Uganda Premier League
JMC Hippos 0-1 KCCA FC

Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) edged closer to defending the league title with yet another hard fought win.

The reigning champions needed second half strike from striker Derrick Nsibambi to edge past a hard battling JMC Hippos in the game played at Kakindu stadium on Tuesday.

Despite suffering relegation already, the hippos proved a hard nut to crack for KCCA FC marching them for the better part of the game.

KCCA FC had the chance to take the lead on two occasions but JMC Hippos goalkeeper Michael Nantamu stood his ground to deny the visitors.

First, it was midfielder Paul Mucureezi whose low shot in the 3rd minute was saved by Nantamu with his left leg.

Moments later, Geoffrey Sserunkuma’s powerful header was tipped over by the shot stopper after the forward had risen high to power in Mucureezi’s cross.

As the game went on, JMC Hippos grew in confidence and also put up a couple of attacks.

Vianney Ssekajjugo headed home Hassan Musana’s cross at the half hour mark but the latter’s effort was ruled for offside.

The home side also had a penalty appeal with Charles Ssemanda brought down inside the forbidden area but referee Fred Byaruhanga waved for play on despite his assistant raising the flag for a foul.

With the score being barren at halftime, KCCA FC manager Mike Mutebi called for changes with Derrick Nsibambi replacing Noel Nasasira while Tom Masiko came on for Lawrence Bukenya.

Substitute Derrick Nsibambi broke the deadlock in the 67th minute tapping home from close range Geoffrey Sserunkuma’s brushed pass.

A cross from the right frank by captain Dennis Okot met Sserunkuma who headed the ball towards unmarked Nsibambi and the forward did no mistake to convert.

The result means KCCA FC move to 54 points with four games to play and now sit 5 points above second placed SC Villa while JMC Hippos remain bottom of the table with just 10 points.

JMC Hippos starting XI

Michael Nantamu, Ibrahim Massa, Hassan Musana, Willy Makuro, Constantine Nalumoso, Ibra Kyebatala, Mustafa Mugoya, Daniel Shabena, Rubangakene Walter, Ssemanda Charles, Vianney Ssekajjugo

KCCA FC starting XI

Douglas Kisembo, Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Peter Magambo, Habib Kavuma, Isaac Kirabira, Lawrence Bukenya, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Noel Nasasira, Vincent Kayizzi, Paul Mucureezi

Ampropen Company Limited in partnership with World Kickboxing Federation Champion has organised an Intercontinental kickboxing fight dubbed Reign of Giants 2, which shall see kick boxers from Austria, Kenya and Uganda battle for titles.

The fights are scheduled to take place on Saturday May 13^th, at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, Kampala.

Fighters from Austria include Alexander Dokter and Carina Greimel both of whom will be landing in the country on Thursday May 11.

They will fight Uganda’s finest Alex ‘Lionheart’ Matsiko and Apolot Patricia ‘The Black Pearl’ respectively.

Another breath taking fight will be between Uganda’s Mubiru Shakey ‘Breaker Breaker’ and Kenya’s Kevin Miruka.

Before the official fights, the event will be kick-started by curtain raising fights between Sserunjogi and Kenny, Seguya then Miro, Abbas and Musa among others.

On record, neither Matsiko nor Dokter has ever won the title whereas Apolot is a defending champion to this open title.

Carina Greimel Profile

Age: 24

Height: 167 cm

Club: Berserc Weiz

Coach: Hrvoje Kisasondi

Fight records: 28 fights, 22 w, 6 l

City: Weiz

Alexander Dokter’s profile:

Age: 28

Height: 1.75m

Club: Styrian Fighters

Coach: Uwe Michael

Fight records: 21 Fights – 17W – 4L

City: Graz, Austria

Pro Austrian kickboxing champion

Kakindu stadium in the heart of Jinja District has been named as the venue to host this year’s final of the Fufa Juniors League.

The final scheduled to take place this Saturday will be between KCCA soccer academy and Soana junior team.

Fufa Youth development officer, Bashir Mutyaba confirmed the venue during the press conference on Wednesday at Federation headquarters.

“The 2016/17 season will climax this Friday with the final between KCCA soccer academy and Soana junior team at Kakindu stadium,” he revealed.

A total of 169 games have been played including the final with three rounds in each group.

KCCA soccer academy topped treble group with 67 points while Soana junior team led hat trick group on 53 points.

Unlike the previous editions where top two teams from either group competed for the championship, this time round, only the group leaders will battle for the title.

The game will also be a platform for the regular season top scorers to prove their prowess. KCCA’s Sadat Anaku leads the charts with 27 goals in 20 games while Hakim Ddamulira of Lweza has scored 19 in 19 yet he joined the league in the second round.

Viper Junior team are the defending champions of the junior league defeating KCCA soccer academy in the finals last year.

Past winners

2015- KJT junior team

2016- Vipers Junior team

2017-?????

Entering its third year, the annual Fufa Corporate tournament has continued to grow both in numbers and stature.

The draw for the groups of the third edition of the Fufa Corporate were on Wednesday morning held at Fufa house,Mengo in Kampala.

A total of 20 corporate companies will take place in this year’s edition including two time winners and defending champions National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).

The teams were pitted into 4 pools each comprising of 4 teams with group C being the group of death.

Group C comprises of defending champions NWSC, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Uganda Premier League Limited (UPLL) who finished 3rd and 4th respectively in 2016 plus National Insurance Corporation (NIC) Holdings and the Lebanese Community in Uganda.

The one tournament will be held at Kampala International School in Bukoto this Saturday with 25 matches expected to be played.

According to FIFA’s competition director, Ali Mweebe, the teams will play in a 7 aside format from the group stage up to the semifinals while the final will be played in a normal format (11 aside).

One of the mandatory rules of the tournament is that at a team should comprise at least one female player when playing.

The top two teams in each of the four groups will qualify for the quarterfinals then thereafter after play the semifinals to determine the finalists and consequently the winners.

The overall winner will walk away with a trophy and cash prize of UGX 1.5M. The curtain raising game of the tournament will be between Fufa XI taking on Pan African Pyramids.

NWSC have won the previous two editions held at Njeru Technical team including defeating SSL logistics last year.

Full draws

Group A

NTV

Gals Sports Betting

Airtel Uganda Limited

Fufa FM

Red Pepper

Group B

SSL Logistics

Kampala International Schools Uganda (KISU)

Uganda Batteries Limited

UMEME Limited

AAR Health Services

Group C

Uganda Premier League

NIC Holdings

Civil Aviation Authority

NWSC

Lebanese Community

Group D

Hema Water

Lato Milk

Ferro Mobiles

Diamond Trust Bank

Bidco Uganda Limited

This will be third year running that the tournament is held.

With Masavu football club and Maroons FC already their promotion to next season’s Uganda Premier League, the battle for the final slot is on.

Four teams will battle for the remaining slot starting on Thursday at Muteesa II stadium, Wankuluku in the highly anticipated playoffs.

The teams in the playoffs include Synergy from Masaka, Mbarara City football club, Kira United and Ndejje University.

Ndejje University who played at the same stage last year but were defeated by Sporting United take on Mbarara City football club.

The University side are the most experienced team currently in the Fufa Big league and have played in the competition since inception in 2009.

Mbarara City on the other hand are under experienced with tactician Sulait Makumbi who has been at the helm of bringing several teams to the top tier league.

The second playoff game of the day will see Synergy battle Kira United. The two sides finished second and third in Rwenzori and Elgon group respectively.

Synergy under coach Brian Ssenyondo have enjoyed a fine form especially in the second round winning nine of the 12 games and hence finishing second in the regular season.

With players like Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Solomon Okwalinga, the Masaka based side will be seeking to go past Kira United.

Kira United are playing in the Fufa Big league for the first time and will be seeking to become the second team in succession to have played in the FUFA Big league for one season and qualify to Uganda Premier League. Onduparaka attained the feat last season albeit qualifying automatically.

The two teams that win the playoff games on Thursday will square off in the final game on Sunday to determine the third team that joins Uganda Premier League.

Uganda Volleyball League
Women’s category
Ndejje Elites vs Sport S 6pm

Men’s category
Nemo stars vs Sport S 8pm

For the volleyball enthusiasts, the long wait is finally over as the volleyball league gets underway on Thursday.

Following a turmoil that saw the league end in chaos and unfamiliar circumstances where majority of the teams boycotted games, the dust has finally settled and action is ready to take centre stage once again.

The saga about player Daudi Okello saw the league end prematurely with teams protesting his return to feature for KAVC after he had moved to Inatek in Rwanda.

The teams pulled out of the league and thus there was no champion for 2016 season.

The 2017 league serves off with a mouthwatering clash between two top sides in Nemo stars and Sport S at the Lugogo indoor stadium in the men’s category.

Nemo stars who won the 2015 league will be seeking to begin the season on a bright note to send the signals of seeking to retain the title.

However, they take on a tricky side in Sport S who seem to have Nemo stars numbers. For the two times Nemo stars and Sport S have met this year, each team has won once.

In George Aporu and Louis Mubangizi, Nemo stars have maintained the core of their team while Sport S have also retained the experience in players like Dickens Otim.

In the women’s category, defending champions Ndejje University elites fresh from African club championships kick start the league against Nsambya based side Sport S.

The Uganda national football team have not moved a place in the recent monthly Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) rankings.

The April rankings released by world football governing body on Thursday revealed that Uganda remains stuck at position 72 in the global rankings, a position the cranes held even in March.

The number of points garnered has also remained static at 463 like it was the case in last month’s rankings.

Across the globe, there has not been so many changes with the top ten remaining unchanged up to about position 23.

Africa

Egypt remains the top ranked team on the continent in 19th position while reigning African champions Cameroon are 33rd.

Africa’s top ten

Egypt -19th

Cameroon -33rd

Burkina Faso -35th

Nigeria -40th

DR Congo -41st

Tunisia-42nd

Ghana -45th

Morocco- 53rd

Algeria- 54th

South Africa- 64th

Uganda like always remains the top ranked side in the Cecafa region with Kenya following closely in 78th position. Rwanda are 118th, Ethiopia are 124th while Tanzania are 135th.

South Sudan have been one of the most improved sides raising 8 by places from 152nd to 146th position.

Uganda AFCON opponents

Uganda is pooled in group L of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier alongside Cape Verde,Tanzania and Lesotho.

Cape Verde are 82nd, Tanzania are a distant 135th while Lesotho languish in 149th position.

World Cup opponents

Uganda is in group E of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers with Egpty who are ranked 19th, Ghana are 45th and Congo Brazzaville who are 84th.

World’s top 10

Brazil

Argentina

Germany

Chile

Colombia

France

Belgium

Portugal

Switzerland

Spain

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President, Eng. Moses Hashim Magogo has been appointed in two positions.

Magogo has been named on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive committee and has been appointed a member on the CAF Reforms committee.

This was during the maiden CAF meeting under the leadership of new president Ahmad Ahmad which was held in Manama, Bahrain ahead of the FIFA Congress slated for Thursday.

Magogo becomes the first Ugandan to hold a position on the CAF executive committee since the formation of the federation in 1967.

The Fufa boss who is seeking his second term in office indicates, his appointment has been a result of the progress of football in Uganda and thus the people at the helm of football in CAF saw leadership in him.

“In recognition of the progress of football development in Uganda and contribution towards African football, I have been appointed a member of the CAF Executive Committee 2017 – 2021 and a member of the CAF Reforms Committee,” said Magogo as quoted by Fufa website.

The other appointments include Ghana’s FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi who was named the new 1st vice president while Constant Omari Sekemani from DR Congo who is the new 2nd vice president.

Nigeria’s FA boss Pinnick Amaju was named on African Cup of Nations and media committees while former Zambia FA President Kalusha Balya has been named the CAF technical director and also a member of the Development committee.

Djibouti’s Sulaiman Waberi will head the Referees appointments committee.

Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) ushered in a new executive on Sunday following a hotly contested election process held at the Lugogo indoor stadium.

Hot Pool club chairman Bob Trubish was voted the new president of PAU replacing Farouk Kisuze who did not return to contest for the seat.

Trubish beat off competition from Godwin Nakuru garnering 25 points, only three above Nakuru while outgoing vice President Umar Mutaaya only attained six votes.

An excited Tribush thanked delegates for giving him the mandate and promised to work for the betterment of the game of pool in Uganda.

“I’m delighted about the onus entrusted upon me, I thank the delegates for the mandate and I promise commitment and focus on developing the game of pool in Uganda,” he said.

In the other elective positions, Dr. Hilbert Mugabi was voted the vice President with 23 votes flooring Alex Katushabe and Ismail Kalibala who got 15 votes apiece.

David Mugabi was voted the Association’s Secretary with 38 votes edging past Connie Aradukunda who got 15.

Dennis Ngobi from scap buyers will be new spokesperson of PAU replacing Michael Mawanda. He got 27 points, one above Peter Kyobe.

Oscar Ocacakon(treasurer), Pascal Ssengo(tournament Secretary), Fauza Namuganza(secretary women affairs) and Jimmy Otim(secondary schools and institutions) all went through unopposed.

The new executive committee will lead Pool Association of Uganda for the next four years.

Uganda Premier League
KCCA FC vs Lweza FC
Phillip Omondi Stadium 4:30pm

Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) will win the league title on Tuesday should they earn maximum points against Lweza.

KCCA FC need just a point against relegation candidates Lweza to successfully defend the league title they won last season.

At 57 points, Mike Mutebi charges are 5 points above second placed SC Villa and with a game in hand. Therefore a positive result would mean SC Villa’s title hopes will be crushed with 2 games to play.

KCCA FC have enjoyed a smooth run in the past two weeks collecting nine points in their 3 league games including outwitting Kirinya Jinja SS 5-1 on Saturday. The other vital victories came against Express and JMC hippos.

They take on a Lweza side that are struggling to fend off relegation and every game at the moment matters to them.

The Orange brigade have the belief that they can beat the drop should they earn a good result away to KCCA FC.

“We are still confident that there is hope for us to survive. We just need to make sure we offer the best efforts in the remaining games,” said interim coach Hamza Kalanzi.

Lweza come into this game on the back of a commanding 4-2 victory against Express and this could spur them to another performance as they play KCCA FC.

The hosts will miss a couple of players including midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba who is still sidelined with a shoulder injury, Allan Okello is engaged with school duties at Kibuli SS at the ongoing National post primary tournament while Paul Mucureezi is expected to be rested.

Habib Kavuma and Dennis Okot too are likely to be rested with the coach opting for Paul Musamali and teenager Peter Magambo at the heart of defence.

KCCA FC who sit top of the table on 57 points won the first leg 1-0 courtesy of Geoffrey Serunkuuma. Lweza on the other hand have 28 points in 13th place.

Uganda Premier League
Vipers vs Onduparaka
St. Mary’s stadium 4:00pm

Games between Vipers Sports Club and Onduparaka FC have never come easy with either side targeting to go for maximum points.

In the two games the two teams have met, either side has won once with Vipers victory coming in the Uganda Cup while Onduparaka’s came in the league.

Ahead of the encounter this Tuesday at St. Mary’s stadium, Vipers will be seeking for revenge for the loss in the first leg.

Onduparaka won the reverse fixture 1-0 courtesy of Muhammad Shaban’s strike in the second half at the Greenlight stadium.

Vipers come into this game with a seemingly depleted squad following injuries and other commitments.

Moses Waiswa has failed to recover from a back injury he sustained in the game against KCCA FC and will continue on the sidelines.

Defenders Dan Bilikwalira and Halid Lwaliwa are also doubtful with the former struggling with a thigh injury while the latter is just recovering from Malaria.

Muhammad Shaban and Ceasar Okhuti who feature for Onduparaka will be blazing guns against their former masters.

The duo formerly featured for the Kitende based side before switching allegiance.

The caterpillars come with confidence into this clash on the back of a 2-1 win against Express with lanky defender Rashid Toga scoring both goals.

Vipers are third on the table with 46 points while Onduparaka are 5th on 41 points, five behind Vipers.

With Jinja Municipal Council Hippos football club already relegated, all the other three Jinja based teams are still engulfed in the battle to fend off relegation.

Sadolin Paints, Kirinya Jinja SS and BUL are all in the relegation mix with just three games to the end of the season.

And the derbies this Tuesday will have no other talking points other than the battle to survive the relegation monster.

BUL host bitter rivals Sadolin Paints at Njeru Technical centre, seemingly no distinction between the two sides.

Despite occupying 12th position on the table, BUL are just two points above Sadolin Paints who are second from bottom with just three games to the end of the season.

Both teams come into this game on back of defeats. Sadolin lost 2-1 at home to Saints a thing that compelled the sacking of head coach Simon Peter Kirumira and assistant coach Musafir Samadu while BUL lost with the same score away to Proline.

In the other Jinja derby, Kirinya take on already relegated JMC Hippos at Kakindu stadium seeking for redemption.

The school boys were condemned to their heaviest defeat in the league losing 5-1 to KCCA FC over the weekend.

Victory for Kirinya Jinja SS will bring sigh of relief and hope the other rivals stumble.

JMC Hippos are rock bottom on the table on just 7 points while Kirinya have 27points in 14th place.

Uganda Premier League
Vipers 4-1 Onduparaka

Vipers put up a masterclass performance to outwit Onduparaka in the game played on Tuesday at St. Mary’s stadium.

A brace from Erisa Ssekisambu and a goal apiece from Brian Nkuubi and Tony Odur ensured the reds eased past off colour Onduparaka despite Dickens Okwir scoring midway.

Vipers dominated proceedings right from start with Onduparaka seeming shaky especially in defence.

The caterpillars missed towering defender Rashid Toha who was suspended while Abraham Kakembo did not make even the bench. It was Mohammad Rashid and Simba Sibir who started at the heart of the defence.

Erisa Ssekisambu opened the scores as early as the 13th minute slotting the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Nadir Kasim.

The home side continued to be dominant a thing that frustrated the visitors with Shaban Muhammad and Caesar Okhuti going into the referee’s book for foul play.

Vipers were even rampant after recess creating several chances that they kept squandering until Brian Nkuubi doubled the lead.

The midfielder received a well laid pass from Tony Odur before sending a ferocious effort that kissed on the goal post before finding its way into the back of the net.

Onduparaka opted for changes bringing on Dickens Okwir for Kabon Living while Ceasar Omega replaced Ivan Mbowa.

Okwir tapped home from close range in the 79th minute to give Onduparaka hopes of a comeback but these were instantly extinguished with Sekisambu and Odur scoring in the 83rd and 86th minute respectively.

The result means Vipers remain 3rd on 49 points while Onduparaka also remain unmoved in 5th place on 41 points.

Vipers lineup

Ismail Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Dan Bilikwalira, Halid Lwaliwa, Geoffrey Wasswa, Deus Bukenya,  Keziron Kizito (51′ Allan Kayiwa), Brian Nkuubi, Tony Odur, Erisa Ssekisambu (88′ Alfred Leku), Brian Kakaire (80′ Milton Karisa)

Onduparaka lineup

Nasir Kasim, Alex Adriko, Saddam Norman, Simba Sibir, Mohammad Rashid, Ivan Mbowa (75′ Ajobe Toto), Ibrahim Faizul, Gaddafi Gadinho, Muhammad Shaban, Caesar Okhuti (68′ Caesar Omega), Kabon Living (56′ Dickens Okwir)

Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club will now play for pride after winning their second consecutive Azam Uganda Premier League, with 2 games left to the end of the season.

Two penalty goals from top scorer Geoffrey Sserunkuuma and Tom Matsiko cancelled out earlier heroics by Lweza fc goalkeeper Ivan Mutumba to ensure the hosts bagged all the 3 points at the Philip Omondi stadium on Tuesday evening.

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Supporters came in big numbers.

The Entebbe road based team had proved a hard nut to crack for KCCA in the first half, thanks to a great performance by their shot stopper but they were let loose in 60^th and 79^th minute after fouls on Derrick Nsibambi in the visitors’ 18 yard box forced the referee to award 2 penalties.

However, with only a few minutes to the final whistle, KCCA were dealt a blow after defender Timothy Awany was shown matching orders for arguing with the referee.

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Brian Majwega shields the ball from Lweza defenders.

Speaking after the game, KCCA coach Mike Mutebi  said his team would now go into their CAF Confederation cup fixture with Morocco’s FUS Rabat   over the weekend settled after winning the league.

“It is good we have won the championship with 2 games to go and we can now approach the continental game well,”he said.

He however warned that his team is going into the continental competition not for participation but to compete.

Mutebi also took a swipe at some of his players whom he blamed of acting childish.

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He blasted defender Awany for being shown a red card, a few minute to the end of the game  and goalkeeper Douglas Kisembo for some mistakes while playing.

“Why would a player quarrel with the referee with only 4 minutes to go? This Ugandan and unprofessional mentality will not be tolerated,” he charged.

He said Ugandan players have to learn to be professional in whatever they do on and off the pitch.

The KCCA tactician however boasted that his players have changed since the team took the league last season but said more is needed in order to perfect.

BUL and Kirinya earned the bragging rights in the Jinja derbies played on Tuesday to boost their hopes of beating the drop.

Kirinya who played against already relegated Jinja Municipal Council Hippos at Kakindu stadium put up a resuscitated performance to win 4-0 with relative ease.

On the other hand, BUL defeated 10 man Sadolin Paints 4-2 to brighten their hopes of surviving the relegation monster.

At Kakindu, Kirinya were rampant with George Ssenkaba opening the scores as early as the 10th minute before John Ssemazi who is on loan from Vipers doubled the lead 11 minutes later and Kirinya led 2-0 at halftime.

The school side continued their fantastic display even after recess with lanky midfielder Anthony Mayanja scoring the third goal.

Diminutive playmaker James Otim completed the rout with the fourth goal of the day with 15 minutes left on the clock.

The result means Kirinya move out of the drop zone to 12th on 31 points while JMC Hippo remain rock bottom on a meager 10 points.

At Njeru technical centre, BUL outclassed rivals Sadolin Paints to also keep hopes of surviving relegation afloat.

Villa Oromchan grabbed a brace while Fred Agandu and David Bagoole scored a goal apiece to help BUL win 4-2

Norman Ogik and Sijal Jamal scored for the painters while midfielder Dan Ekoyu was sent off for a second bookable offence at the hour mark.

BUL move to 10th place on 32 points while Sadolin remain second from bottom on 26 points.

Fresh from winning the Uganda Premier League, KCCA FC now shift focus to CAF Confederation Cup.

And ahead of their first group game against Morocco’s FUS Rabat due this weekend, team manager Mike Mutebi has named a team of 17 players to execute the duty.

Several players have been dropped either due to injuries or failing to make the cut as per the coach’s standards.

Midfielders Paul Mucureezi and Muzamir Mutyaba have been left out of the travelling squad due to injuries. Mucureezi suffered a groin injury in the 1-0 win against JMC Hippos last week while Mutyaba is still struggling with a shoulder injury.

Captain Dennis Okot has also been left out due to injury while goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan is suspended and will not be available for the game.

Youngster Allan Okello is away due to engagement with school duty at the ongoing National post primary tournament.

Experienced players Vicent Kayizzi, Robert Ssentongo and Nigerian import Sulaimon Akinyemi have all been dropped.

New recruit Saddam Ibrahim Juma has made the cut together with teenagers Lawrence Bukenya, Mustapha Kiiza and Noel Nasasira.

KCCA FC begin the group campaign against FUS Rabat this Saturday at Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Ol Hassan.

They are in group A alongside FUS Rabat (Morocco), Club Africain(Tunisia) and Rivers United (Nigeria)

The team has departed on Wednesday evening aboard Emirates airlines and will have a stop in Dubai for 4 hours before proceedings to Rabat on Thursday morning.

Full squad

Goalkeepers
Douglas Kisembo, Charles Lukwago

Defenders
Dennis Rukundo, Isaac Muleme, Mustapha Kiiza, Paul Musamali, Timothy Dennis Awany, Habib Kavuma

Midfielders
Ivan Ntege, Isaac Kirabira, Ibrahim Saddam Juma, Tom Masiko,Lawrence Bukenya, Brian Majwega

Strikers
Noel Nasasira, Geoffrey Serunkuuma, Derrick Nsibambi

Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) successfully defended the Uganda Premier League championship with two games to the end of the season after a 2-0 victory against Lweza at Phillip Omondi stadium on Tuesday.

The victory meant KCCA FC won the 2016/17 league title, the 12th in their history and the 3rd time they are winning it back to back.

Chimp Reports’ Joel Muyita points out 10 factors he thinks helped KCCA FC win the championship.

1- Management

Ask me a properly administered football club in Uganda and I will show you KCCA FC. From having a think tank(club board ) that is committed to see that the team grows stronger to a functional secretariat that carryout the day to day running of the club, KCCA FC have exhibited good administration.

2- The Manager

Love or loathe him, Mike Hillary Mutebi is a man of his word. Principled as the word comes, he is been a key factor in as far as retaining the league title is concerned. Not so many coaches in the league are committed to their jobs as Mutebi. His prowess does not only end on pitch but stretches to being a team manager who is always thinking about improving the team technically. And it would not be an overstatement to say, Mutebi is the best local manager at the moment.

3- Financial Muscle

You would struggle to find a team that is financially motivated in the league as KCCA FC. Besides being an institutional club, they have positioned themselves well to attract sponsors such as Star times, Prime Media and Britam Insurance.

It is not surprising that Star times renewed their sponsorship deal with KCCA FC to the tune of UGX 3.2 billion.

Therefore KCCA FC have been stable throughout the season in terms of paying players’ salaries and allowances while majority of the other clubs in the league have continued to struggle.

4-Player Transfer

KCCA FC comfortably did the best transfer business of the title challengers at the start of the season. Mike Mutebi identified the positions he needed to fill and the club moved quickly and decisively.

Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Isaac Kirabira, Isaac Muleme and Robert Ssentongo among others came with experience which has helped them retain the league.

5- Geoffrey Serunkuuma

The championship has Serunkuuma’s name written all over it. At his age (33 years), he is a true example of the adage ” old is gold.”

20 goals in a season is no small feat. In fact, he becomes the first player in 8 years to score 20+ goals in a single campaign. Peter Ssenyonjo (then at Police FC) scored 22 goals in 2008/09 season.

6- Depth in squad

KCCA FC have one of the best squads in the league balancing experience with fresh blood. From the goalkeeping department, to defence, midfield and strikers, the team is balanced and that has been a key factor.

Even when some players have struggled with injuries and form, the replacements have ably played to the expectations.

7- Inconsistent chasing park

KCCA FC have almost competed against themselves with the chasing lot being poor and inconsistent. Even when SC Villa came within breathing distance, they later on crushed. Vipers, URA FC and Express have all blown hot and cold.

8- Making Phillip Omondi stadium a fortress

No team has garnered points at home like KCCA FC. The champions elect have so far collected 39 points in 14 home games making Phillip Omondi stadium a fortress. The only loss came against Vipers last month.

9- Stability in Coaching staff

Of the 16 teams in the league, 11 ha e made changes in the coaching staff with only 5 sticking to the coaches that began the season.

This has helped Mutebi to express his ideas hence helping the team remain stable.

10- Playing on the continent

KCCA FC have improved a lot in terms of game approach, understanding of the game and being battle hardened after exposure on the continent.

The players have rubbed shoulders with the best teams on the continent like Mamelodi Sundowns and this has helped them to grow in confidence.

Uganda Cranes defender Shafik Batambuze has completed a move to join Tanzania Premier League.

The left back cum winger who plays for Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker FC sealed the move to join newly promoted Singida FC on a two year deal.

The agreement believed to have been signed on Tuesday was made public on Thursday with the brewers confirming the lanky swift fullback will move to Tanzania during the transfer period ( June) ahead of the 2017/18 Vodacom Premier League.

Batambuze played an integral role as Tusker went ahead to win last season’s league title under Paul Nkata playing 28 games and scoring three goals in return.

His performance earned him a call on the national team making his debut against Zambia last year and was later drafted in the final squad that represented Uganda at the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

Singida who won promotion to the Tanzanian top tier league are seeking to create a force in the league by signing several star players to rival traditional giants Simba, Yanga and Adam FC.

The two year deal will see Batambuze earn a monthly salary in the region of Ushs6 million while also earning a sign on fee of UGX 100M.

Born and raised in Bugembe, a surburb of Jinja town, Batambuze played for Villa Jogoo and BUL in Uganda before crossing to Kenya where he played for Sofa Paka, Western Stima and later on Tusker.

Express Football Club have been docked points by the Uganda Premier League for stadium violence.

According to the UPL Secretariat, Express fans led to the premature end of the game against Proline on Tuesday after pelting stones hence prompting match officials to abandon the game.

A letter dated 12th May 2017, written by Uganda Premier League CEO, Bernard Beinamani Bampaire says the red eagles failed to provide enough security to curb their fans.

“According to the official referees report, the home team (Express FC) failed to provide enough security and this gave room to their fans to throw stones hence abandonment of the game,” reads part of the statement.

The game played at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku was abandoned in the 47th minute after angry Express FC fans hurled stones towards the assistant referee following Nigerian defender Vicent Onyebuch fracturing his left leg. Therefore Express FC have been docked three points and three goals and also fined UGX 1M.

The judgement means Express remain 6th on 40 points while Proline move to 7th on 38 points.

This is not the first time, Express are facing a fine for stadium violence this season.

Last year in October, the team was fined after pelting stones towards match officials in the game against Kirinya Jinja SS and were forced to play their next home game against Bright stars behind closed doors.

Masaza Cup 2017
Buddu vs Mawoogola
Masaka Recreation ground 3pm

There is nothing that excites Buganda populace as seeing his Majesty the Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

And ahead of the 2017 Masaza cup opener between Buddy and Mawoogola, the anxiety and celebrations in Masaka have taken the town for the past three days.

Defending champions Buddu start the title defence against Mawoogola this Saturday at Masaka recreation ground.

Buddu head coach Steven Bogere is confident his team will have a perfect start to their title defence.

“We have prepared quite well. The team is in good condition and everyone in the camp is geared towards our first game,” he stated.

On the other hand, Mawoogola coach Brian Ssenyondo is optimistic that he can get a positive result against Buddy despite starting away from home.

“The preparations have been smooth and our target will be to get a positive result,” Ssenyondo noted.

The two sides were in the same group last season and Buddy won the home fixture 3-0 at Masaka Recreation centre.

Buddu won the championship last season defeating Gomba in penalties after normal time ended in a one all stalemate.