Former Uganda Cranes midfielder Micheal Azira has been awarded New Mexico United 2021 Humanitarian of the Year.

The 34-year old has been at the forefront of supporting communities both at home (Uganda) and abroad to merit his award from the club.

According to New Mexico United, “Mike has been creating opportunity, positivity, fundraising, and inspiration for the youth of New Mexico.”

“Mike’s actions have made a powerful impact locally and the effects have been felt across the globe as the @aziramicheal continues to pave a path to success in his home country of Uganda.

They added; “Here’s to our 2021 Humanitarian of the Year and the countless lives he has impacted.”

Micheal Azira: Community Champion 🖤💛

Since his arrival in New Mexico, Mike has been creating opportunity, positivity, fundraising, and inspiration for the youth of New Mexico. #SomosUnidos pic.twitter.com/qNeYwtgd0E

— New Mexico United (@NewMexicoUTD) November 12, 2021

Talking up the award, Azira said; “Thanks to all our fans, teammates, our foundation’s team and donors.

“It was all your support that created all that we have achieved. Lets put our efforts together and continue to make a difference.”

Azira has been running the Azira Micheal Youth Foundation as a channel through which he can repay gratitude to someone whose unconditional love and support he was showed.

The mission is to use sports as a vehicle to give children in Uganda access to education, nutrition and character development.

Through donations, he alongside partners foster children’s pathways to following and fulfilling their dreams.

KCCA Football Club center back Geoffrey Wasswa has been included on the contingent to Morocco for Sunday’s game against Mali in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Wasswa replaces Timothy Awany who is suspended from the game after accumulating bookings.

After managing just a point against Kenya and Mali winning 3-0 against Rwanda, the West Africans sealed their place at the playoff round with a game to spare.

Therefore, Uganda will play for just pride on Sunday.

The Players

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (St George, Ethiopia), Isma Watenga (Chippa United, South Africa), Mathias Kigonya (Azam, Tanzania)

Defenders: Denis Iguma (KCCA, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Abdul-Azizi Kayondo (Vipers, Uganda), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), John Revita (KCCA, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Geoffrey Wasswa (KCCA, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers, Uganda), Moses Waiswa (SuperSport United, South Africa), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA, Uganda), Allan Okello (AC Paradou, Algeria), Julius Poloto (KCCA, Uganda)

Forwards: Fahad Bayo (FC Ashdod, Israel), Steven Desse Mukwala (URA, Uganda), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers, Uganda), Martin Kizza (Express, Uganda), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda)

Fahad Bayo came to the rescue of Uganda Cranes in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game played on Thursday at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

Bayo netted a late-late equalizer to keep Uganda’s hopes of advancing to the second round of qualifiers alive with leaders Mali taking on Rwanda later.

Michael Olunga scored the opening goal of the match in the second half and Harambee Stars were on course for victory but Bayo capitalized on goalkeeper Brian Okoth Bwire’s error to draw Uganda level.

Uganda needed nothing short of victory to keep the pressure up on leaders Mali before the two sides meet in Morocco for the decisive tie.

The start to the game was slow with no urgency from the hosts and the first half had no clear chances.

The introduction of Ibrahim Orit, Milton Karisa, and Allan Okello in the second half saw Cranes open up and play with some urgency. Karisa had a couple of penalty shouts waved.

Earlier, Bevis Mugabi had an effort fly over the bar after Bwire had spilled Bobosi Byaruhanga’s freekick.

Substitute Martin Kizza skewed an effort from inside the area that could have been the winner just wide in Uganda’s final chance of the game.

It’s the sixth straight draw between the Cecafa opponents in all competitions, a run that shows how close the rivalry is between the two sides.

The draw Uganda moves to nine points, one below leaders Mali who faces Rwanda later in the day before the two sides (Uganda and Mali) meet in three days time.

The Cranes will travel to face Mali on Sunday without defender Timothy Awany and striker Yunus Sentamu who are ruled out after picking their second yellow cards.

Teams

Uganda Starting XI: Charles Lukwago (GK), Denis Iguma, Timothy Awany, Bevis Mugabi, Aziizi Kayondo, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Isaac Muleme, Steven Mukwala, Fahad Bayo

Substitutes: Watenga Ismail (GK), Kigonya Mathias (GK), Mulondo Livingstone, Kakooza Mahad, Mugweri Garvin, Revita John, Kagimu Shafiq, Kizza Martin, Orit Ibrahim, Okello Allan, Karisa Milton, Sentamu Yunus.

Coach: Milutin Sredojevic Micho

Kenya Starting XI: Brian Bwire (GK), Joseph Okumu, David Ochieng, Abud Omar, Amos Nondi, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Anthony Wambani, Abdallah Hassan, Samuel Onyango, Michael Olunga.

Substitutes: Ian Otieno (GK), James Saruni (GK), Musa Mohammed, Johnstone Omurwa, Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, Timothy Noor Ouma, Alwyn Tera, Cliff Nyakeya, Cliffton Miheso, Ismael Salim

Coach: Engin Firat

Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho has reiterated the national team’s goals ahead of their clash against arch-rivals Kenya in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende on Thursday.

The 28-year old says the team will be gunning for maximum points when they face the Harambee Stars in a tightly contested affair.

Kenyans Joseph Okumu and midfielder Richard Odada out of the game through injury and Aucho and his colleagues are set to deliver a proper upset at home.

“My Ninjas are ready for the game against Kenya and the focus is to collect maximum points,” he told FUFA media. “We aren’t under any pressure because we know our opponents in and out.”

On October 8, 2011, the Pearl needed a win over the same side to reach the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals but the match ended in a painful goalless draw to deny the hosts a ticket to the continental showpiece.

Uganda will be looking at preventing the same from happening again especially with a record of 32 wins, 22 losses and 24 draws against the neighbours.

Uganda Cranes Probable XI

Lukwago (GK), Mugabi, Awany, Iguma, Muleme, Aucho ©, Bobosi, Waiswa, Karisa, Bayo and Mukwala

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojević Micho feels the nation’s clash against neighbours and arch-rivals Kenya will be a very tactical game in the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Cranes face the Harambee Stars on November 11, and will need to prevent a repeat of the misfortune that befell the team during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when the former lost to the side.

The Pearl currently sits second in Group E with 8 points and must beat Kenya and Mali to reach the final play-off round of the road to Qatar 2022.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Micho said the match will be very tactical and but his men won’t lose focus.

“We expect an extremely tactical game from our brothers who are highly motivated to redeem their pride,” he told FUFA media.

He added; “We won’t focus on a must win but we shall think on ways of how to win.”

This will be the 79^th meeting between Uganda and Kenya – Cranes having won 32 times, while Kenya 22 and 24 draws. In Afcon/World Cup qualifiers, the two nations have met 12 times – Uganda won 6, lost 1 and the rest draws.

Uganda Cranes Probable XI

Lukwago (GK), Mugabi, Awany, Iguma, Muleme, Aucho ©, Bobosi, Waiswa, Karisa, Bayo and Mukwala

Ethiopia are the winners of the first-ever CECAFA Women’s U20 Championship after defeating hosts Uganda in the title-deciding match on Tuesday.

Despite going a man and two goals down, Ethiopia recovered in the second half to beat Uganda 3-2 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Uganda attacked with intent in the opening minutes and the pressure led to an early send off the Ethiopian goalkeeper. Fauzia Najjemba beat the Ethiopian defence for pace but was fouled by on-rushing goalkeeper Lorato just outside the box.

Centre referee Suzane Yohannes had iniatially shown a yellow card to Lorato gave her marching orders after consultation with second assistant referee Alida Iradukunda.

The host full took advantage the numerical imbabalance, getting the lead in the 25th minute through Hadijah Nandago who controlled with her right and fired home with the left foot after a cut back from Zaina Nandede.

Najjemba doubled the lead with five minuted to halftime after substitute goalkeeper failed to deal with the Ugandan captain’s freekick.

The second half of the contest belonged to Ethiopia. Ridet Assrasahang pulled a goal back in the 51st minute, and it gave them belief and hope for a comeback.

Substitute Ariet Odong drew ethiopia level in the 78th minute and as pressure mounted on Uganda, Turist Lema fired home the winner with five minutes to play.

Ethiopia thus finished the tournament with a perfect five out of five to amass 15 points, Uganda settled for second place with 12 points.

Individual Awards

Ethiopian defender Birkea Amare was named the tournament Most Valuable Player while Fauzia Najjemba was the top scorer with 11 goals.

Uganda’s Daphine Nyayenga despite conceding three goals in the last game was named the Best Goalkeeper at the tournament.

• FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers (Group E):
• 11^th November 2021: Uganda Cranes Vs Kenya – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
• 14^th November 2021: Mali Vs Uganda Cranes – Guinea

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic named the 28 players on the provisional squad to face Kenya and Mali in the remaining two matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022 group E matches.

Scottish based defender Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi of Motherwell Football Club, John Revita (KCCA), goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya, forward Allan Okello (AC Paradou, Algeria), Mahad Kakooza (Express) and Sports Club Villa duo of Gavin Kizito Mugweri plus Kenneth Ssemakula make the cut after missing out against Rwanda last month.

The squad was named after the Sunday training session at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende where the side held a practice training match, where UPDF beat the national team 1-0 courtesy of defender Julius Kisambira’s goal.

Training resumes on Monday afternoon (4 PM) at Lugogo stadium in Kampala.

Uganda Cranes squad:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (St George, Ethiopia), Mathias Kigonya (Azam, Tanzania), Isma Watenga (Chippa United, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (Express, Uganda)

Defenders: Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Abdul-Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers, Uganda), Timothy Denis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Denis Iguma (KCCA, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Geofrey Waswa (KCCA, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Allan Okello (AC Paradou, Algeria), Moses Waiswa (Super Sport United, South Africa), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA, Uganda), Julius Poloto (KCCA, Uganda), John Revita (KCCA, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers, Uganda), Mahad Kakooza (Express, Uganda),

Forwards: Fahad Bayo (FC Ashdod, Israel), Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers, Uganda), Steven Desse Mukwala (URA, Uganda), Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers, Uganda), Martin Kizza (Express, Uganda)

Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2021: Northern Region Select 1-3 Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has hailed the character of the Northern region select team following the national team’s 3-1 win at Boma playground in Kitgum.

Addressing jounalists, Micho saluted their fighting spirit which gave the locally based charges a perfect test.

“It is an honour to come to Kitgum in Northern Uganda as we approach the last two matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Kenya and Mali. The Northern region select gave us a good test especially for the locally based players. There were elements of competition and fighting spirit from start to finish,” Micho said.

Ibrahim Orit, Rogers Mato and Shafik Kuchi Kagimu found the back of the net for Uganda Cranes.

Brian Obedi scored the penalty for Northern region select with 20 minutes to play.

The national team enters residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi to prepare for the two upcoming games at home against Kenya (St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende) and away to Mali in Morocco.

Micho is expected to have another internal build up match on Sunday at Kitende against a domestic side.

Uganda Cranes host Kenya on 11^th November 2021 before traveling to Morocco to play West Africans Mali on 14^th November 2021.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda Cranes XI:

Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Paul Willa, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo, Denis Iguma (Captain), John Revita, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Milton Karisa, Bright Anukani, Davis Kasirye, Steven Mukwala, Ibrahim Orit

Second Half Team:

Jack Komakech (G.K), Ashraf Mandela, Martin Kizza, Livingstone Mulondo, Geofrey Wasswa, Mahad Kakooza, Shafik Kagimu, Julius Poloto, Sadat Anaku, Rogers Mato, Robert Eseru

Head coach: Milutin Sredojevic

Assistant coach: Moses Basena

Goalkeeping coach: Fred Kajoba Kisitu

Northern Region Select XI:

Jean Diego Wakorach (G.K), Bill Clinton Ociro, Rogers Atube, Erick Ayella, Ronald Owiny, Peter Owuma, Brian Odong, Francis Onekalit, Brian Obedi, Ivan Ocheng, Isaac Otto

Subs: Mathias Anthony Okello (G.K), Innocent Okechtweco, Francis Obama Nyeko, Gary Emmanuel Mwaka, Gody Otika, Chrispus Agang, Abel Odong

Head coach: Davis Achiram

Assistant coach: Jimmy Odongkara

Gaddafi Football Club officially appointed Peter Onen as their new head coach on a year-long renewable deal.

The Caf A licenced coach was presented to the media on Friday and takes over the head coach role from Mubarak Wamboya who is now the first-team coach with immediate effect.

Onen has two weeks to prepare the team for his first game in charge that will be against fellow newcomers Arua Hill after the international break.

“I am so grateful to the Gaddafi family for choosing me to lead this great club. My target has always been coming back to top-flight competition and that is why I am here to help this club stay in top-flight over the upcoming years.

“I am here to work with the team because It is a collective effort to see that we achieve the target,” Onen said.

One has previously worked with Gulu Black Rangers, Gulu University, St Joseph’s College Layibi college, St Juliana High School and BUL Football Club. He was also in charge of Uganda’s U-17 side, the Cubs, between 2014 to 2019.

“Onen will provide tremendous leadership and experience to our ambitious project. His appointment is a huge step in building a long-term and consistent winning culture at the club,” said club CEO Mukembo.

Other Technical Staff

Hassan Zungu maintains his role as the first assistant while Wamboya is now the first-team coach.

Geoffrey Ngalire retains his role as a trainer, Asuman Bajampola is the fitness coach and Frank Ssebagala will continue as goalkeeping coach.

Former Uganda Cranes captain and goalkeeper for South African Premier Division side Mamelodi Sundowns Denis Onyango has credited his longevity in football to proper self-care.

The 36-year old has been shinning, most important performing in goal consistently over the years on the national team and club level.

Over the weekend, the shot-stopper helped Sundowns to MTN8 success saving five kicks from Cape Town City. It was the first time they won the accolades since 2007.

Talking up his consistency, Onyango revealed the secret to his prowess, an aspect that has kept him among the best.

“Credit to the team and the goalkeeping department led by coach Wendell (Robinson) because he knows how to manage us and all the players in the team,” Onyango told kickoff.

“He (Robinson) knows how to manage me and Kennedy (Mweene) and as goalkeepers, we try and get maximum rest and try to look after ourselves because it is our duty so that we stay in the game a little longer.

“With the help of the younger ones, we manage to keep up with the pace and we want to drag this thing as long as we can because it is our job and the more, we look after our bodies, stay focused and help the team win trophies, the more we keep earning for our families.

“So, I think the way we look after ourselves individually at home and on the pitch keeps us going as players.”