The long-awaited day is here as the football fraternity in the country and across the continent will witness Vipers Day.

Vipers SC is set to lock horns in an international friendly against Kenya’s Police FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday, July 27.

The game will provide Vipers head coach Nikola Kovazovic a chance to test his charges ahead of the FUFA Super 8 before the Uganda Premier League gets underway.

“I am happy with how the players have responded to the new system of play, training methods that I and my staff have worked on in the past five weeks,” he said during a pre-match press conference.

“We have played a couple of matches against lower division sides and without looking down on them, none seemed to match our game in all aspects,” he added.

The Serbian asserted that Kenya’s CAF Confederation representatives come into the game as favourites since they are preparing for continental football.

“By being in the CAF Confederation Cup, they come into the game a level above us. But it will be a good game to gauge where we are as a team but the result won’t be important rather how the team will conduct itself,” the Serbian gaffer emphasised.

Vipers will use the same day to announce its latest additions ahead of the game. But before, the first game will witness the club legends lock horns with the Vipers Fans select team.

Uganda Premier League side Kitara FC is confident ahead of the CAF Confederation clash against Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi.

Kitara’s head coach Brian Ssenyond is confident that it’s the perfect time for his charges to show their worth at the continental stage.

Ssenyondo talked to the club media shortly after confirming Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi as their opponents.

“Since our first game is at home, we have to handle it very well. It will not be an easy game because the team is so traditional on the continental,” Ssenyondo stated.

“However we believe this is our time to also expose ourselves on the international scene, particularly CAF level. I think we are set to do exactly that,” he added.

The first leg of the fixture will be played between 16 and 18 at Namboole before a trip to Libya between August 23 to 25.

The aggregate winner of the fixture will lock horns with Egyptian side El Masry in a preliminary round that will be played in September

Uganda Premier League side URA Football Club bid farewell to long-serving captain Saidi Kyeyune.

The emotional farewell followed the expiration of Kyeyune’s three-year employment contract signed upon his return to the club in 2021.

Kyeyune returned to the Tax Collectors’ camp after a short stint with Sudan’s El Merriekh.

“Farewell to the midfielder Saidi Kyeyune. Wishing you the best in your future endeavours. Once a Tax Collector, always a Tax Collector,” the announcement read.

Kyeyune joined URA FC in 2011, switching camps from Maroons FC before he cemented his name on the walls of the Tax Collectors.

In his long term at URA FC, he helped the club to win the Uganda Cup and the Mapinduzi Cup. He also represented the club in the CAF Confederation Cup.

According to the club, Kyeyune is set to be honoured by URA in a testimonial game that will be played at Nakivubo Stadium before the start of the Uganda Premier League.

Uganda Premier League side Wakis Giants has confirmed the signing of Zambian forward Erick Kabamba on a two-year employment contract.

Kabamba is the maiden addition to the Purple Sharks roster in the ongoing transfer window ahead of the upcoming campaign.

 Kabamba joins the team following the announcement of Steven Bengo as head coach, who will be deputised by Tonny Mawejje.

“He’s here! Ladies and gentlemen Kabamba Erick is in town,” the statement partly reads.

Kabamba brings vast experience to Wakiso Giants having previously played for Young Africans, Kabwe Warriors and Pamba Jiji FC.

The Zambian forward can play as a winger on either flank but he can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder.

The Purple Sharks are expected to have a massive reshuffle after losing several players in the ongoing transfer window.

Lugazi Football Club has confirmed that they will take on Kenya’s Tusker FC in an international friendly on Saturday, August 10^, 2024.

The game is set to be used as a pre-season curtain-raiser ahead of the club’s maiden season in the Uganda Premier League.

Lugazi was recently promoted to the top flight after finishing second behind champions Police FC in the FUBA Big League.

The club has grown in stature and continues to take steps in the right direction, proving that they are fit for their new stature.

Before the game, the club will announce all the new signings and welcome the newly appointed head coach Sadick Sempigi at Lugazi FC Stadium.

Tusker FC finished second on the log of Kenya Premier League with 65 points, eight behind eventual winners Gor Mahia. Tusker have 13 league titles in their cabin and are expected to give Lugazi a perfect test ahead of the upcoming campaign. 

Uganda Premier League newcomers, Lugazi FC, have added attacking midfielder Ian Amanya to their squad on a two-year deal.

The skillful and agile player joins from Kaaro Karungi, where he impressed in the FUFA Big League.

Amanya’s dream of top-flight football has become a reality after consistent performance. He expressed gratitude for his journey, crediting Kaaro Karungi for his development.

“It’s been a learning experience at Kaaro Karungi. I didn’t have the best first season, but I found my rhythm and created great memories,” Amanya told MTN Sports.

Known for his versatility, Amanya thrives as an attacking midfielder. His speed and ball control allow him to contribute both goals and assists.

He scored eight goals last season, aiming to improve on that tally while creating opportunities for teammates.

“I want to increase my goal count, but my main focus is setting up others. Goals are a bonus for a midfielder,” Amanya added.

Lugazi’s sixth signing of the transfer window, Amanya brings experience from Spartans Academy, Kazo Excel FC, KL United Namasuba, and Kaaro Karungi.

Uganda Premier League side Kitara Football Club have finally learnt about their CAF Confederation Cup opponent.

The reigning Uganda Cup holders will take on Libyan side Al Hilal SC Benghazi in the first round of the preliminary round.

Kitara will kickstart the journey at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in a game that is set to be played between September 13 and 15.

The Royals recently took their preparations to Ethiopia and secured a 2-0 victory against Mechal thanks to Denis Omedi’s brace.

Brian Senyondo’s troops will have a chance to sharpen their tools further as they take on KCCA in the quarterfinals of the FUFA Super 8 on Saturday, August 8.

Kitara and SC Villa will represent the nation on the continental stage in the CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League respectively.

Former Wakiso Giants head coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda believes the combination of Steven Bengo and Tonny Mawejje will succeed at the Purple Sharks.

Luyinda believes that the combination will keep Wakiso Giants’ entertaining football philosophy alive.

“I believe Bengo can carry on the baton. He played at a higher level than me (Luyinda) and played in an attacking position,” Luyinda told Monitor Sports.

“Mawejje is a senior player who played over 80 caps for the Uganda Cranes, which gives me confidence that they will do a better job together. Every coach has a starting point and philosophy, this is their time,” he added.

Recently announced Wakiso Giants assistant head coach Tonny Mawejje further told Monitor Sports that he equally cherishes free-flowing football.

“As a coach, I cherish free-flowing football that is entertaining. I am a product of the KCCA’s ‘kawowo football’ and also a Mike Mutebi student,” he noted.

“The good thing is that it is the same approach that Bengo brings, and he has more experience in coaching than me,” he added.

Bengo returns to Wakiso Giants five years after he was appointed the interim manager of the Purple Sharks.

The combination will have a big test to take the club to a greater level after finishing 11th in the concluded Uganda Premier League.

Ntoroko County FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kyaka County FC in a gripping Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza Cup showdown at the Humura playground in Kyegegwa district.

Ason Kaswara netted the decisive goal in the 34th minute of an entertaining game filled with missed opportunities as Kyaka’s run in the tournament was brought to an end.

Kyaka started the match on a strong note with Frank Asiimwe showcasing his skills early on. Despite their spirited performance, Kyaka couldn’t convert their dominance into much-needed goals.

The game played under challenging weather conditions due to a heavy downpour saw moments of high drama. Thomas Mugisa, making his tournament debut, posed a constant threat to Ntoroko. His shout for a penalty in the 81st minute after a challenge from Ntoroko defender Michael Bwamble was waved away by the referee.

Ntoroko’s victory ensured their spot in the semifinals, joining Burahya, who also advanced as the best losers of the group stage.

Ntoroko County Member of Parliament, Gerald Rwemulikya, praised his team for their resilience and performance. “Kyaka was at home and they created many chances. This was our first time playing at Humura playground, but we managed to get a well-deserved win. I want to congratulate my players and wish them luck in the next stage,” Rwemulikya said.

Kyaka thus became the fourth team to be eliminated after Kitagwenda, Kibaale, and Mwenge North.

Tooro Kingdom’s sports minister, Michael Wandera Enganjani, highlighted the broader significance of the annual sports tournaments and commended MTN Uganda for their continuous support and promised unwavering cooperation in future events.

“These tournaments are meant to promote talents and fight against HIV/AIDS, which is very high in Fort Portal according to a Uganda AIDS Commission survey,” he said.

Aggrey Byaruhanga, MTN’s regional marketing officer, reiterated the importance of health and safety among the participants and supporters.

“I appeal to Tooro Kingdom subjects to continue testing for HIV and using condoms if they cannot abstain,” Byaruhanga stated.

Looking ahead, the Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza Cup will feature a clash between Fort Portal City and Bunyangabu County next Sunday at the King Oyo Sports Complex in Bukwali at 3 PM.

CECAFA Kagame Cup Results

• Red Arrows 1(10)-(9)1 APR

Zambia’s Red Arrows FC emerged champions of the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup, having edged APR on penalty shootouts.

Red Arrows were held by Rwanda’s APR FC in a 1-1 stalemate in normal time before the game was dragged into penalty kicks in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Red Arrows failed to convert from the 12-yard mark in the seventh minute, thus keeping the game open for either side.

Despite a sprinted fight from both sides, the first half ended goalless sending the battle to the second half of the game.

In the 72nd minute, Ricky Banda broke the deadlock, sending the Zambian side into the driving seat.

As everyone thought that it was done and dusted, Mamadou Sy levelled matters in added time to extend the game for more 30 minutes.

It was 1-1 at full-time, as the referee sent both sides into a penalty shootout to determine the tournament’s ultimate champion.

All the first 10 Red Arrows players converted their penalty kicks while APR’s nine converted before Arsene Tuyisenge failed to convert from the spot.

Sudan’s Al Hilal finished third in the placement game after edging Al Wadi in penalty shootouts.

The Champions Red Arrows bagged USD 30,000, APR was awarded USD 20,000, while the third-placed team got USD 10,000 as cash prize.