West Nile side Paidha Black Angels have began work to upgrade their Bar Okoro home grounds to a standard stadium, the club’s relations officer Mr. Badru Toko Bintok reveals to ChimpSport.

The club based in Zombo district, bordering DR Congo, finished fourth in the recently concluded Fufa big league, missing a chance to qualify for the playoffs due to their goal inferiority despite finishing level on points with Ndejje University.

One of the main concerns about the promotion campaign was the poor state of their home ground which barely has grass and a weak perimeter/outer fence, pavilion and a dressing room.

However this could be sorted with the current developments going into the three or so months of recess before the new campaign kicks off.

Works begin at Barokoro

“We started works on upgrading our stadium,” Toko told chimp sport. He added,” The whole ground has been dug and we expect to start planting grass on Thursday. Thereafter we shall extend the developments to the perimeter fence and gradually to the other areas.”

Bar Okoro is among if not the best attended stadium with an average 6,000 fans per match hosted by Paidha  Black Angels. The construction and renovation works are funded by the fans who are the main source of finance, the Paidha town council and other individual contributions.

According to the club, close to 50 million shillings will be spent in the initial stages of the project.

Greenlight stadium upgrade.
In a related script, newly promoted premier league outfit Onduparaka FC have also initiated plans to put up a dressing room and a perimeter fence and other minimal requirements in order to conform with the minimal standards before the league management sets out for routine inspection ahead of next season.

The fate of this year’s CECAFA Kagame cup lies in balance after the Tanzania football federation (TFF) announced that the country will not host the two-week club tourney with slightly over a month to the proposed kick off dates.

TFF chief Mr. Jamal Malinzi confirmed the development citing Yanga’s Caf engagements as one of the main reasons.

“Tanzania Football Federation will Not host the CECAFA Kagame cup 2016 edition.This is due to international calender congestion.”

Malinzi further explained that “Yanga are the (Tanzanian) champs and hence eligible (to represent the country in the Kagame cup). However, they Qualified for CAFCC group stage hardly a fortnight ago.”

The Tanzanian champions cruised to the group stages of the Caf confederations cup due to kick off on 17th June.

TFF proposed to host (but never committed) the event after the initial hosts Zanzibar pulled out.

Same situation
The Swahili nation housed the last edition where Azam FC emerged winners. Sudanese sides Al Hilal and El Merreikh did not turn up for the competition due to a demanding CAF fixture they were involved in last season. Yanga find themselves in a similar situation.

This comes as the first major test for the newly elected President Dr. Jafar mutasim who promised to change the entire CECAFA region by embracing football development and working to bring sponsorship for all the competitions from U-17 to the Senior Challenge Cup.

Ugandan exports to the Kenya premier league sparked life in the two match day 15 fixtures played on Wednesday 25th May.

Gor Mahia 2-0 Sofapaka
The defending champions continued with the superior form that has seen the green army celebrate five wins on the bounce to pile more misery on cash strapped Sofapaka.

Aucho opener
Cranes dependable midfield maestro Khalid Aucho will comfortably book his next flight to Kampala more energized after heading in the champions in the fifth minute.

Aucho nodded in just before Musa Muhammad sealed the win which happened to rocket the team to the top seat ahead of Coach Nkata’s Tusker FC who faltered later.

Afc leopards 2-2 Tusker
Coach Paul Nkata with his legion that includes Fred Nkata Jr, Shafiq ‘Bhachu’ Batambuzze and Ronald Musaana failed to close the first round of the season on top of the log paving way for Gormahia to occupy the summit following their 2-2 draw to the Leopards.

Alfred Wekesa put the hosts ahead at the death of the first half before Shafiq Batambuze restored parity in the 65th minute from the spot.

Former Sc Victoria defender Yakubu Ramadhan handled the ball in a failed effort to clear off Bhachu’s risky cross.

The games most dramatic twist presented in the 90 minutes when Allan Kateregga seemed to have given the Leopards a victory only for former SC Villa industrious midfielder Ekhaliana Ndolo to cancel the result.

The results imply that Gormahia head to the mid season break at the top with 29 points ahead of Nkata’s Tusker only on goal difference.

Eric Dhaira, the brother to the late Cranes goalie Abel (Dhaira) has left the country for Iceland where he will play professional football with IBV Vestmannaeyjar, ChimpSport can reliably report.

The youngster left the country on Wednesday night aboard a KLM plane and is expected in Iceland later today.

Dhaira’s coach at Soana, Charles Ayiekoh confirmed the news to this website.

“Yes it’s true that he has left for Iceland. As a club, we did all that was required to help the young boy better his future and wish him well,” Ayiekoh told ChimpSport but could not reveal further details.

“We shall update the public and media on his developments as soon as we get more information but as per now that is all I can confirm.”

Eric Dhaira signed a short deal with Soana FC early in January but has not been featuring for the team due to family issues after losing his elder brother to cancer.

He joined Soana after impressing in the University Football League where he has twice been named the best goalkeeper on top of scooping the trophy.

The former Jinja SS keeper is also a son to former KCC FC and Uganda Cranes international goalie Bright Dhaira.

Soana head Coach Charles Ayiekoh Lukula has promised to give youngsters a chance to play when they head to the champions stadium in Mwererwe to face Bright stars in their last league game on Friday 27th May 2016.

The Kavumba side has conceded 39 goals this season alone after 29 fixtures and the experienced coach feels the defenders have not been doing their job well thus opting to try out the young blood in this match.

“I have made eight changes especially in the defence and hope the young players will be alert throughout. It’s one of those areas we’ll make alot of business during the transfer period,” he said

Among those expected to warm the bench or watch from the stands include Captain Hamid Kitagenda, Samuel Oguttu and Dan Wagaluka. Isa Mubiru, Musa Esenu and Simon Okwi are expected in the starting team.

This fixture has had a unique sequence of result where all the three wins were by a home team with 2-1 scoreline while the other two ended goalless. The stars have won two and Soana one.

The Kawempe side look like they don’t have a lot to fight in this game with their fate already sealed and they can’t finish in the top ten. As for Ayiekoh, a win will be enough to snap a top five space-the team’s target for the season.

“Let us plan for next season. It has been a tough second round but we believe in our quality of players. The off season will help us plan for the new season,” Bright Stars Head coach Fred Kajoba said after losing 3-0 to SC Villa.

All matches kickoff at 4pm.

Uganda Cranes midfield maestro has been strongly linked to a move to Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, our reliable source in the United Kingdom reveals.

The former JMC Hippos and Bombo United central kingpin is said to have caught the eyes of Rangers with his performances for Cranes and leading Gor Mahia to two consecutive league titles and nominated among the best midfielders.

“Ugandan Midfielder Khalid Aucho will join Scotland giants Rangers immediately after his international match against Botswana. Rangers have followed the player for a long time,” our source exclusively revealed.

Rangers  will return to Scotland’s top tier next season following four seasons in the country’s lower divisions.

Earlier on, It was reported that South African side Bidvest Wits we’re close to agreeing a deal but that may not happen after all with a better deal on table.

Aucho, has often been compared to Kenya’s Harambe Stars captain Wanyama who is at English side Southampton. The Kenyan featured for Scottish side Celtics before crossing over.

“Despite Wanyama being role model and positive example for all of us in the region my personal opinion is that if nurtured properly and given right chance in right environment Aucho  Khalid can reach Wanyama’s level and  even go further.We are privileged to have him with us in Cranes set up,” Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ told ChimpSports in an interview last year in November.

Rangers is among the oldest and most successful clubs in the Scottish league but ran into administration four years ago. However the club has since earned gradual promotion into the top league which they will feature from next season.

After Friday games, the 2015/16 Uganda Premier League season will become history for future reference. KCCA FC are the champions elect and await a guard of honor and crowning before and after their match with Sadolin Paints FC.

Just like a baby from conception to birth, The city lads launched their campaign exactly nine months ago with a 3-0 win over Sadolin paints in Bugembe and have not aborted the mission throughout the season until delivery that will be today at the Nakivubo stadium.

In that game, KCCA grabbed early lead with two first half goals in succession, the first coming from Paul Kisige who headed the ball into his own net from Muzamir Mutyaba’s 25th minute free kick and Ocaya’s stunner twi minutes later. Nelson Senkatuka closed the business with his debut goal in the 80th.

The Kasasiro’s registered the second victory over the Bugembe club in February in a 1-0 win in the Uganda cup round of 32.

Coach Mike Mutebi, is aware the threat posed by the  unpredictable Jinja painters and has vowed to line up his best ammunition ready for destruction.

“I’m going to field my best first eleven as we bid to finish off on a high. We don’t want to lose our game after being accorded a guard of honor,” Mutebi will wear maiden crown after a two-decade coaching career

On the other hand, the painters are already safe from the chop but their coach Swamadu Musafiri reckons the need to pick a result from Nakivubo.

“They have won the title and we are safe but that’s not enough,” Musafiri says adding,”We want to finish in a respectable position not just to be in a league for survival. I want to set tempo and targets for next season.”

Sadolin are ninth on the log with 42 points.

Participants from Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia have started trickling in the country ready for the upcoming second edition of the Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF) half marathon, the event organizers have confirmed.

The marathon has been divided into three categories; the 21km, 10km and a 1km race for the kids. All races start and end at the Kololo independence grounds.

“The first race (21km) will be flagged off at exactly 7AM by one of our chief guests, the high commissioner for Kenya in Uganda,” AMF chief executive officer Mr. Ronnie Tendo Kisembo said.

The chief of Athletics Kenya federation, Mr Isaiah Kiplagat will flag off the 10km while Rt honorable speaker of the East African Parliament Daniel Kidega sets off the 1km race.

“Afrika Mashariki half marathon is a purely nonpolitical event and it’s the reason a lot of people from all walks want to associate with us.”

Hosts Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda plus new entrants South Sudan and Ethiopia will be part of the event.

Those intending to join are expected to part with 10,000 shillings to buy a ticket for registration.

Registration process ends at 10pm on Saturday just before the Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF) Awards to recognize individuals and organization that have played a key role in the East Africa integration process.

This year’s event is inclined on the theme ‘Addressing youth unemployment through embracing sports.’ The cause is Supporting initiatives for sustainable utilization of Lake Victoria and River Nile Basin.

The main objective of the marathon is to promote regional integration by increasing awareness about the East Africa Community federation.

Army side Simba Football Club have bowed out of the Uganda Premier league in decent style defeating Jinja Municipal Hippos 2-0 at the Kakindu Stadium in Jinja.

Despite coming into the game with their fate already sealed, the soldiers put up a strong show at least to log off above the 30- point mark at 32.

Both Simba goals came from Geoffrey Ssemanda at the death and birth of the first and second period respectively.

The goals.

Ssemanda picked a floating ball after Makuro’s intended pass to Jalendo failed to reach, then paced down the box before powering a medium shot which Wagima brilliantly blocked.

The number ten rebounded with another but again hit the keeper before he corrected his foot with the third stunning to the top corner blowing past the weak green net in the first minute of added time.

The striker made another wonder move maneuvering through five players in JMC defense before curling to the left bottom post.

JMC skipper Richard Wandyaka closed his season with a goal from the spot to console his troops who have had the best job among the teams promoted this season.

Lineups:

JMC XI: Benson Wagima, Isa Magumba, Jimmy Jalendo, Willy Makuro, Musa Walangarira, IBRA Kyebatela, Dan Shabena, Kelvin NATO, Richard Wandyaka, Abdullah Ajab, Farouk Muzaale.

Simba: Joseph Sebuliba, Brian Ochwo, Dennis Sekitto, Joseph Othieno, Moses Okello, Rogers Aloro, Ivan Wava, Godfrey Wakaza, Charles Demands, Alex Witaba.

Coach Mike Mutebi has won his first ever league title joining the list of managers who have previously won the league for KCCA FC and the first since the giants officially rebranded from the traditional Kampala city council FC.

Team coach Mike Mutebi joins his boys in celebrations.

The Kasasiro boys were crowned champions for the eleventh time in the club’s history on Friday at the war memorial stadium despite a one all draw in the final match at Nakivubo stadium against Sadolin Paints FC.

Fred Segujja threatened to stain the day for the Mutebi’s side with his third goal in four meetings but Joseph Ochaya was there to save the day with a goal, six minutes to the glory moment.

Team captain Dennis Okot with the trophy.

KCCA FC who had nothing to lose after winning the league on Tuesday spent most of the second half trying to pull a goal after conceding in the first half and their efforts were later rewarded.

It was a joyous moment when the team’s former players, managers and fans joined the champions in the celebrations as they lifted the trophy.

Celebrations started after receiving the trophy.

KCCA FC have previously won the trophy in 1976, 1977, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1991, 1997, 2007/08, 2012/13, 2013/14.

The city lords will represent the country in 2017 Caf champions league by virtue of winning the title.

Vipers are the dethroned holders.

The two sides will face off in a two legged semi final of the Uganda cup.

Two goals from Vipers prodigy winger Pius Wanji and Ashraf ‘Fadiga’ Mugume put St. Mary’s SS, Kitende on course to defend their Copa Coca Cola schools trophy as they edged out Blessed Sacrament Kimanya in the semifinals.

In the other semifinal clash, spot kicks had to separate East African champions and tournament record winners, Masaka SS and Kibuli SS respectively

The nine time champions, Kibuli won 5-4 after a goalless 90 minutes of normal play.

Kibuli have won the trophy nine times, one ahead of Kitende. The two giants met last year in the quarters, Kitende coming on top.

Road to final.

St Mary’s Kitende a defeated a depleted Dynamic SS from Mukono 2-0 in the quarters while Kibuli registered a goal advantage over St. Juliana (Gayaza).

Masaka SS will fight for a spot to the regional tournament in the third place playoff against their neighbours Kimanya SS.

The third place match kicks off at 1:30 and the finals later at 4 all to be hosted at the Soroti Municipal grounds.

Semifinal Result

Masaka SS 0 (4)-0 (5) Kibuli SS

St Mary’s Kitende 2-0 Kimanya

Third place playoff

1:30 PM- Kimanya vs Masaka SS

Finals

4PM- Kibuli SS vs St Mary’s Kitende

Kibuli SS extended their record in the National post primary famously known as Copa coca cola football championship after winning the tenth title defeating bitter rivals St. Mary’s Ss Kitende through post match penalties on Saturday in Soroti.

Dethroned champions, Kitende were searching to equal Kibuli’s nine trophies but have to blame Jerry and Frank Tumwesigye ‘Zagga’ for their poor penalty shots. They scored only two and conceded four.

Vipers youngster Pius Wanji had put Kitende ahead through a penalty but Julius Alilo levelled for the champions to send game to spot kicks.

Kibuli has won the title 10 times, 2 more than close rivals Kitende.

Masaka upset.

In the third place playoffs, Kimanya booked the last ticket to the East African tournament after dumping out the regional defending champions Masaka SS 4-3 in penalties.

Pius Wanji ended the tournament with fourteen goals thereby claiming the golden boot.

Kibuli now boast of ten trophies followed by St Mary’s Kitende with eight, Kololo SS has three and Old Kla SS crowned twice.  Naggalama Islamic, St Leo’s College, Kyegobe, Ngabo Academy and Mbarara High school have one.

Nkumba Select piped St. Lawrence University to win their maiden title in the Pepsi National beach soccer on Saturday at the Lido beach in Entebbe.

The St. Lawrence side was the only team among the four semifinalists that had lifted the trophy before and were on course to dethrone fellow elites MUBS after thumping Stomers 10-3 in the last four. stomers went on to win the third place playoffs.

The champions defeated Real Galacticos 3-0 in the first semifinals.

Earlier on, Beach Soccer officials crashed Fufa V 5-3.

Meddy Kibirige who turns out for Nkumba select was voted best keeper as Allan Kayiwa claimed the golden boots for his 33 goals for Talented while Roch Somoka was the most valuable player on the sand.

The winners received UgX 2Million while first runners picked 1.5.

St Lawrence receive their 1.5 M cash prize

Results:

Semifinals
Nkumba Select 3-0 Real Galacticos
St Lawrence 10-3 Stomers

CURTAIN RAISER
UBSA 5-2 FUFA V

FINALS
Nkumba Select 8-3 St Lawrence

Awards:
Pepsi Golden gloove- Meddy Kibirige (Nkumba select)

Pepsi Golden boot- Allan Kayiwa(Talented) 33 goals

Pepsi MVP: Roch Somoka – (Nkumba select).

Pepsi best Coach – Salim Muwonge (Stomers).

Pepsi Fairplay team (Kampala city All stars)

Women champions – she corporates.

3rd place- Stomers

1st runners up – St lawrence university.

Champions – Nkumba Select.

She corporates receiving their trophy

Kenya’s Harambee stars and their southern neighbours Tanzania on Sunday afternoon played to an uninspiring one all draw in an international build up match at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi.

The visitors who were without influential captain Mbwana Samatta and TP Mazembe forward Thomas Ulimwengu took an early lead in the 34th minute after Juma Abdul beat the hosts patrol in the right wing to dink in a cross for Elias Maguli to head in the near post.

Kenya stepped up attack that finally paid off four minutes later when Belgium based star Ayub Timbe was fouled after a successful dribble past two defenders inside the box forcing Uganda’s Centre Referee Brian Nsubuga to point to the spot. .

Southampton star, Victor Wanyama stepped up and sent the ball beyond Deogratius Munishi’s reach.

The Kenyans return to the pitch on Tuesday in another friendly against Sudan before the group E qualifier against Congo on Sunday 5th June in Nairobi. They lie bottom of the group with only a point.

Taifa stars are headed for a dead rubber versus Egypt in Dar Es Salaam on 4th.

Uganda Cranes contingent headed to Zimbabwe are expected to arrive in Harare at midday Monday ahead of their friendly duel against the hosts on Tuesday.

Head Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ named a squad of nineteen players on Tuesday who will take part in the buildup and possibly the crucial 2017 Afcon qualifier against Botswana over the weekend.

Among the stars that travelled include Werder Bremen forward Melvyn Lorenzen who has since received his Ugandan passport and only awaiting documentation to be completed by the German government.

The team left the country in the wee hours of Monday morning aboard Ethiopian airlines and were destined to connect through Ethiopia where they (would) be joined by St. Georges duo Robert Odongkara and Isaac Isinde.

Three players; Yassar Mugerwa, Tonny Mawejje and first choice custodian Dennis Onyango are scheduled to arrive in Harare before tomorrow’s match.

Mawejje had a league game against IBV on Sunday in Iceland and travelled immediately after while Onyango is expected at the PSL awards gala on Monday night.

The Cranes will use the build up to grade and dine tune the team before heading to Botswana where they play on Saturday 4th June whereas Tuesday’s hosts Zimbabwe play Malawi at the National Sports Stadium on the 5th of June.

The friendly will be played at the Ruharo Astroturf and not the national stadium as was earlier reported.

Cranes squad.

Denis Onyango(GK), Robert Odongkara(GK), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Luwagga Kizito, Okwi Emmanuel, Wasswa Hassan Mawanda, Juuko Murushid, Sekisambu Erisa, Kasirye Davis, Massa Geoffrey, Miya Faruku, Lorenzen Melvyn, Walusimbi Godfrey, Aucho Khalid, Lubega Idrisa,  Isinde Isaac, Tony Mawejje and Yassar Mugerwa.

Continental football body Caf has appointed South African referees to take charge of the crucial Afcon 2017 qualifiers between Botswana’s Zebras and the Uganda Cranes on Saturday 4th June, 2016 at the Francistown Sports Complex Stadium in Gaborone.

The main man in the selected set will be Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes and will run the game together with Zakhele Thusi Siwela and Mothibidi Stevens Khumalo as the first and second assistants respectively.

Kulasande Qongqov, also a South African is the fourth official and Mauritius national An Yan Lim Kee Chong is the match commissioner.

Meanwhile Uganda Cranes have arrived in Harare where they will play the Zimbabwe Zebras in an international build up match at The Ruharo artificial turf on Tuesday afternoon.

Uganda are second in group D with seven points same as leaders Burkina Faso though the Cranes have a poor goal difference and they must win the fixture to keep pressure on the West Africans and also widen chances of going through as second best in case the top chance eludes.

Goals from Geoffrey Massa and Brian Umony gave the Cranes maximum points when the two met in Namboole in the opening fixture.

A total of 16 teams will qualify to play in the final tournament, including Gabon who qualified automatically as hosts.

Botswana vs Uganda match officials.

Centre referee: Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes

1st Assistant Referee: Zakhele Thusi Siwela

2nd Assistant Referee: Mothibidi Stevens Khumalo

Fourth official: Kulasande Qongqo

Match Commissioner: An Yan Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius)

Alex Kutosi starred as a resurgent Roniz pool club registered a third consecutive victory in the national pool division one league over the weekend away to Upper Volta in Kampala.

The Jinja side that is still steadily rebuilding after relegation has one aim now to win back promotion this season.

“Our aim is to be in the top league next season and that can only come with hard work which brings good performances both home and away.”

Roniz won 14-11 just after shooting down Police 22-3 in Jinja a week before.

In the other games on the table, Bunamwaya and Soroti pool clubs lost their unbeaten records to Global and Afro pool club respectively with identical 15-10 defeats.

Star studded Hotpool club assumed lead in the men’s senior league table with 21 Points following their 18-7 triumph at Casablanca away to Betway in the senior men’s league.

Pool Cranes’ Alfred Gumikiriza exercised perfection while Humphre Nsubuga and Habib Ssebuguzi scored 80% (4of 5).

Joseph Kasozi guided Defending champions Skin Samona to a 15-10 win at Indigo to keep track of leaders Hotpool with an impressive 5/5.

Weekend results:

Icon 08-17 T&O/Klein
Indigo 10-15 Skinsamona
Betway 07-18 Hotpool
Anchors 16-09 Nakawa
Capital Night 16-09 Mbogo.
Rock Catalina 11-14 Maga
Red Shooters 11-14 Boat.

Icon 07-02 T&O/Klein
Indigo 05-04 Skinsamona
Betway 03-06 Hotpool
Anchors 06-03 Nakawa
Capital Night 09-00 Mbogo
Rockcatalina 06-03 Maga
Redshooters 03-06 Maga

Uganda’s team to South Korea for the Korean International Woodball Championship have performed to the relative expectations after scooping four medals in the 5th Korean International Woodball Championship held in Jeju Island, Korea.

The best performance was presented in the gender mixed category where the combination of Ndejje University’s Lillian Zawedde and Onesmus Atamba delivered the ultimate prize- a gold medal.

Team Uganda picked four medals from South Korea.

Atamba, a player from Ndejje woodclub emerged second best on Gate in One thereby scooping a silver medal.

Two time USPA player, Lilian Zawedde has brought home a bronze medal after her third place podium appearance in the ladies category.

Men’s quartet that had William Osire,  Norbert Dramani, Onesmus Atamba, Isaac Ariho and Godwin Ssenyondo also received a bronze medal.

This is Uganda’s fourth appearance in the global bi-annual event since 2010 where Onesmus Atamba sole representation in the 4th World Cup Woodball Championship held in Thailand.

Still in Korea, Uganda’s Collins Joseph Ssemmanda was part of a referee’s workshop that climaxed Sunday with examination that will certify him for an International Referees post.

If there is a Ugandan player who has enjoyed relative success in the just concluded season then it has to be first choice goal keeper Dennis Onyango.

The calm and composed goalie was named the Absa Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season in a lively and colourful PSL Awards on Monday night at Emperors Palace.

With his 14 clean sheets and stunning saves, Onyango was able to brush off competition from Bidvest Wits’ goalie Josephs Moeneeb and Shu-aib Walters of MP Black Aces who were the other nominees in this category. The gong comes with R50,000 (approximately UGX 10M).

However, he missed out on the Telekom cup tournament best player to his teammate Thabo Nthethe.

Sundowns hit the 71 points mark to claim their seventh local title and complete a remarkable double after earlier winning the Telekom cup in December.

Onyango arrived in style at the event

Continental assignments.

The Tshwane team has a chance for a treble this time round after being reinstated back to the 2016 Caf champions league group stages after AS Vita, who beat them on the away goal rule, were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in an earlier game.

They are pooled against Nigeria’s Enyimba, Zamalek (Egypt) and ES Setif.

But just before that, Dennis Onyango has to rush to Zimbabwe on Tuesday morning to join with the Cranes team for a friendly against the natives same day and later a ‘must-win’ clash against Botswana on Saturday in the Afcon 2017 qualifiers.

Full list of the PSL Award Winners:

FOOTBALLER OF THE SEASON – Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Absa Premiership Player’s Player of the Season – Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Absa Premiership Top Goal Scorer – Collins Mbesuma (MP Black Aces)

Absa Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season – Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Absa Premiership Defender of the Season – Thabo Nthethe (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Absa Premiership Midfielder of the Season – Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Absa-lutely Awesome Goal – Ben Motshwari (Bidvest Wits) vs Chippa: 10/01/2016

Absa Premiership Young Player of the Season – Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (MP Black Aces)

Absa Premiership Coach of the Season – Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

National First Division Top Goal Scorer – Thabiso Kutumela (Baroka FC)

Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament – Thabo Nthethe (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Nedbank Cup Young Player of Tournament – Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali (Baroka FC)

Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament – Jeremy Brockie (SuperSport United)

MTN8 Last Man Standing – Cecil Lolo (Ajax Cape Town)

MultiChoice Diski Challenge Player Of The Season – Sibusiso Sibeko (Lamontville Golden Arrows)

MultiChoice Diski Challenge Top Goal Scorer – Emmanuel Letlotlo (Kaizer Chiefs)

Referee of the Season – Thando Ndzandzeka

Assistant Referee of the Season – Zakhele Siwela

The 2015/16 Azam Uganda Premier League season came to a successful climax on Friday 27th May with KCCA FC claiming the ultimate prize. Several individuals make the cut for recognition for their performance.

Mathias Muwanga (GK).
Straight off! Sadolin survived relegation in 2014/15 season with only six points conceding 32 goals, the second worst among those who remained (Soana swallowed 41).

This season, they twice bettered last season finish on 9th conceding only 23 goals, the sixth best record with the youthful goalie Mathias Muwanga keeping sixteen clean sheets in the 26 games he played this season providing virtually everything you expect in a modern goalkeeper.

Defenders.

KCCA FC’s captain Dennis Okot gets the nod in the right back position. Defensively very sound and got forward at every opportunity present. Several goals scored and a host of assists including two stunning crosses to Mutyaba and Ochaya that won the league against Express and final day versus Sadolin.

“Being summoned to the nation pass team is not news to me anymore because I know I’m the best right full back in the country,” He once told KCCA media after a national call up. Went on to assist the Cecafa winning goal by Okhuti.

Musa ‘Mangala’ Walangarira has been outstanding in his 2700 minutes appearance this season for JMC especially in front of home crowd where they conceded only seven-the best home record. The typical traditional CB who clears ‘anything’ thrown at him. He partners Vipers Halid Lwaliwa in the heart of my defense.

Joseph Ochaya  is simply the Most Valuable player in the league!

Joseph Ochaya (lauding fans) was the most outstanding and consistent player of the season

Midfielders.

Muzamir Mutyaba‘s style of play has mesmerized many Lugogo fans. Top on his CV is the first touch dribbles, ability to pass and an eye for the goal that has seen him join Ochaya on KCCA’s top scorers seat with seven including the league winner against Express.

Musa Esenu was among the best midfielders in last year’s University League prompting his coach at MUBS, Charles Ayiekoh to promote him to Soana FC. The youngster fit in like a button and has since scored an astonishing eight league goals since the year started. Surely, has to make your ideal selection for the next big match.

Richard Wandyaka stunned even the national team coach when he put four past Soana at Kakindu earning an instant call up to Cranes training. The JMC captain one time led his team to the second spot and has been involved in 80% (according to coach Odoch) of the team’s attack.

Tony Odur seems to have reinvented himself. It’s a shame that he couldn’t get perfectly at Zesco where he’d be preparing for the Caf groups now. The attacker picked the mantle from Okhuti and has shaken the net seven times from February, that coupled with numerous assists lifted Express from 8th to third joint 53 points with Vipers. A whooping 33 points!

Strikers.

Robert Ssentongo etched his name in history joining the legendary trio of Issa Sekatawa, Magid Musisi and Hassan Mubiru who have ‘wore’ the golden shoe thrice plus. A nightmare to any goalkeeper/trainer- he just strikes when he is in a sober mood to.

With 18 goals and Erisa Sekisambu‘s 16, the two combined tally more than ten clubs in the division. In simple terms ‘Out Miya in Erisa.’

Coach- James Odoch: Used largely the same squad that climbed the ranks last season and has taunted even the best of teams with solid defense and an entertaining attacking football.

Ass. Coach- Moses Oloya: Arguably the brain behind Saints survival. Has ‘reincarnated’ Yasin Mugabi back to his near best with brilliant performances at the back.

Goal Keeper: Mathias Muwanga (Sadolin),

Defenders: D. Okot (KCCA), Musa Walangarira (JMC), Valid Lwaliwa (Vipers), J. Ochaya (KCCA)

Midfielders: M. Mutyaba (KCCA), R. Wandyaka (JMC), M. Esenu (Soana), T. Odur (Express)

Strikers: R. Ssentongo (URA) and E. Sekisambu (Vipers).