Very few imagined, back in early 2000s, that this young forward—the emerging figurehead of Uganda Cranes revolution—would go on to be a revered player in such elevated terms.

In truth, football enthusiasts were dubious about this broad bustling striker who seemed to hit the deck at every opportunity; despite the odd flash of brilliance, there was too much of the theatrical, the pleading, the petulance.

He was, famously, known for his pace, power and ability to beat off defenders and whilst many would-be stars get carried away, Massa’s was spectacular.

At 18, Massa led Mbale Heroes to winning promotion to the league. Notably, his brace against Iganga TC in the do or die game that helped Mbale Heroes return to the top tier league.

Slowly and surely, the towering forward began to express himself as a powerhouse forward. Before long it was evident that Geoffrey Massa had the lot. Capable of outmuscling even the strongest of centre-backs, capable of leaping higher than the tallest, and, in bursts, potent enough to outmaneuver and outthink the wiliest of defenders.

He went ahead to join Police Football club and played an integral part as the Sam Timbe coached side won their first ever league title in 2005 and went ahead to win the regional club tournament (CECAFA club championship).

Massa went ahead to attract the attention of the then  Cranes head coach Mohammad Abbas who gave him the chance to feature in the LG Cup and from there, the rest is history like the common phrase goes.

It became apparent that Uganda Cranes had an absolute gem on their hands. It was on the big occasion where the front man excelled, and it was on the higher stage where the affection that existed for him among the cranes faithful became a full-blown love affair.

His first competitive game came in 2006 against Ghana in the FIFA World cup qualifiers. Uganda went ahead to lose 2-0.

From then onwards, Massa became a mainstay in the cranes set up,becoming a fans darling especially at Mandela National stadium where he made most of his history.

Nigeria with a star studded team were slain on 2nd June 2007 in the 2008 African cup qualifiers thanks to Massa’s efforts  winning Uganda two penalties that were converted by David Obuwa and Ibrahim Sekagya, the Cranes won 2-1.

The famous brace against Lesotho in the Cranes 3-0 win cannot be forgotten and the memorable strike against Congo Brazzaville that tore the net in 2012. The list of those spectacular moments from Massa go on and on.

Like he said in his retirement letter leading Uganda at the 2017 African Cup of Nations was his greatest achievement like it would be for any Ugandan footballer and as he  embarks on a blissful retirement, he leaves a gaping hole that will perhaps take long to be filled.

In the next article, ChimpSport’s Joel Muyita looks at what Massa’s retirement means to the national team and who are the likely replacements.

Uganda Premier League
Police vs KCCA FC
Mandela National Stadium 4:30pm

After suffering a slump against Soana FC on Tuesday, KCCA FC have the chance to return to the top of the table should they earn maximum points against Police.

KCCA FC make a short trip to Mandela National stadium on Friday to face a depleted Police FC side who will be without about seven starters for today’s game.

Majority of the players at Police FC are on loan from KCCA FC including Martin Mpuuga, Hakim Ssenkumba, Paul Willa, Yasin Mugume among others.

Besides, Abdallah Mubiru the current coach at Police FC will be facing his former side. The last time he played against KCCA FC was last year while at Vipers and he emerged triumphant.

Mike Mutebi, the KCCA FC coach indicates it will not be a managerial affair but believes they would require to be at their utmost performance if they are to negotiate past the cops.

“I do not think it will be between me and Abdallah Mubiru because Police are a good team and they are not an easy side to break down,” he said.

“But we just need to make sure we play at our best, try to dominate play and use our chances,” Mutebi added.

KCCA FC have been dominant in this fixture going unbeaten in the previous thirteen league encounters, winning ten and drawing just three.

The last game that the two sides faced off, KCCA FC won 3-0 at Philip Omondi stadium with Geoffrey Sserunkuma scoring twice while the other goal was scored by Derrick Nsibambi.

Uganda Premier League
Kirinya Jinja SS vs Kirinya Jinja SS
Kakindu stadium 4:30pm

Vipers have been in scintillating for the last few games firing across all cylinders which has seen them rise to third position on the log.

Under new coach, Miguel Jorge Da Costa, the two league winners have played four games winning three and losing just once and scoring 12 goals in return.

Vipers now embark on the trip to the lake town; Jinja to face relegation threatened Kirinya Jinja SS with an aim of keeping momentum.

Costa who will be in charge of his first away game in the league indicates they have to keep their winning touch so as to finish in a better position or even win the league.

“We have to be at our best every other game, we need to keep winning because it is the only way we can think of challenging for the title,” he said.

Despite, languishing in the drop zone, Kirinya is one of the sides that are hard to break down and Vipers tested it in the first league albeit managed to win 1-0.

Bashir Mutanda and John Ssemazzi who are on loan at Kirinya Jinja SS from Vipers will not be available plus the 7 players that were suspended including Anthony Baize and Joel Madondo.

Vipers won’t be without defender Aggrey Madoi who has just recovered from Malaria while Tony Odur has not travelled with the team to Jinja.

Kirinya Jinja SS are second from bottom on 17 points while Vipers are 3rd on 35 points.

Africa’s newest sports programming television Kwesé, has managed to secure more sports rights for its viewers by adding the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 to its roster.

The broadcaster has secured exclusive free-to-air (FTA) rights for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa).

Kwesé will broadcast the tournaments through its pan-African FTA channel Kwesé Free Sports (KFS) currently Africa’s largest FTA channel.

In addition to its exclusive FTA rights Kwesé has also secured non-exclusive Pay-TV rights for sub-Saharan Africa excluding South Africa.

Kwesé’s broadcasting rights will include coverage on all Kwesé platforms including TV online and mobile platforms.

“There is no doubt that the FIFA World Cup is a highlight for sports fans all over the globe and Africa is home to some of the game’s biggest fans.  We had to have these major sporting events on our platforms,” said Joseph Hundah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Econet Media.

“With exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament free-to-air, we are staying true to our intention to deliver the best sporting programming to as many people as possible across the continent,” he added.

“The exclusivity of our FTA rights for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 means Kwesé is the only platform on the continent licensed to bring live action from these two iconic events free of charge. We will be reaching even larger numbers by bringing this content to people who would otherwise not be able to afford it on pay platforms.”

“FIFA has decided to award media rights to Econet Media because we trust in their professionalism and capacity to provide a high-quality viewing experience through the Kwesé network. In Econet Media we believe to have found a reliable partner exploring new distribution paths, particularly on the digital side, working with Econet Media’s growing Free To Air network Kwese Free Sports as well as established broadcasters in the region to give millions of fans an unforgettable experience of the 2017 and 2018 FIFA events,” said FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h.

As part of this deal fans will also be able to watch FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017, FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2018 and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018 on all Kwesé platforms including Kwesé Free Sports, Kwesé Sports 1 & 2, KweséSports.com and the Kwesé App.

Police in Mbarara deployed heavily yesterday at Kakyeka stadium at the climax of the Coca Cola Post Primary Soccer Gala.

During the tough game between Ntare School and their archrivals Mbarara High School, police was compelled to pull out the extra units to ensure no bloodletting.

The semifinal game ended in favor of Mbarara High who hammered Ntare 3 goals to 1, while in the other, defending champions Welden H/S knocked Centre College S.S out of the tournament.

Ntare Vs Mbarara High School

The final match was won by Mbarara H/S, beating Welden by 2goals to 1. Nonetheless, both teams will represent Ankole region in the national Coca-Cola games.

All the games ended successfully and the head teachers were thankful to the police for the tight security provided, unlike in the past.

Recently Window International School was banned at start in zonal qualifications over fighting.

Kinoni High School, Marry hill High School and Kashaka Girls S.S will represent the region in ladies’ football while Ntare, Welden and Mbarara high school will represent the region in volley ball.

Uganda Premier League
SC Villa vs BUL
Masaka Recreation Ground 4pm

After their immediate rivals KCCA FC facing a slump in their performance, SC Villa have the chance to continue staying top of the table.

Defending champions KCCA FC have only picked two points in two games this week which has played in SC Villa’s favour.

Despite  playing two games more, SC Villa remain top of the table on 44 points and they will be seeking to stretch the lead as they take on BUL this Saturday at Masaka Recreation ground.

This will be the second time that the Jogoos will be playing at their new home in Masaka since shifting from Nakivubo at the start of this month.

The first game was against Onduparaka and the record champions had a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

They face BUL are locked tight in the relegation battle and every game seems like a final to the Jinja based side. BUL are 12th on the log with 23 points, just a point above the drop zone.

The visitors will not be without midfielder Robert Achema and Yesseri Waibi who are on loan from SC Villa and thus cannot play against their parent club.

SC Villa on the other hand will hugely rely on the performance of prolific striker Emmanuel Okwi who has scored 7 goals in as many games since his return to SC Villa in January.

Uganda Premier League
Police FC 1-2 KCCA FC

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) football club slumped once again to miss out on the opportunity of going to the top of the league.

Despite going two goals down, Police FC rallied back to score late goals and salvage a point as the two sides settled for a 2-2 all draw.

Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Muzamir Mutyaba put KCCA FC ahead but Ben Ochen and second half substitute Anthony Bongole scored for Police.

KCCA FC were the better side in the first half creating several chances. Sseeunkuma had the first chance at goal in the 13th minute but his effort off a header hit the woodwork.

The visitors had another chance pacing off the centre line but failed to put the ball past goalkeeper.

Police’s best effort was at the 20th minute when Reuben Kimera laid up Mike Birungi but he failed to find the target inside the 6 yard box.

Head coach Abdallah Mubiru was sent off the touchline at the half hour mark by centre referee Ssali Mashood for protesting a call on Rahmat Ssenfuka.

Prolific striker Geoffrey Sserunkuma broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time of first half to take his tally to 14 goals this season.

With 16 minutes to time, Muzamir Mutyaba doubled the lead curling the ball past goalkeeper off Allan Okello’s assist.

Police surged up to score two late through Ben Ochen in the 80th minute after a blunder by Dennis Rukundu who gave away possession and the cops’ skipper did no mistake to convert.

Four minutes later substitute Hood Kaweesa who replaced Reuben Kimera levelled matters tapping home Anthony Bogoole’s cross from the right.

The result means KCCA FC remain second on the table with 43 points, one behind leaders SC Villa but with two games in hand while Police FC  move to 10th on the log.

Uganda Premier League
Kirinya Jinja SS 1-0 Vipers

Vipers brilliant run was brought to a halt after suffering defeat to relegation threatened Kirinya Jinja SS.

Midfielder Anthony Mayanja scored the lone goal of the game as Kirinya defeated Vipers 1-0 in the game played at Kakindu stadium on Friday.

However, the game ended with chaotic scenes as fans pelted stones and it required Police to fire teargas and live bullets to disperse the violent fans.

The home side were better for the bigger chunks of the game with Vipers on the receiving end with goalkeeper Ismael Watenga called out on several occasions to save.

Kirinya however broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a simple tap off Isaac Ntege’s laid pass to fire the home side into the lead and eventually held on to earn maximum points.

The game ended with chaotic scenes as the home fans pelted stones towards Police for allegedly beating up one of their colleagues only identified as Sula.

In a bid to calm the situation, Police had to fire teargas and live bullets to disperse the rowdy and violent fans.

Kirinya moved to 20 points but remained second from bottom while Vipers Also remained third with 35 points.

“Never count your eggs before they hatch” is a common English saying indicating you do not possess something until it’s in your custody.

At the start of this week, defending champions KCCA FC were just four points behind league leaders SC Villa but with four games in hand. This literally meant that If they won all their games, they would go eight points clear at the top.

However, there has been a change of fortune with KCCA FC picking two points in two games this week.

After a one all stalemate against Soana on Tuesday, the target was to make amends against Police FC on Friday but that did not go as planned.

Despite taking a two goal lead through Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Muzamir Mutyaba, KCCA FC squandered the chance to go top of the table throwing away the lead for the game to eventually end in a 2-2 draw.

KCCA FC head coach Mike Mutebi indicated that his players failed to keep focused and lost concentration towards the end.

“It is a marathon, we are still on but we must learn to be consistent if we are leading game. We shall go back to the drawing board and try to iron out the mistakes we have committed today and make sure we return to winning ways soon,” Mutebi said after the game against Police FC.

“You can clearly see that we just failed to manage the game in the final moments and we gave away the lead and the result,” he added.

The result meant KCCA FC remained second on the table with 42 points, two behind SC Villa who play against BUL on Saturday and could stretch the gap to five points.

Uganda Premier League
SC Villa 1-0 BUL

Sports club Villa ensured they cemented their stay at the top of the table with a slim victory against BUL football club.

Playing at Masaka Recreation ground for the second time, SC Villa managed to edge past a resilient BUL 1-0 thanks to Emma Okwi’s second half penalty.

SC Villa lacked the cutting edge the entire game but Okwi converted from the spot kick after defender Paul Kisige handled the ball in the forbidden area.

Villa began the better side and almost took the lead as early as the 4th minute but Ambrose Kirya’s effort ricocheted off the woodwork.

A run ignited through the midfield by Abel Eturude saw him release Martin Kiiza on the left, the enterprising winger laid up Kirya but his effort hit the woodwork.

Okwi also had another chance at the 17th minute mark but goalkeeper Paul Mujampani was in place to save.

The visitors’ best effort came three minutes later off Hakim Magombe’s effort from a corner that was headed for goal but goalkeeper Samson Kiirya parried the ball away.

There was a call for a penalty at the half hour mark when Okwi lashed onto a long ball and got to it before goalkeeper Mujampani and the latter seemed to have blocked Okwi but referee Rajab Bakasambe who blew the whistle instead didn’t call a foul on either and opted for fair play.

The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Okwi stepped up to convert a penalty after defender Paul Kisige handled the ball inside the box.

BUL were reduced to ten men with midfielder Patrick Ssembuya sent off after a foul on Okwi with four minutes to time.

Okwi didn’t return to the pitch with his right hand seemingly twisted.

The result means SC Villa stay top with 47 points while BUL remain 12th on the table with 23 points, just one above the drop zone.

SC Villa Starting XI

Samson Kirya, Joseph Nsubuga, John Adriko, Henry Katongole, Paul Mbowa, Ayub Kisalita, Godfrey Lwesibawa Abel Eturude, Emma Okwi, Ambrose Kirya, Martin Kiiza

BUL starting XI

Paul Mujampani, Fred Agandu, Hakim Magombe, Paul Kisige, Derrick Walulya, Patrick Ssembuya, Yuda Mugalu, Godfrey Buni, Fahad Bardiro, David Bagoole, Yesseri Waibi

Uganda Premier League
JMC Hippos 1-1 Onduparaka

Despite being grounded at the base of the table, Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) Hippos will go down fighting in each of their game.

The Hippos staged a comeback to hold Onduparaka in the Uganda premier league game played at Kakindu stadium on Saturday.

Defender Issa Magumba’s strike cancelled out Gadaffi Gadinho’s goal for Onduparaka as the two sides settled for a one all draw.

Welcoming back skipper Muhammad Shaban after missing three games, Onduparaka had a better share of possession in the first half but failed to make inroads with Musa Walangalira and Makuro Willy keeping them at bay.

Lanky defender Rashid Toha limped off midway through the first half with an injury and was replaced by Simba Sibir.

Gadaffi Gadinho gave the visitors the lead with five minutes to the end of the first half with a beauty from as far as 45 yards.

The crafty midfielder picked a ball just after the centerline on the right flank and sent it flying past goalkeeper Michael Nantamu who had moved off his line.

JMC Hippos returned a better side after recess especially with the introduction of diminutive midfielder Vianney Ssekajjugo.

The hosts levelled matters in the 79th minute with defender Issa Magumba curling a free kick beyond Richard Anyama’s reach.

Onduparaka moved one place up to 5th on 34 points while JMC Hippos remain locked at the bottom of the table with 10 points.

Uganda Premier League
URA FC 2-0 The Saints

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) football club extended their winning streak to 4 successive games and 6 in all competitions with a 2-0 victory against The Saints.

Under Ibrahim Kirya, URA FC have won all their games(3 in the league and one in Uganda cup) and it was the case as they edged past 10- man Saints.

In the game played at Mehta stadium, Lugazi on Saturday, a goal in either half from Shafik Kagimu and Fred Okot ensured the tax collectors earned maximum points.

The Saints were reduced to ten men midway through the first half with veteran midfielder Noah “Babadi” Kasule getting marching orders after an elbow challenge on Hudu Mulikyi.

Midfielder Shafik Kagimu put the tax collectors ahead with three minutes to recess and URA took an halftime lead.

There were several changes after recess, Saints brought on Moses Mulambula and Godfrey Wakaza for Johnson Wakalaita and Robert Nakyenalire while URA introduced Julius Mutyaba for Nigerian defender Harry Gentle.

Right back Fred Okot doubled the lead in the 77th minute to put the game beyond reach for the visitors.

URA moved to third on the table with 37 points while Saints are 13th on 23 points, one above the drop zone.

URA FC starting XI

Mathias Muwanga, Fred Okot, Allan Munaaba, Jimmy Kulumba, Harry Frank Gentle, Hudu Mulikyi, Nicholas Kagaba, Saidi Kyeyune, Bokota Labama, Hamid Kiiza, Shafik Kagimu

The Saints starting XI

Ali Kimera, Aggrey Kirya, Issa Mubiru, Dennis Ssekitoleko, Joseph Othieno, Gerald Bagoole, Johnson Wakalaita, Noah Kasule, Julius Malingumu, Robert Nakyenalire, Aloro Rogers

Ndejje University women’s volleyball team have Monday morning been flagged off ahead of the African women’s volleyball club championship.

In an event held at the Lugogo MTN indoor arena, a contingent of 16 people(12 players and 4 officials) were flagged off to represent Uganda at the national continental championship.

National Council of Sports(NCS) secretary general, Nicholas Mulamagi who was the chief guest at the event applauded Ndejje University for the contribution and commitment towards sports and encouraged the players to go and make Uganda forward.

“I take the delight to thank Ndejje University administration for the great contribution towards the sports sector. The facilitation, funding and commitment towards sports has been immense and they deserve the credit,” he said.

“I encourage the players to go and work to their best ability because at the moment, they are not only playing as a club or institution but they are carrying Uganda’s flag, Muramagi added.

Ndejje University Vice chancellor Eriabu Lugujjo who also graced the occasion indicated sports is one way that has been used to create awareness about Ndejje as an institution.

“When we excel in sports, the name of Ndejje University is automatically uplifted and that is why we have immensely invested in the sector and we are not disappointed,” said Lugujjo.

This will be the fourth time that the elites will represent Uganda at the annual African club championship with their best performance coming in 2013 when they finished 8th in Madagascar.

Egypt’s Al Ahly are the defending champions after defeating Tunisia’s Carthage 3-2 in the finals last year.

The team is expected to depart on 4th April (Tuesaday) for Kelibia City, Tunisia where the tournament will be held running from 2nd -16th April.

Travelling squad

Alupo Christine, Amito Sharon, Aanyu Veroline, Mwamula Moreen, Nnungi Saidat, Jepkrui Belinda,Emma Mwanji, Keren Nyakecho, Shamim Nalukabwe, Joan Tushemereirwe, Olivia Kavunane, Jesca Kaidu

Officials

Muhumuza Wilfred Kato – Head of Delegation

Johnson Kawenyera – Head Coach

Alex Mugoda – Assistant coach

Dorothy Namusoke – International Referee

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA ) football club now feel the pressure in the title race following a dip in form that has given a greenlight to their rivals.

The defending champions have had torrid days since facing exit from the Total CAF champions league failing to win their two league games against Soana and Bright stars.

This has eventually played in their rivals favour with SC Villa the direct opponents to the title being the biggest beneficiaries.

After earning a 1-0 victory against BUL FC over the weekend, SC Villa cemented their stay at the top of the table five points ahead of KCCA FC despite playing three games more.

KCCA FC head coach Mike Mutebi indicates, the slump is normal and his team will return to winning ways starting with the game they have on Tuesday at home against Bright stars.

“We have not been on our best in our previous outings but that is normal, every team in the world faces that situation but what is important is how you get out of,” Mutebi noted in a pre-match press conference on Monday.

“We are not under pressure despite our rivals winning. Our focus now is to try and improve where we seem lacking,” he added.

Mutebi indicated that he expects a better performance from the team against Bright stars this Tuesday a game he labeled “a must win”.

“We need the points so we shall go out expecting less than victory. We are in better shape and thus expect a better performance,” he emphasized.

KCCA FC sit second on the table on 43 points, four behind leaders Sports Club Villa.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic “Micho” has confirmed on Monday that goalkeeper Dennis Masinde Onyango will succeed retiring Godfrey Massa as the new cranes captain.

Micho confirmed to ChimpSport that he has named Onyango as new captain for continuity purposes and because of his leadership skills.

“He has been assistant captain to Geoffrey (Massa) so I believe we have to continue with that order,” he said.

“Besides, Onyango has the qualities of a leader, he can motivate others and one of the senior players on the team,” Micho added.

Onyango who plies his trade at African reigning club champions Mamelodi Sundowns has been vice to Massa who assumed the captaincy in 2013 from Andy Mwesigwa.

Massa retired from the national team last week on Wednesday after a spell of 12 years hence leaving a leadership vaccum.

Reports in 2013 indicated that Onyango was handed the captain’s armband but turned down the appointment and only settled for assistant.

He joins the list of national team captains like Geoffrey Massa, Andy Mwesigwa, Ibrahim Ssekagya, Edgar Watson, George Ssimwogerere, John Latigo, Jimmy Kirunda among others.

The reigning Africa’s best player based in Africa will be deputized by Hassan Wasswa Mawanda and Tonny Mawejje as the first assistant and 2nd assistant captain respectively.

Overwhelming pre-tournament favorites Kawempe Muslim suffered elimination from the Fufa Women’s cup at the hands of Muteesa I Royal University.

In the game played at Uganda Martyrs High School, Rubaga, the two time league champions were knocked out 1-0.

Janet Nakibuuka scored the lone goal of the game in the first half and held off pressure from Kawempe Muslim who were wasteful on the day.

Yudaya Nakayenze got the first attempt on goal at the quarter hour mark but failed to find the target with her effort sailing above the goal area.

Four minutes later, Betty Namataka dribbled through Kawempe’s defence but defender Nakayenze made a timely interception to save.

Muteesa were forced to make an early change at the half hour mark with Thungu Janat replacing Cissy Nakalawa who limped off after sustaining an injury.

The decisive goal came in the 34th minute with Janet Nakibuuka heading home Betty Namataka’s cross from a corner.

The rest of the action belonged to Kawempe Muslim who surged forward in pursuit for the equaliser but the hosts remained resilient.

Kawempe made changes at the start of the second half with Habiba Namalwa and Amina Nababi coming on for Favour Nambatya and Moreen Adraru respectively.

Hasifa Nassuna, Juliet Nalukenge and Yudaya Nakayenze all came close to scoring but were too blunt on the day to put away the several chances.

In the other game played on Wednesday, Olila High School from Soroti defeated Taggy High 1-0 at Katabi Gombolola playground courtesy of Sharon Achieng’s goal.

The two teams join UCU Lady Cardinals and Gafford Ladies who already booked the berth to the semifinals edging past Western United and She Corporate respectively

Muteesa starting XI

Daizy Nakaziro, Juliet Nabaale, Madalena Nassanga, Margaret Namirimu, Cissy Nakalawa, Habiba Nakayobyo, Janet Nakibuuka, Sharon Namatovu, Betty Namataka, Precious Najjemba

Kawempe starting XI

Ruth Aturo, Viola Namuddu, Lydia Adibango, Mariam Nakabugo, Yudaya Nakayenze, Apon Sharon, Nambatya Favour, Tracy Akiror, Juliet Nalukenge, Hasifa Nassuna, Modern Adraru

Quarterfinal Results

Western united 2-3 UCU Lady Cardinals

Muteesa I Royal 1-0 Kawempe Muslim

Taggy High 0-1 Olila High School

Gafford Ladies 2-0 She Corporate

Bright stars fall from grace to grass is seemingly coming at high speed. Despite going against the odds to garner a fairly good tally of points in the first round given the fact that they had lost some of the key pillars of the team, the instability has come back haunting.

After the 2-1 loss to KCCA FC on Tuesday, Bright stars coach Fred Kajjoba spilled the beans to the media stating that the team has gone nine months without earning any penny.

The seemingly furious manager had no kind words for his bosses indicating he was being frank enough to expose the sorrow state at the club that has eventually led to the poor results on pitch.

“I will say this without regret or fear that we have gone nine months without pay. There is absolutely no way you can motivate a player that has gone such a long period minus salary and that is the reason why we are losing games,” said Kajjoba.

“There was no way we were going to win against a team like KCCA FC who look organised and the players are getting their salary in time,” he added.

The outspoken tactician also revealed that due to limited resources, the team has resorted to training twice a week.

“We only have two training sessions in a week and that is not enough to compete against teams that train throughout the week,” Kajjoba indicated before turning the guns against referee David Oula who officiated the game against KCCA FC.

“I think he doesn’t deserve to be officiating in the top tier league. He is one of the poorest referees and Fufa should take action against him,” he furiously stated.

“He gave them (KCCA FC) a dubious penalty and failed to award us a genuine penalty on the other end,” Kajjoba added.

Bright stars have now gone six games without victory and now occupy 9th position on the table with 27 points, just five above the relegation zone.

Uganda Premier League
Onduparaka 1-0 Lweza

Onduparaka returned to winning ways on Wednesday with a slight victory against wobbling Lweza who are yet to win a game in the second round.

Reigning best Fufa footballer Mohammad Shaban was on target and his solitary effort helped Onduparaka edge past Lweza who ended the game with nine players.

Shaban fired home at the Stoke of halftime with a superb strike off Gaddafi Gadinho’s assist from a free kick.

Lweza were reduced to nine men inside the closing stages of the game with forward Hassan Kikoyo getting straight marching orders for a clumsy foul.

Skipper Swaib “Broadway” Mudde too was sent off with five minutes to time after earning a second yellow card for a reportedly abuse on the referee. He had earlier been booked midway through the game.

The Caterpillars would have doubled the lead after recess but Mohammad Shaban had his goal in the 57th minute disallowed by the assistant referee for offside.

The result means Onduparaka now move to 4th position on 37 points dislodging Vipers while Lweza remain locked in the relegation zone in 14th place on 22 points.

Onduparaka starting XI

Nisab Kassim, Sadam Norman, Dennis Andama, Simba Sibir, Akram Kakembo, Ivan Mbowa, Caesar Okhuti, Gadaffi Gadinho, Mohammad Shaban, Gaddafi Wahab, Living Kabon

Lweza starting XI

Ivan Mutumba, Henry Wamala, Sulaiman Ochero, Swaib Mudde, Dudu Ramathan, Rajab Kakooza, Charles Ssempa, Ronald Muganga, Hassan Kikoyo, Jeremiah Ssebuyira, Deo Omudanga

University Football League
KIU 1-3 Makerere University

Makerere University proved they were a better side with a masterclass performance as they outwitted Kampala International University.

In the game played on Wednesday in Nsambya, Makerere earned a 3-1 comfortable victory against KIU to go top of group A.

Both teams came into the game on the back of draws in their opening games of the group.

KIU had drawn 1-1 against UCU in Mukono on the opening day while Makerere needed to comeback to salvage a point off Bugema University in a 3-3 thriller.

Makerere were the better side throughout the entire game creating several chances with the hosts playing on the back foot.

John Turyasingura broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a rebound off Emma Mwaka’s initial effort that had ricocheted off the woodwork.

However, the lead was short lived with Peter Tusiimire levelling matters two minutes later for the Kansanga based side and the two sides went into halftime at per.

Makerere University continued with their dominance even after recess scoring two quick goals.

Tusubira Abraham scored at restart before lanky forward Joshua Lubwama stretched the lead with a 50th minute strike.

The result means Makerere University now lead group A with four points, Busitema,UCU and KIU have one point.

KIU starting XI

Calvin Magada, Jackson Muwanguzi, Jonathan Ogwang, Ronald Mugalu, Anthony Mawejje, Edward Mubiru, Joel Male, Jalil Zimula, Abdul Kiggundu, Peter Tusiimire, Gerald Gavamukulya

Makerere University starting XI

Akasitwa Dousa, Edward Bwogi, Davis Onyango, Daniel Akasigye, Davis Mayanja, Ivan Mbabazi, Mwaka Emma, Tusubira Abraham, Yiga John, Joshua Lubwama, John Turyasingura

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) football club return to continental engagement this weekend with a home fixture against Al Masry.

After exit from Total CAF champions league at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns, KCCA FC have another chance to impress on the continent this time round in the Total CAF confederation cup.

KCCA FC take on Egypt’s Al Masry in the first leg of the playoff phase at Phillip Omondi stadium this Saturday before the return leg in Port Said next week.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International airport on Wednesday, Al Masry head coach, Hossam Hassan indicated their main target is to score away from home.

“We have not watched them play a lot but we respect them (KCCA FC). They are a good team and their performance against Mamelodi Sundowns shows it all,” he said.

“Our main target here in Kampala is to make sure we score at least a goal and build on that when we go back home,” Hossam added.

The 50 year old Egyptian football legend who is the all-time top scorer for the Pharaohs with 69 goals in 169 appearances noted that they need to play at their best to make sure they get a positive result in the first leg.

“We need to be at our best, make sure we do not concede a lot then we can build on that when we go back home,” he indicated.

To reach this stage, Al Masry got a walkover against Mali’s Djoliba who bowed out after FIFA suspended Mali.

The game at Phillip Omondi stadium will be handled by Sudanese referees, Mohamoud Ali Ismail (centre referee), Walid Ahmed Ali (1st assistant) and Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim (2nd Assistant).

The winner on aggregate will advance to the group stages.