Former Uganda Cranes captain and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango is counting his blessings after holding a successful charity football game in his home town of Busia.

Onyango used the match as one to push the agenda of Denis Onyango Masinde (DOM) Foundation in a bid to change lives following his visit Masafu Hospital where he donated items.

The 36-year-old invited his former Uganda Cranes teammates, Coach Fred Kajoba, Manager Crispus Muyinda, Coach Ibrahim Kirya and musician Eddy Kenzo to feature in the match.

His team (Onyango XI) defeated Busia Select Team 4-2 on penalties after a one all stalemate in normal time.

Talking up the game, Onyango was thankful of the support he received from all individuals. “Thank you Busia for the love, I felt it,” he wrote on his social media.

“Thank you for turning up in such big numbers for the charity football game at Masafu Playground between my team (Onyango XI) and a Busia Select Team that ended 4-2 on penalties in our favour after a one all stalemate in normal time.

“I want to thank my former Uganda Cranes teammates, Coach Fred Kajoba, Manager Crispus Muyinda, Coach Ibrahim Kirya & my brother @eddykenzoficial for sparing time & being part, it means a lot.

“The foundation is up & running and we hope that God can use us to touch as many lives.”

Thank you Busia for the love, I felt it. Thank you for turning up in such big numbers for the charity football game at Masafu Playground between my team (Onyango XI) and a Busia Select Team that ended 4-2 on penalties in our favour after a one all stalemate in normal time (1/2). pic.twitter.com/n1dQwguhZr

— Dennis Onyango 🇺🇬 (@masindeonyango) December 24, 2021

Denis Onyango Masinde Foundation is an NGO with robust self-sustaining model at the forefront with desire to champion and accelerate social-economic inclusion.

Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango has donated to Masafu General Hospital back in his home district of Busia.

The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper through his Denis Onyango Masinde (DOM) Foundation gave back to his community after an illustrious career with his PSL club.

The 36-year old also organized a charity match between his best XI and Busia select team as part of the season celebrations at Masafu Playground.

Talking up his journey back home, Onyango said; “Great feeling being back home. Spent a bigger part of the day visiting Masafu Hospital where I was humbled by the warm reception I received.”

He added; “..we handed over a few items including mattresses, blankets & Mama Kits for expectant mothers.”

Former Cranes captain & goalkeeper, Denis Onyango through his Denis Onyango Masinde (DOM) Foundation was in a charitable mood yesterday. Visited his home town (Masafu, Busia district) and donated mattresses, blankets and Mama Kits bags to expectant mothers at Masafu hospital. pic.twitter.com/i7RzAoJzOb

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) December 24, 2021

Onyango retired from International football earlier this year after amassing over 80 caps for the country since making his senior international debut against Cape Verde in June 2005.

The Uganda Premier League secretariat has announced adjustments to the Matchday 13 fixtures to allow Uganda Cranes play international friendlies in Abu Dhabi.

“The UPL Secretariat is in receipt of a letter from FUFA requesting us to adjust the fixture to allow Uganda Cranes travel to United Arab Emirates to play two International friendly matches from 29th December 2021 to 2nd January 2022…,” read a statement signed by Bernard Bainamani.

The adjustments sees three fixtures rescheduled for Monday and these will have title contenders KCCA and Vipers in action as well as record league winners SC Villa.

Match Day 13 as Per Adjusted Fixtures

Monday December 27, 3pm

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

Tuesday December 28, 3pm

• RA vs Wakiso Giants – Arena of Visions, Ndejje
• BUL vs Arua Hill – Kyabazinga stadium, Bugembe
• Express vs Busoga United – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku

Wednesday December 29, 3pm

• Mbarara City vs Gaddafi – Kakyeeka stadium, Mbarara
• Police vs Soltilo Bright Stars – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo

Uganda will be making their third appearance at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup next year after editions in Bangladesh 2004 and Sri Lanka 2006.

The tournament will run from 14 January to 5 February and Uganda will face India, Ireland and South Africa.

The Baby Cricket Cranes will travel between Caribbean countries of Guyana located on South America’s North Atlantic coast plus dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela – Trinidad and Tobago.

Uganda will open with a trial matches against Scotland and Sri Lanka in Guyana days before diving into the tournament proper.

The Scotland tie will unfold on 10th January 2022 at the Everest Cricket Club, before the Sri Lanka duel two days later at the Guyana National Stadium.

Baby Cricket Cranes Schedule pending progression to the Plate League or Super League;

15 January 2022 | 17:00 (EAT) Ireland vs Uganda | Venue: Everest Cricket Club, Guyana

18 January 2022 | 17:00 (EAT) South Africa vs Uganda | Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago

22 January 2022 | 17:00 (EAT) India vs Uganda | Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’Sredojevic has summoned a squad of 21 players for the upcoming international friendlies in the United Arab Emirates.

The team announced on Wednesday, 22nd December has three goalkeepers, eight defenders, four midfielders, and six forwards.

Two South African-based stars in goalkeeper Isma Watenga and Moses Waiswa are part of the team.

“We are assembling the Uganda Cranes team that will competitively get engaged in several upcoming engagements like the AFCON 2023 and CHAN 2022 qualifiers.

“Such international build-up matches are a perfect measure for early preparations,” Micho said as quoted by the Fufa website.

The Cranes will play two Africa cup of Nations bound teams, Gabon and Mauritania.

The first game, against Gabon, will be played on 30th December 2021 and the game against Mauritania shall be played on the first day of next year.

The team is expected to depart for the engagements on 29th December 2021 and shall return on 2nd January 2022.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma (Chippa United), Mutakubwa Joel (Express), Komakech Jack (Vipers)

Defenders: Kizito Gavin (SC Villa), Iguma Denis (KCCA), Kayondo Aziz (Vipers), Juma Ibrahim (KCCA), Lwaliwa Khalid (Vipers), Najib Fesali (URA), Walusimbi Enock (Express), Semakula Kenneth (SC Villa)

Midfielders: Byaruhanga Bobosi (Vipers), Kakooza Mahad (Express), Waiswa Moses (SuperSport United), Kizza Martin (Express).

Forwards: Kaddu Patrick (Unattached), Sentamu Yunus (Vipers), Orit Ibrahim  (Vipers), Mutyaba Travis (SC Villa), Mukwala Steven (URA), Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka).

International Friendlies | Abu Dhabi, UAE

• Gabon vs. Uganda (30th December, 2021)
• Mauritania vs. Uganda (1st January, 2022)

Godfrey Lwesibawa is happy to get back to full fitness after a knee injury lay-off.

The Express winger returned from injury with a bang, scoring twice in three games. He scored on his return to salvage a point against Onduparaka and in the two-nil win over Mbarara City.

“I’m happy to hit the ground running after my return from the knee injury,” Lwesibawa said. “I had been out for a while but to return and score two goals in three games is a huge relief, it is a motivation to work harder.”

The left back-cum-winger says the focus is now getting as many wins as possible to catch with the pacesetters KCCA who are ten points clear of the defending champions.

“Overall as a team, we want to ensure we want to win as many games as possible to catch up with the table leaders.”

Express return to action on Friday with a home game against newcomer Gaddafi at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.

Uganda U20 Women skipper Fauzia Najjemba says the team will do all it takes to reach the fourth round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Uganda takes on South Africa in the return leg of their third round of qualification tie on Friday, 16th December.

The East Africans go into the tie with a 1-0 lead from the first leg played at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

“We have prepared well as a team and this is a very good chance to make it to the World Cup. We hope to exploit it.

“The team has been preparing well and as a captain, I promise we will do all our best to come back with victory from South Africa,” said Najjemba.

“We know what is required. The determination is there and we will increase our efforts to see to it that we take care of everything that is thrown at us so that we achieve our goal.

“It is an away game and we know that we have to work extra hard than we did at home.”

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC), Saidah Namwanje (Luweero Giant Queens)

Defenders: Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Midfielders: Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC)

Forwards: Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge(Chrysomolia FC), Lillian Mutuuzo(Kampala Queens FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC)

Uganda U20 Women head coach Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi is confident as the team flies to South Africa for the return leg of the World Cup qualifiers.

The team jets out in the wee hours of Wednesday ahead of Friday, 17th December match at Dobsonsville Stadium in Johannesburg.

The 20-player squad team comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and five forwards.

“I think these are the best players we have selected to go and do the job. I have the belief that the squad selected is competent to help us secure the result we want,” Kiyingi told the Fufa website.

“We carry a 1-0 advantage into the second leg but that doesn’t mean we shall go and sit back. We want to go and win in South Africa,” he added.

Uganda won the first leg 1-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende at the start of the month with Hadijah Nandago scoring the goal.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC), Saidah Namwanje (Luweero Giant Queens)

Defenders: Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Midfielders: Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC)

Forwards: Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge(Chrysomolia FC), Lillian Mutuuzo(Kampala Queens FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC)

Uganda Cricket Association has terminated the contract of victoria Pearls head coach Suraj Karavadra.

The association announced on Tuesday evening that the coach will be leaving his role barely after nine months in charge of the national side.

Karavadra was appointed in April this year and was in charge of the team during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup African Qualifiers in Botswana.

“We are very grateful to Karavadra for his services, workmanship and commitment to the assignment. We wish Suraj all the best in his future endeavours,” the association said in a statement.

According to the press statement, Karavadra leaves the role by mutual consent and an interim coach will soon be named to steer the side.

Uganda Premier League newbies Arua Hill Sports Club rallied from two goals down to draw with SC Villa 2-2 at Barifa Ground on Tuesday.

Isaac ogwang and Nicholas Kabonge handed the Jogoos a 2-goal lead but on form forward Alfred Leku and Innocent Media secured a point for Kongolo.

Ogwanga fired Villa infront in the 34th minute after Arua Hill goalie Rogers Omedwa fumbled with a deflected effort.

Five minutes later, the visitors were celebrating against with Kabonge doubling the lead off a delicious ball from Sadam Masereka.

Leku cut the difict just before the halftime break with a volley.

After the interval, it was Arua Hill chasing the game with Villa seeming confortable having their one-goal lead.

Meddie Kibirigge kept Joogos in the lead with some good saves but couldnt keep out Media’s effort off Geriga Atendele freekick.

The draw leaves the sixteen-time champions Villa just three points above the red zone with nine points from 10 games while Arua Hill remain 7th with 15 points.

Next Up

Both teams return to action on Saturday, 18th December as Arua Hill welcomes UPDF FC at Barifa while SC Villa will host KCCA FC in Njeru.

Team Lineups

Arua Hill XI: Rogers Omedwa (GK), Atendele Geriga, Richard Matovu, Toha Rashid, Joseph Vuni, Ibrahim Faizul, Gadaffi Wahab, Junior Andama, Robert Eseru, Samuel Sekamate, Alfred Leku

Substitutes: Eric Kibowa, Sharif Ssaka, Allan Mugalu, Innocent Media, Rashid Muhammad, Ibrahim Magandazi

SC Villa XI: Meddie Kibirige (GK), Gavin Kizito, Joseph Kafumbe, Fred Gift, Kenneth Semakula, Fred Agandu, Salim Abdullah, Travis Mutyaba, Saddam Masereka, Nicholas Kabonge, Isaac Ogwang

Substitutes: Martin Senkooto, Iddi Abdulwahdi, Benson Muhindo, Oscar Mawa, Umar Lutalo, Goffin Oyirwoth, Derrick Sekiranda