Express match decision on Tuesday

The Fufa Competition Committee (FCC) will give its verdict on Tuesday regarding the Bunamwaya against Express Uganda Super League (USL) match that was abandoned last Friday.

Bunamwaya had taken a 1-0 on 36th minutes when Express fans disputed the goal.

“We are waiting for the referee’s match report which will be presented to the committee. We will give the verdict by Tuesday depending on what transpired in the game,” said Moses Magogo, secretary of the Competition Committee.

However, Magogo was quick to add that the rules and punishment are clear in case one party causes the abandonment of a match.

“A team or its follows that causes the match to abort, loses three points and two goals. The committee can add further punishment depending on match commissioner’s report,” went on.

Trouble started when Tony Odur (Bunamwaya) scored with a header, referee Ali Kalyango allowed it to stand. But in the build up assistant referee Hillary Kimbugwe had flagged for offside only to put the flag down when the goal went in.

“The whole stadium saw the assistant’s flag up and referee should have consulted his colleague before allowing the goal,” Express veteran Coach David Otti said after the match.

He added: “Am not surprised with the fans action, refereeing decisions went against us. Even the linesman had raised his flag for an offside.”

Last season, Express fans were also involved in hooliganism during a League match against Police.

The competitions committee awarded three points and two goals to Police. SC Villa was also punished for similar reason following their fan’s behaviour against Victors.

KCC march on, Express match abandoned

Defending champions KCC FC maintained their hundred percent start with a 1-0 win over bogey side Maji while the Bunamwaya against Express match was abandoned following crowd violence.

Elsewhere, in the Uganda Super League, there were wins for URA, Simba and newly promoted Youfra FC.

KCC skipper Sam Mubiru netted from the spot, five minutes into second half after Mubarak Tenywa, playing against his former club handled in the box.

The win was the 18th in 19 matches since George Nsimbe took over as coach in April this year.

And the way his team battled on a soggy pitch following heavy rains an hour before kick-off delighted Nsimbe. “This has been the most difficult match we have played this season,” Nsimbe said.

He added: “The pitch was in a very terrible condition. We could not play our usual passing game but the boys adapted well and it is good to maintain our good start.”

At Nakivubo, referee Ali Kalyango abandoned the match with only 36 minutes played. Express fans contested Tony Odur’s header claiming assistant ref Hillary Kimbugwe had flagged for offside. But the referee stood his ground.

“The whole stadium saw assistant’s flag up and referee should have consulted his colleague before allowing the goal,” Express veteran coach David Otti said.

He added: “Am not surprised with the fans action, refereeing decisions went against us. Even the linesman had raised his flag for an offside.”

The Iganga game against Nalubaale was also abandoned due to heavy rain with the visitors leading 1-0.

URA the 2007 Champions had to wait until the 73rd minute when Tony Mawejje scored the all important goal. The win puts URA back in second place on 13 points, two behind leaders KCC. They are joined by Simba who beat Kinyara 2-1 away. Mudde Musa and Chris Kasega scored the goals.

In the clash of newly promoted sides, Youfra beat Bugerere 1-0 at home. It was the first goal scored and win by the northern region based side.

Champions KCC take on bogey side Maji

KCC FC plays away to bogey side Maji in one of the seven Uganda Super League matches this afternoon. The reigning League champions will be out to maintain their impressive unbeaten run and perfect start to the new season under coach George Nsimbe.

To date, KCC has won 17 matches and drawn once (against Villa) last season since he took over in April this year.

In the process, the team has banged in 31 goals and letting in five but when we reminded him about his achievements, the shy coach said: “I did not know that under my leadership the team has not lost a single match. It is a good run but one day it will end.”

Nsimbe added: “Maji a stubborn side who always give us a lot of problem. But we have prepared well save for the few injuries.”

Anthony Bongole and Jeremiah Subuyira are major doubt for the match.

Maji will parade two former KCC players in on defender Mubarak Tenywa and midfielder Haruna Mulindwa. “The two had good time with us but decided to move on,” Nsimbe concluded.

Elsewhere, URA who led the table for the opening two weeks hosts Police at Mandela Namboole. KCC will be monitoring the match with interest. A win for the tax collectors will have them take over as leaders if KCC lose. KCC lead URA by two points.

Other matches feature, Mbarara United take on Kakira at home, In Lira, newcomers Youfra will not only be hunting for their first Super League win, but also their first goal in the top division against fellow new comers Bugerere.

Bunamwaya play Express, Iganga host Nalubaale and Kinyara take on Simba in Masindi.

Today (Friday)
Bunamwaya v Express
Iganga v Nalubaale
Maji v KCC
Kinyara v Simba
Mbarara v Kakira
URA v Police
Youfra v Bugerere

Celtic net Ugandan hitman

South African Premiership side, Bloemfontein Celtic, have made another addition to their squad ahead of the new season by signing Ugandan striker Geofrey Sserunkuma.

Sserunkuma, who previously had a short stint in South Africa with Benoni Premier United, now known as Thanda Royal Zulu FC, has signed a one-year contract with Celtic.

Celtic manager Khumbulani Konco has confirmed the signing of the Ugandan, who also played for St George FC in Ethiopia.

"We have reinforced all our departments, but we have still been struggling to find a quality striker," he says.

"In the few weeks he has trained with us, Sserunkuma has proved to be very good striker and that’s why we didn't hesitate to sign him.

"We have just completed his signing this morning and have handed him with a one-year contract."

Konco said they will be making one more new signing before the transfer deadline on Friday.

URA Surrenders Perfect Start

URA FC coach Moses Basena was a disappointed man after his team failed to convert a number of chances created against Bunamwaya in a Uganda Super League match played on Sunday.

The tax collectors surrendered their hundred percent record after the match ended 0-0.

“It was a good game for us. But on the other hand disappointing after we failed to score for the first time this season,” Basena Said.

He added: “But I was happy we did not concede goals. That was the positive in the match.”

The draw leaves URA in second place along with Simba two points behind reigning league champions KCC after four games.

The match saw top strikers Martin Muwanga (URA) and Ceaser Okhuti (Bunamwaya) both battling for Cranes starting place come face to face.

Muwanga wasted as host of chances to add to his five goals so far this season while Okhuti was off colour. SC Villa’s Emma Okwi remains the top scorers with six goals.

Jackson Mayanja, coach of Bunamwaya was equally happy with the result. “I have no complaint with the result. Both defence were on top of the game for the majority of the match,” Mayanja said.

“The focus now turns to our next match against Express on Friday,” he added.

Fufa boss involved in serious accident

Fufa president Lawrence Mulindwa survived a serious accident when his Toyota Land Cruiser rolled several times in Lwera on the Kampala-Masaka highway.

The Regional Police Commander, southern Andrew Sorowen, explained that Mulindwa’s car - overturned several times after hitting a pothole as he was trying to avoid another vehicle from opposite direction.

Mulindwa, who was heading to Lukaya for a football function, suffered multiple cuts but was reportedly to be out of danger.

The accident spot has had several accidents, many of them involving buses.

However, the other passenger in his car Obua Ssengendo broke his right leg. The two were later transported to Kampala International Hospital for further observation.

Mulindwa applauds coach Bobby Williamson

A meeting between the Cranes new tactician and his two assistants has given FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa an image of a better man manager than his predecessor Laszlo Csaba.

Minutes after a press conference in which Robert ‘Bobby Williamson was unveiled at FUFA house on Tuesday, the Scotsman called a meeting with Sam Timbe and David Otti to ask for their support.

But Otti, the Cranes’ psychologist, said in an interview after the meeting that he needs more interaction with Williamson to asertain his personality.

They also discussed how best to handle the current squad of the Cranes to get the best out of them.

“He has an attitude that does not undermine anyone. That is what we were missing in our coaches. I also like his ambition to learn from the new environment unlike coaches who came here previously,” Mulindwa praised Williamson in an interview yesterday.

“He was eager to meet and discuss with the people he is going to work with. We have just had a technical meeting with him, Otti and Timbe,” Mulindwa added

Mulindwa said that Williamson would only sign a long-term deal depending on his performance against Niger and Benin.

“What these people (Ugandans) want are results,” he stressed.

KCC hit Iganga to go top as Villa smash Sharing

Kampala

RESULTS
KCC 2-0 Iganga
SC Villa 6-0 Sharing
Maji 3-2 Boroboro
Express 0-0 Mbarara
Simba 1-0 Victors
Youfra 0-3 Nalubaale
Kinyara 2-1 Police

Emmanuel Okwi continued his excellent start to the season when he scored in his fourth consecutive game as SC Villa demolished league debutantes Sharing FC 6-0 in a GTV Super League game played yesterday at Namboole.

Okwi’s hat-trick and Andrew Nkurunungi’s brace put Villa right in the thick of the race for the league title. Stephen Bengo also netted for the record champions.

Champions Kampala City Council FC meanwhile won their fourth game in a row to open up a three point advantage atop the table. Patrick Ssenfuka netted his third goal as a substitute as George Nsimbe’s side beat Iganga Town Council 2-0.

Nsimbe has remarkably won 17 of his 18 games since taking charge of KCC. In Masindi, goals from Hesborn Mundia and Sam Nadduli gave Leo Adraa’s Kinyara all three points as they edged 2005 champions Police 2-1.

Peter Ssenyonjo netted Police’s consolation goal. In Bombo, Sam Simbwa’s Simba beat Paul Mukatabala’s Victors 1-0 to move into second place on the league table.

But five-time league champions Express FC failed to build on their good start to the season when they were held to a barren draw by ten-man Mbarara United.

Nalubaale FC meanwhile hit newly promoted Youfra 3-0 to offer a respite to troubled coach Dorian Marin.

KCC to miss Omony but happy Sebuyiira is back

KCC FC’s march to a first league title in 10 years last season owed much to the fearless attitude of their central strikers.

Pundits even suggested that if the Super League champions were to stand a chance of defending the title, forwards Brian Omony and Robert Ssentongo would have to hit the ground fast and running.

To the contrary, Ssentongo has had to lead the lines without his accustomed partner Omony, currently absorbed with examinations at Kyambogo University.

KCC will yet again have to rely on their wide-players and central midfield to try and dispatch Iganga TC in a fixture that will strengthen their position close to the top.

Aside from Patrick Senfuka and Vincent Kayizzi, who have a couple of goals to their name this season, the club will be pleased to have Jeremiah Sebuyiira back.

The 22-year-old has made good progress from the ankle injury he sustained against Youfra last week and will re-assume the playmaking mantle.

“He looked in fine shape yesterday and should be on top of his game against our opponents,” said KCC boss George Nsimbe.

KCC beat Iganga twice last season, 2-1 in the first round and 1-0 in the return match at the Ssaza grounds.

SC Villa are at home to Sharing, while 2005 league champions Police make a challenging visit away to Kinyara in Masindi.

Meanwhile, Kakira FC came from a goal down to pick their first point against fellow newcomers Bugerere when Henry Kabasala headed home for a 1-1 result at Kakindu Stadium yesterday.

Bugerere had gone into an early lead courtesy of Charles Kaggwa’s tap in five minutes after kick off in the tightly contested match.

---------------------------------------
National super league
Kakira 1 Bugerere 1

Today
KCC FC v Iganga
Simba v Victors
Youfra v Nalubaale
Express v Mbarara
SC Villa v Sharing
Maji v Boroboro
Kinyara v Police

Obua handed shirt 17 at Hearts FC

David Obua today insisted it was an easy decision for him to reject an offer from West Ham United to pursue his career with Hearts.

Although the London club and Serie A outfit Chievo were keen to secure the services of the Ugandan international, there was only ever going to be one destination for the 24-year-old once he knew Csaba Laszlo wanted him to sign for Hearts.

Obua admitted that it his ultimate ambition one day is to play in the English Premiership but for at least the next four years his focus is firmly on bringing success to Tynecastle.

Speaking at yesterday's press conference when he was officially unveiled to the media following the successful work permit appeal, the new arrival said: "I had an offer from West Ham in England and Chievo were also interested in me.

"I had a decision to make but to be honest it wasn't a hard one for me. I had only one goal - to play for Csaba Laszlo. He was my manager at Uganda for two years and got the best out of me. I played with my heart for him and he is the reason I came to Hearts and I am very happy to be here

"I want to help Hearts get back into the UEFA Cup or Champions League and all my team-mates feel the same.

"We will be fighting together to achieve that goal."

David picked up a rib injury during the Jambos' pre-season tour to Germany, the problem setting him back slightly in his pursuit of match fitness for the start of the season.

The versatile midfielder, who was a free agent after leaving Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa, reckons he is a couple of games away from reaching his optimum level.

"In maybe two or three games I'll be there and I have to work hard with the fitness guys at the club," he said.

"Of course I will have to adapt to the Scottish game but every time you play in a different country you have to adapt.

"The game here is a bit faster and more physical than what I have been used to but that won't be a problem.

"I love what I do and I will play with passion for the fans."

Uganda name new coach

Uganda have named Scotsman Bobby Williamson as the man to take them to the World Cup in 2010.

The former Chester, Plymouth, Kilmarnock and Hibernian coach has signed a two-year deal with the Cranes.

He takes over from Csaba Laszlo, who left Kampala to take over Hearts in the Scottish Premier League.

The 47-year old was unveiled by the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (Fufa) at a news conference on Tuesday.

"I am happy to be here to start a new challenge in Africa", he said.

Fufa President Lawrence Mulindwa said they have secured a young coach who will take the Cranes to the next level.

"It has taken us over a month to get a replacement for Csaba, but the wait has finally paid off with a young, qualified and highly experienced coach," he said.

Although Fufa refused to disclose the contract with Williamson, sources said the Scottish born coach put pen to paper on a two year deal.

Any extension depends on Uganda's performance in the 2010 Nations and World Cup qualifying campaign and other tournaments within that period.

Williamson starts work next week, a few days before Uganda travels to face Niger away on September 6 in a crucial qualifying tie.

The coach will be assisted by two Ugandan coaches, Sam Timbe and veteran David Otti.

Obua In Line For Debut

Uganda’s David Obua has stepped up his training with his new Scottish club, Heart of Midlothian, at their Riccarton facility in Edinburgh.

The 24-year-old Cranes international, who can play anywhere on the left hand side, finally put pen-to-paper on a four year contract on Monday with his manager Lazslo Csaba by his side.

He is now in line to make his long-awaited debut on Saturday away to St Mirren.

“I am happy to be back after a long wait,” said Obua on the club’s website on Monday. “The club did a lot to get me here and they fought so hard to get my work permit. I thank them so much. I cannot wait to meet the fans and to go on the pitch with the team.

“In each game I am going to play there will be a lot of pressure but I am ready if selected to play on Saturday.” he concluded.

Csaba, on his part, said that he is delighted to sign the player whom he has groomed for the past two years.

“He is now injury free and a good additional to the team,” Csaba said.

Hearts opened their SPL campaign with a 3-2 win over Motherwell but lost 2-0 to Glasgow Rangers over the weekend.

Meanwhile, another Uganda international player, Dan Wagaluka, has begun his trials at SPL side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

"It can be difficult for foreign players coming into this league and we have to see if they can handle that,” Inverness manager Craig Brewster said.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who turns out for Uganda Super League table-toppers URA FC, travelled to Scotland last week.

Bunamwaya lose six points

BUNAMWAYA FC has suffered an early setback in 2008/2009 Super League, losing six points for fielding a suspended player.

The Competitions Committee ruled yesterday that Bunamwaya forfeits three points to Kinyara and another three to Nalubaale for fielding Hakim Senkumba who was yet to serve his suspension carried forward from last season where he played for Kinyara.

Committee secretary Moses Magogo said that it was discovered that Senkumba was sent off in the 2007/8 league match between Maroons and Kinyara.

Senkumba had served his suspension in only one match in the 2007/8 season. He was supposed to miss three matches.

“In pursuant to rule L44 of the 2008/9 Super League, the results of the match have been annulled and Nalubaale FC has been awarded three points and two goals for that match. Kinyara Sugar FC has also been awarded three points and two goals,” Magogo said in a statement last night.

Senkumba will still serve his suspension of two extra Super League matches.

URA return to league without Wagaluka

URA will take on Maji in  a Super Division soccer league game today determined to prove that there is still life at the club even without play maker Dan Wagaluka.

The pocket-sized midfielder finally left for week-long trials in Scotland on Wednesday taking with him the club’s ‘heart and soul’.

However at Namboole, URA coach Moses Basena will challenge his charges to prove to domestic football that the 2006 league champions have never been a one-man team.

Club lead striker Martin Muwanga has had a fine season so far with three goals and a place in the Cranes team as the reward for his exploits.

Muwanga will yet again lead the club’s strike force in a game the tax collectors must win to keep in touch with table leaders KCC FC.

At the same time, Patrick Ochan and Martin Muwanga have been called to Cranes squad of 23 players to prepare for the away World/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger on September 7.

Acid test for Nalubale coach

TODAY
Nalubale v Boroboro
URA v Maji
Mbarara v Kinyara
Victors v Express
Bunna’ya v Police
Bugerere v Iganga
Simba v Sharing

Nalubaale FC’s Romanian coach Dorian Marin faces the sack today unless his team can beat Boroboro in the National Super League. Marin needed Police protection after fans rioted in protest against his presence at the club.

Nalubaale have lost two game in a row. They fell to Bunnamwaya 0-1 and 1-2 to Simba, much to the chagrin of the fans who were baying for his blood. Boroboro coach George Lutalo is also facing a similar fate unless he can come up with a result at Buikwe.

“Nalubale was just lucky to beat us last season. Because of the GTV schedule, both rounds of our games were played at Nakivubo. This time we are going to humiliate them in their own backyard because we can not travel that long journey and we easily succumb to a defeat,” club official Dennis Akwa said.

Boroboro is boosted by the return of first choice goalkeeper Frank Oringa from Kampala City Council FC and the timely recovery of Jacob Ottong who was the club’s leading scorer with seven goals last season.

Elsewhere, Kakungulu Cup winners Victors FC host Express FC at Kakindu Stadium as Moses Basena’s Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) face Maji at Namboole. Bunamwaya faces Police at Nakivubo Stadium.

Sekagya scores again in Uefa Cup

Ibrahim Sekagya scored his second Uefa Cup goal of the season as Red Bull Salzburg took a giant step of qualifying for group stage.

The Austrian side beat Suduva Marijompola (Lithuania) 4-1 away on Thursday.

The return match is scheduled in two weeks time.

Just like in a match against Armenia's Banants in the earlier round, the Uganda defender scored the opener after 42 minutes to cancel out the home side’s goal which came after 31 minutes.

In the second half striker Marco Janko scored a brace from the spot (57, 61) and Mahop put the result beyond the Lithuanian team.

The win was a perfect response for the 28-year old Cranes skipper who was sent off on Sunday during his team’s 3-2 defeat away to Austria Vienna over the weekend.

Sekagya has now scored three goals this season.

Sekagya was voted Player of the Year by his Austrian club last season.

The defender joined the club last July from Argentina side Arsenal de Serandi for 1.5-million Euros.

Kinyara petitions Bunamwaya win

With the season barely three weeks old the first controversy has cropped up after Kinyara FC petitioned Fufa Competition Committee (FCC) over Bunamwaya win.

Bunamwaya won the match 2-1 when the two teams met in a Uganda Super League match last Friday in Masindi.

The team from western region claims that Bunamwaya used a player who was serving a ban after he was sent off towards the end of last season.

“We handed in our petition on Monday along with $50 petition fees,” David Benkya, club secretary told KickOff EastAfrica.com.

The letter states that Bunamwaya player Hakim Ssenkumba was sent off while playing for us (Kinyara) during the second last match of last season against Maroons. He missed our last match of the season against Express.

The player featured for his new club against Nalubaale in the opening match of the season, putting on jersey number 9 and a week later played against us putting on jersey number 27.

Moses Magogo, secretary of the FCC confirmed receipt of the letter.

“I have received the letter and will contact other members of the committee so that we meet on Saturday for action,” he said.

“If Bunamwaya were at fault, the rules are clear. They will forfeit the match,” he added.

However, Haruna Kyobe, secretary of Bunamwaya says that they have no case as the player served the ban last season.

The club, whose patron is the Fufa president Lawrence Mulindwa, has won both their opening two matches and recruited heavily in the off season.

Wagaluka begins trials at Inverness

URA FC’s midfielder Dan Wagaluka has left for Scotland to start professional trials with at Scottish Premier League side, Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC.

URA official Nixon confirmed Wagaluka departure for professional trials.

“Wagaluka is joining the Scottish team for trials and if all goes well, we hope to conclude the deal before the transfer deadline at the end of the month,” he told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

“We also sent them some video recordings of his Cranes games,” the official added.

If deal goes through the 22- year- old will become the second Ugandan player to join Scottish football.

Last week, David Obua was granted a work permit to join Hearts.

URA signed Wagaluka from SC Villa 16 times Uganda champions in 2004. He helped the team to the league title in 2007. He is also a regular in the Cranes.

He move to Inverness ended speculation that he would join his former coach former Cranes coach Laszlo Csaba at Hearts.

Fufa approves Simba Stadium

Fufa Competition Committee (FCC) has confirmed that Simba FC will play Sharing FC in a USL fixture on Friday. The stadium is situated in Bombo Barrack, 34km north of Kampala.
“We are satisfied with the revamping of the stadium and have given the army club the go ahead,” Engineer Moses Magogo, secretary of FCC, told Kick Off East Africa.com.

Asked whether it is healthy to play league matches in barracks, Magogo replied: “As competition committee, we are satisfied with the player’s safety. If the fans misbehave, the club knows the consequences.”

Simba, on Monday, received a boost towards the renovation of their stadium when City Tyres and City Oil companies handed the $3000 to Brigadier Hussein Adda, chairman of the project.

“In the past seasons we have been spending money to hire pitches in Kampala, but we felt we could do better with our home ground,” the chairman said.

Simba, who struggled last season, have opened the new campaign with two wins in as many matches.

Nalubaale coach survives angry fans

Police came to the rescue of Nalubaale FC’s Romanian coach Dorian Marin after the team lost for the second time at home in as many matches.

Police had to fire in the air to disperse the crowd.

The big spending club has yet to win in the current 2008/09 Uganda Super League campaign.

Marin has a one-year contract which expires next February

They lost 1-0 to Bunamwaya last Sunday and on Friday went down to 2-1 to army side Simba FC which forced the home fans to take law in their own hands demanding for the dismissal of the Romanian coach.

The fans gave the Romanian coach ultimatum to win their next match against Boroboro at home next Friday.

But Isaac Mukasa, Chief Executive Officer of the club dismissed the fans actions. “This is an administrative issue and the fans should stay calm and give support to the team,” Mukasa told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

“The management is yet to meet over the team’s performance as the season is only two matches old. Marin has a one-year contract which expires next February.”

The Romanian joined the club early this year from Syria where he was coaching a local club. He also coached Eritrea national team.

Nalubaale invested heavily by recruiting a Nigerian striker Jonathan Algbe Osemekial and also making Gefrrey Sserunkuma move a permanent from Western Province United in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Boroboro Tigers coach George Lutalo is also under pressure after the Northern region team lost their second match. Boroboro went down 1-0 to league champions KCC at home.

“Lutalo is one of the best coaches around and will stay with us,” Denis Akwi, club secretary said.

Champions KCC leave it late

For the second week running striker Patrick Ssenfuka came to the rescue of defending League champions KCC FC with a late winner.

Ssenfuka netted in the 88th minute to guide KCC to victory against Boroboro Tigers 1-0 in Lira to the delight of coach George Nsimbe.

“It was a difficult match but the boys were up to it,” Nsimbe told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

The 2007 champions URA FC came from a goal down to beat Iganga Town Council 2-1 at Ssaza Grounds to go top of the National Super League table on goal-difference.

Martin Muwanga scored twice to take his season’s tally to four.

“It is still too early to start celebrating but the two wins gives us confidence,” Moses Basena coach of URA said.

At Namboole, SC Villa recorded their first win of the season edging out Lira side Youfra courtesy of an Emma Okwi goal.

In Masindi, Cranes striker Caesar Okuthi grabbed his first goal of the season to give new coach Jackson Mayanja a winning start. Bunnamwaya beat home side Kinyara Sugar Works 2-1.

Aloysius Lubega had given Kinyara the lead in the first half before Boban Zirintusa levelled matters a minute into the second half.

Police FC also recovered from last week’s defeat as they overcame Kakira 1-0 at Bugembe Stadium.

Express also recorded their second win in as many matches beating Maji 2-1 while Victors and Mbarara drew 1-1.

Simba, Express, Bunnamwaya, KCC and URA are joint table leaders with six points from two games apiece.

Okwi hits a brace as SC Villa outwits Kakira

Super League:
SC Villa 4 Kakira 1
KCC 2 Youfra 0

EMMANUEL Okwi is a man on form and enjoying every bit of his life at Villa Park. The 24-year-old yet again proved decisive against league debutantes Kakira at Namboole Stadium, with a well-taken brace that inspired SC Villa to a 4-1 win over the Jinja-based team.

Villa will certainly hate being labeled a one-man team but the club’s second consecutive win yesterday justified why the Jogoos do not need Oscar Kadenge after all.

Okwi, who had scored in two of Villa’s previous matches, outwitted left Kakira players to plunder his first season double in the second half.

Chrisestom Ntambi scored Villa’s third. Geoffrey Luutu had opened the scoring for the side. Ali Okito pulled one back for Kakira from the spot.

At Nakivubo Stadium, KCC FC impressive start to the season gathered momentum with goals by Sam Mubiru and Vincent Kayizzi after the break.

Meanwhile, URA’s Dan Wagaluka left for Scotland yesterday for trials with first division side Iverness.

Champions KCC go top

Reigning League champions KCC FC have maintained their good start to the season after a 2-0 win over newly-promoted side Youfra at Nakivubo Stadium on Wednesday.

The win puts them top of the table with nine points from their opening three matches, at least for 48 hours.

URA will regain top position on goal difference if they win their match at home to Maji on Friday.

Sam Mubiru (46 min) and Vincent Kayizzi (72 min) scored the goals.

But George Nsimbe, the coach of the team that has stretched their undefeated run to 16 matches (15 wins, 1draw) since he took over the reins in April, was not happy with his team’s showing.

“We were below par but I will take the win,” Coach Nsimbe said.

Rivals Villa recorded their second win of the season with a resounding 4-1 win over another newly promoted side Kakira Sugar FC. Striker Emanuel Okwi is Villa man on form, scoring twice to take his tally of the season to four goals.

The 24-year-old striker was promoted to senior side from Jogoo Young, the club’s junior side.

Chrisestom Ntambi and Geoffrey Luutu were the other scorers. Ali Okito pulled one back for Kakira from the spot.

The League resumes on Friday with seven matches.

Chaos over inaugural FUFA awards

AN ugly fight is brewing between Anfield Communications and soccer governing body FUFA over the handling of money generated for the Awards Night.

The controversy surrounding the inaugural FUFA Awards Night flared when the federation and Anfield Communications, the firm contracted to manage the event, disagreed on who should handle the funds generated for the occasion due to be held in Kampala on September 20.

The disagreement follows the sh360m sponsorship deal that Anfield secured for the function from Nile Breweries on Tuesday.

Anfield CEO Aldrine Nsubuga had earlier on secured funding for the event from National Insurance Corporation, National Social Security Fund, Coca Cola, Lion Assurance and Radio Two. All along FUFA has been unbothered until Anfield got sh360m from Nile Breweries.

While Anfield signed a 3-year deal with Nile Breweries and although they are yet to receive any cash, FUFA wants all the money raised to be deposited on its bank account and not that of Anfield.

“Nile Breweries was very clever. The dummy cheque they presented indicated FUFA and not Anfield. We commend Anfield for creativity. But we cannot entrust federation money with an individual. We shall give the money to Anfield in bits,” FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa said at their weekly press conference at Mengo yesterday.

But Nsubuga said how the money will be spent over the three years is the responsibility of his company.

“Nobody will tell Nile Breweries how to dispense the money. There is no third party known anywhere in the awards sponsorship deal,” Nsubuga explained.

Sekagya sent off for Red Bulls

Uganda Cranes skipper Ibrahim Sekagya was sent off in Red Bull Salzburg’s 3-2 defeat away to Austria Vienna at the weekend.
The defeat, first of the season, denied them going top of the table. They slipped to fifth place with 11 points from six matches, two off leaders Sturm Graz. It was also the first defeat of the season under their new Dutch coach Jacobus Adriaanse.

The 28-year-old defender, who was the captain of the day, received his marching orders in the 82th minute for a second bookable offence with the score level at 2-2.

Red Bull were 2-0 up on the hour with goals by Anis Boussaidi (2nd min) and Marc Janko (56th), but the home side hit back, first by Mario Bazina (62nd), then Okotie (70th) before Senegalese Mamadou Diabang scored the winner in the 90th minute.

Sekagya was voted Player of the Year by his Austrian club last season. He joined the club last July from Argentina side Arsenal de Serandi for 1.5-million Euros.

Obua wins work permit appeal

Hearts have made their first signing of the summer after winning a work permit appeal for highly-rated Uganda star David Obua.

The 24-year-old, who can play anywhere on the left- hand side, had initially been refused a work permit to join up with former international boss Csaba Laszlo at Tynecastle.

But an appeals panel which sat at Hampden Park on Wednesday, approved the work permit for the player, who has been capped over 20-times for Uganda and who had been attracting the interest of English Premiership side West Ham.

Apparently it took Csaba Laszlo 90 minutes to convince the people that he deserved one.

“Uganda are outside the required world ranking level but it does provide a useful indication of what a good player David is that the work permit review panel granted the permit,” said Hearts managing director Campbell Ogilvie.

“David is sure to be a valuable addition to Hearts even although he is still a young player he has achieved great success and is likely to impress our supporters.”

Obua joins the Scottish Premier League (SPL) on a free transfer after his contract with Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa ended on June 30.

Obua was Cranes top scorer in the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers with five goals and was voted Chiefs best player in 2006.

Obua will fly out to Scotland today. He is likely to miss Hearts’ opening league match of the season at home to Motherwell.

KCC win League opener against SC Villa

KCC FC coach George Nsimbe opened the season were he left off in May guiding his team to a 2-1 over eternal rivals Sports Club Villa in Uganda Super League at Mandela Namboole National Stadium.
Halftime was 1-1.

In the earlier match Victors scored a narrow 1-0 win over 2005 champions Police at the same venue.

The win was also the first for KCC against Villa since 2006 when striker George Sserunkuma scored the only goal.

Nsimbe, who took over the club in April, has yet to lose a match since he took over after Moses Basena crossed to URA FC. In his 14 matches in charge, he has recorded 13 wins and one draw against Villa last May.

But it was Villa who went ahead after 20 minutes thanks to Emma Okwi. But the reigning League Champions took only seven minutes to level the score. Winger Vincent Kiyizzi scored from 30 metre free kick.

KCC wrapped up the game in the 76th minute when Patrick Ssemanda was left unmarked to score in an empty net off a Kayizzi cross.

Nsimbe could not hide his delight after putting one over rivals. “It was a perfect start for us in a very difficult match. Villa also had chances to win the match,” Nsimbe told KickoffEastAfrica.com.

Sula Kato, Villa’s new coach was left to rue missed chances and will now have to lift the side ahead of the second match this Friday at home to newly-promoted Youfra FC.

“We have a week to collect our mistakes. The boys played well but luck was also not on our side,” Kato said.

Last season there were no goals between Police and Victors in 180 minutes and it looked like another stalemate until Edirisa Kaaye scored for Victors from 30 metres.

“It is still a long way to go but my strikers just like last season let me down,” Sam Timbe coach of Police said.

Mayanja unveiled as Bunamwaya Coach

Jackson Mayanja has been unveiled as the new coach of Uganda Super League side Bunamwaya. Until his appointment on Sunday, Mayanja was linked to Scottish side Hearts’ assistant coach job.

I have signed a two year deal with Bunamwaya and will begin work on Monday

Jackson Mayanja

Mayanja, once assistant to Lazslo Csaba during his time with Uganda Cranes confirmed his appointment.

“I have signed a two year deal with Bunamwaya and will begin work on Monday,” Mayanja told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

Mayanja also revealed that Richard Wasswa who has been the coach will remain as his assistant.

Mayanja was a free man for the past one year after failing to agree on a new contract with KCC. He had previously coached URA FC.

Meanwhile, Bobby Williamson, the former Kilmarnock and Hibernian manager, has been briefed by the Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo on life in Uganda.

Williamson has expressed an interest in succeeding Laszlo as manager of the Ugandan national team, and the Hearts coach painted a positive picture yesterday of a job which he left abruptly to move to Edinburgh.

Uganda lie third in African Group Three, the first stage of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and Laszlo believes a manager who came in and helped them qualify would become a national hero.

"You have two games, against Benin and Niger, and if you win the two games you are the ‘King of Uganda’," he said, although in reality there would still be a long way to go before a place in the finals was secured. Fufa is expected to name a new coach by August 15.