Emmanuel Okwi netted twice in the first leg of the game

Uganda Cranes overcame the Southern Africa country 3-0 and 2-0 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and at Setsoto stadium in Maseru respectively to collect 10 points after 4 games in the campaign, leaving Uganda in need of just a point to qualify to the 2019 finals that will be held in Cameroon.

Emmanuel Okwi netted twice and Faruku Miya (penalty) were on target in the Namboole game as Miya carried the day with a brace in the return leg played on artificial surface in Maseru.

The Uganda Cranes contingent to Maseru traveled by a chartered flight offered by President Yoweri Kaguta Mueveni which helped a lot the national team to travel with ease within three days of the return leg after the Namboole success.

Uganda Cranes XI vs Lesotho in Maseru

Here is the First Lady’s detailed message:

I must begin by thanking God for his goodness and for empowering our boys and leading them as we now see. Then, of course, I congratulate them for emerging victorious during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier return match against Lesotho 2-0 on Tuesday, 16th October 2018 in Lesotho, after the previous win of 3-0 at Mandela National Stadium on Saturday 13th October 2018. Our national team’s performance has been very impressive putting us on the verge of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON Championships due in Cameroon.

On behalf of Government, my Ministry and all the people of Uganda, I salute the Uganda Cranes, Coach Sebastien Desabre and his Technical Team, FUFA, National Council of Sports, and the fans for the observable progress we have registered in performance and development of Ugandan football, and indeed Ugandan sports in general.

As we celebrate our recent performance, I call upon the players, technical officials, fans and supporters to remain humble, focused to the very end. For I believe that this is merely the beginning, the best is yet to come.

In a very special way, I thank the President of Uganda, Cabinet in its entirety and Parliament for supporting sports in general, but the president especially for providing quick means of transport to Lesotho and some support for our pocket expenses to the team. We, at the Ministry, remain committed to provide all the prayer back up, logistical and financial support to Ugandan sports teams within available resources.

May I wish the Uganda Cranes team, continued blessings and a successful AFCON 2019 qualification campaign, therefore, as we look forward to an even brighter future for Ugandan sports.

God Bless us all!

Janet K. Museveni

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Kyambogo University team will host the first game: UFL photo

The University Football League (UFL)  2018 was officially launched at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala on Tuesday August  28, 2018.

This marks the seventh(7th) edition of the Pepsi University Football League.

This year’s total prize money to be shared by all the teams has increased from Shs 15M to Shs 24M.

Over 16 universities are set to participate in the tournament and each university will get at least Shs 1M with the winner parting home with Shs 4M.

The first and second runners up will each get Shs 3M and Shs 2M receptively.

Kyambogo university team will be the first to host the game of this year defending against the two-time  champions, Makerere University Business School, (MUBS).

The chairperson of this league, Vicent Kisenyi Kisenyi: Courtesy photo

The 16 teams are divided in groups of four apiece. They will initially play round robin. After the group stages the top two teams from each group will face off in knock outs.

The finals will be held on 10th November  2018 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Nkozi, with its coach, new Proline head coach Shafiq Bisaso won the championship last year after overcoming MUBS 2-0 in an entertaining finale.

The chairperson of this league, Vicent Kisenyi Kisenyi urged the fans to observe fair play by being disciplined with a proposal to increase the number of universities from 16 to 24.

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The Cranes will play in Lira-Northern Uganda on 30^th, September ahead of their clash with the Black Stars.

”The training will start on Wednesday 27 September, 2017 at 4pm at Namboole stadium under the guidance of Basena and his technical team,” FUFA Communication Manager Ahmed Hussein said as quoted by fufa

”The coach will reduce his squad based on the arrival of foreign based players in camp.

”The players named will also get involved in the Uganda Cranes regional tour of Northern Uganda which will be the final tour of the year. ‘added Hussein.

The Cranes are second in Group E; two points behind leaders Egypt.

Uganda Cranes squad:

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Benjamin Ochan, Isma Watenga, Tom Ikara

Denis Iguma, Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Muleme, Isaac Isinde, Muwanga Bernard, Hassan Wasswa, Timothy Awany, Tony Mawejje.

Geoffrey Kizito, Mutyaba Muzamiru, Masiko Tom, Ivan Ntege, Luwagga Kizito, Karisa Milton, Ochaya Joseph, Okwi Emmanuel, Miya Faruku, Idrisa Lubega.

Derick Nsibambi, Nelson Senkatuka, Geoffrey Serunkuma, Kagimu Shafiq Paul Mucureezi, Gadaffi Gardinho, John Adriko, Okot Fred, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Tadeo Lwanga.

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Sserunkuma will be assisted by Vipers SC defender Nico Wadada and SC Villa’s Bernard Muwanga in the first leg game to be played at Juba Stadium.

This was confirmed as a squad of 25 Cranes players resumed training at Mandela National stadium on 7^th, July, 2017 ahead of the qualifier against Bright Stars of South Sudan by Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

‘The Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has confirmed that KCCA FC leading striker Geoffrey Serunkuma will be captain of the National team to feature in the 2018 Total Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.

Serunkuma will be deputized by defenders Nico Wadada of Vipers SC and Sc Villa Jogoo’s Bernard Muwanga’ ,reads a statement on FUFA’s official website.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Watenga Isma, Ikara Tom, Keni Saidi

Defenders: Wadada Nico, Awanyi Timothy, Muwanga Bernard, Kabugo Savio, Toha Rashid, Musamali Paul, Adiriko John

Midfielders: Bukenya Deus, Kasozi Nicholas, Mutyaba Muzamil, Matsiko Tom, Waiswa Moses , Mucurezi Paul, Muleme Isaac ,Kizza Martin, Majwega Brian, Kagimu Shafiq

Strikers: Serunkuma Geoffrey, Nsibambi Derrick, Sekantuka Nelson,

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The squad consists of 19 foreign based players who will later be joined by eleven local based players to make a total of 30 man squad to prepare for the two ties.

Micho  said that he will select the eleven local based players from the 22 who will feature for the Cranes in the Kampala region tour on Saturday 5th November at the Mutesa II Memorial Stadium in Wankulukuku.

According to a statement on fufa.com;“We have summoned 19 professionals and 22 locally based players all of whom have equal chances to vey for the places on the final team against Congo Brazzaville,” said Micho 

The Serbian tactician went to say that he will select the eleven local based players from the 22 who will feature for the Cranes in the Kampala region tour on Saturday 5th November at the Mutesa II Memorial Stadium in Wankulukuku and also in the friendly game against Zambia.

“First we have a match against the Kampala regional team at Wankulukuku on Saturday, then the Zambian friendly match.

Those who prove will be selected for the Congo Brazzaville match on 12th November 2016 at Namboole”,he added.

List of the foreign based players

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, Salim Jamal Magola

Defenders:Denis Iguma, Walusimbi Godffrey, Isaac Isinde, Murshid Juuko, Ronald Mukiibi, Mike Azira

Midfielders: Shafic Batambuze,Godffrey Baba Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Yassar Mugerwa, Moses Oloya ,Khalid Aucho

Strikers: Faruku Miya, Yunus Sentamu, William Kizito Luwagga and Geoffrey Massa

The 22 Local Based players

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Ochan, Ismail Watenga

Defenders: Nicholas Wadada, Denis Okot , Joseph Nsubuga, Hassan Wasswa, Joseph Ochaya, Kasagga Richard , Awanyi Timoth , Halid Lwaliwa

Midfileders:Muzamil Mutyaba, Kizito Keziron, Sadam Juma, Shafic Kajimu,Lwesibawa Godffrey, Kayiwa Allan, Vitalis Tabu Abdul Malik,

Strikers: Muhammad Shaban, Geoffrey Serunkuma, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Sekisambu, Derrick Nsibambi

The last time Uganda faced Congo Brazzaville was in the Afcon 2013 qualifiers with the Red Devils winning 3-1 at home before the Cranes Overturning the tie by winning 4-0 in Kampala to proceed to the last round of qualifiers where they met Zambia who edged them 9-8 on penalties after a 1-all draw over two legs.

The Cranes will have to prepare well for the game with more trickier fixtures to come especially the games against Group E opponents Egypt and Ghana.

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The friendly match will help Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic to assess his team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on 12th November at the same stadium.

A statement of fufa.com reads; ‘We have confirmed the match and we believe it will give the coach a good test for his players before playing Congo Brazzaville. We shall communicate further details to the public about the match’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.

The cranes had a good start in the quest for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification when they held Ghana to a goalless draw in Tamale.

Uganda cranes drew 0-0 with the Black stars in the opening game of Group E with Egypt defeating Congo 2-1 in Brazzaville.

The Uganda against Congo Brazzaville game will tell us more about what we can expect from the team with trickier fixtures against Egypt on the horizon.

The last time Uganda faced Congo was in the Afcon 2013 qualifiers with the Red Devils winning 3-1 at home before the Cranes Overturning the tie by winning 4-0 in Kampala to proceed to the last round of qualifiers where they met Zambia who edged them 9-8 on penalties after a 1-all draw over two legs.

Micho (white top) during training with Uganda Cranes players-photo by FUFA

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic is upbeat that a win against Congo Brazzaville will prove the credentials of his team.

 ‘We want to win against Congo Brazzaville and show that the point we earned in Ghana is pure reflection of hard work and our ambitions in world cup qualifiers to be contenders’, said Micho  on  fufa.com.

The Serbian tactician will name the squad to feature in both ties on November 2 ,2015 at Fufa House in Mengo-Kampala,Uganda.

In the other Group E games, Egypt host Ghana at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria looking for a second win and keep  hold of its leadership.

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Onyango won the Champions league with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns following a 3-1 aggregate score over Egyptian side Zamalek on Sunday 23 October,2016 in Alexandria.

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo promised that rewarding is open to everyone as long as they contribute to the development of football.

‘The intent of rewarding Onyango is to motivate all people contributing to the development of  football .The rewards will go to anyone who stands out in football either refereeing, administration and any other individual  whose contribution stands out’ ,said Magogo.

In 2015, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper (1978) Paul Mukisa Ssali was rewarded with a FUFA Presidential award,Faruku Miya and Sandra Nabweteme were voted as best football players for men and women respectively and got a car each.

A statement on fufa.com reads “We congratulate Onyango Denis and Mamelodi Sundowns for winning the CAF Champions League. FUFA has been following Onyango’s performances at his club and we are glad that he will end the year with a CAF Champions League”

Onyango will receive his title on 12th November, 2016 when Uganda Cranes take on Congo Brazzaville in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

Dennis Onyango was amongst Mamelodi Sundowns’ players celebrate with the trophy after winning the CAF Champions League football competition

The rewarding of stand out performers in Ugandan football will inspire more individuals to do more for football development.

The beauty about this all is that it cuts across and whoever who is engaged in football stands a chance to be rewarded.

This is a good trend to follow in the sporting world because it motivates more people to be involved in different sporting activities.

 Onyango who is considered by many as one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeepers  has been vital for the Uganda cranes  helping Uganda  ended a 38-year wait for a place in the African Nations Cup finals.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper is credited for good organizational skills; leadership and individual brilliance at the back which helps him organize his defence.

He has proved for a long time being  reliable in the stands and his fitness is vital for Sundowns and the Uganda Cranes in the pursuit of FIFA World Club championship and Russia FIFA World Cup 2018 respectively.

FUFA is on a good trend of rewarding standout performers in football and the government should also support such initiatives in all sporting circles.

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Uganda Cranes fans inside Namboole stadium.

Nambole stadium is to undergo renovation and a face lift to make match the competitiveness as sports facility that meets international standards.

This was disclosed by the director privatization unit in the ministry of finance, Moses Mwase.

He told members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee that the privatization unit is commissioning discussions with the stadium management and the ministry of sport over its renovation.

He said that the stadium facility needs a face life to improve on its outlook.

Nambole stadium is   officially called Mandela National Stadium, named after the former South African president, the late Nelson Mandela and it was opened in 1997 with a sitting Capacity stands 45,202 viewers.

The stadium was built with a grant of $36 million dollars from the Chinese government.

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Uganda Cranes players

Cranes Coach Bobby Williamson has already selected the 21 players he expects to beat Guinea Bissau on Saturday and the big promotion for the match will ensure Uganda Cranes get full local support as Ugandans are expecting to pour into Mandela national stadium Namboole in multitudes.

Bobby Williamson’s starting line-up. The story is less likely to change when the Scot names his starting 11 for the return leg of the 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea Bissau at Namboole on Saturday.
Yet Geoffrey Massa remains an unpopular figure amongst some fans and critics, who accuse him of wastefulness in front of goal.

FUFA Spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa says after the trainings, all cranes palyers are in good form and ready for the match, save for goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, who struggled with an ankle injury although doctors have said he should be able to play on Saturday.

The other concern might be the absence of Cranes Captain Ibrahim Sekajja in the Saturday line up as the skipper will be serving his match ban in the tournament. But Williamson has Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia), Hassan Wasswa (Atlay, Turkey) and Henry Kalungi (Richmond, US) to replace the instrumental Sekajja.

Uganda must win the match to keep up their hopes of leading the group and ensuring their qualification to the 2012 CAF finals where they last featured in 1978.

Uganda Cranes current lead the group with 7 points, three ahead of Angola and Kenya who also play on Saturday, and four ahead of Guinea Bissau whom the Cranes beat 1-0 at home. Surely the return led in Uganda should be a better day for the Ugandans who rarely loose on home soil.

Ultimate Media

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