Express and Bunamwaya officials summoned

AFTER analysing match commissioner Hassan Basiisa's report on the aborted Bunamwaya versus Express FC Super League match, the FUFA disciplinary committee has summoned officials of the two clubs.

Unnamed officials of the clubs are expected to face the committee and give their side of the story over the match that aborted due to violence early in the month.

Committee chairman Canon Nsamba Bukenya said yesterday that they found it prudent to hear from the clubs before making a ruling.

“We could not pass a ruling. We shall possibly do it tomorrow (today) when we hear from the concerned clubs,” Bukenya said after yesterday’s meeting.

Fireworks in Super League

TODAY
Police v Express, 5PM
URA v SC Villa, 8PM
LIVE ON GTV

Record champions SC Villa are aiming to take advantage of reigning league title holders Kampala City Council FC’s slip up against Simba to force themselves into the race for this year’s Super League crown.

Villa needed a last minute goal to overcome Kinyara in their last outing and will be hoping for a better start when they face two-time winners Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) FC this evening. The game will be televised live by pay television company GTV.

In the absence of first choice custodian Yasin Mugabi who broke his neck on Tuesday, coach Sula Kato is expected to hand Robert Odongkara who graduated from the Villa Park Academy his debut.
Kato is confident his team can overcome URA and mount a challenge for the title.

“The team is steadily improving and ready to neutralise any threats from URA. They are the same players who beat URA home and away last season and I am sure they can do the same,” Kato told Daily Monitor.

Moses Basena’s URA have accumulated 19 points, five clear of Villa and can count on the attacking prowess of Eric Obua, Henry Kisekka and Martin Muwanga who have plundered more than half of URA’s goals.

A win for URA would propel them to the summit of the league, above Simba on goal difference. In the first fixture, new Police coach Angelo Lonyesi will be hoping to improve on the club’s dismal start to the season when they face Express FC.

Police are currently 14th with only 7 points from eight matches and need to begin winning to avoid getting sucked into the relegation dogfight. “We can’t afford to lose more points. It was a horrible start to the season and that has got to end, and today's match against Express is a must win game,” said Lonyesi. Strikers Peter Ssenyonjo, Abraham Nega and Bruno Olobo must be at their best to rescue the sinking cops.

Players to exhibit diverse skills

SOCCER and basketball players will have a chance to display their diverse skills in the Freestyle Skills contest at Lugogo this weekend.

The competition, the first of its kind in the country, will have a show of acrobatic and athletic movements with the ball at Lugogo synthetic hockey pitch.

Crown Beverages, uganda telecom and Euro Asia Sports Centre are the sponsors of the competition organised by Crystal Marketing, a new promotions company in Kampala.

This weekend’s contest is one of the three preliminary events before the finals slated for October 25.

“The contest is open to all people with the guts and skills. The main aim is to develop skills and ball control for budding talent in football and basketball,” Crystal Marketing’s Joseph Miiro said.

The overall winner will be entered in a regional championship due in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

FUFA to ask Simbwa to return to Cranes

SIMBA FC’s good start to the Uganda Super League has forced Cranes techinical bench to consider recalling coach Ssimbwa to the national team as an assistant to Robert Williamson.

Following the departure of Sam Timbe who moved to Rwandan side ATRACO FC, the techinical committee are debating the possibility of either Ssimbwa or Kobs coach Jackson Mayanja returning. They were both sacked just over two months back.

A source in FUFA confirmed yesterday that the federation was toying with the idea of bringing back one of the two former KCC FC players.

FUFA vice president technical Asuman Lubowa could neither confirm nor deny the debate. “We need an assistant coach but I can’t tell you who he is now. We are waiting for Williamson to return and we shall involve him to pick one," Lubowa said.

Cranes head coach Williamson returns tomorrow from Scotland where he had gone to attend his father’s funeral.

FUFA sacked Mayanja and Ssimbwa as assistant coaches to former Cranes tactician Laszlo Csaba in August following constant disagreements between the retired national team players.

Mayanja and Ssimbwa accused each other of seeking personal favours from Csaba during the Cranes 2010 World and Nations Cup qualifiers against Angola and Niger at Namboole.

But they remain immediate options ahead of URA FC's Moses Basena, clubless former Cranes coaches Mike Mutebi and Frank ‘Video' Anyau to replace Timbe. Ssimbwa's Simba FC leads the league table while Mayanja's Bunamwaya lie mid-table.

SC Villa triumph, Express held

Results
SC Villa 3-2 Kinyara
Iganga 0-0 Express
Today
Sharing v Victors

Yusuf Juuko grabbed an injury time winner as SC Villa recorded a narrow 3-2 Super League victory over Kinyara at Namboole yesterday.

Juuko had provided the assist for Geoffrey Luuto to give Villa a first half lead but Gideon Ssekamwa levelled for the visitors on 58 minutes. Confusion in the Villa defence provided Ssekamwa an opportunity to put Kinyara ahead on 74 minutes, sounding drums of a second straight loss for the Jogoos.

Six minutes later, Emma Okwi grabbed Villa’s leveller from the spot after he had been brought down in the box before setting up for Juuko to score a priceless injury time winner.

Second half substitute Isaac Kisujju had to stand in the posts for over five minutes after SC Villa goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi picked an injury and Kinyara were unlucky to lose the game. Express FC were meanwhile held 0-0 by home side Iganga.

Cranes to play final CAF tie against Benin on Saturday

UGANDA Cranes will play their last 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin on Saturday, October 11, a day earlier than planned.

Continental football governing body CAF has ordered that all Group Three matches be played at the same time to avoid a possible syndicate. Angola plays Niger on the same day.

Uganda and Angola are fighting to secure second place in the group which is the only ticket to advancing to the next stage of qualifiers.

Uganda (7 points) has an inferior goal-difference and can only advance if they beat Benin and Angola falter against Niger.

FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa told the PostBank FUFA weekly press conference in Mengo yesterday that a squad of nine professional players including goalkeeper Posnet Omwony and 20 home-based players will start training next week.

Cranes coach Robert Williamson, who went to Scotland to attend his father’s burial, returns on Saturday.

Omony drives away, Express await FUFA verdict

FOOTBALLER of the Year Brian Omony drove off yesterday with his award, a Toyota Corona car.

The KCC player, flanked by his coach George Nsimbe, received the car keys from Nile Special Brand Manager Timothy Kayondo at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.

He won the Anfield Communications organised inaugural Nile Special and FUFA top award last weekend. Other winners will receive their cash prizes later this week.

Sharing 2 Victors 2

Simon Serunkuuma helped Kakungulu Cup holders Victors FC to a priceless 2-2 draw against an enterprising Sharing FC in the Uganda Super League at Nakivubo yesterday, reports Fred Kaweesi.

The league debutants however, felt hard done by after twice taking deserved leads through Musa Nuru and Walter Simiu in the 13th and 77th minutes respectively. Eric Sebuguzi snatched Victors’ first goal before Serunkuuma’s equaliser.

Express will know their fate today, when FUFA makes a ruling following the Red Eagles abandoned Super League match against Bunamwaya. The FUFA Competitions Committee asked Express to defend themselves against accusations of inciting their fans to force the abandonment.

Proline Academy players set for Europe

After just two years of existence, Proline Soccer Academy (PSA) will achieve one of its long term goals when three of their youngsters join professional clubs in Europe.

Midfielder Simon Mbaziira (17), left back Alex Kakuba (17) and St. Mary’s Kitende S.6 leaver Robert ‘Wurube’ Lopidia (16) have been in Durban, South Africa having trials at Sibaya Bootlaces Football Academy for over a month. They were also part of the PSA team that toured England in April this year.

The Academy is owned Pinhas ‘Pini’ Zahavi, who is arguably football’s supreme fixer and deal-maker. He also helped facilitate the takeover of two English Premier League clubs by fellow associates, Chelsea Football Club by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, and Portsmouth Football Club by French businessman Alexandre Gaydamak.

“I am glad to announce to you that the three players passed their trials and the assessment reports I received were very impressive,” Mujib Kasule, PSA director told the press.

Kakuba was the most impressive player scoring A on his assessment report.

“Alex is an outstanding and highly self-motivated team player with a strong mentality,” the player’s report reads. However Kasule could not reveal the clubs the trio will join.

The Academy, brain child of Kasule, was launched by Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United defender last June during his visit to the country.

Early this year the Academy boys visited England and played some matches with youth team of West Ham and Portsmouth before touring Manchester United training Centre at Carrington, where they met Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Academy side participated in Uganda knocked out competition, Kakungulu Cup last season reaching semi-finals before losing 2-0 to Super League side Kinyara.

FIFA wants super league professionalised

THE world soccer governing body, FIFA, is to help Uganda professionalise the Super League through the ‘Win Africa for Africa’ programme.

FIFA’s East, Central and South Africa regional development officer Ashford Mamelodi yesterday told the FIFA Futuro Level III administration course attendants that FIFA has set aside money to help African countries professionalise their leagues. This is intended to help the local leagues draw more sponsors, crowds and improve competition.

“This should be before the 2010 World Cup. We will assess your top leagues in terms of organisation and performance.

"A pilot project in Tanzania, Lesotho and Botswana has worked (out well). We want it for the whole of Africa and there are funds for that,” said Mamelodi at the course at the Golf Course Hotel.

The workshop was opened by sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi.
Participants from 12 countries are attending the course.

Mamelodi however said that clubs must have a good organisational structure with offices, a permanently employed officer and a training ground since this is the backbone for football.

“We need to have a starting point. We want capacity building for clubs. We have to meet the club heads to discuss the way forward before we start facilitating them,” said Mamelodi.

He added: “We will then hold a coaching course and also provide all the premier league clubs equipment for training including football, shoes, gloves, nets, goal posts and goalkeeper gloves among others.”

Mamelodi said that the objective of all this is to help clubs embark on the road to professionalism within the next years, and to attract more corporate sponsors.

Simba beat KCC to go top

Twenty four hours after being voted the Best coach of the Year, George Nsimbe, KCC FC tactician, lost his 20 match unbeaten run which had stretched for nearly six month.

The 10-man reigning Uganda Super League (USL) champions KCC FC lost 2-1 away to Simba who also knocked them off the top of the table.

In other matches, URA FC took advantage of KCC’s defeat to move to 19 points three behind new leaders Simba after beating Mbarara United 2-1.


Sharing beat Kakira 1-0 away, Maji recorded a 2-1 home win over Bugerere while in Lira, homeside Boroboro and Police drew 0-0 and it was the same score line between Nalubaale and Victors.

Simba playing in front of their fans in Bombo barracks, were 2-0 up after 63 minutes following goals by Godfrey Wakaza‘s 40th minute penalty awarded after KCC defender Ausi Kaaya handled in the box and Willy Kavuma scored in the 63rd minute). Kaaya was sent off by referee Gerald Ddunga.

Newly crowned Footballer of the Year Brian Omony pulled one back seven minutes from full time but the army side held on to their win to end KCC’s perfect start to the season.

Sam Ssimbwa, former KCC player and coach of Simba was full of praise for his team for beating KCC and going top of the table. “This was no easy win as KCC pushed us all the way despite not playing well,” Ssimbwa said.

However, Ssimbwa was bitter with some section of KCC fans that resorted to abusing the soldiers. “The bad behavior of some KCC fans was uncalled for,” he said.

His counterpart Nsimbe, for his part blamed the referee for his side’s defeat. “He awarded an offside goal and denied us a clear-cut penalty. Maybe he was intimidated by playing in the barracks,” he said.

He added: “Now the record is over but the title race is just beginning. I told the boys not to lose hope following the defeat. At the same stage last season, we had lost many points but ended up champions. We have dropped only three points.”

In Mbarara, URA battled from a goal down to beat home side Mbarara United 2-1 at Kakyeka.

John Seruwu put the hosts ahead five minutes before halftime. But the 2007 Champions clawed their way back with goals by Patrick Okech and Eric Obua.

Abbey Kavuma scored twice as Maji beat Bugerere 2-1 while Erias Lubambula grabbed the only goal for Sharing in a 1-0 win over Kakira.

Suspended Otti Confident of Away win in Iganga

UGANDA SUPER LEAGUE
Bunamwaya 2 Youfra 1
Today
Villa v Kinyara
Iganga v Express

SUSPENDED Express coach David Otti is confident that even from the stands, he can inspire the Red Eagles to an away win today.

Express travel to Ssaza ground for a date against Iganga with Otti serving his last match in suspension. “We are looking forward to victory,” said a confident Otti, whose side on Friday beat arch rivals Villa with the veteran tactician in the stands.

“What’s most important is the team’s state of mind. I believe the boys will implement what we’ve been training in order to get maximum points,” added Otti, who was suspended for two matches for allegedly inciting violence in a match against Bunamwaya.

As the Eagles dare to soar over Iganga, the Jogoos will be hosting Kinyara at Namboole in a match coach Sula Kato believes should be a springboard to better results.

After a shaky league start, Kato believes his encounter with Kinyara provides the perfect opportunity to reverse his fortunes.

“It’s time we also stood out as serious title contenders,” said the former Cranes and Villa left winger, insisting it was time to exert pressure on KCC and URA.

Kato observed that his team couldn’t be in a better state of mind. “There are not only no injuries but the boys also want the points especially after their recent loss to Express.”

To Kinyara coach, Leo Adraa, the match is one where caution will be crucial. After beating Police FC in August, Kinyara lost to Simba and Nalubaale and held Express to a draw.

Yuda Mugalu netted a brace as Bunamwaya leaped to the seventh place on the Super League table with a 2-1 win over Youfra at Nakivubo.

Mugalu pounced on a Caesar Okhuti through pass to pick the first goal in the ninth minute and doubled the score after he dribbled through the defence and shot past Youfra advancing goalkeeper Joshua Opok. Jasper Jingo scored for Youfra.

Omwony is Footballer of the Year

Kampala City Council (KCC) FC striker Brian Omwony was named Uganda Footballer of the Year for 2008.

He became a proud owner of a brand new Toyota Corona UAL 353A worth $6,000 – the most lucrative reward for a Ugandan footballer and cash prize of $600.

The awards, the first of its kind in Uganda history was held at Golf Course Hotel on Saturday night.

Thirsty six coaches from the Uganda Super League voted for a player hardly known 12 months ago.

Omwony shrugged off challenge from Cranes skipper Ibrahim Sekagya (Red Bull Salzburg), SC Villa playmaker Steven Bengo and Bunamwaya’s Caeser Okhuti.

The 22-year old forward, shrugged off the underdog status to the other nominees who are all seasoned national team players as his 15 goals last term led KCC to their first League crown in 11 years.

“I am so happy to receive this award and dedicate this to my late dad who always believed in me. I also thank the my Coach (George Nsimbe) who gave me the opportunity,” said the humble Omwony in his acceptance speech after receiving the award from Charles Bakkabulindi, the Sports Minister.

Sekagya, 28 took home two awards, the Professional Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolades.

Having secured 37 points from a possible 39 in 13 games he was in charge to win KCC their 8th league title after 11 years of waiting, Nsimbe was the obvious choice for the Coach of the Year prize.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) FC goalkeeper Abbey Dhaira was named Most Promising Player for 2008.

Nile Breweries through their brand Nile Special are sponsoring the awards to the tune of $220,000 for the next three years.

Footballer of the Year
Brain Omwony (KCC)

Professional of the Year
Ibrahim Sekagya (Red Bulls Salzburg)

Coach of the Year
George Nsimbe (KCC)

Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Ibrahim Sekagya

Most Promising Player
Abel Dhaira (URA FC)

Best XI: A. Dhaira (Express/URA), S. Masaba (Police/SC Villa), G. Walusimbi (SC Villa), M. Doca (URA), J. Owino (SC Villa/URA), J. Bagoole (URA), D. Wagaluka (URA), W. Kavuma (Simba), B. Omwony (KCC), S. Bengo (SC Villa), S. Sserunkuma (Victors FC).

Hearts coach Csaba asks court to dismiss Fufa case

Former Cranes coach Laszlo Csaba has asked court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Federation of Uganda of Football Associations (Fufa) against him. Through their lawyers Muwema, Mugerwa and Co Advocates, Csaba argued that Fufa does not exist in law and therefore has no cause of action to sue him.

Csaba was responding to a civil suit filed by the federation against him demanding Shs324m in compensation for breach of contract after he quit the Cranes’ job in June. Fufa accused Csaba of terminating a four-year contract prematurely.

According to his defence filed on Tuesday at Kampala High Court, Csaba says that Fufa “failed to procure for him a work permit frustrating his employment.” The Hearts FC coach further blamed Fufa for failing to pay his salary on time and failure to give him a driver.

He also accused the federation of failure to pay school for his child, and refusal to provide treatment to his immediate family members and clear his utility bills. According to the contract signed on July 10, 2006, Csaba was supposed to pay US$200,000 (about Shs320m) if he did not complete the contract.

Fufa claim that since July 11 when Csaba terminated his contract, he has refused to pay the money as required. Fufa further claim they have suffered as a result of the loss of Csaba’s services. They want him to pay damages, interest, compensation and the costs of the suit.

Express must watch Bengo

Uganda super league Today:
Express FC v SC Villa
WHEN the stakes are high and the assignment at hand massive, one needs to rely on what inspires him most.

It is to this effect that 16-time league champions SC Villa will place their derby hopes on youthful Steven Bengo in their first away tie against rivals Express FC at Wankulukuku.

Fixtures between the two sides have never been short of drama. And while domestic football prepares for yet another landmark game between the two that might present a stern inquisition into both clubs’ season goals, there are indications the high-profile game could still be decided by the 21-year-old.

Bengo was everything exciting about Villa’s dominance over Express last season, his contender for goal of the season the icing on their first round 1-1 draw at Namboole. He struck a classic as the Blues swept past the Red Eagles with a 1-0 win in the second round. Villa faithful feel that no other player will shape the destiny of today’s game.

Those who put a premium on flair love his capacity for the unexpected. Others admire the way he laces his virtuosity with industry and unselfishness.

It is a fact that Villa possesses a string of gifted footballers such as league lead scorer Emmanuel Okwi but for today, it will be vital that Bengo keeps his composure.

Express’ coaching staff will certainly send their charges out with an ultimatum of denying the youngster space and dead-ball situations.

Jimmy Muguwa looks certain to keep faith with the team that gained a decent 1-1 result against Kinyara in Masindi but will be forced into early changes if they give the ball away cheaply, a major factor in a couple of their recent league matches.

“We have to pass the ball better otherwise it will be difficult to go the whole way,” he stated earlier.

Express will be expected to play a patient game, trying to frustrate their opponents who need to win to keep table leaders KCC FC in sight.

Mukasa Kivumbi adds that Nalubaale FC coach Marin Dorian is to leave soon.

Club owner Steven Njubi confirmed yesterday that James Magala, who has been Dorian’s assistant since he was hired January last year, would take up the job.

Njubi said the coach has problems with his family in Syria. But Sources said the man got scared when fans attempted to beat him when the club started the season poorly.

Dorian is the best paid local club coach in Uganda with a monthly package of sh8m.

* Iganga FC coach Kefa Kisala has said he will throw in the towel should club officials continue to exert pressure on him, adds Swalley Kenyi.

Iganga officials gave Kisala an ultimatum to improve or be fired ahead of Iganga’s 1-1 drawn match against Boroboro.

But Kisala said after losing to Police on Wednesday he was ready to leave if he was the cause of their poor performance. “I better leave peacefully. I don’t want to sign a contract.”

Iganga has picked only two wins and a draw in six matches so far.

----------------------------------------
Past head to head MEETINGS SINCE 2001

2007/8
1st round
Express 1 Villa 1
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
2007
1st rd
Express 0
Villa 0
2nd rd
Villa 1 Express 0
2006
1st rD
Villa 1 Express 2
2nd rd
Express 0 Villa 1
2005
1st round
DiDn’t meet because of group format
2004
1st round
Villa 1 Express 2
Express 0 Villa 0
2003
1st round
Villa 0 Express 0
2nd round
Express 2 Villa 0
2002
1st round
Express 0 Villa 0
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
2001
1st round
Villa 1 Express 1
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0

SOS withdraws Obua charges

THE chairman of Save Our Soccer (sos) Aldrine Nsubuga, has withdrawn charges of embezzlement against Denis Obua.
Obua is the former boss of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations.

SOS in 2005 dragged Obua and his former secretary Haruna Mawanda to court for allegedly failing to account for sh104m that belonged to the soccer body.

However Nsubuga, through Muwema and Mugerwa Advocates, has written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requesting him to drop the charges.

According to the letter, Nsubuga states that Obua has since furnished SOS with the necessary accountability of the money.

The letter requested the DPP to discontinue the prosecution of Obua as their client was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

The letter that was addressed to the DPP and referenced ‘Criminal Case No. 549 of 2005, Uganda vs Obua, states in part: “Your office took over conduct of the case, but since then the accused furnished accountability for the funds claimed to be and our client is satisfied with the explanation.”

SOS had filed the charges in public interest alleging that the two had failed to account for the money during their tenure of office.

The DPP, early this year, dropped the charges against Mawanda after he had satisfactorily made his accountability.

Nalubaale lose Eritrean kingpin defender

Eritrean national team captain and Nalubaale defender Elias Digbasey was carried off on a stretcher with a fractured leg during their Uganda Super League home game against Kinyara at Buikwe on Wednesday. The Eritrean, on a two-year contract with the lakeside outfit, was rushed to Nsambya Hospital immediately. But the home fans felt Kinyara’s Aloysius Matovu was at fault with the tackle that could rule out Digbasey for the rest of the season. Nalubaale won the game 1-0

Nsimbe floors URA’s Basena

KCC FC coach George Nsimbe won a battle of coaches’ egos with a 2-0 win over Moses Basena’s URA in the Super League encounter at Nakivubo. In Buikwe, Nalubaale’s Eritrean import Elias Dibaze was carried off with a broken leg.

Jeremiah Ssebuyira and Brian Omwony struck on 56 and 78 minutes respectively to maintain KCC’s 100% record and extend their stay on top of the league table and an unbeaten run to 21 games.

While the marksmen did their work, KCC’s upcoming goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan foiled attempts from Patrick Ochan, Ismail Kigozi and Martin Muwanga in daring fashion. URA has to blame their top scorer Muwanga, who on four occasions, failed to control the ball, with the keeper at his mercy.

“I am impressed. The players are playing as a unit since I took over,” Nsimbe said after the match.

The title chase intensified with Simba’s Godfrey Wakaza registering a brace and Willy Kavuma adding another, as the soldiers beat visiting Maji at Bombo, to leap-frog URA to second place.

Police beat visiting Iganga TC with a lone goal courtesy of Abraham Nega’s 72nd minute header at Namboole.

Moses Lutwama struck in the second half to salvage a point for hosts Bugerere, after Mbarara United’s Simon Olivier had put the visitors ahead in Ntenjeru.

Victors ran riot in the second half to down hosts Kakira, who had taken a first half lead through Crespo Asiku at Bugembe.

Goals from Simon Sserunkuma, Julius Ogunde and Idris Kaye saw the visitors take home maximum points while Dennis Kizito’s 20th minute strike helped Bunamwaya beat hosts Boroboro in Lira.

However, in Buikwe, Police had to escort Kinyara goal scorer Aloysius Lubega off the pitch, after Nalubaale fans threatened to beat him.

Lubega tackled Dibaze, who fell awkwardly to break his foot in the game.

----------------------------
uganda super league
KCC 2 URA 0
Bugerere 1 Mbarara 1
Police 1 Iganga 0
Kakira 1 Victors 3
Nalubaale 2 Kinyara 1
Boroboro 0 Bunamwaya 1
Simba 3 Maji 0

Salzburg count on Sekagya to stop Kanoute

UEFA CUP
Sevilla v Salzburg

AUSTRIAN Champions Red Bulls Salzburg will need a fully fit Ibrahim Sekagya and a repeat of the fantastic support that they have enjoyed on European nights previously as they seek to pull off a UEFA upset against Spanish side Sevilla tonight.

The cliche of ‘having nothing to lose’ is most appropria

Publish Post

te for Salzburg, who will make the potential fixture determined to maintain their amazing start to the season.

FC Salzburg and Sevilla both have grand designs on establishing themselves among the European elite this season but something will have to give when they go head to head in the Uefa Cup first round.

Sekagya’s Salzburg drew Freddie Kanoute’s Spanish outfit for a double-header that will pit the Cranes captain against a side that won the UEFA Cup in successive seasons under Coach Juande Ramos in 2006 and 2007 before playing in the Champions League last season.

Other than Kanoute, Sekagya will also have to contend with Sevilla danger-man Luis Fabiano.

The Brazilian will shoulder Sevilla’s attacking burdens ahead of Diego Capel.

Dhaira off to Turkey for Trials

Cranes and URA goalkeeper Abbey Dhaira leaves on Tuesday morning for professional trials in Turkey despite the closure of the transfer window on Monday.

The 21-year–old custodian confirmed his travel plans to Turkey. He had to with draw from Cranes team traveling to Niger for 2010 World Cup/MTN Africa Cup of Nations qualifier set for Sunday.

“I will spend two weeks with four Turkish Super Liga sides Denzlispor, Kocaelispor, Antalylispor and Ankaraspor,” he said.

Dhaira also expressed readiness to take on the European challenge. "Of course I am nervous but I believe in myself and I know that I can make it. However I need prayers from all Ugandans." he concluded.

However, if the youthful keeper succeeds, he will have to wait until the transfer window opens in January 2009.

Cranes coach Bobby Williamson gave the green light to the move as well as URA FC through Club Chairman David Sserebe.

When contacted, Sserebe confirmed the development. "We are aware (of the move) and if he gets permission from FUFA, we will not have any problem. It is for both his own good and that of the Cranes," Sserebe said.

FUFA Publicist Rogers Mulindwa for his part said that the federation had not received official communication in regard to the matter but when asked if they would grant him leeway, he said, "Why would we stop him?"

First custodian

If he succeeds, Dhaira will be the first Ugandan goalkeeper to play professional football in Europe, but will be the second Ugandan footballer to play in Turkey after the late legendary Majid Musisi.

Dhaira’s stock has risen over the last year thanks to his brilliant displays in goal for Express and his current side URA.

The tall shot stopper made penalty saves that enabled Express and URA to advance in African and regional competition respectively this year.

He has a mighty kick, sharp reflexes and imposes himself well inside the penalty box. Dhaira is son of former Nytil, Nile, Express and KCC goalkeeper Bright Dhaira.

Dhaira off to Turkey for Trials

Cranes and URA goalkeeper Abbey Dhaira leaves on Tuesday morning for professional trials in Turkey despite the closure of the transfer window on Monday.

The 21-year–old custodian confirmed his travel plans to Turkey. He had to with draw from Cranes team traveling to Niger for 2010 World Cup/MTN Africa Cup of Nations qualifier set for Sunday.

“I will spend two weeks with four Turkish Super Liga sides Denzlispor, Kocaelispor, Antalylispor and Ankaraspor,” he said.

Dhaira also expressed readiness to take on the European challenge. "Of course I am nervous but I believe in myself and I know that I can make it. However I need prayers from all Ugandans." he concluded.

However, if the youthful keeper succeeds, he will have to wait until the transfer window opens in January 2009.

Cranes coach Bobby Williamson gave the green light to the move as well as URA FC through Club Chairman David Sserebe.

When contacted, Sserebe confirmed the development. "We are aware (of the move) and if he gets permission from FUFA, we will not have any problem. It is for both his own good and that of the Cranes," Sserebe said.

FUFA Publicist Rogers Mulindwa for his part said that the federation had not received official communication in regard to the matter but when asked if they would grant him leeway, he said, "Why would we stop him?"

First custodian

If he succeeds, Dhaira will be the first Ugandan goalkeeper to play professional football in Europe, but will be the second Ugandan footballer to play in Turkey after the late legendary Majid Musisi.

Dhaira’s stock has risen over the last year thanks to his brilliant displays in goal for Express and his current side URA.

The tall shot stopper made penalty saves that enabled Express and URA to advance in African and regional competition respectively this year.

He has a mighty kick, sharp reflexes and imposes himself well inside the penalty box. Dhaira is son of former Nytil, Nile, Express and KCC goalkeeper Bright Dhaira.

URA shuns Atraco men

URA FC officials yesterday snubbed Rwandan side Atraco whose officials had sneaked into the country to finalise deals with the taxmen’s player Johnson Bagoole.

Atraco were also interested in Police head coach Sam Timbe.

URA team manager Idris Ssesanga confirmed that Bagoole met the unidentified officials at a secret location in Kampala.

“They did not tell us that they were coming so we were not ready for them. But Bagoole met them although he is yet to brief us,” Ssesanga told The New Vision yesterday.

Meanwhile, Police is looking for a local tactician to replace Timbe who has already informed the club of his impending departure.

BATABAIRE IN

Sunday
Niger v Uganda
Benin v Angola

CRANES stalwarts Timothy Batabaire, Denis Onyango and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma gave Bobby Williamson a degree of relief by joining the rest of the team yesterday.

The South Africa-based trio was thus the only arrivals, with the European-based Nestroy Kizito, Abubaker Tabula and Mike Serumaga expected today.

Tabula confirmed his arrival. “I should be in Kampala tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2pm. I would have come earlier had I been informed that there would be tickets in time,” the Sundsvall defender stated.

The arrivals will come as welcome news to Cranes boss Williamson, who had till now been reduced to using fringe players in camp.

By Tuesday, a couple of the team’s first team players were still stranded at their respective clubs in Europe, with their travel tickets yet to arrive.

Andrew Mwesigwa and Geoffrey Massa were quick-witted enough to finance their flights. But Europe-based stars Denis Obua, Kizito, Tabula and Sserumagga were still waiting for their return tickets. The team departs tomorrow.

Dhaira off to Turkey
URA FC goalkeeper Abbey Dhaira has left for trials today with Turkish club Fernabahce.

Sekagya, Obua to join Cranes in Niamey

Cranes new coach Bobby Williamson, who started his work on Tuesday, will have little time to assess professionals Ibrahim Ssekagya and David Obua.
Cranes resume their 2010 World Cup/MTN Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Niger on September 7.

Fufa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Masembe told KickOffEastAfrica.com that tight schedule had made it impossible for the Cranes stars to connect through Kampala. Sekagya, captain of the side plays his club in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg while Obua has just joined Scottish side Hearts.

“We have done everything possible to ensure that the players get the best ahead of the Niger game, an advance team has already booked Hotels in both Bamako, Mali and Niamey where the Cranes will stay,” said Masembe.

A 30 man Cranes contingent that will have a night’s stopover in Bamako, Mali, departs on September 4 aboard a Kenya airways flight.

In 2006, despite biased refereeing from match official Badra Diatta the Cranes put up a spirited performance to secure a goalless draw.

Asked about a scenario where the duo doesn’t turn up, Masembe said that they had got assurance from them that they would be available.

Meanwhile Bobby Williamson has described his first training session with the Cranes as an enjoyable breakthrough in both Ugandan and African football.

The Scottish tactician together with his assistants Sam Timbe and David Otti took 13 players through early morning drills at Namboole. The other foreign based players will join the camp early next week before the team departs for West Africa.

Players in training: Abel Dhaira, Musa Doca, Julius Mulindwa, Simeon Masaba, Lawrence Ssegawa, Joseph Owino, Steven Bengo, Joseph Kabagambe, Ronald Muganga, Owen Kasule, Johnson Bagoole, Patrick Ochan and Martin Muwanga.

Sekagya tops Nominee’s list

Uganda Cranes captain Ibrahim Sekagya tops the list of the inaugural Nile Special Fufa awards 2008 scheduled for September 21.
Sekagya, 28 who plays his club football with Austria club Red Bull Salzburg, is nominated for three awards.

“We have short listed the names for Fufa awards in five categories and Sekagya tops the lot,” Aldrine Nsubuga Snr. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anfield Communications Ltd, the organisers of the event told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

Sekagya is in line for Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Professional and Football of the Year.

URA FC goalkeeper Abby Dhaira is nominated for Most Promising award along with Mike Azira (SC Villa) and Mike Mutyaba (Bunamwaya).

George Nsimbe who guided KCC FC to first league title in 11 years is in line for best coach award.

Nominees for Most Valuable Player (MVP)
1. Ibrahim Sekajja (Red Bulls Salzburg)
2. Steven Bengo (SC Villa)
3. Abby Dhaira (Express/URA)
4. Bryan Omwony (KCC)

Nominees for Best Professional
1. Ibrahim Sekajja (Red Bulls Salzburg)
2. Eugene Sseppuuya
3. Mike Serumaga
4. David Obua (Kaizer Chiefs/Hearts)
5. Timothy Batabaire (Celtic)

Nominees for Footballer of the Year
1. Ceasar Okuthi (Ediofe /Bunamwaya)
2. Steven Bengo (SC Villa)
3. Ibrahim Sekajja (Red Bulls Salzburg)
4. Bryan Omwony (KCC)

Nominees for Most Promising Player
1. Mike Mutyaba (Bunamwaya)
2. Abby Dhaira (Express/URA)
3. Mike Azira (SC Villa)

Nominees for Best Coach
1. George Nsimbe (KCC)
2. Sula Katto (Victor/Villa)
3. Dorian Marin (Nalubale)

Fufa drags Csaba to court

If you thought the fall out between Fufa and former Uganda Cranes coach Lazslo Csaba ended, think again.

Now the federation through Kiwanuka, Karugire and Company Advocates has sued Csaba claiming he terminated his four-year contract prematurely.

Csaba resigned on July 10, 2008, exactly half way through his four year contract.

According to the contract, Csaba would pay US$200,000 if he quits his job.

The federation through its lawyers claims Csaba has failed to comply with the document he duly signed.

“The defendant (Csaba) has despite repeated demands failed, neglected, to pay US $200,000 as agreed between the parties,” a document submitted to court claims.

Fufa further claims it has suffered greatly having lost the services of Csaba under the agreement. They want him to pay damages, interests, compensation, and the costs of the suit.

Csaba in his resignation letter countered that Fufa breached the contract when they failed to provide him a driver and items like a pay TV decoder.

Csaba, who is now with Scottish side Hearts further claims Fufa delayed paying his salary and that there were inconsistencies in paying fees for his child, water, power and medical bills.

High Court registrar Roy Byaruhanga has given Csaba 15 days to file his defence.

Fufa replaced Csaba with Scotsman Bobby Williamson last month.