Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi is enjoying comparisons to Barcelona legend Dani Alves after swapping centre-back for right-back at Scottish professional club Motherwell.

The 26-year old impressed against Dundee United during a 1-0 Premiership win on Tuesday before he was drifted back to central defence in the club’s 1-1 draw with Hibernian four days later.

Mugabi has played six of his 16 matches this term at right-back – keeping out club captain Stephen O’Donnell out of Graham Alexander’s ‘Well XI in November.

“My Dani Alves impression is getting a lot better! I’m trying, I really am. All the boys keep calling me Dani Alves! But I’m glad I can do a job there as well as centre-back,” he told Daily Record.

“You can definitely tell the difference between playing the two positions but I’m used to doing both now. I’ve started a few games as a right-back so I’m just glad I can do a good job in both areas.

“Long may my form continue as if I keep up my performances, I don’t see why I shouldn’t be in that starting XI.”

Mugabi signed for Motherwell on 12 September 2019 and his deal was renewed – now due to expire in the summer of 2021.

Pacesetters KCCA Football Club faces their biggest test of the season thus far as they visit second-placed Vipers Sports Club at St Mary’s stadium, Kitende on Sunday.

The two sides come into the clash on the back of identical 3-1 wins. KCCA beat while Vipers were winners against Gaddafi.

KCCA head coach Morley Byekwaso wants his side to be more clinical against a side he feels it’s the biggest test for his charges.

“This will be a big test for us as we play one of the top title contenders.

“We have to have our A-game against them and I think the team that will have the right tactics will take the day.

“We need to get more clinical in front of the goal. If we can get to score more goals then we will be unplayable. I have told my players to handle the game as we have been handling all other games,” Byekwaso told the club website.

Vipers is six points off the pace with a game at hand but will need a victory at home to keep the Kasasiro in reach.

Team News

Vipers welcome back last season’s league top scorer Yunus Sentamu from an injury while Aziz Kayondo returns from suspension.

Richard Basangwa, Lawrence Tezikya, and Umar Kyebatala remain long-term absentees.

For KCCA FC, Gift Ali returns from an injury that saw him miss the game against BUL.

Brian Majwega and Julius Poloto remain unavailable while Brian Aheebwa, Peter Magambo, and Samson Kigozi returned to training but did not make the match squad.

Brian Kayanja and Emmanuel Alex Wasswa are long-term absentees.

All Sunday Fixtures

• UPDF vs Bright Stars – Bombo
• Vipers vs KCCA – Kitende
• Arua Hill Vs Tooro United – Barifa

Former Uganda Cranes head coach Csaba László can’t trade any experience with the one he had with the national team between 2006 to 2008.

The tactician remembers every single outing as one of a life time with the team and he feels he enjoyed his time in Uganda – a top football loving nation.

Even though during his reign Uganda missed out on qualification for the African Cup of Nations in Ghana 2008, on goal difference, in favour of Sudan, the 57-year old speaks highly of his returns with the outfit.

One landmark achievement that can never be forgotten was Cranes’ victory over Nigeria for the first time in history.

Uganda scored two second-half penalty kicks to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on 02 June 2007 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

John Utaka had put the hosts ahead in 25th minute but David Obua equalized from the spot in the 51st following Afolabi Rabin’s foul on Geoffrey Massa.

Massa was brought down again by goalkeeper Austine Ejide in the 62nd minute, allowing captain Ibrahim Sekajja convert another penalty.

Even though Cranes were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Noah Kasule was sent off for a second yellow card after he handled the ball, they held on to register a very famous win.

Talking up the memories with World Football Index’s Callum MacFadden, Csaba remembers a “football-crazy” and “incredibly friendly” country.

“I took the country from 181st in the world rankings to 91st,” he said. “We beat countries such as Nigeria and Angola for the first time in Uganda’s footballing history and we just missed out on qualification for the African cup of nations.

“It was such a unique experience. Uganda is a football-crazy country. The continent of Africa has many football-mad countries and I think that’s underplayed as most of the world’s media focus on European football. There is a lot of quality throughout various leagues in Africa too.

“Football is the number one sport in many countries. Living in Africa was something that I absolutely loved. The people were incredibly friendly and I admired their attitude and dedication to football and their country.

“I stayed in Uganda for my period in charge of the nation. I was offered the opportunity to stay in a hotel but I refused. I wanted to live like the people of Uganda so I bought a normal house and fully integrated myself into the job and into society.

“I wanted the people to see me as an equal rather than the stereotypical white man arriving to coach in Africa because he knows more than you.

“That’s why fully integrating myself into the culture was important to me. It was a privilege to manage the nation and try to make the Ugandan people proud of their team.

“Many of our players played outwith Uganda and the quality of player was very good. We had top players in David Obua and Ibrahim Sekagya to name just two.

“I made many fantastic memories during my time there. All I wanted to do was help the players to improve and progress and we did that as a team during my two and half years in charge.”

Since his tenure in Uganda, Csaba has managed Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian, MTK Budapest, Slovak Super Liga team Dunajská Streda, Dundee United, Romanian club Sepsi OSK and Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC.

Uganda overcame South Africa in the first leg of the third round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers match played on Friday.

Hadijah Nandago scored the lone goal at St Mary’s Stadium in the first half of the game.

The forward headed in Magret Kunihira’s corner-kick in the 19th minute with the strike turning out to be the decisive moment of the game.

Strong start from Uganda

Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi’s charges were on the front foot in pursuit of an early goal and several chances were created.

Juliet Nalukenge, who had a poor outing by her standards, got three clear-cut chances in the opening half an hour but lacked composure in front of goal to put any away.

In the 6th minute, Sumaya Komuntale forced goalkeeper Ramaisha Nthabiseng into making a good save from her low drive.

Aisha Nantongo who was deployed in the holding midfielder role in the absence of Shamirah Nalugya had an attempt at goal but she was denied by the woodwork.

As the hosts wasted chance after chance, South Africa grew in confidence and by the end of the first half, they had a lion’s share of possession and threatened more after the halftime break in search of the equalizer.

The return leg is slated for 17th December in Johannesburg and Uganda needs at least a draw to advance to the next round.

The winner of the tie on aggregate will advance to the fourth round where they will face either Ghana or Zambia.

Uganda’s journey to next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup resumes today (Friday) at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende as they take on South Africa in the first leg of the third round.

Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, the head coach of Uganda, believes winning at home will be a big boost in their pursuit to progress to the next stage.

“We want to win at home because that gives us an advantage going into the return leg,” Kiyingi told the press. “The players have been prepared well and we hope that they execute the plan made,” he added.

Uganda failed to win the CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship last month, falling to Ethiopia in the last game but Kiyingi says they picked lessons.

“We were disappointed that we couldn’t win the title but that is behind us now. We have tried to rectify the mistakes made and that is a good factor to motivate us going into the encounter with South Africa.”

Team captain Fauzia Najjemba who was the top scorer of Cecafa championship with 11 goals in 5 games also says the team moved on from the disappointment and they are ready to deliver.

“We have moved away from the CECAFA experience. I know many Ugandans have a lot of faith in this team and we can only repay that belief by winning. All of us are ready to win and keep chasing the target of playing at the World Cup.”

Kiyingi hopes to use the experience of playing against South Africa U17 at COSAFA a couple of years ago to overcome their seniors.

“We don’t little knowledge about their team but some of the players who were in their U17 team that we played at COSAFA in 2019 have since graduated to the U20 side and I think we shall try to replicate what we applied back then.”

Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi helped Motherwell register a clean sheet as the side defeated Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Tonny Watt found the back of the net for Motherwell as the side went on to defend that lone goal throughout after 12 minutes.

Watt delivered a fabulous curling finish to make up for Mugabi’s opportunity he had created in the first minute when he loaded a cross which was half-cleared to Barry Maguire, whose drive was deflected into Benji Siegrist’s arms.

Ten minutes from time, Bevis again was involved when he headed on Callum Slattery’s free-kick. It seemed a tap-in at the far post for home sub Stephen O’Donnell – but the Scotland international missed.

Even though Motherwell reduced to ten men eight minutes from the end of the match, Mugabi and his colleagues held to the 1-0 victory.

“Solid Win! Clean sheet,” he wrote on his social media.

Solid Win! Clean sheet 🧡🤝 pic.twitter.com/2n2aNYhqZA

— Bevis Mugabi (@B_M321) November 30, 2021

Motherwell are currently placed 5th on the table with 24 points after 16 matches played.

Vipers Sports Club registered a convincing 3-1 win over Uganda Premier League newcomers Gaddafi Football Club on Wednesday.

Milton Karisa netted a double and Bright Anukani added the other as the Venoms left Jinja with maximum points.

Jamal Buchochera’s first-half strike turned into a consolation for the Soldier Boys.

Just after the half-hour mark, Karisa broke the deadlock with a cool finish past Ronald Mutebi after Ceasar Manzoki headed in his path.

Defender Buchochera restored parity six minutes later, tapping home Hassan Musana’s corner.

Karisa capitalized on Yunus Sibira’s error to get his second of the day and restore Vipers lead in the process.

Anukani added the third from a direct freekick three minutes later and that was all to show in terms of scores at the full-time whistle as no team found the net after the break.

The win lifts the Venoms back to second place in the table while Gaddafi stays 11th with nine points.

Next Up

Vipers will host early title rivals KCCA FC in the top of the table clash on Sunday, 5th December at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende while Gaddafi will visit Police on Tuesday, 7th December.

Starting XIs

Gaddafi FC: Mutebi Ronald (GK), Karenzi Buchochera, Musana Hassan, Waiswa Andrew, Sibira Yunusu, Kyeyune Umaru, Munguchi Steven, Kirya Amos, Otim James, Kitata Alex, Madondo Joel

Vipers SC: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Paul Willa, Livingstone Mulondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Disan Galiwango, Siraje Ssentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Milton Karisa, Bright Anukani, Paul Mucuurezi, Ceaser Manzoki.

KCCA Football Club maintained their six-point lead atop the Uganda Premier League with a 3-1 win over BUL Football Club on Wednesday.

Despite being the second-best side for majority of the opening forty-five minutes, KCCA took the lead at the stroke of halftime with Innocent Wafula firing home to send the fans in the terraces of the MTN Omond Stadium into celebration. It was the first goal for wingback since joining the club from Mbarara City.

With 13 minutes to play, Charles Lwanga who came on for Sadat Anaku doubled the host’s lead with a solo effort and three minutes later Davis Kasirye tapped in at the near post to all but seal the points for KCCA.

Musa Esenu found the consolation for BUL seven minutes from time.

Missed Chances

Sadat Anaku, Rogers Mato, and Ashraf Mugume came close as Denis Iguma’s shot rattled the crossbar in some of the opportunities KCCA created.

For BUL, Joseph Ssemujju skied a penalty kick and Esenu had a header fly wide of goal.

Next Up

KCCA visits Vipers at the St Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Sunday, 5th December while BUL will host Busoga United in the Jinja Derby on Tuesday, 7th December at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.

Starting XIs

KCCA FC: Derrick Ochan (GK), Innocent Wafula, John Revita, Geoffrey Wasswa, Herbert Achai, Denis Iguma, Ashraf Mugume, Arafat Usama, Mato Rogers, Davis Kasirye, Sadat Anaku

BUL FC: Saidi Keni (GK), Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Kazindula, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Simon Peter Oketch, Musa Esenu, Richard Wandyaka

Vipers Sports Club will be looking to a return to winning ways when they visit Uganda Premier League newcomers Gaddafi Football Club on Wednesday.

The venoms go into the game on a back of a two-nil defeat to URA FC on Saturday and will want to bounce back against the Soldiers Boys and keep up with pacesetters KCCA who host BUL att Lugogo.

It will be another test for Brazilian coach Oliveira Robertinho with Gaddafi looking better under the stewardship of Peter Onen.

Robertinho says the loss to URA is behind them and they are looking to get the points as they trust the system.

“You need to understand that there is no team in the whole world that wins every time since the players and coaches are not machines.

“We shall forget the past and we give priority to our next game, we trust our system, we are ready and our objective is still about winning every time.

“Like l said, every match for us is like a final. So, every game is important therefore I’m confident and hopeful we shall bounce back to winning ways.”

Gaddafi has not lost in the last three games, drawing twice and winning the other.

Team News

Richard Basangwa, Lawrence Tezikya, and Umaru Kyebatala remain long-term absentees while Yunus Ssentamu is a doubt for the game, having returned to training this week.

Wednesday Fixtures

• KCCA vs. BUL – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
• Gaddafi vs. Vipers – Gaddafi Arena

KCCA Football Club will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Uganda Premier League when they host third-placed BUL at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts have won the past four league meetings at home but head coach Morley Byekwaso says this time is different compared to the previous games.

“This game will be very different from the previous games. I will be meeting the coach (Alex Isabirye) whom I played with, he has his philosophy and he knows football. I really respect him because he knows what he’s doing and you can see that they are in the second (now third after Wakiso Giants win against Bright Stars on Tuesday) position that shows how great he has done the job.

“It will be a test of character because BUL already tested the big teams, we think it will be a very hard game but God willing we shall overcome it.”

Alex Isabirye, the head coach of BUL, believes his side will compete favourably and it will be an exciting game.

“We are playing one of the most organised teams in the country, they have a set of young, exciting coaching staff.

“I know they still have time to think for the game but as I have been telling you, this season we are trying to compete so if you want your players to compete you want them to play such good teams.

“I know the game won’t be easy but people will enjoy and the best-organized team will take the day.”

Bul comes into the fixture on the back of a tough one-all draw with Gaddafi that was preceded by a win over SC Villa. On the other hand, KCCA has secured close wins over UPDF and Arua Hill.

Team News

Experienced defender Denis Iguma from suspension while Brian Majwega, Julius Poloto, Brian Aheebwa, and Samson Kigozi are out with injuries while Brian Kayanja, Emmanuel Alex Wasswa, and Peter Magambo are long-term absentees.

Wednesday Fixtures

• KCCA vs. BUL – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
• Gaddafi vs. Vipers – Gaddafi Arena