The Uganda Cricket U19 team also known as the Baby Cricket Cranes have entered a bio-bubble at Hawai Resort in Entebbe ahead of the World Cup in West Indies.

The team has been training at Lugogo for the past couple of months since their success in Rwanda where they qualified in the available African slot.

They will be making their 3rd appearance at the U-19 World Cup after the 2004 and 2006 editions where the country also featured.

According to Uganda Cricket Association, after Covid-19 tests, the team was split into two groups as they took to their paces this morning.

The reason for the split is to minimise contact, until the team flies out on Sunday Jan 2nd.

“The team entered its final bubble with the players separated in two groups to minimise contact, all trainings are non contact as well untill [sic] they team flies out on Sunday Jan 2nd,” read a tweet on the Federation’s social media.

Uganda in Group B alongside India, South Africa and Ireland. All the 14 players who were part of the victorious side in Rwanda made the squad, with all-rounder Edwin Nuwagaba the only new addition.

Uganda’s Group Fixtures

• Jan 15: Uganda U-19 vs. Ireland U-19
• Jan 18: Uganda U-19 vs. South Africa U-19
• Jan 22: Uganda U-19 vs. India U-19

Uganda U19 ICC World Cup squad

Pascal Murungi (Captain), Munir Ismail (Vice-Captain), Akram Nsubuga, Christopher Kidega, Pius Oloka, Joseph Baguma, Matthew Musinguzi, Ronald Omara, Cyrus Kakuru, Asaba Brian, Isaac Sanyu Ategeka, Ronald Opio, Ronald Lutaaya, Edwin Nuwagaba, Juma Miyagi.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has condemned the acts of violence that marred the Uganda Premier League game between Onduparaka and KCCA in at the Green Light Stadium on Monday.

The affair turned nasty when home fans protested a late penalty awarded to KCCA deeming it a gift to the visitors despite minimal contact in the area.

Fans sat on the ground and refused play to continue forcing the match officials to abandon the game after a lengthy period.

Muhammad Shaban’s penalty at the stroke of half time had tied the game at 2-2 adding following Rashid Okocha’s opener that was cancelled out by Arafat Usama and Sadat Anaku goals.

According to FUFA’s latest statement on the matter, a report from officials is yet to be received but once investigations are concluded, sanctions may be issued.

“We want to condemn in the strongest terms the acts of hooliganism that derail our game.

“As soon as match reports from the @OnduparakaFC1 Vs @KCCAFC @UPL game are received, our Judicial bodies will swing into action and punitive sanctions will be muted [sic] out to those responsible,” it read.

We want to condemn in the strongest terms the acts of hooliganism that derail our game. As soon as match reports from the @OnduparakaFC1 Vs @KCCAFC @UPL game are received, our Judicial bodies will swing into action and punitive sanctions will be muted out to those responsible. pic.twitter.com/okHgg4auev

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 28, 2021

Cricket Cranes bowler and batsman Dinesh Nakrani has been ranked among the World’s best wicket-takers in the T20 cricket for the year of 2021.

In a year that saw the T20 World Cup unfold, Australia winning their maiden trophy, Dinesh astonishingly makes third place just behind South African Tabraiz Shamsi (2) and Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga (1).

Dinesh shined this year in the T20s internationals picking up 35 wickets in 21 innings at an average of 10.68.

From 2019 when he debuted on the national team, Dinesh has picked most T20 wickets against rivals Kenya – 10.

His biggest haul this year was against Lesotho in Kigali when he picked 6 wickets with an economy of 1.75.

He also had a five-for against Seychelles with an economy of 2.00, iced with 3 T20I maidens in 2021.

According to CricketNext, Dinesh ranked higher than Maltese Waseem Abbas (4), Bangladeshi Mustafizur Rahman (5), New Zealander Ish Sodhi (6), Zimbabwean Luke Jongwe (7), Australian Adam Zampa (8), Bangladeshi Shakib al Hasan (9) and Pakistani Hasan Ali (10).

Vipers Sports Club thumped UPDF 7-2 in the league game at the St Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

the ruthless venoms completed the job in the halftime, leading 6-0 display in the one-sided encounter.

Ceaser Manzoki headed Vipers in the lead off the freekick as early as the 5th minute, and two minutes later Milton Karisa doubled the host’s lead with a low shot.

Bright Anukani received the ball from Milton Karisa to make it three in the 19th minute with a powerful shot.

At the half-hour mark, Yunus Sentamu tapped in from close range off Aziz Kayondo for the 4th goal of the game.

Manzoki completed his brace with a thumping header from Milton Karisa delivery in the 36th minute before debutant Emmanuel Munoobi scored from the spot in the 41st minute.

After the break, UPDF pulled one back through substitute Sabir Yasin in the 51st minutes before another sub Salim Huud scored the second from the spot in the 66th minute.

Bobosi Byaruhanga got his name on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute and all was done.

Vipers ascended to the summit with 29 points from 12 matches while UPDF are 7th with 18 points having played a game more.

Next Up

Vipers will make a trip to Arua to take on Arua Hill at the Barifa Stadium on Tuesday, 4th January while UPDF will host Police FC at the Bombo Military Barracks Ground on the same day.

Starting XIs

Vipers XI: Fabian Mutombora(GK), Emmanuel Munoobi, Aziz Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Livingstone Mulondo, Siraj Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa, Ceaser Manzoki, Yunus Sentamu.

UPDF XI: Brian Bwete (GK), James Begesa, Oyirwoth Daglas, Bernard Muwanga, Aggrey Kirya, Simon Mbazira, Okello Donato, Musa Mudde, Ibrahim Wammanah, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Mugisha Rogers.

SC Villa registered their second successive win of the season with 4-0 thrashing of Tooro United at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Monday.

Salim Abdallah and Nicholas Kabonge handed the hosts a 2-0 advantage by the halftime break and substitutes Benson Muhindo and Goffin Oyirwoth ensured that the Joggos picked maximum points on the day.

The Joogos started the better side and it did not take long to score as Salim put them ahead in the 9th minute odd a rebound.

It was all Villa from that point on against a poor Tooro United side that barely threatened.

At the stroke of halftime, Kabonge doubled the lead, tapping in a well-delivered cross from youngster Oscar Mawa.

Isaac Ogwang headed wide off Kabonge’s well-delivered corner, goal scorer Kabonge saw his effort saved for a corner, Oscar Mawa saw his effort cleared off the line as Villa sought to extend the lead before the break.

And with seven minutes to play, Muhindo converted from the spot to make it three after he was fouled in the area before Oyirwoth put the icing on the cake in added time.

It was Villa’s fourth win of the season and moves them to the ninth position with 15 points collected from 12 games so far.

Tooro United suffer their 11th loss of the season and remain rock bottom with only four points collected from 13 games.

Next Up

SC Villa will be away to Bright Stars on Tuesday, 4th January 2022 while Tooro United will host Express FC on the same day at Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal.

Team Line-ups

SC Villa: Martin Ssenkooto GK, Gavin Kizito, Kenneth Ssemakula, Gift Fred, Kafumbe Joseph, Mawa Oscar, Kakomo Amir, Salim Abdallah, Masereka Sadam, Isaac Ogwang, Kabonge Nicholas

Substitutes: Kibirige Meddi GK, Agandu Fred, Muhindo Benson, Iddi Abdulwahdi, Mutyaba Travis, Ali Bayo, Oyirwoth Goffin

Tooro United: Lukyamuzi Kenneth GK, Lubanjwa Gerrald, Ssegonja Ponsiano, Kagogwe Apollo, Kakeeto Shafiq, Kayondo Ronald, Mwanje Hussein, Mpagi Isaac, Ojara Dennis, Nsubuga Mark, Mutoni Abdulmajid

Substitutes: Mabuya Simon,Murungi Rogers, Lubega Rashid, Oshaba Marvin, Pirwot Julius, Mubiru Ronald, Sserunjoji Patrick

Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi was at the heart of defence as his team – Motherwell defeated Livingston 2-1 in Scottish Premiership on Boxing day.

Mugabi played an integral role in the club’s win as Kevin van Veen scored twice either side of half-time to hand the victory to the home side.

Motherwell made two changes from the side that defeated St Johnstone. Out went Tony Watt and Dean Cornelius, replaced by Barry Maguire and Connor Shields.

The match was Mugabi’s 19th appearance for the club this season, Bruce Anderson’s 87th minute consolation for Livingston the only short coming in the game.

“+3 Points going into the winter break..” Mugabi reveled on his social media page.

+3 Points going into the winter break 🤝🧡 pic.twitter.com/E46JHzBRr6

— Bevis Mugabi (@B_M321) December 26, 2021

From the last five games Mugabi has turned out in defence for Motherwell, the outfit has won three, lost once and drawn once.

After the winter break, Motherwell who are fourth on the table with 31 points from 20 games – travel to Ross County.

Vipers Sports Club will have their sights on leapfrogging KCCA at the top of the Uganda Premier League table when they host UPDF on Monday.

The Venoms are just two points off the top with a game in hand. They have collected 26 points from 11 matches.

With league leaders KCCA having a tough game in the West Nile against Onduparaka, Vipers have an opportunity to wipe the gap with victory against the Army side.

UPDF is without a win in their last 3 matches this season, and have not picked a point at St Mary’s Stadium in their last four meetings.

Yunus Ssentamu was the difference in the last meeting at Kitende with an 83rd-minute strike. The forward will again lead the search for the goals along with Ceasar Manzoki and Milton Karisa.

For the army side, Ivan Ahimbisiwe and Ezekiel Katende will be the go men for the goals.

Key Stats

Vipers and UPDF have met eight times in the league. UPDF has not picked a win against the Venoms.

Vipers have won 5 times and the rest were draws.

Monday, 27th December | Kickoff 3pm

• Onduparaka vs. KCCA – Green Light stadium, Arua
• SC Villa vs. Tooro United – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru
• Vipers vs. UPDF – St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende

KCCA Football Club will be looking to end the year on the top of the pile but have to pick maximum points in Arua against Ondupraka.

The Kasasiro visit struggling Caterpillars at the Greenlight Stadium a win will see them end the year as table leaders regardless of the result their closest rivals Vipers post against UPDF.

Morley Byekwaso’s men have dropped four points in the last two matches (against SC Villa and Express) and will be looking to get back in the win column against inconsistent Onduparaka who have struggled to collect points at home. Onduparaka’s only home victory in the 2021-22 season came against troubled Police FC.

“We have come here with a purpose. We want to pick points from Onduparaka. They are a good side especially when home. We have spoken about our issue of not converting chances with the players and tried to work on it in training. If we can get more clinical in front of goal then we can be unstoppable,” Byekwaso said ahead of the game.

Forwards Sadat Anaku, Davis Kasirye, and Charles Lwanga, as well as Ashraf Mugume in the middle of the park, will lead KCCA’s search for goals while the home side will look to Muhammad Shaban for inspiration.

Team News

Onduparaka welcomes back Rashid Okocha from suspension while Nathan Oloro is out with an ankle injury. Emmanuel Opolot (Malaria), Martin Aniku (Typhoid), and Emmanuel Oketch (Family issues) are also out

KCCA FC will be without Geoffrey Wasswa who is out injured alongside Julius Poloto and Yasser Mugerwa while Dennis Iguma (Family Leave) is also out of the tie.

Monday, 27th December | Kickoff 3pm

• Onduparaka vs. KCCA – Green Light stadium, Arua
• SC Villa vs. Tooro United – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru
• Vipers vs. UPDF – St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Moses Magogo has backed Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic to build another strong national side.

Micho, as he’s famously known, was re-appointed head coach of the Uganda Cranes on a three-year renewable contract on 1st August 2021.

The Serb’s appointment was met with mixed opinions and following Cranes’ failure to reach the final round of the 2022 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers, many have dismissed the tactician.

During his end-of-year address, Magogo said building a team takes time and Micho should be accorded the time to build another strong side.

“It took some time to build a team that took us to AFCON twice and it was not going to be easy after Stars on that team stepped aside.

“The good thing is that some of the players that were part of the squad were moulded by Micho like Farouk Miya so he has the ability to build a good team.

“It’s not fair to judge him after about three active months, so I want us to be patient because building a new team takes time but I am very confident that his new team will surpass those of the past, Magogo said.

Following the retirement of several key players who led the Cranes to the two AFCON tournaments, it’s clear the team is in a rebuild and Magogo used the address to echo that fact.

“Uganda Cranes is undergoing a transition and this happens to all football teams. The results may not be immediately what we want but it happens to all teams after a generation of players gives way which is just natural anyway.

“We thank all those players who have made this country smile in unison but we have a duty to create another group to even further the dreams of those before them.”

Uganda Premier League record winners SC Villa have been docked a point by the FUFA Competitions Disciplinary panel.

According to the committee, Disciplinary actions were opened up against SC Villa based on the match report from their home tie against KCCA FC on 18th December.

It was reported that in the 76th minute of the game, SC Villa fans threw broken beer bottles at the KCCA FC Technical bench.

The Jogoos fans were protesting Rodgers Mato’s goal that gave KCCA the lead before Nicholas Kabonge equalized through a late penalty.

Disciplinary proceedings were opened up against the management of SC Villa basing on the match report stating that during the SC Villa vs KCCA FC game, SC Villa fans threw broken beer bottles to the KCCA FC Technical bench.

Pursuant to previous warnings, the FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel hereby sanctions SC Villa for violation of FUFA Competitions Rules and Regulations.

1- A one point deduction from the ones already accrued by the club.

2- The club management is hereby directed to have fans, Fans’ leaders, Club Safety and Security officers plus all club officials go through safety and security training by CAF Safety and Security Officers within 14 days.

3- The FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel will make stringent measures should the club fail to heed to the above

Fufa Statement

The team had earlier been cautioned after its fans pelted stones at the BUL FC Technical bench which led to temporary stoppage of the game during the 2-1 defeat. The Joogos were slapped with a suspended deduction of two points and two goals that would be effected after a similar incident happened.

With a point docked, SC Villa sits 11th on the log with 12 points, they host Tooro United on Monday, 27th December at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.