FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Category: Uganda Cranes

  • Cecafa-Tusker Cup launched in Kampala

    Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye and FUFA Vice President Livingstone Kyambadde receive the Cecafa Cup from Lemmy Mutahi the marketing Director of Uganda breweries

    Tusker Lager, one of the region’s major sports sponsors have this Tuesday announced a sponsorship package of USD 450,000 (About UGX 1.125.000.000) towards this year’s CECAFA –Tusker Cup to be hosted in Kampala.

    The Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) has also fixed November 24 as the kick off date at Mandela National Stadium Namboole. The tournament will run through December 8. Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye who flew to Kampala on Monday attended the well organized event.

    Unpacking the sponsorship during the Break Fast meeting at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Lemmy Mutahi the EABL (U) Marketing Director said the decision was taken with an ultimate aim of catapulting East African teams to the 2014 World Cup. He revealed that as sponsors they were happy to have the tournament hosted in Kampala. This year’s figure shows a 5% increase compared to last year’s release.

    Musonye said the sponsorship package would cover the teams’ accommodation and air travels among others. A total of USD 60.000 will however go towards prize money with the winners taking USD 30.000, the runners up USD 20.000 and USD 10.000 for the third placed team.  Musonye further revealed that the sponsors.

    All matches will be showed live on Super Sport.

    The Sponsors (EABL) confirmed their long time engagement with Cecafa and praised the regional body for organizing excellent 2010/2011tournament in Tanzania.

    FUFA  has already instituted a Local Organizing Committee to start preparations. The launching ceremony was attended by FUFA officials and the LOC and the top management of Uganda Breweries who have been mandated by EABL to sponsor the event in Uganda.

  • Zambian Game dedicated towards Jubilee celebrations

    FUFA has disclosed the move to dedicate the return leg of the Africa Cup of Nations against Zambia towards the jubilee celebrations to mark 50 years of Uganda’s Independence.

    The revelation was contained in the report presented to the ordinary assembly by the FA President Lawrence Mulindwa. “My administration would like to dedicate the return leg of the Zambia game at Namboole towards the 50 yrs of jubilee celebrations in Uganda” said Mulindwa in his speech played live on the screens. Uganda will in October hold her jubilee celebrations since acquiring political independence on 9th October 1962.

    About the Cranes coming short of qualifying for the prestigious Nations Cup finals last year, Mulindwa said like other Ugandans he was also hurt and promised more commitment towards better results. Despite this short coming, the FA leader however mentioned a number of other achievements by the Cranes that included winning the 12th Cecafa title, finishing runners up to Cameroon in the LG Cup (and winning USD 35.000 in prize money) and ejecting Congo from the ongoing Afcon 2013 among many others.

    Below were other highlights in the President’s speech:

    • Judicial bodies strengthened by appointing persons with legal background as recommended by FIFA.
    • For the first time a FUFA Human Resource Policy was passed by the Executive and it’s in force.
    • Acquisition of a 20KVA generator being used at the FA headquarters in Mengo.
    • FUFA would soon recruit the Competitions Director and the Commercial Director.
    • Urged government to meet its pledges towards football and increase funding towards the same.
    • Two more stories to be added on top of the FUFA House in the near future. (Engineers have already been consulted).
    • Those intending to take up leadership positions in the next elections challenged to start preparations. (2013 will be an elective year)
    • FUFA to conduct development programs and activities with regional setups.
    • Commended the sponsors (MTN, Uganda Breweries Ltd, Nile Breweries Ltd, NIC, City Tyres, and Coca Cola among others) for the financial and material support.
    • U20 National team (The Hippos) participated in the Continental youth Championship.
    • Several courses organized in refereeing, beach soccer, coaching and administration.
    • Njeru technical Centre is now usable (FUFA is in the final stages of providing the necessary accessories).
    • Congratulated URA for winning Bell Uganda Cup and Express FC for lifting the National League.
    • The Cranes won its 12th Cecafa Title since 1973. (Mulindwa’s 4th title in six years).
    • Uganda finished 2nd in the LG Cup held in Morocco. (Cameroon were champions)

     

    There were many other issues as they can be seen from the report.

  • FUFA confirms hosting Cecafa, committee named

    Eng. Magogo to chair LOC

    The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed its position to host this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

    The regional tournament that has for the last two years been hosted by Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) will now come to Kampala in late November to mid December. FUFA Chief Executive officer Edgar Watson said they had finalized all the consultations and a confirmation letter already sent to the regional secretariat.

    Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup is sponsored by the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) through the Tusker brand. In a related development, the FUFA Executive has named a 10-man local organizing committee to start off the preparations of hosting the oldest Football Championship in East and Central Africa.

    FUFA Vice President in charge Administration Eng. Moses Magogo chairs the committee with Patrick Ogwel (VP-Youth) as his deputy. Edgar Watson is the committee secretary. Others are Mujib Kasule (VP USL), Livingstone Kyambadde (VP-Technical), Anthony Kimuli (VP-Finance), Rogers Mulindwa (Media), Lwere Sam (Security), Rogers Byamukama and Sam Mpiima (Marketing and sponsorship).

    As part of its first assignment, the committee is expected to meet with the Minister of state for Sports Hon Charles Bakabulindi to discuss the detailed program of the three week’s event. Uganda last hosted this championship in 2008 when they edged Kenya 1-0 in the finals. The Uganda Cranes are the defending champions after dumping Amavubi of Rwanda 2-1 in the finals played from the National Stadium of Dar es salaam last year.

  • Malawi-Uganda friendly match called off

    The Cranes players will continue training as the federation makes an attempt to secure another friendly match before playing Zambia

    FUFA has this afternoon received an official communication from our counterparts in Malawi indicating an abrupt cancellation of the earlier planned international friendly match in Blantyre on August 15.

    FUFA is however making an effort to secure another friendly match before we play Zambia in the final round of the Afcon 2013 qualifiers.

    We shall keep the team training as we also push for an alternative. Meanwhile the team trained at Namboole this morning with creative midfielder Dan Wagaluka on pitch.

    Emmanuel Okwi and Johnson Bagoole are expected to train with the rest of the team tomorrow (Friday).

     

  • Pearl Sporto to fly Cranes fans to Zambia

    Cranes fans will have an opportunity to cheer the Cranes against Zambia on September 8 at a subsidized cost of USD 1000 all inclusive

    FUFA wishes to clarify that Pearl Sporto is the only company officially authorized to coordinate the fans’ travel to Zambia to cheer the Cranes team next month.

    This understanding is however only limited to fans who wish to travel by Air. The federation will soon pronounce itself on other arrangements connected to road transport.

    This is done to ensure that all fans wishing to travel to Zambia are in safe custody. Charges for the return ticket have been fixed at USD 1400 and USD 1000 for passengers in Business and Economy classes respectively.

    Under this arrangement, every travelling fan will be entitled to a free Cranes Replica jersey, internal transport, a stadium access ticket, accommodation for one night and Breakfast.

    Pearl Sporto is hereby warned against diverting from the agreed position and to ensure that our fans are given cordial treatment during their travel. Fans are however not enslaved to travel with Pearl Sporto but the Federation will not be answerable to queries outside the arrangement known to us.

    WE GO, WE GO…Uganda Cranes we go!

  • Cranes starts preps a head of Malawi friendly

     

    Hamis Kiiza in action during the recently concluded Cecafa-Kagame club Championship. His good performance earned his a recall to the Cranes squad currently preparing for an international friendly match against Malawi on August 15.

    Uganda Cranes started preparations this Wednesday ahead of an international friendly match against Malawi scheduled for August 15 in Blantyre.

    Head Coach Bobby Williamson was in charge of the training session held this morning at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Four professional players, Hamis Kiiza, Isaac Isinde, Mike Sserumaga and Hassan Wasswa attended the training.

    The team will however travel without some of its key players due to either club commitments or injuries. Among the notable absentees will be team Captain Andy Mwesigwa, Goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Geoffrey Massa and Brian Omony. Moses Oloya’s fate will be confirmed by end of tomorrow (Thursday).

    FUFA however wishes to clarify that August 15, a date set for the Malawi friendly match is not considered an international FIFA day for friendly matches in Africa. The date was traded with June 16 of this year by CAF. Upon this background therefore, clubs have the right to retain the players for club duty.

    We are however making all the attempts to sweet talk some clubs to release the players. Abel Dhaira and Tonny Mawejje will connect directly to Malawi while Johnson Bagoole and Emmanuel Okwi are expected on Thursday. Wagaluka arrived Wednesday afternoon.

  • Cecafa confident Uganda will host this year’s Challenge Cup

    Cecafa President Eng. Leodgar Tenga (C) chats with FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa (R) and Kenya FA Leader Samuel Nyamweya. Tenga will have an adminstrative role of calming down Nyamweya to respect the sponsor’s decision

    Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye has reacted to criticism leveled against the regional body by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Sam Nyamweya accusing the leadership of plotting to change the venue for this year’s Senior Challenge Cup.

    Musonye says Cecafa had to abide by the sponsors’ wish to move this year’s tournament to Kampala in Uganda. Cecafa-Tusker senior challenge cup kicks off late November and ends mid December of every year. Tanzania has hosted this lucrative tournament twice since the Tanzanian franchise of East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) started sponsoring the tourney in 2010. The sponsor’s contract expires after this year’s tournament.

    Nyamweya accused Cecafa of diverting from the earlier position of having the tournament held in Nairobi. Musonye however laughed off the accusations saying that it was important to take the tournament where sponsors were willing to give out cash instead of relying on ‘empty promises’.

    “The sponsors preferred this year’s Challenge Cup to be taken to Kampala and that is what we will abide with. Nyamweya can say whatever he wants but the decision is final and we will not bend low to start throwing words through the press.” Musonye hit back.

    Uganda Cranes are the defending champions of Cecafa-Tusker Senior Challenge Cup and will now have an advantage to defend the title they last hosted in 2008.

  • Wagaluka, Kavuma, Bagoole face APR exit

  • Cranes’ Musa Mudde ruled out for 30 days!

    Musa Mudde in action that caused him an injury on Tuesday afternoon. Down is Jabir Aziz of Azam

    Cranes midfielder and new signing for the Tanzania mainland Football Champions Simba Sports Club Musa Mudde has been ruled out of action for at least a month!

    Mudde sustained an injury in the 81st minute of their Cecafa-Kagame quarter final match against Azam FC on Tuesday. Azam’s defender Jabir Aziz tackled Mudde from the back, leaving his left leg entangled between his two as he landed down in pain.  In the process, his left ankle joint rotated in the opposite side causing a major dislocation.

    The Ugandan player was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and he now walks on clutches!  Simba team Doctor, Cosmos Kapinga says the player will be out of action for a minimum of four weeks. He was also quick to add that’ “the injury was an intended one from his opponent”.

    “Jabir Aziz is very bad player who once played for Simba and he has since caused a lot of injuries to our camp”, said a visibly concerned medic. Kapinga said he had already advised his employers to fly Mudde back to Kampala for a rest as he obtains treatment.

    On Wednesday evening, Mudde was driven from hospital to Spice Hotel in the centre of Dar es salaam City where was still accommodated by the time of writing this statement. “I feel a lot of pain, I can’t step my foot on the ground and the Doctors say I shall be out of action for some weeks. Let’s wait and see”, said Mudde who spoke with difficulty.

    Simba Vice President Godfrey Kabul said the club would meet all the expenses Mudde incurs while on treatment in Kampala. Mudde joined Simba in July this year after refusing to renew his contract with Sofapaka FC in Kenya. His an unexpected injury comes in at a time when the Cranes head Coach Bobby Williamson is about to name his squad ahead of an international friendly match against The Flames of Malawi on August 15.

  • Uganda Cranes to play Malawi Flames

    The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has organized an international friendly match for the Uganda Cranes against The Flames of Malawi.

    The match fixed on the gazetted International FIFA day of August 15 will be played in Blantyre City. The game is intended to prepare the Cranes for their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers clash against Zambia due in Lusaka early September.

    FUFA Chief Executive officer, Edgar Watson said this Wednesday morning that the Head coach Bobby Williamson and the technical committee were soon sitting to name the squad before the federation makes official communications to their respective clubs.

  • Kiiza responds to TZ fans with a hat trick!

    Results (Tuesday)

    Atletico 0 APR 0

    El-Salam 1 Young 7

    Today: (Wednesday)

    AS Vita club Vs URA (2:00pm)

    Ports Vs Simba SC (4:00pm)

    Uganda International, Hamis Kiiza answered the fans’ outcry Tuesday afternoon when he scored a hat trick and set up two other goals in his pivotal performance against new entrants El-Salam Wau FC from South Sudan. The match ended 7-1 to push Salam out of title contention.

    The head Coach for the Young Africans Tom Saintfiet however said he was not excited with the team’s performance because he had come for a bigger win of at least ten goals. Kiiza’s teammate, Said Bahanuz opened up the scoring spree in the 12th minute before he added a second one in the 18th minute.

    Hamis Kiiza in action against El-Salam Wau from South Sudan. He scored a hat trick.

    Kiiza who had earlier missed an obvious chance with a keeper to beat in the 10th minute netted the club’s third goal just a minute after Bahanuz had stretched the lead to two. He also scored in the 30th and 69th minute of the game.  Other scorers were Khaliphan Nizar and Stephano Mwasika who scored the fourth goal that the technical committee will still have to review by the help of the Super Sport recordings in order to establish whether it was his or Kiiza’s fourth score.

    Speaking to www.fufa.co.ug after the game, Kiiza said, ‘I am happy that I have answered the fans call with four goals in one match’. He added, “This win was crucial because it puts us back into the title race. The results against APR will only have a bearing on positioning and not qualifications into the quarters”.

    Coach Tom Saintfiet hailed his opponents saying that they played a good game despite being inexperienced. He however added that there was no reason for his club to celebrate yet because the performance was still wanting. “I like perfection. We made many mistakes which we have to work on before we play APR”, said the Belgian tactician.

    Saintfiet was also quick to confess that their next fixture against APR was a more difficult task ahead of them.  In a surprise statement, the Belgian coach further said he had from the inception of the tournament planned to finish second in Group ‘C’ in order to avoid playing arch-rival Simba SC or Uganda Revenue Authority in the quarter finals.

    “Finishing first or third in group ‘C’ would mean playing  Simba or URA who are likely to finish first or second in group ‘A”, he told journalists during a post match press conference.

    Earlier on APR and Atletico had settled for a goalless draw in a match that saw Cranes players Dan Wagaluka and Johnson Bagoole featuring for 90 minutes. Habib Kavuma was on the bench.

  • Wagaluka, Bagoole, Kiiza in CECAFA action today

    Two Uganda Cranes players Dan Wagaluka and Johnson Bagoole will this afternoon be part of the APR starting squad against Atletico Olympic football club from Burundi in the sixth fixture of the ongoing Cecafa-Kagame club Championship here in Dar es salaam.

    Another Cranes player Habib Kavuma who is recovering from an injury sustained during a league match in Kigali starts on the bench. APR Head Coach Ernest Brand from The Netherlands says, Kavuma was steadily improving and that he would be granted a chance as a substitute if need arises.

    Kavuma did not feature against El-Salam Wau in a match the South Sudanese side was accorded a humiliating 7-0 welcome to Cecafa tournaments. Wau are making a first appearance in this tournament nearly one year after they were affiliated to CAF and CECAFA. Wagaluka and Bagoole played for 90 minutes in the last game and were both instrumental in the team with Wagaluka setting up two goals and Bagoole taking firm control of the defence.

    A draw or a win for APR in this Group ‘C’ match will automatically earn them an early slot in the quarter finals slated for Monday and Tuesday next week. Atletico Olympic is however a tricky side that plays good passes with a sharp striking line that Bagoole will have to consciously contain to let his side maintain a clean sheet from the two games.

    Dan Wagaluka will be instrumental in the Cranes team this afternoon

    In the second game, Hamis Kiiza is also expected to start for Young Africans against El-Salam Wau at 4:00pm. As a striker Kiiza will obviously have to score in this game if his presence on the squad will be of any recognition from the fans who were silenced by a 2-0 loss to Atletico over the weekend.

  • Angola gets new Coach

    Angola Football Federation (FAF) have named Uruguayan Gustavo Ferrin as their new head coach of the Palancas Negras.

    The 53-year old agreed a two-year contract with the Angola Football leadership to steer the affairs of the senior national team. Inside sources allege that FAF launched the campaign for the new coach after Uganda forced them to a 1-all draw in the world Cup qualifiers match early this year. Emmanuel Okwi scored Uganda’s goal in the dying minutes of the game.

    Romeu Filemon was acting Coach and was in charge of two matches in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Uganda. Romeu Filemon took over from Lito Vidigal who parted ways with FAF following a dismal performance by the Palancas Negras at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

    Angola will be travelling to Kampala early next year for the return leg with a new tactician. The Uruguayan has been granted a short contract to test his performance in the remaining matches of the qualifying rounds of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

     

    Gustavo will take over the team for the first time in an international friendly against Mozambique on August 15. He has previously worked in his native Uruguay and Peru, handling youth teams.

     

     

  • Cranes, South Sudan draw in Juba

    Julius Ogwang (in red) scored one of the Cranes goals away in Juba on Tuesday

    Uganda Cranes forced a 2-all draw in juba on Tuesday in an international friendly match played to commemorate the country’s first independence anniversary.

    Kenyan referee Thomas Onyango was in charge of the game watched by a moderate audience. Jubal Mwangawilo and Brasan Mamati were his assistants. Ceaser Okhuti and Julius Ogwang scored for Uganda in the 7th and 39th minute respectively.

    Uganda played without any of its professional players and the senior home based boys. Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson who was in Juba said the intention was mainly to give the home based young players an exposure. Leo Adra headed the technical bench.

    The team returns this Wednesday morning.

  • Cranes set to attack South Sudan today

    Okhuti Ceaser will be key in the squad that plays South Sudan in Juba this Tuesday evening.

    The Cranes National team comprising mainly young home based players will take on South Sudan today evening in the country’s first independence Cup at Juba stadium. Kickoff is 6:00pm local time.

    The match will be handled by a set of referees from Kenya. The Cranes officially hosted at South Sudan Hotel, landed into Juba Monday morning.

    Assistant Coach Abdallah Mubiru said they were set to play the 4-2-3-1 system with Guma Denis, Gigi Abubaker, Ogwang Julius, Kizito Luwaga and Ceaser Okhuti in the midfield. Steven Bengo will play upfront as a lone striker.

    Victoria University’s new recruit, Ali Kimera stands in goal with Wadada Nicholas, Ochaya Joseph, Mukisa Yusuf and Ssali Edward commanding the defence. The 25-man delegation here in Juba was led by Nkono Amin Bbosa.

    It comprises 18 players: Ali Kimera, Iguma Denis, Bengo Steven, Ssali Edward, Okhuti Ceaser, Ochaya Joseph, Abege George, Ogwang Julius, Luwaga Kizito, Bagala Denis, Wadada Nicholas, Wadri William, Namwanja Simon, Turilaba Alex, Omunuk Robert, Gigi Abubaker, Mukisa Yusuf and Magoola Jama Omar.

    The officials are Edgar Watson, Adra Leo, Nkata Paul, Mubiru Abdallah, Kiggundu Steven and Katumba Yahaya.

  • FUFA speaks out on Afcon draws

    FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa was in Johannesburg for the Afcon draws and he returns to Kampala today.

    FUFA wishes to officially inform all the stakeholders that the draws for the last round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Finals were on July 5 conducted at Tanz Caf’e – Emperors Palace in Johannesburg in presence of our FA President Mr. Lawrence Mulindwa.

    During the evening exercise, Uganda was paired with Zambia, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions.  To us the exercise was very fair and we welcome our opponents in the ‘battle field’ for this slot to South Africa next year.

    FUFA has respect for Zambia as our continental defending champions but we shall not let them walk on a ‘red carpet’ in this campaign.  We shall treat them as equals since we are familiar to each other. The past results do not make them exceptional.

    Our immediate task as FUFA is to start off the mental and psychological preparations of our players. We shall also ensure that we fly to Kampala all the players as they will be selected by the technical bench.

    We call upon all the stakeholders – the religious leaders, the government, sponsors, the media, the fans and the entire Ugandan population to throw their undivided support towards this campaign. FUFA alone cannot win the race without other partners.

    Finally, it will be great, for Uganda to celebrate 50 years of independence with a qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations. We invite the fans to show up in bigger number when we host Zambia on Saturday October 13 at Namboole stadium.

     

  • Cranes to play South Sudan in Uhuru Cup

    Amin Bbossa will lead Uganda’s delegation to South Sudan

    Uganda Cranes will on Monday July 9th travel to South Sudan to play an international friendly match against the hosts in the country’s first independence cup.

    The match scheduled for Tuesday July 10th will be handled by a set of Kenyan referees. FUFA zone 10 chairperson Amin Bbosa Nkono heads the Ugandan delegation to Juba. The team has already started training at Lugogo.

    The invitation is an opportunity to give the young home based players a chance to test their career. FUFA will also use this game to strengthen the football relationship between the two nations. FUFA CEO Edgar Watson will therefore be part of the travelling 25-man delegation.

     

     

     

     

  • Afcon draws: Bobby says ‘its a mission possible’

    Cranes Manager Bobby Williamson is optimistic that Uganda can advance to the finals if there is team work.

    Zambia is a proven team at this level with a coach who is a champion too. I personally have respect for their FA President, the coach and their players. What they achieved in winning last year’s continental trophy was magnificent and everyone should recognize and respect them for being a footballing Nation.

    For the Cranes however, this is a challenge we will relish. To qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations has always not been easy for us and it’s a long time coming. In my opinion this is a great opportunity. In no way am I being disrespectful to Zambia.

    But for us to qualify this year, we need to beat the best team on this continent. Uganda is capable of ending the long wait and this will require a collective effort so that we pull in one direction. FUFA, the government, the press and the entire population of Uganda should stand united towards this goal.

    Those with differences should put them aside for the sake of our team’s performance. It’s important that we are playing our first leg away in Lusaka. I believe this is to our advantage no matter what happens from the first leg. What we need to keep in perspective is that this ‘race’ won’t be won or lost in Lusaka but instead in Kampala. It can be us this time, believe me!