Express football club continued their impressive preseason run with a comfortable win over regional side Azam FC on Saturday at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

After pummeling Kimmi 13-0 on Tuesday this week, the red eagles continued their scoring spree with a 6-1 win over Azam FC. Youngster Mubiru Yafessi and Sulaiman Mutyaba took centre stage as Express did ease work over Azam.

Mutyaba gave the home side an early lead, seven minutes after start when he beat Azam FC goalkeeper from close range to tap home.

Thirteen minutes later, forward Mubiru Yafessi doubled the lead for the “Mukwano gwa bangi” converting from a spot kick after a foul on Mutyaba inside the forbidden area before Mutyaba grabbed his second on the day and Express’ third from a free kick at the half hour mark.

Prodigal son Allan Kyambadde who returned to Wankulukuku on loan from Vipers stretched the lead when he connected to Mahad Kakooza’s cross for Express’ fourth in the 34th minute to give the Wasswa Bossa coached side a 4-0 halftime lead.

After recess, the visitors pulled one back but this could not save the damage as two late goals from Mubiru and Tekkwo Derrick completed the rout. Mubiru completed his brace in the 85th minute with a header while Tekkwo scored from a spot kick in the 90th minute when Mubiru was brought down.

Express will kick start their campaign in the Azam Uganda premier league at home on 19th August against Lweza in the Wankulukuku derby.

Express starting XI

Ivan Mutumba, Musa Mukasa, Bob Kasozi, Farouk Matovu, Ismael Kazibwe, Tekkwo Derrick, Mahad Kakooza, Allan Kyambadde, John Ssemazi, Yafessi Mubiru, Suleiman Mutyaba.

The President of the Uganda Olympics Committee, William Frederick Blick has applauded the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura and the Commander of the Special Forces Group Maj. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for the great contributions they have made during their tenure as committee patrons.

Mr. Blick was speaking on Saturday during a sendoff dinner for the Uganda Olympics team organized by MultiChoice Uganda in Kololo.

He revealed that Gen. Kayihura brought the kit that the team is going to use for this year while Gen. Muhoozi contributed USD 30,000, an equivalent of UgShs 100m, which money the committee used to clear outstanding debts and arrange for this year’s games.

Mr. Blick thanked Multichoice Uganda for sponsoring the team adding that he was confident they would represent the country well.

“Uganda was among the top recognized countries at the opening and I have confidence that this year’s team will also do great wonders,” he said,

“They have been under residential training since May although their training started 3-4 years ago.”

While introducing the team, Peter Chilengat, one of the team managers noted that there are many potential athletes but they are not inspired and motivated.

He asked that DStv services be extended to the four training camps so that the young athletes can watch their fellows and get inspired to work even harder.

Peter Chilengat (2nd Right) introducing the athletes

Mr. Chilengat thanked President Museveni for the support accorded to the team and most especially for peace, good leadership and security in the areas where they train from.

Responding to Chilengat’s call, Charles Hamya, the General Manager, Multichoice Uganda said that Multichoice will provide four kits and subscription to the four training camps to enable the young athletes who didn’t qualify to watch their fellows.

Charles Hamya, the General Manager Multichoice Uganda (2nd Right) speaking at the Olympics team sendoff dinner

This year, Uganda is represented by a team of 21 people including 17 athletes, 2 boxers and 2 swimmers.

Some of the athletes pose for a photo with Multichoice Uganda staff members and some other members of the Olympics committee.

Full Team:

Boxing:

Kennedy Katende, Ronald Serugo

Swimming:

Jamila Lunkuse, J. Tibatemwa

Athletics:

Stephen Kiprotich, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, Winnie Nanyondo, Ronald Musagala, Benjamin Kiplagat, Jackson Kiprop, Philip Kipyeko, Timothy Toroitich, Solomon Mutai, Jacob Araptany, Juliet Checkwel, Stella Chesang, Jacob Kiplimo, Haliima Nakayi, Moses Kurong, Peruth Chemutai, Nyakisi Adero.

Uganda Cranes team registered their fifth win in the Regional tours after thumping Buganda regional select team by 3-0 at the Masaka recreational grounds on Saturday afternoon.

The Cranes had gone two matches without a win, losing 1-0 to West Nile and then a 1-1 draw to Eastern team in Mbale.

Onduparaka’s Muhammad Shaban opened the game in the second half after the first ending barren.

Shaban has now scored in two consecutive games from the three callups so far.

The first half had favorites like Vincent Kayizzi, Majwega, Ochan and team captain Hassan Waswa Mawanda.

UPL best young players nominees Musa Esenu and Halid Lwaliwa showed their prowess with the second and third goals respectively. Esenu turns out for Soana and Lwaliwa for Uganda cup champions Vipers SC.

The cranes main team will have another friendly on 30th August just three days before the crucial penultimate 2017 Afcon qualifier against Comoros both at Namboole.

Uganda Cranes first Team:

Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Brian Majwega, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Captain), Bernard Muwanga, Vincent Kayizzi, Mike Sserumaga, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Geofrey Sserunkuma

Cranes second team:Yasin Mugabi (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Hassan Musana, Rashid Toha, Halid Lwaliwa, Ivan Ntege, Martin Kizza, Kezironi Kizito, Muhammed Shaban, Musa Esenu, Abdulmalik Vitalis Tabu

Buganda regional select

Buganda Team:

Goal Keepers: Abdul Kimera [Bulemezi], Tonny Kyameera [Buddo ss]

Defenders: Samuel Kato [Buddo], Latif Kiyemba, Saidon Bogere[Busiro], Mahad Ssemanda [Buluri], Francis Ssemakula [Wakiso Hills], Cyrus Mukalazi [Masaka ss]

Midifielders: Hamis Semugeera [Buluri], Joshua Kigozi Josua, Joshua Lubwama [Bulemezi], Moses Seruyiga [Kira United]

Strikers: Baker Buyaala[ Bugerere], Isaac Balyejusa [ Bulemezi], Godfrey Waswa [ Buluri]

A 9th minute strike by William Wadri against Sadolin Paints ensured Vipers sports club maintain perfection in their two days tour to Jinja.

Vipers who started on a high tempo had Brian Nkuubi’s fifth minute free kick narrowly saved before Sadolin embarked on a quick unsuccessful counter attack through Peter Katumba and Bruhan Matovu.

Matovu’s goal bound cross was intercepted by a good header by Bakaki to Sseninde. The speedy left footed winger reduced the distance from down the right lane before passing over to Pius Wanfi who set up Wadri for the goal.

“Our main objective was to come and gauge our players fitness level against the Jinja teams,” coach Abdallah Mubiru told this website.

“At least we have a clear picture and know where to patch up before the season begins. We shall have our last preseason match against Masavu on Wednesday in Entebbe.”

The Uganda Cup champions defeated Jinja Municipal Hippos on Saturday at the Fufa technical centre in Njeru with a similar margin courtesy of Pius Wangi’s goal.

They open the season on Sunday 14th with a supercup clash against League champions KCCA FC at Nakivubo.

Proline FC are the inaugural winners of the KCCA FC invitational tournament after accumulating eight points from the two day event held over the weekend at Lugogo stadium.

The newly promoted side thumped the hosts 3-1 in the last game of the day to pick six clear points.

KCCA FC’s Derrick Nsibambi set the game rolling with the first goal but the league champions failed to stop Gift Ali, Mandela and Edrisa Lubega’s strikes.

In the other game played earlier in the day, Lweza FC squeezed a 1-0 win over Soana. The goal courtesy of ex- SC Villa marksman Karim Ndugwa.

Day one.

Saturday produced two twin results after normal time, with the hosts KCCA FC edging out Soana 4-3 in penalties after a one all draw.

The other match saw Proline dramatically see off Lweza 4-2 again in shoot outs following a 1-1 stalemate.

The preseason tournament was initiated as a way of boosting the team’s preparations ahead of the awaited season to kick off on Sunday 14th with the supercup.

Full results.

Saturday 6th
KCCA 1(4)-1(3) Soana

Proline 1(4)-1(2) Lweza

Sunday 7^th
Soana 0-1 Lweza

KCCA 1-3 Proline

When Simon Tumukunde realized that almost everything was going modern, he saw an opportunity and decided to modernize the famous traditional game Kwepena into what now being called Cheza.
Tumukunde, son to a single mother, founder of Cheza and a creative consultant caught up with Chimpreports during the weekend for an Interview.

What is Cheza?
Cheza is kwepena which most of us in Uganda got a chance to play when we were young; though it was famous among the girls. In general it’s modernized kwepena. I designed a few things here and there that can make it go global or a game one can sit back and watch on television. Cheza is a game of a good cause and can bring in many impacts in our country both socially and economically.

Simon Tumukunde

What inspired you to create Cheza?
I had a burning fire within me and faith that this game can make it big.
Literally it just hit my mind in my S5; that’s when l came up with the idea. I thought about the Olympics, the game had never made it there yet it’s a famous game back home and l asked myself why we have all other games making it big yet kwepena is fading away. I realized that it’s because it did not have a specific framework followed. So I started designing the game and also the fact that I did not want to watch our traditional game fade away. So, I decided to modernize it by putting rules and regulations and making the game more productive.

How is the game helping the youth?
It’s helping them; first of all they come together and in the process share ideas, get connections and play the game that has deeper connections to their roots. You find many of them saying they missed the game. I also employ them in the process which helps on the problem of unemployment.

Simon says Cheza has a lot of health benefits

What’s your advice to the youth?
I not only advise the youths but everyone: our forefathers left us the game, it would be bad for it to fade away; it’s high time we make good use of it, make it better, support it and work together. I also advise them to be creative, work hard and never give up.

What are some of the challenges you meant while creating Cheza?
In October 2013, I went to the national council of sports and I presented the entire cheza concept to the general secretary.

He sat back in his chair and told me “mulenzi bino biveko genda osome” (young man leave this alone; go back to school and study). He went ahead and told me the game will not help me. He thought I could have stolen it from China; a game our grandparents played before us even before they knew China existed. He concluded that I should go study a bachelor’s in sports. I was so disappointed but I continued to explain to him and after a while I just left his office. That day I walked from the National Council of Sports offices in Lugogo up to Valley Courts because I was lost in my thoughts; I did not realize I had walked that far. After that incident I met with the parliamentary committee of education and sports and  they helped me get a copy right for the game.

Does the game have any health benefits?
Yes, a lot both physically and mentally. When l designed cheza with the help of friends, we created a court 10meters long and 4meters wide with a dodging ground in the middle. When you run in there for five minutes my friend, you may probably run 100meters without realizing, which helps you keep fit. Cheza involves a lot of movement, dodging, running, jumping all those different movements. On top of that you have to think fast while playing the game since some people are too good yet you have to measure and aim at them. Another thing there is a lot of team work without which you can’t win the game. This helps burn the fats leaving your body very healthy.

How do you earn from the game or how profitable is it?
Cheza has a business model of a five year plan; we believe that by the end of 2019 it will be bringing in about 1.5 million US dollars annually. That’s what we are looking at because of the products we designed for example the balls, the court, jerseys and many others. We have also brought many countries on board like Sudan, Kenya ,Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, USA and Canada. By the end of November many more will have joined since the processes have already begun. Though Uganda has a low acceptance rate, we have not lost hope. Kenya has a high acceptance rate at least that’s promising. I want cheza to be a self sustainable game in a way that it can go ahead even without donations.

Any new projects we should look forward to?
We have a fundraising for the Together for Her Campaign coming up that will bring together companies and people from all over to come and play cheza. The money will go to the organization to support the girl-child. Also in September we are starting a national activation for the youths and we are taking it all over the country starting from central Ugandan. We are targeting impacting on the girl child through the tournaments and galas. In the long run we will be educating people too. We will be also at the KCCA festival.

Your last word
I call upon every Uganda every African to support cheza our own traditional game and all other games. Let them come and join the game. I thank those that are already supporting me and Cheza.

Former BUL FC and Soana striker Simon Okwil opened his goal account at Kenya Premier league side Sofapaka FC on Sunday in a 5-0 drubbing over Nairobi City Stars.

Okwil moved to the struggling club during the June mid season transfer window. Jafar Gichuki, Noah Abich, Moses Odhiambo and Isaac Mutanga completed the rout.

Sofapaka are still rooted bottom of the log with 12points after 21 outings, Ten below safety.

Ushuru FC and AFC Leopards also produced a five goal thrilling match in Nairobi on Saturday with the cats coming top with 3-2.

Defending champions Gormahia FC were held to a barren draw against Bandari to allow Paul Nkata’s Tusker extend lead to four points.

Tusker who currently stand on 40 points overcame Mathare united 2-0 on Saturday.

Full KPL weekend results.
Sofapaka  5-0 Nairobi City
Thika Utd 1-1 Kakamega Hboyz
Chemelil  1-0 Muhoroni
GorMahia 0-0 Bandari
Mathare Utd 0-2 Tusker FC
W. Stima 0-3 SoNy Sugar
AFCLeopards 3-2 Ushuru FC

Former Express FC attacking midfielder Ibrahim Kayiwa is upbeat he will emerge the best midfielder in the upcoming Uganda Premier League awards.

Kayiwa was nominated in the best league midfielders of the 2015/16 season together with KCCA FC’s Muzamir Mutyaba and ex- JMC captain Richard Wandyaka.

“I believe in myself and my God that I will win the UPL best midfielder because going by my performance and circumstances we passed through, then I should have met the required cut,” the stylish midfielder told ChimpSport.

“Generally, the previous season was so fantastic on my side because at least I managed to score seven goals and six assists,” he recounts.

“The goals helped a long way in taking team Express FC to the third place in the league though we had same points with my current home Vipers.”

Kayiwa made 25 appearances for the red eagles and was voted among the best three players at the club.

The 21 year old midfielder has since moved to Uganda Cup champions Vipers SC where he earned his maiden appearance during a 1-0 friendly win over Sadolin in Bugembe.

“I came to vipers so I can get new challenge and put my talent to the next level. The team has everything a football player would wish in Uganda. God willing I should be a regular in the national team from the near future going forward.”

Kayiwa has previously played for Super Eagles FC and Titans FC (Katwe).

Uganda Premier League Secretariat has unveiled new Subaru forester S/20 to be awarded to the most valuable player of the 2015/16 season.

The vehicle was unveiled to the media on Tuesday morning at the Mandela National stadium by the league manager Mr. Paul Kabaikaramu together with FSL board members Humphrey Mandu and David Serene.

“This is a culture we have begun for recognizing the best performers and increase competition amongst players so to as to raise the quality of our league,” Mr David Serebe said.

UPL Officials unveil the grand prize

“We expect the First Lady at the awards event on Friday 12th. There are some companies like Azam TV, Stanbic Bank, Konka and UHMG. The most valuable player will drive away a brand new Subaru Forester and others will also walk home with have different kinds of gifts. The coach will take a TV provided by Konka,” Paul said.

Three players are in contention for the top prize including KCCA FC versatile left back Joseph Ochaya, league top scorers Robert Ssentongo and Erisa Sekisambu.

The invited-only awards ceremony will climax on Friday 12th August at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.

The uncertainty over the re-opening of the Nakivubo stadium continues to linger as the new season approaches. In the latest developments,the  Fufa Super Cup, it has been revealed, will not be hosted at the venue.

Fufa Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein confirmed receipt of a notification from the stadium management board while also announcing the alternative venue.

“We are glad to inform our stakeholders for this match-Vipers SC and KCCA FC plus the fans that the new venue for the FUFA Super Cup is Mutessa II stadium,” Hussein said.

“We believe the fans will enjoy the atmosphere at the new stadium since it is also a historical ground in the football circles of Uganda.”

Just like any other around the world, the super cup is played normally a week before the new league season kicks off.

The match will be between Uganda Cup champions Vipers SC and the reigning league winners KCCA FC.

The Kasasiros won their 11th league title last season while the Vipers scooped their Maiden cup title.

Fans will part with UGX 5,000 for normal tickets and double the price for the VIP section.

Nakivubo stadium was closed by the local tax collectors, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA over unpaid taxes amounting to over UGX 400m. The debt has accumulated since 2013.

Former Express FC attacking midfielder Ibrahim Kayiwa is upbeat he will emerge the best midfielder in the upcoming Uganda premier league awards.

Kayiwa was nominated in the best league midfielders of the 2015/16 season together with KCCA FC’s Muzamir Mutyaba and ex- JMC captain Richard Wandyaka.

“I believe in myself and my God that I will win the UPL best midfielder because going by my performance and circumstances we passes through, then I should have met the required cut,” the stylish midfielder told ChimpSport.

“Generally, the previous season was so fantastic on my side because at least I managed to score seven goals and six assists,” he recounts.

“The goals helped a long way in taking team Express Fc to the third place in the league though we had same points with my current home Vipers.”

Kayiwa made 25 appearances for the red eagles and was voted among the best three players at the club.

The 21 year old midfielder has since moved to Uganda cup champions Vipers SC where he earned his maiden appearance during a 1-0 friendly win over Sadolin in Bugembe.

“I came to vipers so I can get new challenge and put my talent to the next level. The team has everything a football player would wish in Uganda. God willing I should be a regular in the national team from the near future going forward.”

Kayiwa has previously played for Super Eagles FC and Titans FC (Katwe).

2016 Bika Tournament
Njovu 2-1 Mpindi
Mamba Gabunga 1-0 Ndiga

Njovu clan caused an upset by ejecting Mpindi in a game played on Monday at the Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

Fred Ssegujja scored two goals to send Njovu into the quarter finals of the ongoing Bika bya Baganda football tournament.

Segujja who features for Uganda Premier League side Sadolin Paints netted a first half brace before Paul Patrick Mbowa pulled one back for the star studded Mpindi which had players like Brian Majjwega,Yudah Mugalu and Ivan Mbowa.

Njovu who are seeking to win their first title will play in the quarter finals against Balangira.

In the other game played, record champions Mbamba Gabunga edged past Ndiga with a second half solitary strike from Benjamin Ssemanda.

The ten time winners will play Butiiko in the quarter finals.

Past Winners

1950 – Mbogo
1951 – Ngabi
1952 – Mmamba
1955 – Kkobe
1956 – Mmamba
1957 – Nyonyi
1958 – Ngeye
1959 – Mmamba
1960 – Ffumbe
1961 – Balangira/Kkobe
1962 – Nkima
1963 – Not held
1964 – Mmamba
1965 – Mmamba
1966 – 86 – Not held
1987 – Ngabi
1988 – Lugave
1989 – Mmamba
1990 – Lugave
1991 – Ngeye
1992 – Ngeye
1993- Nkima
1994- Mmamba
1995- Lugave
1996- Mpindi
1997- Nyange
1998- Lugave
1999- Lugave
2000- Lugave
2001- Ngo
2002- Mpologoma
2003- Mpologoma
2004- Lugave
2005- Ffumbe
2006- Mpindi
2007- Mpindi
2008- Kkobe
2009- Ffumbe
2010- Nte
2011- Mmamba
2012- Ngeye
2013- Ngabi Nsamba
2014- Mmamba
2015- Mbogo

William Osire Likiriat from Bank of Uganda continued with his sterling form in the 4th Woodball corporate circuit to top the final table with 37 points after hitting 53 strokes.

Osire entered day four as a favorite leading the table with 95 points.

He tops the men’s points log with 132 points, five and six ahead of John Baptist Kateregga in the second position with 127 points and Semata Raymond third with 126 points.

Katerega who turns out for Botladz Woodball club ended third in the fourth circuit after hitting 56 strokes. Raymond Sematta finished second.

St. Joseph’s institute Kisubi accumulated 254 points to win the first ever Woodball men’s team medal.

Bank of Uganda and Buganda land board finished second and third.

In the women’s section, UNEB Woodball team led with 298 points followed by BOU (332) and Letshego (413).

Agnes Apio(BOU) and Betty Alela (UNEB) topped the ladies singles chat.

Selected results;
Mens
Osire William (BOU) -53
Raymond Semata (STJKI) -55
John Baptist Katerega (Botladz) -56

Men’s team
St. Joseph’s institute Kisubi – 254
Bank of Uganda – 276
Buganda land board – 291

Women
Agnes Apio(BOU) -66
Betty Alela (UNEB) -68
Margaret Mulamba (STJIK) -71

Women’s teams
UNEB -298
BOU -332
Letshego -413

Veteran BUL FC goalkeeper Franco Oringa is on his way back to his home town of Lira to join big league side Sporting United.

The news was revealed by Sporting United club Patron Rev Jimmy Ajon during a show at radio Wa in Lira.

“We are eyeing at promotion next year and the only way to do that by arming our squad and early preparations,” Ajon said. “One of the ways to strengthen the team is by roping in some experienced but talented players.”

Sporting finished second with 47 points, six behind Onduparaka FC therefore earning one of the two playoff spots in the Elgon group. The team lost the finals in the finals to Proline FC.

“Speaking of transfers, I want to tell the people of Lang’o that we are bringing Franco Oringa, Caesar Sapeo and one other goalkeeper from Ndejje university.”

The team has so far released five players including two goalkeeper James Odong Latek and Sadam. The others are Goddy Ayo, Dan Obua and Geoffrey Mugisha who was on loan from the now definct saints FC.

Exclusive sources close to BUL FC reveal that the club axed the experienced goalie due internal conflicts.

The self-styled and lively keeper has previously played for Lira-based club, Boroboro FC since 2007 before crossing over to KCCA in the 2009 season. He later joined Kira Young and then BUL FC in 2013/14.

Striker Caesar Sapeo has also been training with the Jinja side and was part of their squad in the recently concluded Eastern G4 tournament.

The stage is set, golfers are ready and final preparations have been done ahead of the much anticipated tee of the 74th Uganda golf open slated for Wednesday at the par 72 golf course in Kitante.

The first round draws of the amateur category that tees off on Wednesday were drawn with defending champion Ronald Otile falling in the same pool with Zambian hot property Aaron Simfukwe who has been tauted to be Otile main competitor.

With just a few hours left, the golfers had a feel of the course on Tuesday ahead of the tee off on Wednesday morning that will have Otile go up gainst club mate at Toro golf club, Adolf Muhumuza, Kenyan Edwin Mudenyi and Simfukwe in group B at 8:00am.

Otile almost missed out on defending his title but a late intervention from the Uganda golf union made sure the 21 year old golfer was flown in last Sunday.

The four day competition will see over 100 amateur golfers take part with at least four in each group. With the professional golfers expected to compete starting on 31st August – 3rd September at the same course.

Last year, Otile shot an opening two under par 70 before attaining 75,76,76 in the preceding three days to become the youngest golfer to the win the accolade at the age 20 finishing two points above Gideon Kagyenzi.

In one of the exciting games at the last 16 stage, Nte clan eliminated defending champions Mbogo from this year’s Bika bya Baganda tournament after playing out to a goalless stalemate on Monday at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

The game which was supposed to be played last week but was washed out after a heavy downpour midway through the game was replayed starting afresh.

Nte dominated the proceedings in the first half but failed to put away the numerous chances with the best chance falling to Viper’s  youngster Pius Wangi who attempted to lobe the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Bugembe Ashadu but his effort sailed wide and above.

It was a close contest with either side playing a cautious game, it became very physical especially in the middle of the park with Rajab Kakooza and Jimmy “Kachanga” Kakooza manning the Nte midfield while Nyanzi Abdallah patrolling the midfield for Mbogo.

In the end, the game had to be decided on spot kicks to determine who advances to the quarter final stage. Nte converted four of their penalties with Pius Wangi, Henry Katongole, Ivan Ssempijja and John Bosco Ssemugenyi scoring while Alex Lutakoome and Nyanzi Henry scored for Mbogo. Henry Kakooza missed on the Nte side whereas James Kasibante and Sserugo Godfrey missed for defending champions.

Action resumes on Wednesday with two quarter final games. Njovu who ejected Mpindi will take on Balangira while last year’s finalists, Nkima will face Nsenene.

Mbogo’s starting XI
Fahad Katongole, Hayatu Ssempijja,Ivan Ssempijja,Sam Ssenkoomi,Henry Katongole,James Kakooza, Mahad Kakooza, Rajab Kakooza, Umar Kasumba,Pius Wangi,Herbert Katongole

Nte’s starting XI
Ashadu Bugembe, Ibrahim Ntwatwa, Moses Mukwaya, Henry Nyanzi, Ssengooba Rogers, Nyanzi Abdallah, James Kasibante, Nyanzi Ronald, Kayiira Joseph, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Sserugo Godfrey.

Rwanda Football Association (FERWAF) has confirmed that national women’s team the She Wasps will take part in the upcoming CECAFA Women Football Championship set to be hosted in Uganda.

Their Uganda counterparts have scheduled the championship to be played between September 11-24, 2016.

According to a statement on their official portal, FERWAFA’s Acting Secretary General Patrick Kagabo confirmed the news after sending the confirmation to the CECAFA headquarters based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Preparations
Fufa head of communications Ahmed Hussein revealed on Tuesday that plans are in the final stages

“CECAFA Women championship preparations will kick off this week. Gen Secretary CECAFA Nicholas Musonye visiting Uganda on Thursday for initial meetings and planning for the championship,” he said.

Five countries including the hosts Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Sudan have confirmed participation.

The secretariat is still awaiting to hear from other regional members like Zanzibar, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Three COSAFA members Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi have all requested to be guest participants.

In a bid to rekindle the lost glory of one of the oldest football club in the Uganda, Express FC has appointed Erias “Kamdas” Sserunjogi as the new vice president in charge of administration.

Club chairperson, Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi together with the club executive appointed Sserunjogi to help on the day to day running of the club given the busy schedule of the club chairperson who also doubles as the State Minister for youth and Children affairs.

The veteran administrator returns to Wankulukuku with vast experience having been at the club in the glory days (1990s). Sserunjogi was in charge of administration when the club reached its heights in 1995 playing up to the semifinals of the CAF champions league.

While addressing the players on Tuesday at Wankulukuku, Sserunjogi vowed to serve the red eagles and ensure that the club restores her lost pride.

“I promise to serve Express to my best ability. I have been here before, so I believe the experience I have will help us work together as a team and see that we dominate the local scene again,” he said.

Nakiwala who took the reigns at Express as the chairperson of the club replacing Bbale Mugera has appointed various people to work with at the club.

Among them include pastor Samuel Kakande of the Synagogue church of all nations who was appointed the first vice president of the club, John Kitenda was appointed the head of club treasury while popular musician Bobi Wine is the club’s brand ambassador.

National basketball league

Women’s game
Magic Stormers vs JKL Lady Dolphins 6pm

Men’s game
City Oilers vs Charging Rhinos 8pm

Defending champions, City oilers will be seeking to extend their perfect run when they take on struggling side, Charging rhinos on Wednesday at the Lugogo indoor  stadium.

Oilers who have had an 11-0 start to the season and are the only unbeaten side in the league will resume action for the first time in the second round after the game against KIU Titans was washed out due last Friday.

Oilers had an incredible performance in the first round proving a no match for the rest of the pack winning eleven games consecutively averaging 74.7, the best scoring tally.

The Mande Juruni coached side who are at the summit of the men’s table will be hoping to stretch the winning streak to 12-0 when they take on lowly rhinos who sit rock bottom having won just once in 12.

In the women’s category, JKL Lady Dolphins take on Magic stormers who are yet to pick up a win this season.

Friendly game
Vipers 2-0 Masavu

Vipers continued their preparations ahead of the 2016/17 season with a win over Fufa Big League side Masavu in a friendly game played on Wednesday morning at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

Keziron Kizito and new recruit Kakaire “Kaka” Brian scored in either half to give Vipers a 2-0 win, their fourth successive win in preseason.

Kizito broke the deadlock at the stoke of halftime when he pounced on a rebounding ball from Masavu’s goalkeeper after initially saving Joseph Ssemujju’s attempt. The creative midfielder took advantage of a goal melee to slot home in the 45th minute.

After recess, new signing Kakaire who came on a second half substitute doubled the lead for the Uganda cup holders at the hour mark.

The highlight of the game is when Vipers head coach Abdallah Mubiru employed lanky goalkeeper James Alitho as a centre forward in the second half.

Mubiru believes the buildup games have tuned his team and given them a good test ahead of the new season.

“The matches we have played have enabled us to identify our mistakes and rectify them. I believe we are in a perfect situation for the forthcoming season,” said Mubiru.

Vipers will kick start the 2016/17 season with a Fufa Super cup game against KCCA on Sunday at Wankulukuku before the first league game at home to Bright stars on 19th August.

Vipers starting XI
Alitho James, Nicholas Wadada, Dan Bilikwalira, Shafik Bakaki, Halid Lwaliwa, Deus Bukenya, Kizito Keziron, Ssemujju Joseph, Duncan Sseninde, Brian Nkuubi, William Wadri