2017 CAF Confederation Cup

Group A

Club Africain vs KCCA FC

Friday July 711:00am (EAT)

KCCA FC needs just a point to achieve the feat of reaching the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

And ahead of the game against Club Africain on Friday at Stade Olympique De Races in Tunis, KCCA FC will be aiming at a positive result.

Head coach,Mike Mutebi has insisted his team is in Tunisia to compete and go for maximum points.

Mutebi says he is not in Tunisia to sit back and fight for just a point because it what the club needs at the moment but rather to play their best game.

“We shall stick to our way of play. Our way means dominating possession, playing smart,creating chances and scoring goals,” he said.

“We shall not mortgage our identity simply because we need a point. We can still play our style and get a good result.”

KCCA FC head into the encounter on the back of a 3-1 win against FUS Rabat which puts them in a prime position to reaching quarterfinals.

Both KCCA FC and Club Africain are level on points (9) and a draw would see the two teams advancing without minding about the result from the FUS Rabat vs Rivers United game.

However KCCA FC go into the game missing some players.

Defender Habib Kavuma is still suspended despite travelling with the team to Tunisia.

The club learnt late that Kavuma was meant to serve a 2 match suspension and not one as earlier presumed. There is a concern about the levels of the goalkeepers.

With Douglas Kisembo left back home due to a knee injury, the other two goalkeepers, Charles Lukwago and Benjamin Ochan are also not fully fit.

Ochan has been struggling with a shoulder injury for the past weeks while Lukwago who started against FUS Rabat on Sunday also picked up a knock in training on Tuesday and had to rush to hospital before the team travelled.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has released his final 23 man squad ahead of the trip to Kabale for the Western region tour.

After days of intensive training at Mandela national stadium, Micho and the entire coaching staff named the final team after Thursday training.

The game is slated for Saturday at the Kabale Municipal Stadium.

This will be the second time that the national team will be playing in the Western region.

The first tour to the region came in 2015 at Kakyeka stadium in Mbarara Municipality and the Cranes won 1-0 courtesy of Farouk Miya’s goal.

The team comprises of 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders and 4 strikers.

Embattled Brian Majwega is part of the team plus Vipers new recruit Tom Masiko.

However, despite training with the team, foreign based players have been left out of the team to offer chance to the locally based players with the CHAN qualifier against South Sudan a few days away.

Micho is confident the team he selected will help to execute the duty.

“It is a very good squad and i expect them to deliver on Saturday. The players know the value of this match. I will also keep a close eye on the players from the Western region team,” said Micho.

Fufa has indicated there will be a moment of silence to honor Mike Okiror and John Ssebaana Kizito.

The two passed away this week and greatly contributed to the development of the game in the capacity of Fufa treasurer and interim Fufa President respectively.

23 man Squad to Kabale

Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga (Vipers), Saidi Keni (Proline) and Tom Ikara (Kirinya/Jinja S.S).

Defenders: Nico Wakiro Wadada (Vipers),Deus Bukenya (Vipers), Nicholas Kasozi (Synergy), John Adriko (SC Villa), Savio Kabugo (Proline), Bernard Muwanga (SC Villa), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka) ans Majwega Brian (KCCA FC).

Central Midfielders: Bukenya Lawrence (KCCA FC), Method Bassey (Mbarara),Shafiq Kagimu (URA) and Tom Matisko (Vipers).

Attacking Midfielders: Martin Kizza (SC Villa), Simon Sserunkuma (SC Villa), Milton Karisa (Vipers), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers)

Strikers: Nelson Senkatuka (Proline),Shaban Mohamed (Onduparaka),Julius Malingumu (The Saints) and Solomon Okwalinga (Synergy).

Spirits are high among the football fans in Kabale a head of the historic visit and match between the Uganda Cranes and Western Uganda select team on Saturday at Kabale Municipal Stadium.

Ahamed Hussein the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) public relations officer says Uganda Cranes are arriving in Kabale today Friday at 2pm.

He says the build-up match is part of the Cranes Preparations for the forthcoming national engagements like CECAFA and World Cup Qualifiers with Egypt.

Ahamed Hussein the FUFA PRO speaking to the press in Kabale

Hussein says the Cranes regional tours have helped in identifying national players, citing that Farouk Miya who was found when the Cranes were playing western select.

Swirtzen Niwagaba the national delegate for FUFA representing western Uganda as well a chief organizer, says that the western select team is ready for the national team, having been in a residential camp since 4^th July 2017.

He says 27 players were summoned and that coach Vialli Beinomugisha has already selected the final team of 20 players that will face the national team.

Prime Minister Dr David Livingstone Ruhakana Rugunda is expected as guest of honor at the match.

UEFA Europa qualifiers (First round)

Return leg

KF Tirana 0-3 Maccabi Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv advance 5-0 on aggregate

Ugandan Cranes striker Yunus Sentamu had a horrible outing as his team KF Tirana were knocked out of the UEFA Europa qualifiers.

Sentamu who was playing just his second game was sent off as KF Tirana lost 3-0 to Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday.

After losing the first leg in Israel 2-0, the Albanian side needed to win by atleast a three goal margin to overhaul the result, however this did not happen.

Sentamu was shown marching orders in the 44th minute after an off the ball incident on former Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim.

KF Tirana played the rest of the game with 10 men and the visitors used the opportunity to break them down.

Goals from Aaron Schoenfield (49th minute), Barak Itzhaki(80th) and Avi Riken(86th) ensured Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a win on the road and advanced to second qualifying round 5-0 on aggregate.

Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has indefinitely suspended Sudan Football Federation (SFA).

The world football governing body pronounced the decision on Thursday evening citing government interference into football matters of Sudan.

In a letter dated July 6, 2017, FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura indicated that the Bureau of the FIFA Council took the bold decision.

“We inform you that based on the decision taken by the Bureau of FIFA Council on 27th June 2017, the Sudan Football Association has been suspended according to Article 15 of the FIFA statues until further notice,” reads part of the statement.

FIFA had given Sudan an ultimatum of until June 30 to avoid an international ban from football by reinstating the FIFA-recognised SFA President and board of directors.

The crisis started in April when a group led by Abdel-Rahman Sir Elkatim was declared winner of the SFA elections through a judicial order after a dispute with President Mutasim Gaafar who is recognized by FIFA.

The elections were held and Elkatim was declared winner despite FIFA previously stating that no elections should take place until late 2017.

A delegation from Geneva visited Khartoum mid- June and met with Sudan’s minister of youth and sport, and the leaders of the two groups in an attempt to reach an agreement.

The FIFA delegation said that to avoid freezing football activities in Sudan, the ministry’s decree that gave the police the right to evacuate the SFA premises and hand it over to Sir Elkatim should be declared void by June 30.

However, by the end of the ultimatum, there was no change or communication from the minister hence forcing FIFA to evoke the law.

The decision means Sudan loses its membership and the clubs currently playing at the ongoing CAF Champions league and Confederation Cup are automatically ejected.

“Consequently, SFA lose all its membership rights as defined in art.13 of the FIFA statutes. The SFA representative and clubs are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the ban is lifted.”

This affects clubs like Al Hilal Obeid, Al Hilal and Al Merreikh plus the Sudanese national team.

Al Hilal Obeid who are in Total CAF Confederation Cup in group C alongside Smouha and Zesco United are ejected.

Al Hilal and Al Merreikh games have also been cancelled.

The former was supposed to host Mozambique’s Ferroviero Beira while All Merreikh where Uganda’s goalkeeper Salim Jamal plays had already made the trip to Tunisia to take on Etoile du Sahel.

The Sudanese national team were drawn in Group A of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications, and lost their first game 3-1 at home against Madagascar.

Friday fixture

Pemba warriors vs Ndejje University Angels

JKL dolphins vs UCU Cannons

The 2017 National Basketball league will continue this Friday with two epic encounters at MTN Arena lugogo.

The biggest fascinating clash will see unbeaten Warriors take on giant slayers Ndejje university angels at 8pm.

Warriors have not lost a single game since the season started, victimising Our saviour, UCU cannons, UPDF tomahawks, Betway power and Falcons.

Coach Ronnie Mutebi will hope that Buzangu Micheal, Kiviri Syrus and Saidi Dany are at their best if the team’s winning streak is to continue.

Saidi Dany scored 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the team’s last encounter against Falcons.

Ndejje come into this encounter at the back of a crucial win against Mandy Juruni’s City Oilers and therefore coach Walker Obedi will see into his armoury of Deng Maker and Otieno Michael to cause an upset to the Warriors.

Ndejje who lost to Sharing Youth earlier in the season have managed to bounce back with wins against UPDF, Nkumba and City Oilers.

In the other game of the day, Boniface Okello’s Dolphins will look to bounce back from their recent defeat they suffered in the hands of Our Saviour team as they face off with UCU cannons in the first game of the day.

Wednesday Results

Gladiators 55-64 Nkumba Lady Marines

City Oilers vs Sharing Youth (Postponed)

Uganda Premier League newly promoted side, Mbarara City FC intensified their preparations ahead of their maiden engagement in the top tier league.

On Friday, Mbarara City FC had a fundraising game against traditional giants Express FC at Kakyeka stadium in Mbarara Municipality.

In a game watched by a mammoth crowd, the Ankole lions piped Express 1-0 courtesy of Brian Aheebwa’s penalty.

The game had several activities that included unveiling new players, launching the new kit abd fundraising funds to support the team ahead of the new season.

Mbarara fan celebrates the penalty score

The  new recruits included; Swedi Satugobo, Faluku Samari, Saidi Byekwaso, Asuman Harishe Kihogo from BUL FC among others.

There was also a curtain raiser match between Members of Parliament and the Mbarara district leaders.

Club chairman Mwine Mpaka who also doubles as the western youth MP committed his support and indicated Mbarara City FC will transform to a giant team.

At the end of the day, over Shs 20M was collected in the fundraising drive while 50M was pledged.

Minister of state for Sports, Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi who represented His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni delivered the 10M package from the President.

Bakkabulindi also promised that government will help in renovating Kakyeka stadium.

Mbarara City starting XI

Muhamad Ssekeeba, Junior Ainamani, Barrack Abraham, Swed Satugombo, Salumin Lanbrick,  Othieno Stephen capt, Jasper Aheebwa, Hillary Mukundane, Wol Makuath, Brian Aheebwe, Bebe Swalilu

Express FC starting XI

Nadir Muhammad, Timothy Sebudde, Remmy Nakumbi, Isaac Katende, Deo Otheno, Rashid Nsubuga, Willy Ochenyi, Sharifu Ochaya,Abdul Kasule, Elama Yusuf ,Mubara

Scores of football fans poured on the streets of Kabale to welcome the national soccer team the Uganda Cranes.

The national team is in the south western municipality for a friendly match with a regional select team as part of the Cranes Namutima campaign

Coach Micho walking on the streets of Kabale

The 23 man team led by coach Sledejovic Micho Mulutin arrived yesterday in Kabale town at around 4pm and was received with a lot of enthusiasm, with many fans lining up on the streets and chanting loudly.

Some supporters were seen running after the team bus, as it headed to White Horse Inn where the players will be residing.

The historic game will be played at Kabale municipal stadium today at 4pm today and the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda is expected as chief guest.

This is the second tour of the national team in the western region, the first having taken place in 2015 at Kakyeka stadium in Mbarara Municipality where the Cranes won 1-0.

Uganda Cranes Midfielder, William Kizito Luwagga has completed a move to Romanian side, Clubul Sportiv Municipal (CSM) Politehnica Lasi.

Luwagga who has been plying his trade at Rio Ave in Portugal has sealed a three year deal to join Politehnica Lasi.

The 24 year old midfielder turned professional in 2012 when he left SC Vipers for Portugal where he has spent 5 years.

He became the first Ugandan to play in Portugal when he joined Leixoes in 2012 and played at the club for two years before moving to Sporting Covilha.

He later went ahead to play for Rio Ave in the top tier league and it is from here than he moves to Romania.

CSM Politehnica play in the Liga 1(the top tier league in Romania) and finished 7th last season (2016/17).

The crafty midfielder vowed never to play for Uganda cranes again if Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is still the coach of the national team.

The two fell out during the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Luwagga decided to quit the national team

Scoreboard

Uganda U19 – 267/9 (50ov)

Ghana U19 – 93/10 (29.1 ov)

Uganda U19 won by 174 runs.

Uganda U19 cricket side, the Baby Cranes, continued to fire on all cylinders when they beat Ghana U19 by 174 runs to remain unbeaten in their division one ICC U19 African qualifiers for the upcoming Cricket World cup.

The Baby cranes made light work of their opponents in the first innings scoring 267 runs with both Olipa and Arinaitwe hitting similar figures of 72 runs in an emphatic victory.

Kenneth Waisswa picked 5 wickets in the second innings as Ghana were all eliminated in the 29th over managing only 93 runs on their day to forget.

The result puts Uganda in a pole position to qualify for the upcoming U19 Cricket World Cup, as the team is comfortably sitted on the summit of the log.

Uganda will today, Saturday July 8 face off with Kenya in a mouth watering East African derby at the Gymkhana oval in Nairobi.

How it Went Down

Kenneth Waisswa won the toss and as expected, the Uganda captain opted to bat first.

There was only one change for team Uganda from the side that beat Botswana in the recent outing as Gerald Mubiru paved way for the tail ender, Trevor Bukenya.

Opening batsman Arinaitwe gave Uganda a perfect start as he hit 9 boundaries to score 72 runs from 60 balls before he was bowled and caught by Joseph Oko Adotei.

With Opio getting dismissed for a duck, it was Waisswa who hit a patient 39 run off 85 balls before Olipa had an unbeaten 72 score to wrap up an incredible innings with 267 runs for the fall of 9 wickets in 50 overs.

Ghana who were targeting 268 runs from 50 overs to overturn the deficit, started nervously with 3 wickets falling in the first 7 overs.

Bakum Rexford, who is the Ghana captain held on to his nerves to remain on the crease but he was later dismissed in the 13th over of the game at 47/5 having hit 23 runs off 37 balls.

Ghana succumbed to pressure as Waisswa managed to pick 5 wickets with a lowest economy of 2.00 from his 8 overs he bowled, as the opponents were all out before the 30th over with just 93 runs giving Uganda U19 a win by 174 runs.

Saturday fixture

Kenya U19 vs Uganda U19

Ghana U19 vs Botswana U19

Western Region became the second team to triumph over the Uganda national football in the Cranes regional tours.

In the game played at Kabale Municipal Stadium on Saturday, Western region team pipped Uganda Cranes 1-0.

The encounter graced by a mammoth crowd with Prime Minister, Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda as the guest of honour provided thrilling moments.

Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda greets Cranes coach Micho

The game began with observance of a moment of silence for fallen football administrators Mike Okiror (former Fufa treasurer) and the late John Ssebana Kizito (interim FUFA President).

Bashir Babu’s second half penalty was enough to condemn Uganda Cranes to their third defeat in the expeditions.

The other two losses had come against West Nile. Uganda cranes had several chances to take the lead especially in the opening 45 minutes but Nelson Ssenkatuka, Milton Marisa and Mohammed Shaban failed to find the target on many occasions.

Fans cheer on during the game

The select side capitalised on this to grow in confidence and even went ahead to take the lead. Bashir Babu held the nerves to convert from the penalty mark after a foul on Yusuf Abato.

Micho employed two teams with one playing the opening 45 minutes while the other bunch came after recess.

The Cranes are preparing for a CHAN qualifier against South Sudan with the first leg scheduled for 14th July (next Friday) in Juba.

Western select

Sula Kibalama, Zaid Byekwaso, Umar Kato, Bashir Babu, Johnson Turiniwe, Cleophus Fiat, Sadam Nasir, Yusuf Abato, Hassan Kakuru, Sadat Nsubuga, Alex Mandela

Cranes starting XI

Ismail Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Brian Majwega, Rashid Toha, Bernard Muwanga, Nicholas Kasozi,Milton Karisa, Erisa Ssekisambu, Mohammad Shaban, Nelson Senkatuka

Cranes second half team

Ismail Watenga (G.K), Deus Bukenya, Martin Kiiza, John Adriko, Bernard Muwanga, Lawrence Bukenya, Bassey Methiodius, Julius Malingumu, Shafik Kagimu, Solomon Okwalinga, Simon Sserunkuma

Uganda Premier League side Kirinya Jinja Senior Secondary School Football Club have appointed a new club Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Jinja based club announced Ahmed Kongola as the new club CEO on Saturday on a two year contract and will commence his duties in the forthcoming 2017/18 season.

Kongola replaces Samuel Ibanda Mugabi who has been elevated to the post of 2nd vice club chairperson.

Kongola previously worked with URA in 2012 and now defunct Victoria University in 2013 both as a team psychologist.

He was also a CEO at Saints FC in 2014-2015 season before moving to Water FC where he served last season Kongola promised to bring professionalism to the club and help in setting up proper structures.

“I am happy joining Kirinya Jinja SS one of the best clubs in Ugandan football, I will work hard to professionalize this club, ensure proper accountability, build team structures, emphasize discipline in players and the winning mentality,” he said.

“KJSS FC is one football team with great potential of becoming the best in Ugandan football and joining this club is a dream come true,” Kongola Added.

Club chairperson, Diana Hope Nyago believes, Kongola’s vast experience will help to mould the team into a stronger side.

“Kongola is one of the few experienced and hardworking club C.E.O’s currently we have in Ugandan football every club would wish to have as their C.E.O, we’ll give him all the necessary support and backing in execution of his duties at KJSSFC, Ahmed Kongola your welcome to the Mighty family” she noted.

Saturday Results

Uganda U19 60 (17.1 ov)

Kenya U19 61/3 (8.3 ov)

Kenya U19 won by 7 wickets

Uganda U19 cricket team suffered a shocking defeat against Kenya in their deciding and last match of their ICC Africa U19 division one phase to shutter their dreams of qualifying to the 2018 Cricket world cup in a worst fashion.

The Baby cranes who went into this encounter as top favourites and table leaders having won all their previous division one matches, were 2 points above Kenya and boosted a higher Net run rate (average runs per over scored minus average runs per over conceeded).

Uganda who opted to bat after winning the toss were bowled out for 60 in 17.1 overs as Rogers Olipa, Siraje Nsubuga and Richard Agamaire were the only Ugsndan batsmen who managed to reach double figure scores.

Kenya who came back in the second innings with a simple target of 61 runs, managed to chase down the score with much vigour and style as Kenya’s all-rounder Thomas Ochieng hit an unbeaten 26 off 22 balls to overturn the deficit with 249 balls remaining to give Kenya a win by 7 wickets.

The result ended Uganda’s hopes of qualifying to the upcoming 2018 U19 Cricket World cup in New Zealand, a feat they last achieved in 2004 in Bangladesh and 2006 in Sri Lanka with most of the players now on the current Senior National team.

Kenya qualifies to the World cup to join Namibia and ICC member South Africa as African representatives.

South Africa is the only African side to have won an U19 Cricket World cup having triumphed it recently in 2014 in a tournament hosted in Dubai (UAE) when South Africa finished the whole series unbeaten, walloping Pakistan in a one sided final.

Sunday fixture

Lioness vs Javon Ladies

JKL lady dolphins vs KIU Rangers

UCU cannons vs Falcons

UCU lady cardinals vs KCCA leopards

UPDF Tomahawks vs JKL dolphins

Nkumba vs Our Saviour

The 2017 National Basketball League will continue today with 12 teams taking centre court at MTN Arena Lugogo.

On form UCU cannons will face record 6 time league champions Startimes Falcons in the most thrilling encounter of the day.

Falcons who have only one win to their name in all their 5 encounters this season, will need their top players Okumu Bernard, Vinie Jurua and Olobo Moses to be in fine form if they are to pick maximum points today.

This is the first of the four matches Falcons Coach Bernis Ankunda will face in this month of July, UPDF Tomahawks, KIU titans and City Oilers are the other teams Falcons will face before this July ends.

UCU cannons will look to win their 3rd consecutive game of the season as the mukono based side have beaten JKL dolphins and UPDF Tomahawks in their last two matches.

Friday Results

Saidi Amis hit a double double of 14 points and 13 rebounds as Pemba Warriors cruised past Ndejje University Angels in a closely contested affair.

Ochera Innocent and Katumba derrick scored 13 and 11 points respectively for Ndejje but that was not enough for Walker Obedi’s charges to overturn the score.

In the other game of the night, JKL dolphins who played without Pemha Jeane and Ivan Enabu suffered their third loss of the season against UCU cannons.

Mahate Joas and Steven Wundi scored 20 and 15 points respectively. Blick Norman featured for the Dolphins side and the veteran played scored 11 points on a sad day.

Summary of Friday results

Warriors 72-53 Ndejje

JKL dolphins 58-69 UCU cannons

Kenya Simbas were in scintillating form as they dispatched an awful Tunisian side in the African Gold cup.

The Simbas roared past Tunisia setting a new record after they registered their first ever 100 win.

The hosts did not find any trouble as they eased past Tunisia 100-10 in the game played at the RFUEA ground, Nairobi on Saturday.

Tunisia who managed two unconverted tries were outmatched by the hosts in almost every aspect of the game.

A total of 14 tries were registered by the Simbas with Jacob Ojee leading the way with a hat trick.

Darwin Mukidza, Eric Keere and Joshua had a brace of true each while David Ambunya, Sam Onsomu, Tonny Onyango, Martin Owilla and Steve “Security” Otieno had their names on the score sheet.

Jacob Ojee opened the scores in early stages of the game as he went over the white chalk for the first try.

Skipper Darwin Mukidza added the extras before he made a try as Kenya continued with the dominance.

Kenya then added two tries and one conversion through David Ambunya and Eric Kerre before Tunisia registered their first try by Achref Ben Hamouda but the conversion sailing wide.

Samson Onsomu, Darwin Mukidza and Joshua Chisanga stretched the lead further with more tries.

Moments before half time, Ashraf Dhif brought the Tunisian score to 10 after he snuck in a try from a ruck but the conversion sailed wide and Kenya led 46-10 at halftime.

Kenya completed the rout after recess adding 54 more points and secure their first win in the Africa gold cup.

Their first game ended in a 33 all draw against Uganda a fortnight ago.

In the other game played, Namibia also outwitted Senegal 95-00 in Windhoek.

Tunisia will cross over from Kenya to Uganda where they will face off with the rugby cranes on July 15 at Legends ground,Lugogo.

In a season that seemed like Ajax Queens would be the perfect team to topple dominant Kawempe Muslim SS, the team did not live to the expectations.

A perfect start last season saw them lead Victoria group for a long time but broke down as the regular season went on.

The team could not even make even the playoffs.

Ahead of the 2017/18 Fufa Women elite league, Ajax Queens have begun early preparations.

The Bulenga based side kicked off training on Saturday at their home (Upward and Downward School).

The first training session saw about 10 players turn up and was conducted by Coach Charles Kayemba who is also the proprietor.

Kayemba stated that he started the preparations early enough to make sure he assess the fitness levels of the players and also integrate new players with the rest of the squad.

“We failed to make the playoffs last season which was our desired target and that is why we have made sure we prepare early enough this time round,” he said.

“I want to assess the fitness levels of players so that by the time the league starts, we are good to go. Besides, the new players need to jelly with the rest of the squad.”

However, players who are still at school have been left out of the early programme to enable them carry on with their studies.

Rwandese players, Fanny Ikamanye and Diane Uwamaria are expected to start training on Friday next week.

Players that attended training

Lukia Namubiru, Harriet Nakkuba, Carol Nakyanzi, Bridget Nabisaalu, Phiona Babumba, Phiona Wanyana, Christine Nankya, Rachael Nalunga, Mariam Musanya and Maria Nangave.

Uganda’s journey at the U21 World Youth Netball Cup officially throws off on Sunday with an encounter against Malaysia.

The She Pearls pooled in group C start their campaign against Malaysia at the Ditshupo Hall in Gaborone,Botswana.

Skipper Joan Nampungu is confident the team will overcome Malaysia in their first game to hit the road going.

“The preparations have been smooth and we are all set. Besides the weather that is chilly but we have acclimatized to it for the days we have been here and I’m confident we can defeat Malaysia,” she said.

“Opening games are not easy but the coaches have given us the necessary tactics and we are all set for the game.”

Uganda is in Pool C alongside hosts Botswana, Jamaica, Cooks Island and Malaysia.

The tournament threw off on Saturday with several games including hosts Botswana defeating Malaysia 72-26.

This is the first time that the tournament is held in Africa. New Zealand are the defending champions.

Saturday Results

Pool A

Sri Lanka 48 – 60 Scotland

North Ireland 22-89 New Zealand

Pool B

Australia 86- 33 Zimbabwe

South Africa 62-30 Barbados

Pool C

Jamaica 43-41 Cooks Island

Botswana 72-26 Malaysia

Pool D

Fiji 55- 28 Trinidad and Tobago

England 69-23 Wales

The issue of the Express FC injured player Vincent Onyebuchi continues to intensify.

This can be evidenced by the increasing widening gap between Club Chairperson Hon. Florence Nakiwala and the club fans, especially those of ‘the save Onyebuchi’ campaign.

Nakiwala was today hosted on Radio One’s Sports show “the Lockeroom” to discuss Onyebuchi issues, especially distancing herself from the fundraising drive.

The Youth and Children Affairs Minister strongly claimed that it is “strictly” the role of the fans to help the injured player.

“In the structures of Express FC, I made it very clear that I wanted to empower my fans base. It’s the first time that you find the fans governing almost all the club incomes. They run the gates and you will never find me pocking my nose in anything to do with the money,” Nakiwala said.

She added that the club management “mandated” fans to monitor the welfare of players.

This, the minister asserted, was because “I empowered them” through “legal registration”.

According to Nakiwala, a bank account was even opened for the fans.

“The fans are responsible for the welfare of player’s welfare (Onyebuchi). I have done my part already.”

The “Save Onyebuchi” campaign is led by former Express FC Chief Executive Officer Jjunju Hamza and vice chairman fans club Julius Bakunda.

Asked if she will join the fundraisers for the same cause, the minister said:

“And when Julius (Bakunda) is handling on Vincent’s issues, I dont know why I should bring my weight to suffocate him. I want him to tell me that he has failed, then I come in.”

She further noted that she trusts her team’s credibility, so she doesnt want to tarnish her name because of money issues.

“Am known in Express as someone who doesnt interfere with money and I do it deliberately. I dont want to tarnish my name to the fans that am being mixed up with things to do with finances,” she said.

Nakiwala affirmed that she is not bothered by what people are speaking about her on social media.

“I am used to the youth and when they are silent, I have a problem. I want people to talk and talk until they can’t talk anymore.”

The Tunisian rugby team jetted into Uganda on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Africa Gold Cup game against the rugby cranes.

A contingent comprising 23 players and 3 coaching staff members touched down at Entebbe International airport on Sunday afternoon.

The Tunisians arrive in Uganda on the back of a thrashing by the Kenya Simbas at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi.

The North African side fell 100-10 yesterday (Saturday) to Kenya in their second game in the Africa gold cup.

Uganda has played two games so far winning one and drawing in the other with all coming away from home. The Rugby cranes began the campaign with a 33 all draw against Kenya before defeating Senegal 18-17 away in Dakar.

The third game will be at home (Legends ground, Lugogo) on Saturday July 15 taking wounded Tunisia.

Tunisia have a good record against Uganda winning the two previous encounters in 2009 and 2012.

Tunisia’s squad

Badii Dahmoul, Ashraf Dhif, Saif Abdelrahman, Ourhami Issam, Abess Kherfami (captain), Ben Aycha Sofiene, Houcem Khalfi, Achref Ben Hamouda, Hichem Mokni, Yacine Ben Abdalah, Nacer Mili,Saif Bousaada, Hamza Mbarki, Bilel Souker, Yahya Graa, Hamza ,Begi, Sami Minsse, Amhed Nasri, Nacer Missaoui, Hamdi Michri, Dhia Dhieb, Nizar Nasri and Oubaidallah Daghfous.

Coach: Hedi Mohamedali

U21 Netball World Youth Cup 2017

Uganda 82-21 Malaysia

The Uganda U21 put up a brilliant performance to ease past Malaysia in the Netball World Youth Cup.

The She Pearls threw off the tournament with a convincing 82-21 victory against Malaysia at Ditshupo hall in Gaborone, Botswana.

The team was brilliant right from the onset setting the pace with a 20-07 lead in the opening fifteen minutes.

The momentum continued in the second quarter with the She Pearls scoring 19 goals while limiting Malaysia to just 4.

By the end of the first half, Uganda led 39- 11 dispatching their opponents with relative ease.

Uganda became even more ruthless in the third period scoring 24 goals before sealing the victory with 19 more goals in the fourth and final set.

Uganda is in group C alongside hosts Botswana, Cooks Island, Malaysia and Jamaica.

Hosts Botswana won their second game on Sunday defeating Cooks Island.

They also won the opening game against Malaysia.

She Pearls return to court on Monday in a mouthwatering clash against hosts and current group leaders Botswana.

1st quarter

Uganda 20 – 7 Malaysia

2nd quarter

Uganda 39 – 11 Malaysia

3rd quarter

Uganda 63 – 16 Malaysia

4th quarter

Uganda 82 – 21 Malaysia

She Pearls starting XI

Joan Nampungu, Sharifah Nalunkuma, Fauzia,  Nakibuule Shaffie, Nalwanja, Irene Eyaru, Betty Kizza, Joyce Nakibuule

Monday fixtures

Scotland vs Newzealand

Barbados vs Australia

Zimbabwe vs Singapore

Botswana vs Uganda

Jamaica vs Malaysia

Trinidad vs England

Grenada vs Wales

Northern Ireland vs Samoa