Onduparaka FC welcome Jinja Municipal Council Hippos at their dreaded Green Light Stadium after a poor outing to Lugazi last week.

Both sides come from defeats, Onduparaka losing 3-1 to URA FC despite leading as early as the fifteenth minute through Shabaan Muhammad. JMC on the other hand were unlucky not to pick a point at home against Soana FC.

The Jinja side conceded cheaply in the 70th minute after goalie Benson Wagima failed to hold Ssali’s long cross.

JMC sit rock bottom with only two points without a single victory going into their tenth game of the season. This fact gives Onduparaka more reason to be cautious.

“It’s the right time we need to wake up from the disappointing result,” Onduparaka coach Mbabazi told ChimpSport.

“First we need to respect JMC because they have been in the league before and they know that they are in a dangerous position. That makes them a tough opponent but the fact is we need the points more than them, it’s an addiction of the home fans.”

Onduparaka have not lost a single home game this season with remarkable wins over Police FC, champions KCCA FC and SC Villa.

“We have to work out the whole 90 minutes because we know how their fans can charge them throughout the game. Our aim will be an early goal and restricting them away from our box,” Lutaalo said.

The game kicks off at 4:30 Pm.

National pool open defending champion Amos Ndyagumanawe is confident he will defend his title ahead of the finals this weekend.

Ndyagumanawe popularly known as Real shooter believes he has prepared enough to take on any challenge.

“I believe I’m in the right attitude and right mentality ahead of the national open. I have been training hard so I’m ready for the challenge,” he said.

Asked about the challenge of breaking the jinx of becoming the first player to defend the national open, Ndyagumanawe said he feels no pressure at all and he is ready to attain the feat.

“As a player I feel no pressure at all, I know the challenge ahead of me of becoming the first player to defend the championship but I’m ready and confident.” he added.

Ndyagumanawe who plays for skin Samona in the league defeated Alfred Gumikiriza 7-5 to be crowned champion last year.

The winner takes home a brand new mark II car, two pool tables and Ugx 2 million shillings.

Past Winners
2001- Bob Meneni
2003-Jeff Miiro
2008-Jonah Turigye
2009-Fred Namanya
2011-Halifan Ntwali
2012-Alfred Gumikiriza
2013-Jonah Turigye
2014-Fahad Ssewankambo
2015- Amos Ndyagumanawe

Experienced striker Caesar Samson Okhuti will lead Onduparaka’s attack line on Tuesday afternoon against Jinja Municipal Hippos.

The striker takes over the scoring mantle from team captain Muhammad Shabaan who has been suspended for accumulating three cautions.

Shaban is the current league leading scorer with five goals while Okhuti has only one to his name.

Youngster Denis ‘Koko’ Andama makes his league debut down the right wing back ahead of Gasper Adriko. Central midfielder Ibrahim Faisal has also returned to the team after missing the last two outings.

He will partner with Ivan Mboowa at the heart of the midfield while Living Kabon and Gadaffi Gadinho go wide.

Rashid Toha and Akram Kakembo partner at the heart of the defence to protect Richard Anyama in goal.

The caterpillars have not lost a game at the Green light stadium drawing one against Soana and defeating Police, KCCA FC and SC Villa in the way.

Onduparaka XI vs JMC Hippo
Richard Anyama (GK), Sadam Norman, Rashid Toga, Akram Kakembo, Dennis Andama, Ivan Mbowa, Anini, Living Kabon, Gaddafi Wahab, Gaddafi Gadinho, Ceasar Okhuti

National Pool Championship
MTN Arena, Lugogo
Saturday, 22nd October 2016

The hype and anticipation ahead of the 2016 National pool open is continuing to build as players get ready for the championship due this weekend at the MTN arena, Lugogo.

The fixtures for the 128 finalists were drawn on Tuesday at Rock Catalina bar in Ntinda, Kampala and the Amos Ndyagunanawe vs Fred Namanya clash was the key highlight of the draw.

The 2016 national pool championship that cued off on 22nd July with over 1,024 participants is expected to end this weekend with only 128 players taking part in the finals.

Ndyagumanawe ” Real shooter’ who is the defending champion will take on Fred “Bonde” Namanya in the first round in an epic clash.

The two players have won the title previously with Ndyagumanawe winning it last year while Namanya won the grand prize in 2009.

Ndyagumanawe who plays with Skin Samona in the league is confident he will defend his title and go past Namanya.

“I respect him (Namanya) because he won the title before me but I’m ready for the challenge and it is not the first time I’m playing against him,” said the defending champion who was present during the draws.

“Personally I feel no pressure. I know there is a jinx of not defending the title but that can end this time round,” said a confident Ndyagumanawe.

The defending champion (also seed one) was drawn first taking the first position while Fred Namanya who qualified through the regional qualifiers from Pool Nest bar, Kireka took slot 2 which meant the two will meet in the first round.

This will also be the clash to cue off the tournament on Saturday at 9am on the centre table.

The other seeded players include Matovu Sula,Ssewankambo Fahad Alfred Gumikiriza,Nsubuga Humphrey, Oscar Ocakachon, Lubuurwa Simon and Kasozi Joseph who are seeded 2-8 in that order.

While conducting the draws Robert Kayanja indicated that the seeded eight players cannot meet in the first round while the top two can only meet in the finals. A total of 128 players will take part in this year’s finals.

Besides the top 8 seeded players, the other 120 come from 32 different venues that were used to determine regional qualifiers.

Minister of state for Sports, Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi is expected to be the guest of honour.

Amos Ndyagumanawe defeated Alfred Gumikiriza 7-5 to be crowned champion last year.

The winner will walk away with a brand new Mark II car, 2 pool tables and UgShs 2 million.

Top 8 seeds

1. Amos Ndyagumanawe 01
   2.Matovu Sula. 128
   3. Fahad Ssewankambo. 65
   4. Alfred Gumikiriza. 64
   5. Nsubuga Humphrey. 33
   6. Oscar Ocakachon. 96
   7. Lubuurwa Simon. 97
   8. Kasozi Joseph. 32

Past winners

2001-Bob Meneni
2003- Jeff Miiro
2008-Jonah Turigye
2011-Halifan Ntwali
2012- Alfred Gumikiriza
2013-Jonah Turigye
2014-Fahad Ssewankambo
2015-Amos Ndyagumanawe

Uganda Premier League
Vipers 1-0 Kirinya Jinja SS

Vipers earned a hard fought win against struggling side Kirinya Jinja SS to close gap on league leaders, KCCA FC.

Tony Odur scored the lone goal in the first half to see off a resilient Kirinya Jinja SS team on Tuesday evening at Nakivubo.

The decisive moment came five minutes after kickoff when Odur connected to Aggrey Madoi’s cross to tap home past the visitor’s goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

Vipers continued to dominate proceedings and Musa Esenu came close to doubling the score three minutes later but his effort was parried away by the goalkeeper.

Vipers’ skipper Nicholas Wadada tries to stop a Jinja SS player

Alex Isabirye, the Kirinya head coach called for an early change introducing Franco Onen for Geoffrey Akol at the hour mark.

Onen almost scored from his first touch but his shot sailed above Watenga’s goal and Vipers returned to the tunnel with a goal cushion.

After interval, the hosts returned recharged and dominated proceedings with Otim James, Ibrahim Kazindula and Anthony Mayanja testing Ismael Watenga but he stood the ground to keep them at bay.

Watenga denied Johnson Wakalaita with a double save after the forward beat Deus Bukenya to take a hard shot on the first attempt. Watenga recollected from the ground to again block a goal bound effort from Anthony Mayanja to help Vipers take maximum points.

Alex Isabirye confessed his team is short of maturity and lacks cutting edge.

“I believe we have been playing better even in the games we have lost, but our team lacks a bit of maturity and the cutting edge in the final third because we created several chances but couldn’t utilise any,” he said.

Erisa Sekisambu tries to go past Jinja SS defender

The result means Vipers move on the same points as table leaders KCCA(19 points) while Kirinya remain 13th on the logo with 7 points.

Vipers starting XI
Ismael Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Aggrey Madoi, Deus Bukenya, Halid Lwaliwa, Hassan Wasswa, Keziron Kizito, Brian Kakaire, Musa Esenu, Tony Odur, Erisa Ssekisambu

Kirinya Jinja SS
Mutakubwa Joel, Debbo Julius, Allan Drajuwa, Mike Kawooya, Livingston Mulondo, George Kasonko, Joel Mudondo, Akol Godfrey, Johnson Wakalaita, Anthony Mayanja, Otim James

Proline FC have perfected the art of picking up draws in the Uganda Premier League after collecting their eighth on Tuesday against Sadolin Paints FC at the Bugembe stadium.

The match that started on a low note with both teams taking precautionary measures saw the first half dissolving in barrenness without much to write home.

Second period brought a new life after several adjustments to the sides. The painters made the first changes with former captain Allan Oryek who came in for on loan Villa midfielder Robert Achema just after five minutes and then Nazil Serwada for Allan Kyambadde.

Proline lineup

Proline came close at the hour mark after striker Edrisa Lubega saw his effort cleared off the line. Fahad Bayo had floated in a corner which Lubega connected a onetime shot only to see Lukungu’s sliding leg pull off for a corner.

The painters broke the deadlock on the 75th through Norman Ogik who rushed to pick a long clearance before advancing to the box and tapped on Saudi Keni’s right flat foot.

Proline retaliated just a minute after restart. Simon Namwanja weaved through the midfield to the left wing where he was fouled. He took the resulting freekick picking out Savio Kabugo who headed in an empty net following a collision between Oringa and his defense.

Sadolin lineup

The draw leaves Sadolin on twelfth place with ten points one behind Proline FC

Other Tuesday results;
Sadolin 1 – 1 Proline

Onduparaka 1 – 1 JMC Hippos

Vipers 1 – 0 Kirinya Jinja SS

The Saints 0 – 2 URA

Uganda Premier League
The Saints 0-2 URA

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) football club showed intent to finding the winning formula after picking an away win against the Saints.

URA defeated The Saints 2-0 in one of the games played on match day 10 of the Uganda Premier League at Bombo barracks ground on Tuesday.

This was the first time the tax collectors won two games in a row this season. After a 3-1 win against Onduparaka over the weekend, a spirited second half performance was enough to see Kefa Kisala pick maximum points from Bombo.

Kisala made only one change from the team that defeated Onduparaka with Nigerian defender Frank Harry replacing Jimmy Kulaba.

The first half produced no fruits with either side playing a cautious game but the tax collectors returned recharged after recess to secure a 2-0 win.

Peter Lwassa broke the deadlock in the 55th minute to give URA a deserved lead before Rwanda import Labama Bokota Kamana converted from a penalty a minute after the hour mark for Kefa Kisala’s charges to bag all three points.

URA picked their third win this season and the result took their point tally to 15 points to move to 5th position, four behind leaders KCCA and Vipers.

On the other hand, The Saints lost their fifth game in the season and remain on 11 points dropping from eighth position to 10th.

Hearing of the case where Muslim clerics are accused of terrorism and murder charges commenced yesterday before the High Court’s international war crimes division.

The first witness, a Police surgeon from Naguru Health Center IV (names necessarily withheld), who was consulted to test the mental health of the suspects, confirmed to court that all the three he tested; who included Tabliq leader Sheikh Yunus Kamoga, Mudde Bukenya and Fahad Kaulungi, were found to be healthy with no chronic illness or physical injuries.

During the hearing, the three Judges, Ezekiel Muhanguzi, Percy Tuhaise and Elizabeth Nahamya ordered that all witness identities and photos must be kept confidential for security purposes. This was upon request from the prosecution.

Meanwhile another witness told court, that Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga before his death was heard shouting the name of Sheikh Yunus Kamoga.

The state witness, who is a clinical officer from Namulundu Hospital in Kajjansi testified in court that while still on the stretcher, Sheikh Bahiga repeatedly muttered, “Kamoga, is this what you have decided to do? It is alright, I will die for the religion.”

The witness further told court that the critically injured Bahiga kept on ripping off the drip cannulas from his body while pleading with the doctors to let him end his suffering since he knew he was to die in a few minutes.

Bahiga died shortly afterwards in an ambulance that was transferring him from Namulundu Hospital.

The defense lawyers led by Fred Muwema tasked the witness to clarify on whether the deceased said the full names of Kamoga, and he replied that he only repeated one name Kamoga several times.

Another witness, the then Head of Criminal Investigations at Bwebajja Police Station informed court that on the 28th December, 2015 he received a call informing him that there was a shooting at Bwebajja Mosque, and the victim turned out to be Sheikh Bahiga.

The officer says he interviewed one of the bystanders at Bwebajja Mosque who informed him that Sheikh Bahiga had been shot while in his car, by two people who were moving on a bodaboda.

He added that he saw the said car parked at the mosque with bullet holes and blood stains and learnt that its 2 occupants had been rushed to Namulundu hospital, as one of them in critical condition.

Like the previous witness, this too did not single out any one of the 14 suspects on the stand.

Shk. Yunus Mohammed Kamoga is jointly charged with 13 other people with the murder of Sheikhs Mustafa Bahiga and Hassan Kirya and for threatening the lives of many more.

In an amended charge sheet, prosecution contends that the fourteen Muslim leaders led by Kamoga and others still at large, between December 2013 and June 2015 at various places in Kampala, with malice aforethought unlawfully caused the death Bahiga who was shot to death at Bwebajja and also Hassan Ibrahim Kirya who was shot at Bweyogerere in Wakiso district.

Prosecution further contends that these, with others still at large with intent to threaten or with political influence attempted to murder Sheihks, Mahamood Kibaate, Sonko Najib, Prince Khasim Nakibinge and Harunah Jemba.

Hearing of the case continues this afternoon.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations have officially confirmed and appointed Humphrey Mandu as the new deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

While addressing the media on Wednesday at the FUFA headquarters in Mengo, Kampala the federation CEO Edgar Watson Ssubi revealed that Mandu will assist  him as the new deputy CEO.

“I take this opportunity to reveal to you that from today onwards, Mr. Mandu Humphrey will serve the federation in the capacity of the deputy CEO,” said Watson.

“He purposely comes to help in the human resource area but also help in the administration and management arena where has a lot of experience,” he added.

Mandu who was also present during the media briefing indicated that he is ready to serve the game of football in the new role.

“It is a great honour for me to be appointed as the new deputy CEO at FUFA and also serve the game I have grown loving,” Mandu noted.

Mandu a former player with Posta is also a board member on the Uganda Super League Limited (USLL) board and has a vast experience especially in the corporate sector where he has 11 years’ experience with FINCA Uganda, Kiwa Industries and Task Force securities.

Mandu also previously served as chairman of the games union at Makerere University in 1998.

In a bid to improve efficiency in the FUFA competitions department, Bashir Mutyaba has been officially appointed the new federation’s youth football development officer.

While unveiling him to the media on Wednesday at the FUFA headquarters in Mengo, the federation CEO, Edar Watson Ssubi indicated that Mutyaba will head the youth football department and all the related activities.

“After an internal vetting process, Mutyaba was selected as the suitable person for the post of the youth football development officer and he officially starts his work immediately,” said Watson.

“He will be charged with the duty to monitor, supervise and head the youth football related activities starting with the Fufa Juniors league,” he added.

Mutyaba who was present during the media briefing vowed to serve to his best abilities in his new position.

“I’m delighted to be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing youth football development. Like you all know, the future of football in Uganda lies within the youth, so I will make sure I serve foitball diligently and to my best abilities,” Mutyaba said.

Mutyaba a CAF C coach license holder has been serving in the FUFA competitions department and has also served as the technical director of Uganda Beach Soccer Association(UBSA) for the last two years.

In another move to curb the rising cases of crowd chaos in local premier league games, the league Secretariat has fined Kirinya Jinja SSS FC and banned a staunch KCCA FC fan for a year.

This arises after violence broke out immediately after the AUPL clash between Kirinya and KCCA FC that was played on Tuesday 11th October at Bugembe.

Evidence

“The UPL secretariat has fully considered the referee’s report, the match agents report and video of the incidents that happened after the AUPL match number 66 between Kirinya Jinja SSS and KCCA FC that was played on Tuesday 11th October 2016 at the Bugembe stadium,” UPL statement reads.

According to UPL’s findings, a KCCA FC fan by the names of Middu Katanguli physically attacked the centre referee and therefore sparked the chaos.

It was also established that home fans descended on the KCCA FC fan (Middu) and violently clobbered him which prompted the police to fire teargas canisters to disperse the crowds.

Verdict.

On the two cases, UPL ruled out that the said fan has been declared persona non grata to all UPL games and therefore has been banned for exactly one year in accordance with article 34(6) of the Fufa competitions rules.

The host team, Kirinya Jinja SSS FC have also been fined UgX 300,000 for failing to control their fans who invaded the pitch.

The fine is to be paid before close of business on Friday 28th.

The move comes just a day after the Referees committee banned Mr. Oloya William who was the centre official for the game

Cranes left winger Godfrey Walusimbi returned to Gormahia starting lineup with a second half goal as the team was pegged to a two all draw on Wednesday by Western Stima in a Kenya Premier League match.

The defending champions came into the game in search of an outright victory to cut down the seven point gap with leaders Tusker FC but their opponents had different ideas altogether.

Western Stima’s Herbert Kopany struck the opener just at the death of first half connecting down a fine cross from Otieno.

Gormahia pulled level through Kenyan international Erick Agwanda who slotted in from the spot. Earlier on Rwandan midfielder Jacques Tuyisenge had been brought down in the box.

Walusimbi raised hope for the Kogalo hopefuls with a strike fifteen minutes from time off Innocent Wafula’s good work.

The green army were unable to protect their lead leaking in just at the 90th minute through Bernard Ondeki’s header.

The draw leaves Gormahia six points behind Coach Paul Nkata’s Tusker with only four games left. The KPL resumes on Saturday with Tusker facing relegation bound Nairobi City Stars while Gormahia play AFC Leopards in the Nairobi derby.

Uganda Cranes and Ghana’s Black Stars will meet in the group stages for the 2017 Africa Cup of nations after falling in pool D during the draws held in Libreville Gabon on Wednesday.

The two countries have recently met in the 2015 Afcon qualifiers and are currently placed in the 2018 World cup qualifiers together with Egypt who are also in group D.

Uganda Cranes Coach Milutin Sredojevic was present at the draws in which Uganda had initially been seeded in pot four together with Guinea Bissau, Zimbabwe and Togo who are in the first three respective groups.

Former Senegalese footballer Khalilou Fadiga conducted the draws.

All the sixteen teams were present at the draws flanked by Caf President Mr. Issa Hayatou.

The draws started with the drawing of the two pot 1 seeded teams Algeria and Ghana to determine group B and D. Gabon and Ivory Coast were automatically drawn in pool A and C by virtue of being the hosts and defending champions.

Other groups.
Burkina Faso has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Gabon, Guinea Bissau and Cameroon

Group B has Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Zimbabwe while C comprise defending champions Ivory Coast, Togo and Morocco.

Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has called upon the government of Uganda and other well-wishers to come out and offer immediate support to the national team for purposes of early preparations if the team is to do well in the 2017 AFCON.

The cranes have been pooled in a tough group D together with Last year’s finalists Ghana, seven time record champions Egypt and Mali.

“It’s a very tough competitive group,” Micho stated. “Ghana were last year’s finalists where they lost (to I. Coast) in penalties, Egypt is a very hungry nation who have not been there in the last three finals having won the previous three consecutive. Mali have been third twice in the last three editions.”

“But when you look at everything we need to start preparations now with love, support and prayers of all Ugandans and the responsible people to prepare our team to be competitive.”

Uganda qualified for the Africa cup of nations as the best runners up ending a nearly for decades jinx and Micho says the country should go and prove they are not there by chance but hardworking.

Among the preparations needed are friendly matches to prepare the team technically and tactically.

“I am thinking of friendly matches where we shall take care of every small detail and it’s my belief that the government will come across to help us so that we represent the country in the best possible way. For us to be successful we have to start preparations now and prove why we are here.”

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on Saturday, January 14th with hosts Gabon kicking off the business against debutants Guinea Bissau at the Stade de L’Amite stadium.

Burkina Faso will follow up against Cameroon in the second match starting 10PM at the same stadium.

Group D
Uganda Cranes fell in group D alongside Ghana, seven time champions Egypt and Mali. The group D games start on Tuesday 17th with the Cranes taking on Ghana at the 20000-seater Port Gentil Stadium. The Cranes will then play second game against Egypt three days later at same stadium.

Cranes last group game will shift to Oyem stadium against Mali on Saturday 25th.

Host venues.
Amite stadium will host group A matches, one quarter, one semi final and the final game. Franceville stadium will accommodate group B, one in the last eight and semis.

Group stages fixture;

Group A
Saturday 14 January
19:00 Gabon vs Guinea-Bissau
22:00 Burkina Faso vs Cameroon

Wednesday 18 January
19:00 Gabon vs Burkina Faso
22:00 Cameroon vs Guinea-Bissa

Sunday 22 January
19:00 Cameroon vs Gabon
19:00 Guinea-Bissau vs Burkina Faso*
(Stade de Franceville, Franceville)

Group B
Sunday 15 January
19:00 Algeria vs Zimbabwe
22:00 Tunisia vs Senegal

Thursday 19 January
19:00 Algeria vs Tunisia
22:00 Senegal vs Zimbabwe

Monday 23 January
22:00 Senegal vs Algeria
22:00 Zimbabwe vs Tunisia*
(*Stade de l’Amitié , Libreville)

Group C
Monday 16 January
19:00  Ivory Coast vs Togo
22:00 DR Congo vs Morocco

Friday 20 January
19:00 Ivory Coast vs DR Congo
22:00 Morocco vs Togo

Tuesday 24 January
22:00 Morocco vs Ivory Coast
Togo vs DR Congo
(*Stade de Port-Gentil , Port-Gentil)

Group D
Tuesday 17 January
19:00 Ghana vs Uganda
22:00 Mali vs Egypt

Saturday 21 January
19:00 Ghana vs Mali
22:00 Egypt vs Uganda

Wednesday 25 January
22:00 Egypt vs Ghana
22:00 Uganda vs Mali
(*Stade d’Oyem , Oyem)

Makwezi Kol put a spirited man of the match performance to propel Mbarara city FC to the top of Rwenzori group in the Fufa Big league with a magnificent 4-0 victory over Hope Doves at the Kakyeka stadium.

The youngster assisted three goals including Brian Atuhaire’s first half opener.  Junior Ainamani, Stephen Otieno and Maqueth Wol completed the rout.

The Mbarara side leaps from the seventh to the first spot with nine points after five fixtures.

Thursday fixtures.
The games continue on Thursday with about nine on the cards with Suncity, Entebbe and Busia Fisheries all at home looking to get back to the summit of their respective groups.

Suncity will be hosting Baza in Nyakasanga, Entebbe home Kireka at Bugonga playgrounds and Busia Fisheries at Madibira grounds at the border town against Artland Katale from Kamuli.

Result:
Wednesday: Mbarara City FC 4-0 Hope Doves

Thursday fixtures

Elgon group
Sporting UTD vs Kira UTD -Lango Sports GRD
Bright Light vs Simba – Lira Town college
Ndejje Uni vs Kyambogo FC – Luweero
Busia Fisheries vs A. Katale – Madibira, Busia

Rwenzori group
Kataka FC vs Masavu – Mbale Municipal.
Synergy FC vs A. Katale – Masaka
Nyamityobora vs Boma Young- Nyamityobora
Suncity FC vs Baza Holdings – Nyakasanga
Entebbe FC vs Kireka UTD – Bugonga

Uganda Cranes have dropped down seven slots in the Fifa rankings released on Thursday 20th October despite picking a remarkable draw away to Ghana in the 2018 world cup qualifying group opener.

The Cranes have perched on position 72 down from 65 in the month of September. The significant drop in points from 509 to 500 could be as a result of the 1-0 loss to Togo’s Sparrow Hawks in an international friendly on October 4th just datlys before the Ghana duel.

On the other hand, Togo have made a leap seven places up from 100 to 93.

CECAFA.
Like is the routine, Uganda tops the Cecafa region followed closely by Kenya in the 85th position globally and 21 in Africa. Uganda are 19th in the continent.

The rest of the pack are ranked below 100. Rwanda are 107(32), Ethiopia 126(38), Burundi 138(42) and Tanzania 144(44).

Uganda’s Afcon 2017 and World cup 2018 qualifier opponents Ghana and Egypt follow each other on 45 and 46 respectively. Ghana has dropped two places though they maintain the fifth in the continent while Egypt make seven strides up.

Their next opponents Congo Brazzaville are number 55 and are one spot above Mali who are also in the Afcon 2017 group D.

Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Algeria and Tunisia are the other teams leading the continent. Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Belgium and Colombia complete the best ranked countries generally

Pepsi Uganda one of the products from Crown Beverages company have boosted this year’s National Basketball League (NBL) playoff season with a kitty sponsorship deal worth Ugx 40M.

The development was announced on Thursday morning at the Uganda Olympic Committee headquarters in Lugogo, Kampala.

While launching the partnership between the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) and Pepsi, Mr. Nasser Sserunjogi the FUBA Vice President administration expressed his gratitude towards crown beverages for always supporting basketball.

“We as FUBA are delighted and appreciate Pepsi for the continued support throughout the years. We believe the partnership has been harmonious in the past that is why they keep sticking with us,” said Sserunjogi.

The 40M sponsorship deal will be split into two categories with 25M coming as hard cash to cater for administration costs while the other 15M is in kind.

Tracy Kakuru, the Pepsi brand manager who represented crown beverages at the launch of the partnership appreciated FUBA and promised continuous support to basketball.

“It is a great honour to be associated with basketball, one of the biggest games across the world. Our partnership with FUBA over the years has been fruitful and thus we promise to keep the marriage with basketball,” she said.

For the fourth year running, Pepsi have been sponsoring the National basketball league playoffs. However the money injected has reduced from Ugx 50M that was invested last year to Ugx 40M in 2016.

In another development, UBC TV will partner with FUBA to broadcast selected game live while Abbey Clinic will provide the medical services during games.

The playoffs tipoff this Friday at the YMCA outdoor court in Wandegeya with two games. The lady’s game will see A1 challenge take on Javon Ladies while Pemba Warriors will play against last year’s finalists UCU Canons in the men’s game.

City Oilers are the defending champions in the men’s division while UCU Lady Canons are the reigning champions in the women’s category.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) football club return to action on Friday at home against Police FC on match day 10 of the Azam Uganda Premier League after going two games without testing victory but creative midfielder, Paul Mucureezi has expressed the need to bounce back to winning ways to keep within the title race.

Mucureezi believes the game against struggling side Police will act as spring board for them to bounce back after dismal performances in the previous two games, (a 2-1 loss to Vipers and a one all draw against Kirinya Jinja SS).

“As a team, we are ready for the game against Police tomorrow, we are aware we have gone two games without winning so we do not need to frown but rather learn from the few mistakes we have made and then move on,” said Mucureezi.

“We have been training very hard since the game against Kirinya Jinja SS and everyone is committed and determined to see that we pick maximum points against Police and return to winning ways,” he added.

Asked about whether they feel any pressure as players with the chasing park closing in on the gap on the league table, the versatile midfielder confessed they do but said they need to keeping focused.

“Of course the pressure is felt, whenever we lose and they get the chance to narrow the gap but that instead pushes us to work harder,” he noted.

Mucureezi has one goal to his name in the league this season (against the Saints) and four assists but insists he is far from reaching his target this season.

“The main objective is to help KCCA retain the title but also improve individually. My target is to score in double figures this season,” he explained.

KCCA welcome Police to Phillip Omondi stadium on Friday boosting of a health home record.

The Lugogo based side have won all the four league games they have played at home this season. ( JMC Hippos 2-1, Soana 2-0, The Saints 1-0 and Express 3-1).

The Mike Mutebi charges are joint top of the table with Vipers on 19 points in 9 games but a win against Police will see them move to 22 points.

Coach Paul Nkata has landed his maiden trophy in Kenya after guiding Tusker FC to a 1-0 victory over Ulinzi stars in the final of the GOTV Kenya Shield cup in a tense match played on Thursday afternoon in Nairobi.

Former El Merreikh and Azam FC marksman Allan Wanga struck the all important goal two minutes into the second third with a firm shot off Mandela’s tip off with a half turn.

Ugandan export Shafiq Batambuze had earlier seen his effort deflected in the Ulinzi back yard but was later saved by the keeper.

Nkata started three Ugandans in his starting team with Martin Kiiza in the heart of defense, Shafiq Batambuze patrolling the right wing and Hashim Sempala in the centre circle.

Former Simba FC attacker Robert Omunuk started from the bench.

Third place playoffs.
Kariobangi Sharks pummeled KCB 5-2 in the earlier clash for the last podium place. Former SC VU midfielder Mathre Odong featured 90 minutes for the bronze winners while Francis Bala (former JMC) was at the receiving end in the bankers porous defense.

Starting team– David Okello (GK), Osborne Monday, Martin Kiiza, Lloyd Wahome, Shafik Batambuze, Hashim Sempala, Humphrey Mieno, George Mandela  (60′ Danson Kago), Wafula Noah,  Anthony Ndolo (86′ Asike Eugene),Allan Wanga

Subs: Ochieng Duncan, Alwanga Clifford, Owusu Stephen, Omunuk Robert