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Big League: Blacks Power edge Kataka in Mbale
Ssenyondo pleased with Uganda Cubs second half performance in defeat to Morocco
Uganda Cubs fall to Morocco in AFCON U-17

The FUFA Executive has approved the new playing format of the 2023 FUFA Drum competition.

The official communication signed off by the FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza reads; “Whereas there had been the desire to play the FUFA Drum in the original version with 61 matches being played, a new version will be introduced with 46 matches which is an improvement on the last edition where 30 matches were played.”

The FUFA Drum continued last year after two years of no activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the globe and affected the organization of several competitions.

The approved version of the 2023 FUFA Drum is as follows,

a) On the basis of the last edition’s performance the best 8 province teams will get byes to the next round.

b) The last 8 Province teams are randomly paired to play home and away (8 matches).

c) The 4 winners on aggregate join the other 8 that received byes to make 12 province teams.

d) The 12 Province teams be seeded according to performance into 3 pots and draw of lots conducted to have 4 groups (A, B, C, D) of 3 teams each.

e) Teams in each group play each other home and away (24 matches).

f) The best 2 teams in each group progress to quarter-finals (A1 v B2, B1 v A2, C1 v D2, D1 v C2) home and away (8 matches).

g) Winners progress to semifinals to be played home and away (4 matches).

h) Losers play for third place (1 match).

i) Winners play for first place (1 match).

The past winners of the FUFA Drum are; Buganda Province (2018), Acholi Province (2019), West Nile Province (2022/2023).

FUFA Executive has approved an internal working committee for the success of the 2027 AFCON Pamoja Bid submitted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The bid was submitted a week ago with the aim of the three African countries winning the rights to co-host AFCON 2027.

According to FUFA, “all the necessary requirements have been met and the bid was submitted to CAF within the set timelines by 23rd May 2023.”

“FUFA Executive has gone ahead to approve an internal working committee for smooth and well-coordinated operations that will handle tasks by FUFA and also coordinate with other stakeholders including the Government of Uganda.”

The committee will work hand in hand with CAF on their special visit to Uganda to inspect the key items and facilities submitted in the bid.

AFCON 2027 Pamoja Bid

The Committee appointed has;

  1. Mr. Justus Mugisha – Chairman
  2. Mr. Darius Mugoye – Vice Chairman
  3. Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi – Member
  4. Mr. Rogers Byamukama – Member
  5. Mr. Ronnie Kalema – Member
  6. Mr. Rogers Mulindwa – Member
  7. Mr. Amin Bbosa Nkono – Member

The FUFA Executive approved the committee on Sunday 28 th May 2023.

Kibuli Secondary School and Amus College will be representing Uganda in the upcoming 2023 ISF World’s Football Championship that will take place in Morocco between July 22 and 31.

In the draws held in Rabat, Morocco today (Thursday), Kibuli was drawn in Group E while Amus College landed in Group A.

In Group A, Amus College will play alongside France, Chile 2 and Nepal.

While Kibuli will face off with Qatar, China and Cote d’Ivoire in Group E.

Nimrod Kintu, head coach of Amus College sounded a calm man after learning of his side’s opponents noting they have prepared well and are ready to showcase.

“We are maximising our expectations. We have played at previous levels of football and can not wait to take on this assignment to. The teams from Europe, South America and Asia will admire our game and style,” he noted.

In the just concluded USSSA games, Amus oust Kibuli SS in the quarterfinals before it lost to the defending champions St Mary’s Kitende in the semifinals and finished fourth.

On the other side of the coin, another Ugandan representative St Noa Girls has been drawn in Group D in the company of Morocco (host), Chile and England.

All groups of Football (Boys)

Wakiso Giants midfielder Marvin Nyanzi has narrated the journey he went through during his maiden campaign playing in the Uganda Premier League.

The agile midfielder reveals that it’s been a walk that has faced a number of challenges but also witnessed several wins.

“I must say the campaign was at a certain point challenging though there were several lessons to take home along the exciting journey,” Nyanzi narrates.

“It was interesting that the challenges at many times made him stronger because they left me challenged to get from one level to another as I seek greater heights,” he continued.

Kicking off with the beautiful moments, Nyanzi keeps dreaming about his quick goal scored in under 20 seconds against Onduparaka FC and the fascinating assist setting up Shariph Kimbowa in the game against Vipers SC.

“Oftentimes, football is summarized in moments and for my first season playing in the top league am glad to have created some beautiful memories for the team and myself.”

“Days have passed but I can hardly forget the day I scored a goal before a minute. I wish it can be confirmed as a record because am told it’s the fastest witnessed in the league. The other beautiful moment I recall was the assist to Kimbowa.”

Coming from the Regional side, Kajjansi United, Nyanzi had scored 12 goals far from what he achieved at Wakiso but the midfielder attributes the low harvest to limited playing time.

“It’s clear that I have not scored much like it was at my previous club because I have played a few games. It’s hard to seal a place in the starting eleven because the team has a number of quality players.”

“But my teammates and coaches have pushed me to keep on track but am glad am slowly getting into the team and that will even get better next season.”

”It’s a challenge to keep on the bench but it’s normal because positions in the team are rewards for your hard work and not gifts that are given without a reason,” he concluded.

Wakiso Giants finished eighth with 36 points after playing 28 games in the UPL 2022/23 season.

KCCA FC forward Allan Okello penned down an emotional letter to the team’s faithful reflecting on the just concluded 2022/23 campaign.

The Lugogo-based side finished second on the log with 53 points level with Vipers SC that clinched the trophy due to a superior goal difference.

“I have taken the last few days to reflect on the just concluded season,” Okello said in the letter.

“Our dream from the begging was to win the double this season and it’s only right to accept that it was a very disappointing season for us,” he added.

The Kasasiro Boys kicked off the league in style and Okello was among the spices added to the soccer meal after landing from Algeria’s Paradou having agreed to a loan move.

Having concluded the first season on the top it was written all over the wall that it was their title to win before they lost track along the way. But Okello believes they were several lessons picked.

“While we may not have achieved our ultimate goal. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. There is no failure in football, we always learn from even the harshest of experiences.

“I strongly believe we still have whatever it takes to achieve the dream at this great club come next season. To everyone at the club, thank you for the unwavering support and belief.”

“Together we have created memories that will last a lifetime, and I am forever grateful to be part of this great football club,” he concluded.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic expressed his delight for the fight from his troops who took edged the Eastern Regional Select.

The Cranes registered a 1-0 narrow victory against the Eastern Regional Select in a practice match that was held at the Irundu Township P/S playground in Buyende on Tuesday.

“I am glad we put up a great fight without the Champions (Vipers SC) players,” Micho was quoted by the FUFA website.

“We have always had tough games in the Eastern Region but today we had a great game which has been enjoyed by many people. We have tested ourselves and this has been a bounce-back for those who failed to win the league,” he added.

Uganda Cranes team that started against the Eastern Region Select side

Denis Omedi’s second-half powerful strike was enough to award Micho’s charges bragging rights in the tight and close-ended duel.

“I am glad the lone goal scorer is Denis Omendi who was the top scorer of the FUFA Big League. That is a clear indicator of the quality in the second tier. Omendi is a great prospect that needs attention.”

According to the Serbian gaffer, the foreign-based players and local players that did not make it to Buyende will join the group as preparations continue in Kampala.

Uganda Cranes are set to play neighbours Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in another trial game before they play the Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers.

The Cranes will later play Algeria on Sunday, June 18 in AFCON qualifiers in Douala City, Cameroon.

2023 Buganda Masaza Cup Tournament

The reigning Buganda Masaza Cup football champions Busiro will open up against three-time winner Mawokota at the Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium in Kabowa.

The official opening match of the 2023 Buganda Masaza Cup will take place on Saturday, 24th June, as announced by the Buganda Kingdom.

Owek. Henry Moses Ssekabembe Kiberu, the Buganda Kingdom minister of sports, leisure and recreation announced to the media.

“We are ready and set to have the opening game of the 19th edition between holders Busiro and Mawokota. We call upon all the county chiefs, team leaders and fans to give support to their respective counties in any possible way,” Remarked Owek. Ssekabembe.

Owek. Ssekabembe also confirmed that the official opening match will also be graced by the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

Busiro Ssaza is coached by Ibrahim Kirya who replaced Simon Peter Mugerwa. Mawokota who won three titles in 2005, 2007 and 2013 is under Michael Bukenya.

Entry fees are fixed at 10,000/= and 30,000/= for ordinary and VIP tickets respectively.

Buganda Masaza Cup Cast of All Winners:

Uganda Senior Women’s National Football team, the Crested Cranes have been drawn against neighbours Rwanda in the CAF Women’s Olympics Football tournament qualifiers.

In the draws conducted on Tuesday afternoon in Cairo, Egypt, the Crested Cranes were placed in Pot 4 comprising of CECAFA and COSAFA nations namely Mozambique, Namibia Tanzania and Ethiopia.

The outcome of the draw pitted Uganda against Rwanda and the games will be played between the 10th -18th of July.

The last time the two Nations met, Uganda triumphed 2-0 at CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship last year thanks to Fazila Ikwaput’s brace.

Uganda and Rwanda will face Cameroon and only two teams from Africa will play in the final tournament in Paris, France.

Vipers SC and Police FC will contend for this year’s FUFA Uganda Cup after securing the slots in the final on Saturday.

Vipers went past Bright Stars while Police were on top of the Big League clash to storm the final.

Despite the 1-0 loss to Bright Stars at Kavumba Recreational Grounds, the Venoms progressed 4-1 on aggregate.

It should be noted Vipers will play their third Uganda Cup final in a row. In the previous two, they have won one and lost one.

In the 40th minute, Rogers Torach fumbled to give possession to Nelson Ssenkatuka before he went past Hillary Mukundane before he composed himself to squeeze the ball past Fabien Mutombora.

A minute later, Ssenkatuka yet again warmed Mutombora’s gloves before he punched the ball out for a corner kick.

At the stroke of the first stanza, the hosts were at it again as Ssenkatuka danced around Mutombora but failed to place the ball into an empty net as Torach cleared his lines.

Five minutes into the second stanza, Abdul Lumala danced his way into the area before his chipped effort rattled off the frame.

Moments later, Bright Anukani set up Martin Kizza whose powerful effort was blocked by Bright Stars custodian Sanon Mulabi.

In the 74th minute, Karim Watambala made a sole effort through a forest of legs before his effort sailed inches wide of the goal post.

At the death of the game, Cromwell Rwothomio squeezed the ball on target from a tight angle but Mulabi was quick to guard his lines with a reflex save.

At full-time, Vipers sealed off a date with Big League side Police in the Uganda Cup final that will be played at Akii Bua, Lira on Saturday, June 3, 2021.

Uganda National Women’s Football Team, Crested Cranes, is set to face Rwanda in the upcoming CAF Women Olympics Qualifiers.

During the draws conducted on Tuesday afternoon in Egypt, Cairo, the Crested Cranes were pitted in pot 4.

Among the pot were Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Ethiopia in a mixture of COSAFA and CECAFA nations.

While Rwanda was in Pot 3 with CHAD, Congo Brazzaville, DRC and Equatorial Guinea.

The winner between Rwanda and Uganda will face Cameroon who will not play in the first round since they have a bye due to their thrilling show in the previous WAFCON tournament.

Crested Cranes will host the first leg before they travel to Kigali for the return leg. The games will be played on July 10 and 18 respectively.

Only two countries from Africa will be part of next year’s Olympics which will take place in Paris.

First Round Fixtures