Uganda Cranes darling captain and goalkeeper Dennis Ongango Masinde is among the many sports personalities disagreeing with FUFA’s proposal of reducing the Uganda Premier League clubs to 12 teams.
It should be noted that FUFA targets a reduction in the Uganda Premier League from 16 to 12 effective 2021/21 season, a proposal which ‘Mr Safe Hands’ disagrees with.
While appearing on NTV’s Sports show via Skype, Onyango said that reducing the clubs will decrease on the players’ chances of playing in top flight and suggests an increase in the participating numbers instead.
“Before making any decision, you have to ask the clubs since they are the majority stakeholders of football and my view is that the teams should not be reduced because it may decrease on the players’ chances of playing in top flight,” he said.
“The teams should be increased rather because Uganda has thousands of players and reducing on the number of teams will see their chances of playing in top flight decline. This will also mean that few stadiums will be used yet there is need to spread the game more to different parts of the country”
As the whole world is on a lock down with all sports disciplines suspended and football inclusive, Mamelodi Sundown’s first choice custodian believes the break is a blessing in disguise to injured players who will return at the climax of the quarantine.
“All the leagues are in a break which I think is a blessing in disguise for many of the injured players at Mamelodi Sundowns and it will help some of our injured players return.”
“Although we had picked momentum but we had played many games and there were still many tough games and crucial games in the corner so I think we needed this break” he added.
Giving his closing remarks, Africa’s finest urged Ugandans to stay indoors, social distance and maintain hygiene to avoid the spread of the pandemic Covid19.
“Am at home and it has been two weeks since we last played in the Nedbank Cup. It’s been tough but we have to remain in shape as players, I normally train with my kids and follow the club’s instructions accordingly in a bid to remain in shape.
“I urge fellow Ugandans to abide by the ministry of Health and president’s directives aimed at combating this global disease. Stay in house, practice social distancing and improve on the diet to stay safe.”
In the Premier Super League in South Africa, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have 44 points in the second position, four shy of leaders Kaizer Chiefs on the table standings.