonya (Bright Stars F.C)
Defenders: Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars F.C), Denis Okot Oola (KCCA FC.), Allan Munaaba (URA F.C), Hassan Musana (The Saints F.C), Bernard Muwanga (Bright Stars), Sadat Kyambadde (Police F.C), Timothy Awani (KCCA F.C), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Al Shorta, Iraq)
Midfielders: Kizito Kezironi (Vipers S.C), Ivan Ntege (KCCA F.C), Rahamat Senfuka (Police F.C), Allan Kayiwa (Express F.C), Emmanuel Kalyowa (Lweza F.C), Yunus Sibira (BUL F.C), Sam Kintu (Express F.C), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers S.C), Milton Karisa (BUL F.C), Yasin Mugume (The Saints F.C)
Striker: Edrisa Lubega (Proline F.C), Geofrey Sserunkuma (Lweza F.C), Tonny Odur (F.C)
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic addresses the media during the press conference at FUFA House on Wednesday, 9th March 2016 in Mengo, Kampala
PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications department
MUJJE TULUMBE:
Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2016: Saturday, 12th March 2016
West Nile Vs Uganda Cranes – Arua
Full Programme:
A team of 23 players has been named by the Uganda Cranes’ Head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic for the regional tour of West Nile this weekend.
Micho released the names during the FUFA weekly press conference held on Wednesday at FUFA House in Mengo.
The tactician who was flanked by the National Teams’ Officer Patrick Ntege Kawesa also released the detailed programme to the media;
The team departs Kampala for Arua on Friday morning and shall be expected to train in the evening on the same day before the match is played on Saturday
At the same press conference, Uganda Cranes main sponsors, Airtel Uganda were represented by Head Brand and Communications Remmie Kisakye and Brand Strategy Manager Noela Byuma.
Kisakye further highlighted on the significance of the tour;
‘As the main sponsors of the national team, we are rallying for the team’s support in all the regions. Also, football fans in Arua will stand a chance of winning in the on-going Yoola Amajja promotion‘ she noted.
Kibo Media Limited’s Bobkins Kibirige, also the main event managers represented Nile Breweries Limited, the other partner of the Uganda Cranes regional tours.
The tour is also intended to help the technical team assess the players who can make the grade at the senior team that will be named on Wednesday, 16th March 2016 ahead of the crucial double header against Burkina Faso in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers.
Full Team of Uganda Cranes players for West Nile Tour:
Goal Keepers: James Alitho (Vipers S.C) and Mathias Kigonya (Bright Stars F.C)
Defenders: Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars F.C), Denis Okot Oola (KCCA FC.), Allan Munaaba (URA F.C), Hassan Musana (The Saints F.C), Bernard Muwanga (Bright Stars), Sadat Kyambadde (Police F.C), Timothy Awani (KCCA F.C), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Al Shorta, Iraq)
Midfielders: Kizito Kezironi (Vipers S.C), Ivan Ntege (KCCA F.C), Rahamat Senfuka (Police F.C), Allan Kayiwa (Express F.C), Emmanuel Kalyowa (Lweza F.C), Yunus Sibira (BUL F.C), Sam Kintu (Express F.C), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers S.C), Milton Karisa (BUL F.C), Yasin Mugume (The Saints F.C)
Striker: Edrisa Lubega (Proline F.C), Geofrey Sserunkuma (Lweza F.C), Tonny Odur (F.C)
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic addresses the media during the press conference at FUFA House on Wednesday, 9th March 2016 in Mengo, Kampala
PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications department
A meeting of National team coaches and the FUFA Technical Committee held at FUFA House on Monday morning has unanimously voiced its concerns that it will be impractical for the players to give 100% technically if the transport issue to Burkina Faso and back is not solved.
Uganda and Burkina Faso will face over two games on 26th and 29th March in when the 2017 AFCON qualifiers resume.
The meeting was attended by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Chairman of the FUFA Technical Committee Hamid Juma, Uganda U-20 National team head coach Kefa Kisala and Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic. The coaches whose clubs provide the bulk of the players to the National team also attended. Stephen Kigundu Billy of Vipers, National Teams Officer Patrick Ntege and former National team U-17 coach Matia Lule were in attendance.
‘Our planning is in top gear but we need to be mindful of the players’ physical fitness levels over these two qualifiers’ said Micho.
Several technical personnel voiced their concerns about the demands of getting good results from both games.
‘Preparing the players is a different matter. Transporting them away to West Africa and back to Kampala for crucial fixtures is very demanding’ said Cranes goalkeeper’s coach Fred Kajoba.
Moses Basena who was also part of the meeting indicated his readiness to die a little for his country was quick to highlight the requirements.
‘The players and officials know what is at stake. However the working environment must be right for them to deliver both on and off the pitch’ said Basena.
Mujib Kasule who is a coach at Proline FC was in Mengo as well for the meeting.
‘This is a good forum for us to discuss technical issues. We have spotted areas that need to be attended to but the players’ welfare and physical fitness must be considered first ahead of any-thing’ said Kasule.
The Uganda Cranes Technical team will release the squad this Wednesday.
The Uganda Cranes will be in action on 26th and 29th of March, 2016 against Burkina Faso during the 2017 AFCON qualifiers. Usually when the The Uganda Cranes play, maximum support is always guaranteed from different corners.
Now with the ‘Mujje Tulumbe’ campaign launched on Wednesday morning at FUFA and aimed at rallying fans to flock Namboole stadium when the Cranes play at home, the local soccer governing body has taken a step to engage the public who will later win tickets for the game on 29th March, 2016 at Mandela National stadium.
All the fans need to do is to accurately translate the two words ‘Mujje Tulumbe’ in any of the following languages; Acholi, Adhola, Alur, Amba, Aringa, Bari, Chiga, English, Fumbira, Ganda, Gungu, Gwere, Ik, Kakwa, Kenye, Konzo, Kumam, Kupsapiiny, Lango, Lugbara, Ma’di, Ma’di-Southern, Masaaba, Ndo, Ndrulo, Ng’akarimojong, Nyang’i, Nyankore, Nyole, Nyoro, Pökoot, Ruuli, Saamia, Soga, Soo, Teso, Tooro.
Uganda has improved by three places in the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday. Uganda was 70th in February but the new rankings the CECAFA champions at number 67.
Uganda’s bets ever ranking is 62 attained in December, 2015. Uganda is ranked 13th in Africa.
Belgium remains at the top of the FIFA rankings while Cape Verde Islands is Africa’s best at number 31.
The Uganda Cranes are preparing for the two crucial 2017 Nations cup qualifiers against Burkina Faso to be played on 26th and 29th March, 2016.
Uganda’s opponents in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers; Burkina Faso are 86th, Botswana 92nd and Comoros 173rd.
FIFA Rankings for CECAFA Countries
Uganda 67th, Rwanda 85th, Kenya 103rd, Ethiopia 120th, Tanzania 125th, Burundi 129th, Sudan 135th, South Sudan 140th, Djibouti (204th), Eritrea (204th), Somalia (204th)
Photo: Launch of the Mujje Tulumbe campaign at FUFA House on Wednesday. The campaign is aimed at rallying fans to turn up in big numbers when Uganda Cranes play Burkina Faso at Namboole on 29th March. Such campaigns drive players to deliver on the pitch hence improvement in the FIFA Rankings.
AFCON 2017 Qualifiers (Group D):
Burkina Faso Vs Uganda – Ouagadougou (26th March 2016)
Uganda Vs Burkina Faso – Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (29th March 2016)
Ahead of the crucial up-coming AFCON 2017 Group D qualifiers for the Uganda Cranes against Burkina Faso, the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo has once again appealed to the Government for financial support for the chartered flight to Burkina Faso.
The FUFA President was addressing the media at the weekly press conference on Wednesday held at FUFA House in Mengo.
We need Government support to charter a flight to Burkina Faso. Our first match on Saturday,26th March 2016 away in Ouagadougou.
Three days later, we shall be at Namboole for the return leg.
We need a chartered flight to fully prepare for the two games.
Our opponents have already booked a chartered flight to Kampala and their advance team in the country by now.
From Experience, all nations that qualify need the full assistance of their respective Governments.
It is not only the effort from the players and their federations.
He also lauded all the FUFA sponsors and partners and the Government for the previous support over the years.
FUFA Finance Director, Decolas Kizza read to the media the full budget required to transport the team away to Burkina Faso, clearly outlining preparation expenses home and away.
We need at least Ug.shs 1.5 Billion for preparations of the matches home and away against Burkina Faso.
This includes the money meant for the air tickets of players who play professionally, chartered flight costs, players allowances
At the same press conference, the FUFA President officially launched the campaign code named ‘Mujje Tulumbe’ campaign.
This campaign is intended to rally for support towards fully supporting the Uganda Cranes team.
The press conference was attended by Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic, three national team players (Mathias Kigonya, Joseph Ochaya and Ibrahim Watenga), FUFA Executive Committee members present, Dennis Mbidde and Hamid Juma, FUFA Finance Director, Decolas Kizza, media members and several FUFA sponsors and partners’ representatives.
Remmy Kisakye and Noela Byuma represented Uganda Cranes’ main sponsors, Airtel Uganda and Pamela Abonyo on behalf of the National Insurance Corporation.
Babu Bagiire, head of marketing at BUL Uganda limited was also present.
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo (second from right) addresses the media at FUFA House on Wednesday, 2nd March 2016
PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA COMMUNICATIONS Department
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has on Wednesday officially launched a national Uganda Cranes’ campaign code named ‘Mujje Tulumbe’ geared towards rallying support from various stakeholders.
This was during the weekly press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.
Officiating at the official launch of the campaign, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo flanked by his 3rd Vice President Denis Mbidde and Executive Committee members, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel and Hamid Juma said the campaign slogan is to rally support from all corners of the country for the Uganda Cranes.
We call upon the fans from the different parts of the country to rally behind the Uganda Cranes.
This is the most important part of the campaign.
We thank all the sponsors and partners who have been with us over the years.
The away trip requires full Government support and i appeal to the State who have previously supported FUFA and the Uganda Cranes to help meet the financial costs for the planned Chartered flight to Burkina Faso
At the same press conference Uganda Cranes players Mathias Kigonya, Ismail Watenga and Joseph Ochaya attended.
Ochaya urged the fans to fully support the Uganda Cranes.
I am humbled to request fans to come and support the team. We shall not disappoint you.
We always appreciate your support whenever we are playing home or away. It is only you who will drive us to deliver on the pitch.
Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic used the platform to further show the willingness and determination towards ensuring qualification.
‘We are doing everything possible to ensure that we attain qualification to the AFCON finals for the first time since 1978’ Micho
Uganda Cranes’ main sponsors, Airtel Uganda was ably represented by Remmie Kisakye (Head of Media and Marketing) and Noel Byuma (Brand, Assets and Properties Manager).
Kisakye said; ‘The dream of Uganda Cranes qualifying for AFCON concerns all Ugandans. As Airtel Uganda, we are willing to finance the Uganda Cranes and offer all support needed. We appeal to all Ugandans to support the campaign as well’
Other Uganda Cranes and FUFA partners in attendance were from National Insurance Corporation (NIC), Nile Breweries, BIDCO and UBC T.V.
At the same event, veteran Sports Journalist, Silvano Kibuuka (working with Vision Group for Bukedde Newspaper) was rewarded with a replica Uganda Cranes’ jersey autographed by FUFA President Moses Magogo, Micho & players – Joseph Ochaya, Mathias Kigonya & Ismail Watenga as well as all the sponsors’ representatives present.
Uganda Cranes will play Burkina Faso away in the AFCON 2017 qualification on 26th March 2016 before the return leg in Kampala three days later at Mandela National stadium.
‘Mujje Tulumbe’
Uganda Cranes head Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic has showed his readiness on the technical side to face Burkina Faso in the 2017 AFCON qualification campaign.
‘The CHAN finals in Rwanda contributed to our preparations for the game against Burkina Faso. A third of the 23 players who featured for Uganda Cranes in the three group stage matches are now ready to feature for the senior team’ said Micho during the FUFA weekly Press conference at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday morning.
‘Life is not a bed of roses. Perfection does not exist everywhere. We predicted everything except that approach in the final third during the CHAN Finals in Rwanda’ said Micho in reference to his team’s three games in the group stages.
Micho added that no stone will be left unturned so as to get the best results against Burkina Faso on March 26th in Ouagadougou and on 29th in Kampala.
According to the coach, a pool of 50 players is in contention for that double header.
Micho asked for support from all stake holder especially the federation and coaches of the national team players to play their roles so as to get the best results from the upcoming games.
He added ‘An international friendly is being lined up to prepare the players in terms of their sharpness, competitiveness and match fitness.
‘We will not field names. Only eligible players ready to respond to the cries of many Ugandans for the last 39 years will feature against Burkina Faso encounters’ vowed Micho
On injured Brian Umony, Micho’s tone went so low. ‘It is unfortunate for Brian and Ugandan football that he suffered a fracture. He has a lion’s heart. We wish him a quick recovery as he is set for an operation tomorrow’
On Cranes captain Geoffrey Massa, Micho noted that ‘I have no right to talk about players who will replace those injured. Massa will be fine for the matches in March’
The Serbian also added that the AFCON 2017 qualifiers will put his players in the right momentum for the start of the group stage matches of the 2018 FUFA world Cup Russia Qualifiers when the draws are finally conducted in June.
PHOTO: Micho (R) stressing a point as FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (M)and Ahmed Hussein (Spokesperson) listen.
Uganda Cranes is now ranked 70th out of the 208 Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) member nations according to the latest rankings released on Thursday, 4th February 2016 at Zurich, the main head quarters of FIFA in Switzerland.
Uganda has accumulated 503 points with five matches played in the January month.
Two of the matches were hosted at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru (international build ups against Cameroon and Gabon) and three at the fourth African Nations Championships in Rwanda.
In Rwanda, Uganda drew 2 all against Mali, lost 1-0 to Zambia and shared the spoils in the final game against Zimbabwe after a hard fought one all draw.
CECAFA Region:
Uganda is still top in the CECAFA region. They are followed by Rwanda (85th), Kenya (99th), Burundi (119th), Ethiopia (124th), Tanzania (125th), Sudan (136th) and South Sudan (140th).
Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia are joint 204th on the log.
According to www.fifa.com, the three most impressive teams for February’s ranking all come from Asia:
Palestine (110, plus 21), Saudi Arabia (55, plus 20) and Korea DPR (95, plus 18) enjoyed the biggest advances since the last world ranking.
Teams from Asia, Africa and Central American dominated the list of teams that improved by more than five positions for February, namely: Cape Verde Islands (33, plus 6), Costa Rica (31, plus 6) , Qatar (78, plus 6), Honduras (91, plus 7), Mozambique (102, plus 7), Belize (120, plus 8), Swaziland (127, plus 6), Kuwait (133, plus 8), and Nepal (188, plus 8).
A special mention goes to Rwanda (85, plus 6) in the latest ranking.
The Wasps won three for their six matches played since early January, while also closing out 2015 with a shock-upset over African heavyweights Côte d’Ivoire in an international friendly played on 16 December 2015.
The next ranking will be released on the 3rd March 2016.
| Leader | Belgium (unchanged) |
| Moves into top ten | none |
| Moves out of top ten | none |
| Matches played in total | 44 (1 of which in 2015) |
| Most matches played | Rwanda (6 matches) |
| Biggest move by points | Saudi Arabia (up 97 points) |
| Biggest move by ranks | Palestine (up 21 ranks) |
| Biggest drop by points | Côte d’Ivoire (down 122 points) |
| Biggest drop by ranks | Libya (down 24 ranks) |
The Uganda Cranes contingent that played at the 2016 Orange African Nations Championships has returned home on Friday morning.
The players and officials jetted back by Air Rwanda at around 8:45 a.m.
They were received by the FUFA Second Vice President, Darious Mugoye.
Uganda drew two games against Mali (2-2) and Zimbabwe (1-1); losing to Zambia 1-0.
The head coach, Milutin Sredojevic has picked positives from the tournament that is still going on in Rwanda.
“I give the players credit for the display even when the results did not go the way we expected. The team had fresh blood with a few experienced players. There are some players who have the potential to graduate to the senior team as we now switch focus to AFCON 2017 qualifiers and the World Cup 2018 QUALIFIERS in June 2016”
In the 2 all draw against Mali, team captain, Faruku Miya and Erisa Ssekisambu scored the goals.
Experienced striker, Geofrey Sserukuma had the goal in the one all draw with Zimbabwe.
The FUFA technical team will review the overall performance of the Cranes and make recommendations.
In the meantime, the Azam Uganda Premier League, Uganda Cup and other local competitions will continue to be played as the national team’s detailed programme awaits to be released.
ORANGE AFRICA NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, RWANDA, 2016
Group D Closing Games:
Uganda 1-1 Zimbabwe
Zambia 0-0 Mali
Uganda Cranes shared the spoils with Zimbabwe in a one all draw of the Orange 2016 African Nations Championships (CHAN) group D match played on Wednesday, 27th January, at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu.
Lweza F.C striker, Geofrey Sserunkuma scored late in the game to equaliz William Manondo’s opener in the 48th minute.
The game witnessed the Uganda Cranes’ skipper, Faruku Miya return to action after that shoulder injury against Mali.
Miya had a chance at goal with a greatly curled a free kick saved by goal keeper, Tatenda Marshal in the first half.
The technical bench replaced central defender, Richard Kasagga Jjuuk for striker Samson Ceasar Okhuti.
By the change, Timothy Awany pulled back to play alongside Bernard Muwanga meanwhile Ivan Ntege remained the only defensive midfielder on the field of play.
Later, goal hero Geofrey Sserunkuma and Edrisa Lubega came in for Muleme and Ssekisambu respectively.
The draw is not enough for Uganda to progress to the knock out stages.
However, Zambia and Tunisia progress to the last eight stage after finishing with 7 and 5 points respectively.
Meanwhile Uganda Cranes contingent will return home on Friday morning (10 O’clock) aboard RwandAir.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda XI:
James Alitho (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Isaac Muleme, Bernard Muwanga, Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Ivan Ntege, Kezironi Kizito, Timothy Dennis Awany, Erisa Ssekisambu, Faruku Miya, Joseph Benson Ochaya
Changes:
58’ Richard Jjuuko Kasaga – Out, Samson Ceasar Okhuti – In
70’ Isaac Muleme – Out, Geofrey Sserunkuma – In
78’ Erisa Ssekisambu – Out, Edrisa Lubega – In
Subs Not Used:
Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Denis Okot Oola, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Robert Sentongo, Ambrose Kirya, Martin Kizza, Frank Kalanda
Zimbabwe XI:
Marshal Tatenda Mkuruva (G.K), Lawrence Mhlanga, Joel Ngodzo, Hardlife Zvirekwi (C), Rodreck Mutuma, Bruce Kangwa, Stephen Mukatuka, Raphael Manuvire, Nqobizitha Masuku, William Manondo, Edmore Chirambadare
Changes:
55’ Rodreck Mutuma – Out, Moses Demera – In
59’ Edmore Chirambadare – Out, Ronald Chitiyo – In
68’ Raphael Manuvire – Out, Farai Edwin Madhanaga – In
Subs Not Used:
Bernard Donovan (G.K),John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara, Francisco Zekumbawira