Local sports journalists have always awarded athletes and sportsmen that have excelled and achieved through their umbrella Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) but there has been no reward for the efforts of people who disseminate the information to the masses.

Leon Ssenyange, a sports journalist who works with Chinese TV CCTV came up with the idea of awarding the excellent individuals in the sports media category as a way of appreciating their efforts.

The inaugural awards gala was held on Friday at Bay Lounge, Lugogo was a success with a big turn up and several sports journalists walked home with awards, hampers and certificates.

For the start, there were only five categories including the top prize given to the exceptional journalist.

Star FM and Kingdom TV’s Peace Diane Bagala was named upcoming journalist of the year with Joel Muyita(Chimp Reports) and Derrick Ntege(NTV) rewarded with certificates in that category.

Elvis Ssenono(Nation Media Group) won the Breakthrough Journalist award while Ndyamuhaki Emanzi(Red pepper) and Grace Mbabazi(NBS TV) were given certificates to recognize their efforts.

Veteran journalist Silvano Kibuuka (Bukedde) won the best sports photo journalist . This category required the nominees to submit their work and the panel of judges determined the winner.

The other nominees in this category included Michael Nsubuga(New Vision), Stephen Mayamba(Bukedde),Amina Babirye(Kawowo Sports),John Batanudde(Red Pepper),Nicholas Kalyango(Bukedde).

Leon Ssenyange,the brain behind the awards,giving a speech

Allan Darren Kyeyune was named best Social media journalist. Usher Komugisha (Free Lancer) and Fred Mwambu(Chimp Reports) were awarded with certificates in this category.

David Isabirye (Kawowo Sports) was named sports journalist with exceptional works. FUFA 3rd Vice President, Dennis Mbidde who was the guest of honor thanked sports journalists for the commendable work of informing, educating and sensitizing the public.

Category winners Upcoming journalist-Peace Diane Bagala(Star FM and Kingdom TV) Breakthrough journalist – Elvis Ssenono(Nation Media Group) Social Media Journalist- Allan Darren Kyeyune (NTV and Radio One) Photo journalist- Silvano Kibuuka(Bukedde) Exceptional journalist- David Isabirye (Kawowo Sports)

SC villa leading scorer Vitalis Tabu has been slapped a two match ban for an abhorrent celebration during their derby clash with Express FC.

The Jogoos emerged 3-2 victors with the left footed attacker firing in a 75th minute penalty before he rushed to the lines and flashed a double middle finger sign to the Red Eagles fans.

The decision to suspend Tabu was reached after the Fufa disciplinary committee adjudication chamber examined carefully video evidence provided by the Uganda Premier League, the referees and assessors, the player’s submission and the club’s defence.

Tabu said that “He is human and his intention was not to abuse the Express FC fans.” He further stated that “He was not insulted by the Express FC fans prior to the incident but now regrets it.”

SC Villa PRO/CEO Mr. Ivan Kakembo pleaded with the committee to consider Tabu’s career in their judgement basing on the fact that he is a first time offender. Kakembo added that Tabu always celebrates using the index finger as his trademark celebrations.

He cited cases of Soana FC, KCCA FC and Sadolin Paints FC while pointing out that the player could have been taken by events on that particular day (vs. Express) and flashed the middle finger by ‘mistake’.

The committee headed by Mr. Hilal Hussein ruled that the middle finger flagging was offensive as the sign is associated to a sexual connotation which could have resulted to a straight red card if the referee had physically witnessed.

“Pointing a middle finger is deemed insulting and has a general indecent undertone attributed to it,” the committee noted adding that, “the behavior is not moral and should be discouraged in Ugandan football.”

Verdict
“The committee thus exercises its powers under article 12 1nd 13 (1) of the Disciplinary code and accordingly issues Mr. Tabu Vitalis shirt no. 17, SC Villa, with a two match ban from participating in any Uganda Premier League football game for gesturing with middle fingers during his goal celebration.”

The midfielder will miss the home fame against Lweza on February 7th and one away to Jinja Municipal Council Hippos a week later.

African football body, CAF has signed a new eight year partnership deal with telecommunications giants, Orange. The company will be the official sponsor of five major CAF competitions from 2017 and ends in 2024.

No financial details were revealed in Caf’s official communication.

The pact canvases the 2017 Total Africa cup of nations in Gabon and the three other editions in 2019, 2021 and 2023.

The partnership also covers the Under-20, Africa women cup of Nations, Caf Champions league final phases and the super cup until 2024. Services to support the partnership will be provided by Lagardère Sports.

Orange has been the title sponsor for Caf tournaments over the past eight years since July 2008 in an eight year deal that elapses this year.

The initial deal was not renewed and CAF entered another deal with gas and fuel giants TOTAL.
Rewarding fans.

The Total Africa Cup of Nations is Orange’s biggest event across Africa and the Middle East, and therefore the company has developed a sponsorship strategy known as Orange Sponsors You.

Under this strategy, over 30,000 tickets will be awarded to fans including over 1,000 for the Gabon finals. The fan that stands out the most at every Finals match will be singled out and recognized as the tournament’s official fan of the match.

Finally, at least three fans will get privileged access to watch the pre-match warm-ups

28 days to the kickoff of the 2017 African cup of Nations that will take place in Gabon starting 14 January to 05 February.

Chimpsports brings you a build up to the biggest football extravaganza in Africa with detailed analysis on every team, preparations and insight news about the tournament.

In today’s edition, we focus on the teams that qualified to the final tournament with a detailed analysis on their qualifying campaign.

13 teams qualified as group leaders while two best runners up across the 13 groups also qualified to make a total of 15 teams that joined hosts Gabon.

Group leaders included; Tunisia, DR Congo, Mali,Burkina Faso,Guinea Bissau, Morocco,Ghana,Egypt, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Senegal, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.

Uganda and Togo qualified as the best two runners up across the 13 qualifying groups.

Group A

Tunisia qualified as group leaders in Group A with 13 points.

Played 6 games, won 4, drew one and lost one scoring 16 goals while conceding just three.

12/June/15 Tunisia 8-1 Djibouti

05/Set/15 Liberia 1-0 Tunisia

25/Mar/16 Tunisia 1-0 Togo

29/Mar/16 Togo 0-0 Tunisia

03/Jun/16 Djibouti 0-3 Tunisia

04/Sept/16 Tunisia 4-1 Liberia

Group B

Democratic Republic of Congo topped group B winning 5 of their 6 games and losing just once.

14/Jun/15 DR Congo 2-1 Madagascar

06/Sept/15 Central African Republic 2-0 DR Congo

26/Mar/16 DR Congo 2-1 Angola

29/Mar/16 Angola 0-2 DR Congo

5/Jun/16 Madagascar 1-6 DR Congo

4/Sept/16 DR Congo 4-1 Central African Republic

Group C

Mali finished top of Group C with 16 points dropping just two in the one-all draw against Benin.

13/Jun/15 Mali 2-0 South Sudan

5/Sept/15 Benin 1-1 Mali

25/Mar/16 Mali 1-0 Equatorial Guinea

28/Mar/16 Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Mali

4/June/16 South Sudan 0-3 Mali

4/Sept/16 Mali 5-2 Benin

Group D

The 2013 runners up led Group D on 13 points same as second placed Uganda but Burkina Faso topped the group on a better head to head.

13/June/15 Burkina Faso 1-0 Comoros

5/Sept/15 Botswana 1-0 Burkina Faso

26/Mar/16 Burkina Faso 1-0 Uganda

29/Mar/16 Uganda 0-0 Burkina Faso

5/Jun/16 Comoros 0-1 Burkina Faso

4/Sept/16 Burkina Faso 2-1 Botswana

Group E

Guinea Bissau qualified for the African cup of Nations for the first time topping group E with 10 points.

13/Jun/15 Zambia 0-0 Guinea Bissau

5/Sept/15 Guinea Bissau 2-4 Congo

25/Mar/16 Guinea Bissau 1-0 Kenya

27/Mar/16 Kenya 0-1 Guinea Bissau

4/Jun/16 Guinea Bissau 3-2 Zambia

4/Sept/16 Congo 1-0 Guinea Bissau

Group F

Morocco who had earlier on been banned for failing to host the 2015 edition were given the green light to take part in the qualifiers and topped group F with 16 points.

12/Jun/15 Morocco 1-0 Libya

5/Sept/15 Sao Tome and Principle 0-3 Morocco

26/Mar/16 Cape Verde 0-1 Morocco

29/Mar/16 Morocco 2-0 Cape Verde

3/Jun/16 Libya 1-1 Morocco

4/Sept/16 Morocco 2-0 Sao Tome and Principle

Group G

After missing out on the last three editions, the record champions returned to the final tournament leading group G that had three teams after Chad pulled out.

14/Jun/15 Egypt 3-0 Tanzania

25/Mar/16 Nigeria 1-1 Egypt

29/Mar/16 Egypt 1-0 Nigeria

4/June/16 Tanzania 0-2 Egypt

The 5-1 victory for Egypt against Chad was annulled after the latter pulled out.

In Tomorrow’s edition we analyze the rest of the teams that qualified including the best runners up.

JMC Hippos have filed an appeal protesting a decision by the Uganda Premier League to dock the club points for fielding an ineligible player in their match against Express.

The club’s Vice chairman Mr. Fred Kawanda revealed the developments.

“We met the Fufa president in a meeting (Thursday) and agreed that the verdict was passed though not in the rightful procedure,” Kawanda said.

“We have therefore submitted our appeal for the disciplinary body and the appeals committee to sit and look into our case.”

The vice chairman also acknowledged that some of the players lack the travel documents but insists the requirement is not enough to dock points earned on the field of play.

Only twelve out of 25 players possess the national passports though they have never received a permanent license.

“It’s true that some of our players don’t possess national passports and were issued with provisional licenses.”

“But then even the twelve players whose documents we presented to the federation at the beginning of the season have not got permanent licenses and Fufa acknowledged some deficiency in their part.”

Mawanda further reiterates that the “UPL CEO Mr. Bainamani was out of order in making the verdict because that mandate rests in the disciplinary committee’s jurisdiction. So The CEO also overstepped his role.”

Selective ruling

“Some of the chairmen and CEOs also confessed that a number of their players have been featuring in the league without passports, so the selective decision (on JMC Hippos) in its part raises eyebrows.”

JMC Hippos defeated Express FC to pick their first point of the season but still trapped at the bottom of the table with seven points.

Mapinduzi cup defending champions, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) have been pooled alongside Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club in group A.

The two were in the same group in the last edition where Simba squeezed a 1-0 win over the tax collectors in January before URA going on to win their remaining matches to the title.

Other teams in the group include Jang’ombe Boys FC, Taifa ya Jang’ombe FC and KVZ FC all from the Zanzibar island.

Group B has tournament co-favorite Young Africans Commonly knowns as Yanga SC together with money bags Azam FC. Zimamoto and Jamhuri, both Zanzibar, complete the draws.

The games kick off on Monday 2nd January 2017 and will run for about ten days.

URA FC are currently in final preparations at their training ground at Homesdallen, Gayaza ahead of the tournament and are expected to travel on Wednesday 28 December.

Group A
Simba-Tanzania
U.r.a-uganda
Jang`ombe-Zanzibar
Taifa ya jang`ombe-Zanzibar
Kvz-Zanzibar

Group B
Young African-Tanzania
Azam FC-Tanzania
Zimamoto FC-Zanzibar
Janhuri FC-Zanzibar

Fufa Junior League (U17)
Bright stars JT 1-2 Express JT

Express recorded their second win this season in the Fufa Junior’s league with a spirited performance against Bright stars Junior team in a game played on Sunday at Kawanda Agricultural research institute.

The Eaglets who have spent most of the time languishing at the base of hatrick group began the second round with an emphatic 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Bright stars Junior team.

A goal in either half from Allan Kyeyune and winger Farah Suleiman ensured Express picked maximum points despite Mayambala Juma pulling one back for Bright stars.

Kyeyune gave the visitors an early lead heading home Farah Suleiman’s cross just three minutes after kickoff as Express held on the pressure from the home side to take the halftime lead.

Allan Kyeyune(L) and Farah Suleiman (R) scored for Express Junior team

Bright stars leveled matters in the 73rd minute with Juma Mayambala slotting past goalkeeper Irakoze Florentin after a mix up in the Express defence.

With the game destined for a stalemate, lanky winger Farah Suleiman struck home from a free kick in the 89th minute for the Eaglets to bag all three points.

The result means Express junior team move off the bottom of hatrick group ascending to 7th spot on 7 points while Bright stars drop to the base of the group on four points.

Express starting XI: Irakoze Florentine, Happy Yashir, Hassan Ssali, Asaph Kulumba, Farid Sserubidde, Michu Twalib, Desmond Kaneene, Farah Suleiman, Rashid Ssemata, Allan Kyeyune, Rutaga Aristotle.

Elsewhere, Salim Abdallah goal for Onduparaka condemned KCCA soccer academy to their first loss this season.

Police Armless brigade, Sadolin Paints and Vipers(Walkover) picked away wins. Lubowa George (Lweza JT) took his goal tally to eight same as top scorer Fred Massa despite his team drawing at Saints.

Salim Abdallah’s lone strike for Onduparaka was enough to end KCCA soccer Academy’s eight match unbeaten streak as the two squared out in Arua on Saturday. The Treble group leaders had not lost a single point raking 30 points on their path.

Onduparaka remain third with 18 points, five behind Vipers JT who picked four points after URA JT failed to meet the required minimal standards for the game to take place.

“The walkover was awarded because the home team (URA) turned up for the game but failed to mark their pitch,” FUFA youth Development officer Mr. Bashir Mutyaba told ChimpSport.

“Therefore the referee could not allow the game to go on in such an environment.”

The other games in the treble group saw Sadolin Paints and Police Armless Brigade picked identical 1-0 away victories against Proline Soccer Academy and BUL JT respectively.

Hat trick Group
The Saints JT forced  leaders Lweza Orange Brigade  to a one all draw after Stuart Aaron Mutebi’s strike cancelled out George Lubowa’s goal.

Lubowa hit his eighth goal of the season to move one below leading scorer Fred Massa.

In Jinja, a strike each from Desire Muwonge and Ali Ssekibira ensured JMC Hippos overcome SC Villa Jogoo JT to maintain second spot.

Results;

Saturday
Onduparaka 1-0 KCCA
Proline 0-1 Sadolin Paints

Sunday
BUL 0-1 Police
The Saints 1-1 Lweza
JMC Hippos 2-0 SC Villa
URA 0-3 Vipers
Bright Stars 1-2 Express
Soana 1-0 Kirinya Jinja SS

Ndejje University have emerged overall Wood ball champions in the Eastern Africa University games going on at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya.

Ndejje accumulated ten medals including six gold, three silver and one bronze in the competitions dominated by Ugandan Varsities.

Kyambogo University scooped one gold and silver to finish in the second place ahead of Busitema who finished third with four medals; one silver and three bronze.

UCU, MUBS and Bishop Stuart University completed the Ugandan sextet.

Individual performances

Kyambogo University’s Thomas Gold Kedi struck 221 points to emerge the champion in Men’s singles.

Julius Ssempija (Ndejje) and Benson Mutumba from Bishop Stuart university completed the podium places.

The Ladies category was reduced to a contest for the Ndejje university ladies whose six players featured in the top nine positions.

Joyce Nalubega (222), Comfort Muganyizi (226) and Florence Mukova (233) grabbed the podium places in that order.

Joan Mukova finished fourth but was fortunate to pick team gold for complementing the pack to win the overall title.

Ndejje quartet accumulated 472 strokes, 59 more than MUBS and Kyambogo University.

Selected results.

Men’s single
1. Kedi Thormas (KYU) – 221
2. Ssempijja Julius (NDU) -223
3. Mutumba Benon (BSU) – 226

Men’s Teams
1. Ndejje University  – 458
2. Busitema University – 476
3. Bishop Stuart University – 483

Men’s Doubles
1. Ssempijja Julius & Towongo Geoffrey (NDU) – 51
2. Agaba Richard & Rwamukaga Winston (B.Stuart) – 55
3 . Kanyesigye Micheal & Muhirwe Ronald Uganda Christian University – 56

Women’s Singles
1. Nalubega Joyce (NDU) – 222
2. Muganyizi Comfort (NDU) – 226
3. Mukoya Florence( NDU) – 233

Women’s Teams
1. Ndejje University – 472
2. Makerere University Business School – 531
3. Kyambogo University  – 540

Women’s Doubles
1. Mukoya Florence & Nabaggala Rose Sandra (NDU) – 53
2. Mukoova Joan & Nalubega Joyce (NDU) – 57
3. Kobugabe Jane & Mpumwire Grace (B. Stuart) –  59

Mixed Doubles
1. Muganyizi Comfort & Amanya Jerome (NDU) – 54
2. Ainemukama Viola & Rwanyombya Crescent (UCU) – 59
3. Ninsiima Racheal & Muhereza Julius (B. Stuart) – 60

The Uganda Cranes squad training for the 2017 Total Africa Cup of nations kick started their final set of preparations on Monday morning.

Only 27 players out of the forty summoned for this phase were present as they begun with a gym session at Paradise Fitness Gym.

The players later trained for a short time at the Kabira Country Club in Bukoto before entering camp at the Serene Suites in Mutundwe.

“Impressed with commitment and dedication of all players to prove point and justify inclusion in UG CRANES by fighting for the places in final 23 team,” Coach Micho tweeted after the sessions.

Sweden based defender Ronald Mukiibi who plays for Ostersunds FK, Yunus Ssentamu, Dennis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi and Shafiq Batambuze are among the foreign based players who graced the session.

List of players that kicked off preparations on Monday

Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga (Vipers), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA )

Defenders: Ronald Mukiibi (Östersunds FK, Sweden), Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Joseph Nsubuga (SC Villa), Halid Lwaliwa, Nicholas Wadada -(Vipers), Timothy Awany Joseph Ochaya -(KCCA), Shafiq Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya), Isaac Isinde, Richard Kassaga (URA), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka,)

Midfielders: Hassan Wasswa, Kizito Kezironi -(Vipers), Paul Mucurezi, Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA,  ), Saddam Juma (Express), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Martin Kizza , Vitalis Tabu – (SC Villa).

Strikers: Geofrey Sserunkuma, Derrick Nsibambi -(KCCA), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka), Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland), Edrisa Lubega (Proline), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers)

Missing lot.
Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, S. Africa), Jamal Salim (El Merreikh, Sudan), Paul Mucuurezi (KCCA), Robert Odonkara, Yassar Mugerwa -(St. Georges, Ethiopia), Murshid Jjuko (Simba SC, Tanzania), Khalid Aucho (Baroka FC, S. Africa), Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA), Farouk Miya (St, Liege, Belgium),Tonny Mawejje (Prottur, Iceland), Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quanh Ninh, Vietnam),William Luwagga (Rio Ave, Portugal), Moses Oloya (Ha Noi T & T, Vietnam).

Ugandan trio of Ndejje, Kampala and Makerere University Business School are all set to battle in the semifinals of the ongoing Eastern Africa University games on Tuesday.

Ndejje University overcame the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) by a lone goal during the quarter final to march into the semis. They had earlier on walloped University of Eldoret 6-0 before the quarters.

The lions will play Zanzibar University who also defeated Kenya’s Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

The other semi final, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) face off Kampala University, in an all-Ugandan-affair.

MUBS outmuscled their eternal rivals Kyambogo 2-0 in the third quarter finals while Kampala University were 1-0 winners over Islamic University in Uganda.

Women’s soccer.
Kyambogo ladies made up for their male counterparts by striking Kampala University 1-0 to set up a mouthwatering final with Masinde Muliro University of science and Technology. The Kenyan side went through after eliminating the hosts Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Football summary
Ndejje 1-0 Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
Zanzibar 1-0 MMUST
MUBS 2-0 Kyambogo
Kampala 1-0 IUIU.

Semis;
Ndejje vs.  Zanzibar
MUBS vs. Kampala

Women’s soccer.
Kyambogo 1-0 Kampala
MMUST 3-0 JKUAT

Finals; Kyambogo vs. MMUST

Ndejje University is on course to claim the third straight Eastern Africa University games title as this year’s event comes to a close on Tuesday evening.

The defending champions go into the final action day leading the medals chart with a total of 76 medals; 33 Gold, 17 silver and 26 Bronze medals.

The Ugandans maintained dominance in their traditional disciplines picking about 15 medals (6 Gold, 5 silver, 4 Bronze) in athletics, ten in wood ball, swimming, Taekwondo and Table tennis.

The team is assured of several medals on Tuesday with several of their squads in finals or semis. They include Soccer men who are in the last four playing against a less fancied Zanzibar University.

Ndejje’s teams assured of either Gold or silver include their handball (men and Women), basketball and Tae-Kwando (men and women). The netball team will tussle for the bronze medal in the third place playoff at midday.

Ndejje university won their maiden regional title in the eighth edition held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and went ahead to defend the 9th version hosted by the Uganda Christian University in Uganda.

Makerere had previously defended the title five times before 2012. Egerton University from Kenya is the only other side to have won the overall gong.

In the wake of rampant match fixing allegations connected with the local football leagues, Fufa president Eng. Moses Magogo has on Tuesday Morning been summoned to the Police CID Headquarters in Kibuli to assist in providing information that could help investigations on the subject matter.

The football chief was invited by the Director, Criminal Investigations D/SSP Katherine Kusemererwa in a letter dated 15th December, 2016 Under section 27A of the Police Act (Cap.303).

“Fufa president Eng. Moses Magogo reports to CID HQ this morning and presents himself as per the invitation,” Fufa deputy CEO Mr. Humphrey Mandu confirmed adding that, “there was a couple of interactive minutes with the Authorities and nothing much serious. The president is back to his federation engagements.”

According to the invitation letter, which ChimpSport accessed, Police are currently investigating a case of Alleged match-fixing and pre determination of results of matches.

Eng. Moses Magogo was particularly required to report to the commissioner of Police General Crimes Department to get further details on his role in aiding the investigations.

Recently, Police FC sacked former international defender Godfrey Kateregga and Sadat Kyambadde after they allegedly “confessed their involvement in match fixing and predetermination of results.”

League giants SC Villa had suspended about five players at the end of last season for the same vice and later in November URA FC cracked the whip on senior players Oscar Agaba and Fahad Kawooya on similar counts.

Kampala University have completed a memorable double after emerging men soccer champions of the 2016 Eastern Africa University games held at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Vincent ‘Titi Camara’ Tumusiime coached side came from an early goal down to overcome Zanzibar University 2-1 at the final whistle.

Mulendwe FC striker Moses Buga pulled level after the Islanders had picked the lead and Edgar’s Youth midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi underlined the scoreline to gift a half time lead.

Tumusiime’s boys had survived a semifinal scare to overcome Makererere University Business School 4-2 in post-match shoot outs that followed a barren result as at full time.

Zanzibar had also squeezed past Ndejje University lions 3-2 through penalties in the other semifinal. Ndejje suffered a second loss in the third place play offs to MUBS who won 2-0.

In the ladies competition, Kyambogo University lost 2-0 to Kenya’s Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

Selected Results;
Men’s Semis: KIU 0(4)-0(2) MUBS
Ndejje 0(2)-0(3) Zanzibar

Final; Kampala 2-1 Zanzibar

3rd place play off: MUBS 2-0 Ndejje
Women finals; MMUST 2-0 Kyambogo

Uganda Police Football Club has appointed coach Abdallah Mubiru as the head coach of the team on a three year long deal, ChimpSport reports.

Mubiru will be assisted by Luyinda as his first assistant while former Somali national team assistant coach, James Magala takes the goalkeeping trainer’s role.

The club chairman, AIGP Asan Kasingye revealed the information on Tuesday evening.

“I am happy to announce the signing of the trio as new Police FC coaches,” Kasingye revealed.

“Abdallah Mubiru head coach, John Luyinda assistant Coach and James Magala goalkeeping coach with immediate effect from today (Tuesday).”

Coach Abdallah Mubiru was sacked from Vipers sports Club on Sunday 4th December together with his assistant George ‘Best’ Nsiimbe and second deputy John Luyinda.

L-R John Luyinda, Abdallah Mubiru and James Magala after signing deal with Police FC

Nsiimbe has strongly been linked to a move to Kenya premier league newly crowned champions Tusker FC while Mubiru and Luyinda remained jobless until today.

Police parted ways with former head coach Sam Timbe in October due to poor results with his assistant Angelo Lonyesi assuming the caretaker role.

Lonyesi and all other assistants have been demoted to the U17 team- the Police Armless Brigade.

“The old coaching staff is assigned to the second team,” Kasingye added. Mubiru and Luyinda have previously worked for KCCA FC under coach George Nsiimbe.

The full schedule for the 2017 edition of the Mapinduzi cup has been released.

The games officially kick off on Friday 30th December 2016 with a local derby between Jang’ombe Boys and Taifa Jang’ombe. The two week tourney will climax on Saturday 14th January with the finals.

Reigning champions Uganda Revenue Authority FC are grouped alongside Tanzanian giants Simba SC, Jang’ombe Boys, Taifa Jang’ombe and KVZ FC. The tax collectors kick start their campaign on New Year’s Day against locals KVZ FC.

They will follow up with Jang’ombe Boys, Simba and Taifa Jang’ombe with one resting day in between the respective match days.

Group B has Tanzania moneybags Young Africans and Azam FC together with Zanzibar outfits Zimamoto and Jamhuri FC.

Two best ranked teams in each group will proceed to the semi finals to be held on Sunday 8th January. All matches will be staged at the Amaan stadium.

Full Fixtures:
December 30, 2016
5pm: Taifa Jang’ombe vs. Jang’ombe Boys
January  1, 2017
5Pm: KVZ vs. URA
8pm: Simba vs. Taifa Jang’ombe
January 2, 2017
5pm: Azam vs. Zimamoto
8pm: Yanga vs. Jamhuri
January 3, 2017
5pm: Jang’ombe Boys vs. URA
8pm: KVZ vs. Simba
January 4, 2017
5pm: Zimamoto vs. Yanga
8pm: Jamhuri vs. Azam
January 5, 2017
5pm:  KVZ vs. Jang’ombe Boys
9pm: Simba vs. URA
January 6, 2017
9pm: Taifa Jang’ombe vs. KVZ
January 7, 2017
5pm:  Jamhuri vs. Zimamoto
9pm: Yanga vs. Azam
January 8, 2017
5pm:  Simba vs. Jang’ombe Boys
8pm:  Taifa Jang’ombe vs. URA
January 10, 2017: Semi finals (5pm & 9pm)
January 13, 2017: Final

Kampala Capital City Authority FC has landed 10- time Angola Girabola champions Clube Desportivo 1º de Agosto in the preliminary rounds of the Caf champions league.

The draws were held on Wednesday 21st December in Cairo Egypt.

The Ugandan Premier League defending champions kick start their campaign at home in Lugogo between February 10-12 and later honor the return leg a fortnight later at the Estádio 11 de Novembro Luanda , Angola.

The preliminary round comprises a total of 46 teams that do not receive byes to the first round. The winner between KCCA and Clube Desportivo 1º de Agosto will meet the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the first round.

Caf Confederations
In the same draws, Caf released the fixtures for the 2017 Confederations.

2016 Uganda Cup winners, Vipers Sports Club have been paired with Comoros Premier League side Volcan Club de Moroni who won the Islands domestic cup.

The winner of the tie will face their equivalent in the tie between South Africa’s Platinum Stars and União Desportiva do Songo.

Preparations ahead of the forthcoming African cup of Nations are in high gear as Uganda cranes entered day three of residential training.

Like it was on day two where the players had three training sessions, it was the same scenario even on day three.

The day started with a gym session at 10:00am at Paradise fitness gym on Acacia mall,Kamwokya which basically aimed at improving the fitness of players.

The team then headed to Kabira country club in Bukoto where head coach Milutin Sredejovic conducted a ball work session for an hour.

Later on in the evening (at 5:10pm), players underwent the day’s final training session at the IUIU female campus in Kabojja.

In the final session, Micho put emphasis on crosses employing several players on the flanks to try and cross the ball for the strikers.

Martin Kizza, Vitalis Tabu, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu were all employed in the wide areas.

The team continues with the same training drills on Thursday with only 11 players yet to join camp.

Uganda will play in group D with Ghana, Egypt and Mali at the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon

Players that attended Wednesday training

Goalkeepers
Ismail Watenga, Benjamin Ochan

Defenders
Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Nsubuga, Joseph Ochaya, Shafik Batambuze, Dennis Iguma, Richard Kasagga, Jjuko Murushid, Isaac Isinde, Rashid Toha, Halid Lwaliwa, Timothy Awany, Ronald Mukiibi

Midfielders
Hassan Wasswa, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Walusimbi, Kizito Kezron, Saddam Ibrahim Juma, Paul Mucureezi, Martin Kiiza, Vitalis Tabu

Forwards
Shaban Muhammad, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Erisa Ssekisambu, Yunus Ssentamu, Derrick Nsibambi, Edrisa Lubega

Express FC Junior team ushered their festive break in style with a comprehensive convincing 4-0 victory over Jinja Municipal Hippos on Wednesday in Wankulukuku stadium.

Coach Owen Lee opted to start the game with his star midfielder and captain Billy Nkata on the bench but nevertheless Twalib Michu was on point to unlock the game with a stunner after just ten minutes of play.

Twalib doubled his tally in the 35th minute burying home a product from Farah Suleiman and Allan Kyeyune well combined input to give the Eaglets a first half advantage.

Nkata was introduced at the beginning of second half with Farah Sserubidde taking a rest and later on Stallone Mujabi replaced assist maker Allan Kyeyune at the hour mark. The final substitution for the hosts had Lawrence Muwonge take brace hero Twalib Michu’s role in attack.

With the game poised to end 2-0, Aristote Rutaga poured another spectacular strike to triple the lead on the 90th minute and substitute Billy Nkata finished off the game a minute later.

Despite the win, Express FC remain rooted in the second last spot in the Hattrick group with eleven points from nine games.

JMC Hippos JT cling on the second spot with seventeen points, six behind table leaders Lweza Orange Brigade.

In the other fixture, Onduparaka juniors were subjects of three free points after Proline Soccer Academy failed to travel to Arua for the rescheduled game.

The league takes a fortnight leave and will return on Sunday 8th January 2017.

Togo national team boss Claude Le Roy has released a 25-man provisional squad from which he will select his finest 23 for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Togo qualified to the continental showpiece as the best placed second runners up and are pooled in Group B with champions Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Morocco.

Team captain Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor is among the list named despite suffering about six months in the cold without a club after English side Crystal Palace opted not to renew his contract at the end of last season.

Le Roy has made a wild inclusion in midfielder Victor Nukafu who plays for Entente II, a second division club in the Togolese football ranks.

The Sparrow Hawks begin their campaign on Monday 16 January with the defending winners Ivory Coast followed by Morocco four days later, same duration to their group climax against DR Congo. The first two will be hosted at Oyem and the last in Port-Gentil.

Only two players will be dropped from the squad to make up the 23 for the finals.

Togo provisional squad.

Goalkeepers: Tchagouni (FC Marmande, France), Cédric Mensah (Le Mans, France), Kossi Agassa (club Less)

Defenders: Serge Akakpo (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Hakim Ouro -Sama (AS Togo Port, Dyto), Gafar Mamah (Dacia, Moldova), Vincent Bossou (Young Africans, Tanzania), Sadat Ouro-Akoriko (Al Khaleej, Saudi Arabia); Dakeneam (Saint-Trond, Belgium), Joseph Douhadji (Rivers United, Nigeria)

Midfielders: Matthieu Dossevi (Standard Liège, Belgium), Serge Gakpe (Genoa, Italy), Ihlas Bebou (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany), Floyd Ayité (Fulham, England), Henriques Eninful (Doxa, Cyprus), Lalawele Atakora (Helsingborgs, Sweden), Prince Segbefia (Goztepe, Turkey), Alaixys Romao (Olympiacos, Greece),  Franco Atchou (Dyto, Togo), Victor Nukafu (Entente II, Togo)

Forwards: Emmanuel Adebayor (Club less), Komlan Agbeniadan (WAFA, Ghana), Razak Boukari (Chateauroux, France), Fo Doh Laba (Berkane, Morocco)