Anyau brags about Victors

Newly appointed Victors head coach Frank ‘Video’ Anyau has immodestly stated that Victors can win the African Confederations Cup this year.

The flamboyant coach has also warned his rivals not to write off Victors chances of winning the Super League for the first time. “I have no doubt these boys are too good and can win the Confederations Cup. They are young men who are hardworking and very willing to do anything,” the brazen Anyau said.

Victors won the Kakungulu Cup last year to earn the right to represent Uganda in the Confederations Cup.
League champions KCC FC will compete in the preliminary stages of the African Champions League, bidding to become the first Ugandan side to reach the lucrative group stages of the competition.

The last Ugandan side to reach a final of a continental club competition was SC Villa in 1991, and it lost to Tunisia’s Club Africain 7-3 in the two-legged final of the African Club Championship.

Express and KCC were losing semi-finalists in 1995 and 1997.

Ahly to face Coton Sport in final

Egyptian side Al Ahly will meet Cotonsport of Cameroon in the final of the 2008 African Champions League after beating Enyimba 1-0 in Cairo on Saturday.

The five-time champions beat the Nigerian side by the same aggregate score after Angolan Flavio headed home compatriot Gilberto's corner after 26 minutes.

The lead was no less than Al Ahly deserved after opening the scoring after 14 minutes only to see Mohamed Barakat's goal wrongly disallowed for offside.

Bidding to reach their first final since 2004, two-time champions Enyimba rarely troubled the Egyptian defence.

'The People's Elephant' arrived in town with all eyes on striker Stephen Worgu, the leading Champions League scorer with 13 goals this season.

He is reportedly being chased by Al Ahly yet only threatened their backline once, when wriggling past two defenders before driving an angled 15-yard shot wide after 70 minutes.

Enyimba struggled to create chances, playing well until the final third where their quality deserted them, and Al Ahly keeper Amir Abdelhamid did not have a shot to save until the 55th minute.

On the other hand, Al Ahly largely dominated, creating a multitude of chances which would have made for a less tense evening.

Mohamed Aboutreika was the first to threaten after 11 minutes, his acrobatic volley from near the penalty spot bravely headed clear by Enyimba defender Uga Okpara.

Fifteen minutes later, Flavio scored the only goal of the two-legged semi-final as he lost his marker before glancing home Gilberto?s corner from 6 yards.

Al Ahly's lead should have been doubled after 34 minutes, but Ahmed Sayed somehow failed to connect from two yards out when a cross was knocked across the face of the Enyimba goal.

Eighteen minutes from time, Aboutreika wasted another chance to extend Al Ahly's lead, volleying another fine cross from Gilberto horribly over from close range.

Al Ahly, who will be in the final of Africa's premier club tournament for the eighth tournament, become only the third side to reach four straight finals.

DR Congo's TP Englebert Mazembe were the first to do so, when winning two finals between 1967 and 1970, while Guinea's Hafia Conakry also won two of four finals, between 1975-1978.

Al Ahly are bidding to win a record sixth title, currently boasting five trophies - the same as bitter Cairo rivals Zamalek.

Coton Sport reach Champs Lge final

Coton Sport became the first Champions League finalists from Cameroon in 28 years after whipping Dynamos of Zimbabwe 4-0 on Saturday in Garoua.

The home side advanced on a 5-0 aggregate thanks to their 1-0 win in the first leg of the semi-final clash in Harare a forthnight ago.

It was the first time a Cameroonian side had qualified for the final since the new format was introduced in 1997.

Coton Sport made the perfect start with Sebastien Koua scoring just one minute after the kick-off to double the aggregate advantage of a team hoping to emulate compatriots Oryx Douala, Union Douala and Canon and conquer Africa.

Dynamos recovered to have the edge territorially in the first half but the 'Harare Glamour Boys' could not score.

When Jacques Zoua added a second Cotonsport goal seven minutes after half-time the 1998 runners-up must have realised their great run was coming to an abrupt end.

Any doubt about the outcome was dispelled on 65 minutes when Niger national team striker Daouda Kamilou scored his seventh Champions League goal this season, a feat bettered only by teenage Enyimba striker Stephen Worgu.

Baba Ousmaila claimed his fifth goal of the competition 14 minutes from full-time as Dynamos wilted under constant pressure with goalkeeper Willard Manyatera saving the Zimbabweans from a heavier loss.

The first leg of the final will be staged in Cairo over the weekend of October 31-November 2 with the return fixture in Garoua two weeks later.

Apart from a one-million-dollar first prize, the African champions qualify for the Fifa Club World Cup during December in Japan, where Manchester United will be among the contenders.

FUFA orders clubs to form youth sides

After the Cranes failure yet again at continental level, all Ugandan Super League sides will effective from the 2009/10 season be required to have junior teams in order to have fully developed youth structures.

“A football club must have youth structures at times starting as low as U-13,” Justus Mugisha, Fufa official in charge of youth development told the press.

“The Manchester United and Ajax Amsterdam academies that nurtured talents like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nwankwo Kanu and Marco Van Basten are classic examples of very successful academies.”

He went on: “We shall for a start require the clubs to have U-17 teams before adding more under age categories in subsequent seasons.”

This move by the federation is intended to strengthen Uganda’s youth soccer structures. The youth sides will, like their senior teams, be kept active in a league.

Lack of solid talent development structures for the Cranes was one of the reasons given for Uganda’s poor performance over the years at international level.

However, Mugisha said FUFA’s idea of youth development was not prompted by the Cranes’ failure to advance. Currently 16- time league champions SC Villa has junior side.

Nearly the entire Villa side including runner-up for FUFA’s Footballer Player award Stephen Bengo are products of the club's youth side known as Jogoo Young.

The great KCC side of the seventies and eighties was also hinged on a solid youth development structure with a junior side City Cubs.

Williamson to meet club coaches

Edgar Watson, Fufa Technical Director and Bobby Williamson, national team coach, will meet football coaches from Super Division Clubs, First division clubs and from the Uganda Coaches Association (UCA) this coming Monday at FUFA house.
Watson explained that the meeting is the first initiative to create a link between the coaches and the national team coach, to get information on how best the coaches will work towards the development of talent training.

“The coaches will also interact and agree on the date to meet regularly in order to share knowledge and analyse the game,” Watson said.

After meeting the coaches, Williamson and Watson will meet all youth coaches from Uganda Youth Football Association, Youth clubs and academies next Thursday. The meeting will deliberate on how to create a link with the national team coach and discuss training ways with the youth.

These meetings come after Cranes exit from 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations last weekend.

Shocks as top three lose

It was a black Friday for the three Uganda Super League leading sides who all lost in the latest round of league matches. Simba, previously the only unbeaten side went down 2-1 at home to bogey side Police FC, URA FC lost 1-0 away to Boroboro while KCC reigning League Champions lost for the third time in row by a similar score.

The defeats allowed Nalubaale and Villa who scored 2-0 wins over Kakira and Mbarara to rejoin the title race.

Police were two goals to the good inside 10 minutes thanks to Peter Ssenyonjo and Bruno Olobo former Simba player.

A second half goal by Isaac Isinde was not enough to end Simba’s unbeaten start to the season.

“They were off the block fast and afterwards defended in numbers. The only advantage we retain is top spot after nearest sides KCC and URA both lost,” Ssimbwa told journalists.

While Simba suffered their first loss, KCC have now lost three league games on the trot. Hesbon Mundua scored in the last five minutes to give Kinyara their first win over KCC in the league.

“We were under pressure for the majority of the match, but football is about taking your chances,” Leo Adra, Kinyara coach said.

“Unlike defeats against Simba and Bunamwaya, this was purely hard luck. We created a host of chances to have won the game by a cricket score,” was all George Nsimbe, KCC coach, could say.

Robert Ojok, former Express players scored in injury time for Boroboro against URA who moved down to fourth place. Francis Oringa in Boroboro goal was Man of the Match for a string of super saves he made.

Veteran James Odoch and Aziz Lugonza scored the goals which gave James Magala his first win as coach of Nalubaale since taking over from Romanian Dorian Marin. The win also pushes Bunamwaya to second place on 23 points two behind leaders Simba.

Sixteen times league champions, Villa remain sixth despite a 2-0 win over Mbarara United. Yusuf Juuko and Geoffrey Luutu scored the goals.

In other matches, Dan Sserunkuma and Henry Bagonza gave Express 2-1 win over Youfra, Iganga and Sharing drew 1-1, while Bugerere and Bunamwaya match ended goalless.

Fufa to meet Super Division clubs

Fufa has finally bowed to pressure and agreed to meet the Super Division Clubs Association (SDCA) to kill off a possible boycott of the Uganda Super League. The meeting, the first this season, is scheduled for this coming Friday, October 24 at Fufa House Mengo.

Eng Moses Magogo has sent out invitations to clubs asking them to send two representatives, club chairmen and secretaries for the said meeting.

The clubs under their umbrella, SDCA has threatened to abandon Uganda Super League unless changes are made to Fufa Competition Committee (FCC) set up. The clubs met two weeks ago and demanded a meeting with Lawrence Mulindwa, the federation boss.

SDCA want Eng. Moses Magogo removed as FCC secretary. They accuse him of turning the committee into one man show and making decisions without consulting.

SDCA want seasoned administrators Rajab Kisekka and Ben Omoding, whom they had proposed, to be involved in management of the league fixtures be active on committee.

“Since their appointment nearly two years ago, they have not been used,” Kisekka told KickOffEastAfrica.com two weeks ago.

SDCA also wants FUFA to rescind their decision to fine Express FC $1,200 for abandoning a league with Bunamwaya last month.

Express also lost six points for the act. SDCA was scheduled to meet Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi and officials of the Nation Council of Sports (NCS) this week but put off the meeting in order to give Fufa a chance to hear their case.

SDCA has been threatening to start their own league if they don’t get their own way.

Last year, Kisekka who is also acting KCC chairman and board chairman of Nakivubo Stadium and Express official Kavuma Kabenge had threatened a similar move.

The officials were protesting impromptu changes in league fixtures. But the move backfired after the failure to get a consensus from SCDA members. The meeting, the first this season, is scheduled for this coming Friday, October 24 at Fufa House Mengo.

Eng Moses Magogo has sent out invitations to clubs asking them to send two representatives, club chairmen and secretaries for the said meeting.

The clubs under their umbrella, SDCA has threatened to abandon Uganda Super League unless changes are made to Fufa Competition Committee (FCC) set up. The clubs met two weeks ago and demanded a meeting with Lawrence Mulindwa, the federation boss.

SDCA want Eng. Moses Magogo removed as FCC secretary. They accuse him of turning the committee into one man show and making decisions without consulting.

SDCA want seasoned administrators Rajab Kisekka and Ben Omoding, whom they had proposed, to be involved in management of the league fixtures be active on committee.

“Since their appointment nearly two years ago, they have not been used,” Kisekka told KickOffEastAfrica.com two weeks ago.

SDCA also wants FUFA to rescind their decision to fine Express FC $1,200 for abandoning a league with Bunamwaya last month.

Express also lost six points for the act. SDCA was scheduled to meet Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi and officials of the Nation Council of Sports (NCS) this week but put off the meeting in order to give Fufa a chance to hear their case.

SDCA has been threatening to start their own league if they don’t get their own way.

Last year, Kisekka who is also acting KCC chairman and board chairman of Nakivubo Stadium and Express official Kavuma Kabenge had threatened a similar move.

The officials were protesting impromptu changes in league fixtures. But the move backfired after the failure to get a consensus from SCDA members.

Video Anyau rejoins Victors as coach

Frank ‘Video’ Anyau has rejoined Kakungulu Cup holders Victors FC as head coach, three years after leaving the club to join URA FC. Anyau is credited for guiding Victors to the Uganda Super League.
“I have signed a two year contract and my major task is to guide the young club during their CAF Confederation Cup campaign next year,” Anyau told journalists.

The maverick, much travelled coach kicked off his second era with Victors with a 2-0 win against Maji, one of his many former clubs.

Players Wasswa Bbosa and Paul Mukatabala have been acting as joint coaches since Sula Kato left the club to join SC Villa. Kato was Anyau’s assistant.

Anyau, started his coaching career with Maji in 90s guiding them to the 1993 final losing to KCC 2-1 in final. He has also coached Express FC. In 2005, he coached Uganda’s U-20 side to the regional title in Burundi.

Afterwards he was seconded to Cranes along with Mike Mutebi.

He has been out of job since quitting URA FC in March this year on the eve of the team’s departure to Zambia to play ZESCO FC in the return leg of CAF Champions League.

Sam Ssimbwa signs to coach KCC FC

SAM Ssimbwa appears to be the most valuable asset in domestic football.
Just weeks after being assigned the vacant Uganda Cranes assistant coach’s seat, league champions KCC FC have similarly decided to sign the youthful manager.

The vibrant coach, who has steered army side Simba to the summit of the domestic league, and had in the process unceremoniously shattered KCC FC’s four-month unbeaten run earlier, met KCC officials on Saturday before agreeing coaching terms with the club.

“It is a matter of agreeing terms with him. We are still in a meeting with him but we can not fail to get him,” club manager Badru Kigwe disclosed yesterday.

The clandestine pursuit of Ssimbwa as KCC boss gathered momentum on Friday after the league champions collapsed to their third consecutive 1-0 defeat to Kakungulu Cup finalists Kinyara.

The club hierarchy felt ‘celebrated’ and Football Manager of the Year George Nsimbe seemed to have lost the magic touch that helped KCC to their first league title since 1997 last year.

There have been misgivings over the way KCC have suddenly looked vulnerable, and the first two defeats literally intensified concerns over their ability to match last season’s achievements.

Even before the defeat against Kinyara on Friday, criticism had still been ringing in their ears over the club’s lackluster performances during their defeats to Simba and Bunamwaya.

Having been given the funds to substantially improve his squad this season, Nsimbe had since operated against a backdrop of heightened expectations. Nalubaale and Police were the other clubs interested in Ssimbwa.

KCC are Uganda’s Africa Champions League representatives and were always on the lookout for a manager whose personal success and managerial resolve speaks volumes, and Ssimbwa suited their requirements.

Aside from helping both Mbale Heroes and Express FC to Kakungulu Cup titles, Ssimbwa steered Rwanda league debutantes Atraco to their first continental appearance three years ago.

Drogba: 2010 Africa's best chance

The Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba says 2010 will be Africa's best chance to win the World Cup when South Africa host the tournament.

"I think this World Cup in Africa is very important, for the continent, not only for the Ivory Coast and not only for me," the Chelsea star said.

"This will maybe the best chance for an African team to win the World Cup but it's not going to be easy.

"We still have to qualify and it'll be a big battle as the teams are tough."

The Elephants, who played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, have reached the final phase of African qualifying from which five teams will qualify for the World Cup.

Drogba also said he was glad he stayed at Chelsea after being linked with both Milan clubs in the last transfer window amid speculation he would leave the English Premier League club.

He developed a close relationship with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and media reports speculated that he would follow the Portuguese coach when he took over at Inter Milan.

But Drogba said: "This (Chelsea) is the club which suits me best, I think, because this is the only club where I won all the titles I have now and, yes, I'm happy to be here and stay with my friends."

Drogba has seen little action under Chelsea's new manager Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, recovering from knee surgery after the season began.

He then suffered another knee injury against CFR Cluj in the Champions League in Romania two weeks ago.

Simba take on bogey side Police

Police FC is languishing in 13th position on the table but they boast a perfect record against Uganda Super League leaders Simba FC.
They are unbeaten against the army side for the past three years.

Last season they did the double with an identical score line of 2-1.

That is the sort of record Simba coach Sam Simbwa has to erase when the teams clash at the Bombo Barracks in one of the eight League games on the cards at various grounds on Friday.

Simbwa agrees Police is their bogey side and should be respected despite their current form. “We need to be on top of our game for the visit of Police.

"They play a similar type of football like us, but will be more under pressure than us because of their League position,” Simbwa told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

He went on: “The match can go either way but we have shown in the past month that we can reverse the trend,” he concludes.

While Simba will be out to record a first win against Police, KCC, reigning League champions, will aim to maintain their domination over Kinyara Sugar FC.

“We need to get back to winning ways after back to back defeats,” George Nsimbe, KCC coach said.

SC Villa, 16 times League champions, are boosted by the return for first choice goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi and left back Sula Walusimbi against newly promoted team Mbarara United at Mandela Stadium.

“I have a full squad to pick from against Mbarara one of the newly promoted teams doing well,” Kato said. Mbarara is currently 12th with 10 points from 9 matches.

Meanwhile, Victors moved sixth following a 2-0 win over Maji at home yesterday. Noah Ssemakula and Julius Ongude scored the goals.

KCC, Victors confirm Caf participation

Uganda will be represented in CAF–Inter club competitions in 2009. This was after Uganda Super League champions KCC FC and Kakungulu Cup holders Victors paid $300 participation fees each.

KCC will represent Uganda in the 13th edition of the 2009 CAF Champions League while Victors will feature in the 6th edition of 2009 Confederations Cup. Both clubs will play their matches at Nakivubo Stadium.

Victors wanted to use Bugembe Stadium, but the Fufa inspection team were not satisfied with the state of the stadium.

Meanwhile, Caf has written to all national federations and associations reminding them of engagements in CAF inter-clubs competitions.

The letter requests federations/associations to send names of the two clubs for the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup respectively.

The names of clubs and registration fee must reach the General Secretariat of CAF before November 30, 2008 the postal stamp of Cairo post office will bear witness as to the date of receipt and will be decisive.

In case of emergency, engagements can be sent by fax before November 30, 2008, to be followed by the necessary documents, which must reach CAF Secretariat before December 15, 2008.

Massa starts for Cranes against Benin

Wasteful Geoffrey Massa has won the battle to play alongside Eugene Sseppuuya as Uganda’s Cranes go for a huge win in a crucial 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin at Mandela Namboole Stadium this afternoon.
Cranes lost 4-1 to their opponents in June this year and revenge is on their minds.

The striker has not scored for Cranes in over two years, but the situation does not bother him.

“I know people look at my scoring record but this is a team effort. If I don’t score today a teammate will be on the score sheet. What matters is for Cranes to win,” Massa told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

Coach Bobby Williamson backs his strikers to deliver against Benin. “I have gone for experience and am confident they will deliver,” Bobby said.

Bobby has also gone for experience in goal by recalling South Africa based Posnet Omwony in goal ahead of Abbey Dhaira but has handed starting positions to the inexperienced pair of wingers Mike Ssebalinga and Vincent Kayizzi to supply balls to the front two. Omony last featured for Cranes in a 3-2 defeat away to Libya in 2006.

“Vincent (Kayizzi) and Michael (Ssebalinga) are good crossers of the ball and that is a vital aspect in the 4-4-2 formation. You need somebody to deliver the balls into the box,” he told press after the final work out.

The Cranes need a big victory to stand any chance of overhauling Angola from second place in Group 3. The Black Antelopes host Niger in Luanda also this afternoon.

Cranes will be without four regulars that featured in 3-1 defeat away to Niger in their previous match.

Defender Andy Mwesigwa, goalkeeper Denis Onyango (both suspended), Joseph Kabagambe and David Obua (both injury) will be missing.

Cranes Line-up:
1-Posnet Omony, 2-Simeon Massa, 3-Nestroy Kizito, 4-Timothy Batabaire, 5-Ibra Sekagya (captain), 6- Johnson Bagoole, 7-Vincent Kayizzi, 8-Mike Sserumaga, 9- Eugene Sseppuuya, 10-Geoffrey Massa, 11-Mike Ssebalinga

Cranes in the dock

NEVER has Ugandan football invested so much into ‘hope’ than this afternoon, when a final verdict will be delivered on Cranes’ World Cup qualification fate.

The 40,202 capacity fortress at Namboole will principally rely on hope, prayer and to an extent miracle when Uganda engages Benin in its ultimate World Cup qualifier that will determine whether Cranes progress to the final stages of the current qualifying campaign.

And with the huge expectations of the entire nation firmly placed on his managerial instincts, even the broad-shouldered Robert Williamson should feel the burden of the Herculean task somewhat too heavy to bear. Cranes’ engagement with the Squirrels or ‘Emerging Panthers’ possesses all the hallmarks of ‘life or death’, where anything short of a comprehensive victory, will leave the nation with more than its expectations shattered.

All indications are that the current situation has Uganda in an even-tightening embrace, having suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat at the hands of Niger, and being pushed into the worst possible scenario of relying on an Angola defeat or draw with Niger to guarantee qualification.

But Ugandans can draw much needed inspiration from the fact that Cranes have not lost a game at their fortress since their defeat against South Africa in 2006. Besides, they have also claimed the scalps of giants such as Ghana, and Nigeria. Reassuring though this maybe, Cranes know this pales into insignificance when compared to Benin’s reputation and track record.

2008 Nations Cup finalists, Benin, who humiliated Cranes 4-1 in their previous meeting in Cotonou, secured their ticket to the final round after yet another commanding 3-2 win over Angola.

Benin exhibited finesse and astute movement in training, on and off the ball, and Cranes ought to fall back often when without possession. They are bound to territorially dominate the game, meaning Williamson will call upon every bit of muscle from his physically endowed players to strike a counter-balance particularly in midfield and defence.

For Cranes to earn a momentous win, the team will definitely have to play out of their skins. And they can - if only they can stop the visitors scoring. It’s an amazing prediction, but have no doubts whatsoever that Cranes are well capable of that. Williamson will stick with a 4-4-2 formation, with Geoffrey Massa starting just behind Eugene Ssepuuya.

“We will simply win our game and wait,” Williamson said.

Mulindwa gets a challenger

While the rest of the football community focuses on Uganda Cranes match against Benin this afternoon, the battle of who will succeed Lawrence Mulindwa as Fufa President opens up. Elections for a new president are not due until December 2009.

London-based, but little Alex Willington Kasujja jetted into Kampala on Friday to launch his campaign. Kasujja predicted that Mulindwa’s administration will collapse.

“Wait and see this FUFA regime will not reach the time of elections. It has become too big for Mulindwa. He is promising things that he is not delivering,” Kasujja told fans and players of his Seeta United team.

Kasujja, who launched a ‘five-point programme,’ is expected to face Mulindwa at next year’s elections. He promised to build more stadiums and put emphasis on youth development.

Before he left for London, in the early nineties, Kasujja was a member of SC Villa before he joined a breakaway Villa International. The team lasted one season and Kasujja went to London.

However, while addressing the press last Wednesday, Mulindwa dismissed Kasujja as a joker.

“Where has he been all this years if he cares about Uganda football?” He asked. He vowed not to let such characters to take over the good work he has done for football in Uganda.

“I cannot go backwards with such people bent on confusing the nation,” he ended.

My contract is a private document - Bobby Williamson

ROBERT Williamson easily passes for an easy person.

He cracks jokes and also doesn’t stand out with the arrogance of his German predecessor Laszlo Csaba.

But lurking beneath this façade of softness could be a man.

That is at least, going by Williamson’s refusal to divulge details of his contract with local soccer governing body FUFA.

While FUFA simply described the contract as performance based, the Scot was even more guarded in an interview with the Edinburgh Evening News writer Barry Anderson this week.

“I’m not going to add to the speculation, my contract situation with FUFA is private and also confidential,” Williamson said.

“I could be out after the Benin game or I could stay, who knows? I signed my contract in private and the details of it shouldn’t be in the public domain.”

Williamson’s team faces Benin in a must-win Nations Cup game at Namboole today.

The tactician’s guard was still up when asked whether like Csaba, he also had a strained relationship with FUFA that is headed by Lawrence Mulindwa.

“I’m certainly not going to be talking about my employers like that,” explained Williamson. “I’ve got a lot of respect for them and I won’t be criticizing FUFA publicly or privately.

“That goes for football players as well, I’ve never done it and I’m not going to start now.

“I’ve never said a bad word about clubs I’ve left either, whether I liked the directors or not. It’s just not my style.”

Williamson however couldn’t hide his disappointment with the facilities.

“The facilities are poor, the surfaces are very bad. Many club teams play in various stadia and train there too, so the surfaces take a pounding.”

He however noted that there are advantages to the poor grounds. “It helps the players with their touch when they do play on better surfaces.”

It’s Dhaira in Cranes goal against Benin

HE has a reputation of frustrating the opposition when it comes to penalty shoot-outs, but largely an imposing figure that makes any team impenetrable
On Sunday, youthful custodian Abbey Dhaira, will finally be entrusted with Cranes’ goalkeeping position that has been the area of concern since the start of this week.

According to reliable sources, Cranes goalkeeping coach Fred Lukwago has finally decided on those ‘safe hands’ that will guarantee Cranes a clean sheet against Benin.

“A decision has been taken and Dhaira will start in goal,” an inside source stated.

While the Cranes’ technical committee under the stewardship of Robert Williamson, will be engaged in pondering on the rest of the first team line-up, one brainteaser has atleast been resolved.
The committee had regular second-choice Hannington Kalyesubula or Posnet Omony to choose from.

Lukwago, Uganda’s celebrated goal keepers’ coach with an expertise in the trade that goes over 20 years had to tell Williamson the state of Omony or Kalyesbula’s fitness, though the Cranes boss is not a man known for having two minds.

Dhaira’s size and agility have made him hard to beat at both Express and URA FC before.

Meanwhile, Geoffrey Massa maintains that joint effort rather than individual reliance will have to be Uganda Cranes’ strategy if they are to mount a serious goal-harvest against Benin.

The national side has since the start of this week tried to remedy hitches that cost them in their 3-1 defeat in Niamey.
“It is simple as that. As strikers, we will do our best but every body else will have to take it as responsibility,” Massa said.

Probable line-up:
Dhaira, Masaba, Kizito, Batabaire, Sekagya, Bagoole, Kayizzi, T.Mawejje, Sepuuya, Massa and Sserumagga

FUFA set to revive Csaba’s compensation case

THE legal team of domestic football’s governing body FUFA, will next week revive their compensation case against former coach Lazslo Csaba. The German absconded from duty and headed to Scotland’s outfit Hearts FC as manager in June.

The federation expects compensation from Csaba’s new employers for his unethical behaviour, abandoning the job and ignoring his contractual obligations.

The federation counsel Alex Ruganda, who is also secretary of the legal committee said this week that the case was halted after the Hearts FC legal officer handling the case went on leave.
Ruganda said that the replacement for the Hearts officer failed to proceed with the case.

“We are informed that their legal counsel will be in office next week. We are in touch with them,” Ruganda explained in an interview in Kampala.

“We will resume the exchange of information next week,” the official added.

Ruganda added that they were trying to avoid court proceedings.

“I think it can be settled out of court to avoid those extra expenses. We can only go to court when everything has failed,” said Ruganda.

FUFA in July informed the world body FIFA and the coaches association of Scotland about the conduct of Csaba.
Csaba had complained that FUFA never fulfiled their part of the contract.

FUFA told FIFA that they are yet to get any word from Hearts and that Csaba still had two more years left on his contract.

FUFA were obliged to pay Csaba $173,000 if he was sacked while the coach was due to pay the body $60,000 for breach of contract.

Cranes v Benin match tickets on sale

Ticket Prices
Pavilion -sh20000
Stands -sh10000

TICKETS for the Cranes last 2010 World/Nations Cup qualifier match versus Benin went on market at various petrol stations around Kampala yesterday afternoon.

Unlike the previous matches where FUFA contracted a private company to sell the tickets, this time they are sold at Shell Ben Kiwanuka street, Caltex Nakivubo, Shell Kireka and Caltex Jinja road.

FUFA will also hire mobile vans that will sell the tickets in the outskirts of the city.

National Insurance sponsors Cranes

National Insurance Corporation (NIC) has offered Shs360m in insurance cover to the Cranes players for one year. Fufa President Lawrence Mulindwa (right) who attended yesterday morning’s training session at Namboole commended NIC for the gesture and urged other corporations to support the national team. “It’s a timely motivation for the players and I am confident it will boost their morale during Sunday’s match,” said Mulindwa.
Cranes coach Robert Williamson (third left), and NIC officials attended the event at Namboole

Fatah to handle crunch Benin tie handle

World football governing body Fifa have appointed Egyptian referee Essam Abd El Fatah to officiate the crucial 2010 World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifier between Uganda Cranes and Benin.

The game will be played tomorrow at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Fatah was one of a handful of African officials at the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany. He arrived yesterday along with match commissar Ali Hassan from Djibouti.

The Cranes need a victory with a big goal margin if they are to progress to the next round of qualifiers. The last time the Egyptian was in charge of a game, the Cranes felled Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1. All Cranes professionals have assembled in Kampala for the game.

Fufa and the Benin football governing body have meanwhile agreed on a cost sharing deal to have the entire Squirrels team accommodated at the Metropole Hotel.

The Benin contingent earlier rejected Regency Hotel which Fufa had booked for them. “They are our partners and we are assisting them in very many things including their accommodation at the Metropole Hotel,” said Fufa Chief Executive Officer Charles Masembe.

The visitors arrived without their dangerous marksman Razack Omotoyossi who was however expected yesterday. Squirrels manager Alhaji Ely Tetteh confirmed to Daily Monitor that they had even reserved his room at the Metropole Hotel in Kololo.

Sseppuuya vows to destroy Benin

On paper, Uganda Cranes need divine intervention to progress to the next phase of the 2010 Africa Cup Nations/World Cup qualifiers but striker Eugene Sseppuuya doesn’t believe so.

The lanky striker, who was suspended when Uganda succumbed to a 3-1 loss to Niger last month is back and confident of delivering when the Cranes take on Benin Squirrels at Namboole on Sunday.

“We are tired of being second best. I strongly believe we can score four or five goals to help us qualify irrespective of what happens in Angola,” Sseppuuya said after yesterday morning’s training session that saw coach Bobby Williamson emphasize target shooting.

“It’s a huge mountain for us but all we need is a big crowd to help us climb up to the top,” he added. Angola, second in Group Three, ahead of Uganda by goal difference, will be playing Niger on the same day in Luanda and a big win for the hosts could end Uganda’s dream.

Uganda last played at the Nations Cup in 1978 and the odds are against Williamson’s team. But Sseppuuya is unbothered by the kind of pressure the situation is likely to put on the Cranes.

“It makes it exciting when you play under pressure. That will actually motivate us to score more goals,” a confident Sseppuuya stated. “If need be, we’ll die on that pitch.” When asked which formation could suit his ambition the striker said that the playing system was up the coach, but added that an attack minded one would do.

“We have to understand that we have to score and I am happy that the coach has also emphasised that several times. I am sure he will have several attack minded players,” he added. Coach Williamson insisted on delivering at Namboole other than monitoring proceedings in Luanda.

“All the players are doing well and I hope they can maintain the same spirit. The most important thing is getting the goals on Sunday,” he said. He said that as much as winning and qualifying were two different things, he has witnessed situations where teams win in games they never expected to win and falter in much easier fixtures.

Benin’s contingent of 25 players and officials jetted into the country on Wednesday night with dangerman Razak Omotoyossi on the team.

The other players to watch include Abdou Khaled Adenon, Seydath Tchomogo, Anicent Adjamonsi,Stephane Sessegnon and Omar Tchomogo. The team is residing at Regency Hotel, Bakuli.

GTV will continue building Ugandan football

UGANDA Super League media rights holder GTV are protesting the use of their materials by local television stations, that do not give them credit.

The pay television bought 100 per cent rights for five years from FUFA last season to exclusively televise the local competition.

GTV films the matches and supplies local stations with two minute footages through RP Productions.

But the RP Productions boss James Opoka said on Wednesday that GTV officials are were not happy with the local television stations that do not give GTV credit during the broadcasts.
“It is a bit of a concern by GTV London that some TVs are blocking the courtesy. This is illegal,” Opoka warned on Wednesday.

Meanwhile FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa has appealed to soccer lovers to desist from fighting, but solve their problems amicably, reports Norman Katende.

“Whatever we should be doing now must be towards building the image of football and not destroying it,” Mulindwa said, while commenting on recent incidents that have seen games abandoned and referees stoned.

“People do not know what it took us to bring GTV on board and we do not want to lose them but get more sponsors. This will only come with the image exhibited by all the stake holders,” said Mulindwa.

GTV country manager Dan Kaggwe said that they are happy with their marriage with the federation and are looking forward to developing the game.

Kagwe announced that the Uganda-Benin match on Sunday will be telecast live on G Sport 1, and said he was happy that Uganda has won all the games they have telecast live in Kampala.

FUFA rejects Express appeal on Magogo

THE FUFA disciplinary committee is set to throw out Express’ petition against Football Competition Committee secretary Moses Magogo.

Super League side Express accused Magogo of bias after his committee ruled that the Red Eagles lose six points and be fined sh2m for causing the abandonment of a Super League match against Bunamwaya.

A member of the four man committee that had a lengthy meeting on the issue, told The New Vision last night that they had recommended that the Express appeal had no grounds, and asked FUFA CEO Charles Masembe to announce the verdict to the press.

The source said that after listening to Magogo and Express officials Kavuma Kabenge and Mahmoud Kateregga, it was found that the FCC secretary acted under his jurisdiction when he punished Express last month.

Yesterday’s meeting chaired by Canon Nsamba Bukenya, was also attended by the disciplinary committee secretary David Katabira, Jamal Ngobi, Ben Ochama and former Express SC fans coordinator Francis Ntalanzi.

“We had all the members we summoned but I can’t tell you anything from the meeting,” commitee secretary Katabira said yesterday. “We do not have the mandate to announce decisions from our meetings. The CEO will do that.”

Masembe, who also attended the meeting as an ex-officio, insisted he was yet to receive any official information regarding the meetings verdict.

Cranes foes Benin opts to change name

PANTHERS are one of several species of large cats found mostly in Latin America. They are not necessarily black, but they all have sharp dangerous canine as Ugandans might discover at Namboole Stadium on Sunday if Benin indeed emulate their new ‘nickname.’

The Benin sports ministry has decided the name squirrel is no longer befitting of their status as an emerging powerhouse in African football.

On the evidence of their performances, that included the 4-1 humiliating win over the Cranes, Benin sports minister Ganiou Soglo has suggested a more fearsome name — the “Emerging Panthers.”

“We were asked about it last year in parliament by lawmakers and they reproached us for making national teams bear the name of an animal which runs off when it is afraid,” Soglo said.

The Squirrels tag was coined in the 1960s —apparently because it evoked a small animal which can climb high. “We are going to suggest to the government the name ‘Emerging Panthers’,” he added.

Benin’s previous ‘squirrel’ nickname may not necessary strike fear, but it has not hampered the team’s performances on the pitch.

We don’t need ‘juju’
The West Africans, who arrived in the country on Wednesday night, are one of a few teams to have already made sure of their place in the last round of qualifying for the 2010 World and Africa Cup of Nations.

And that, according to their officials, without using witchcraft (juju) that has been associated with the West African country down the years. Juju is an official religion practiced by over 70% of the country’s population.

Uganda’s humiliating loss to Benin last June was reported to have owed much more to forces of nature than just football errors.

“The atmosphere in the stadium was weird. There were so many witchdoctors around the turf, the stadium was extremely windy, with thunderstorms and yet there wasn’t rain,” claimed Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango after the 4-1 defeat.

Benin football association team manager Alhaji Ely Tetteh reasoned: “If it was that (juju) we would be qualifying for every World Cup. It’s true people practice it and believe that it works but not me.”
“We have not come with any of the people that practice that. We have come for football.”

‘Lousy Hotel’
Benin abandoned the 3-star accommodation that FUFA had arranged for them at Regency Hotel, and opted to ignore a memorandum of understanding, and book themselves into a $110 (sh0.2m) per-room four-star Metropole Hotel.

“The Hotel wasn’t good. We couldn’t stay in a place like that, so we decided to

Mulindwa backs Magogo, hits out at SDCA

FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa has blasted the Super Division Clubs Association for trying to make political capital out of football disputes.

He told the weekly press briefing at FUFA House yesterday that the case in which Express are disputing a decision to dock the club three points following the abandoned Super League game against Bunamwaya would be handled by the disciplinary committee.

He blamed SDCA for writing to NCS, when the matter can be solved by FUFA.

He dismissed calls for Competitions Committee secretary Moses Magogo to be fired over the issue.

“Nobody will be above the law. We are creating a system and we shall follow that system,” said Mulindwa.

Suspended FIFA assistant referee Roberto Bukenya has not been included on Uganda’s 2009 season list to get FIFA badges.

Cranes confident of advancing

Uganda Cranes need divine intervention to progress to the next phase 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations but striker Eugene Ssepuuya doesn’t believe so.
The lanky Serbian based striker, who was suspended when Uganda succumbed to a 3-1 loss against Niger last month, is back and confident of delivering when the Cranes take on Benin Squirrels at Namboole on Sunday.

“We are tired of being second best. I strongly believe we can score four or five goals to help us qualify irrespective of what happens in Angola,” Ssepuuya told journalists after Thursday morning’s training session that saw coach Bobby Williamson emphasize on target shooting.

He added: “It’s a huge mountain for us but all we need is a big crowd to help us climb up to the top.”

Uganda last played in finals of Nations Cup in 1978 and has never qualified for World Cup. But Ssepuuya is unbothered by the kind of pressure the situation is likely to put on the Cranes.

“It makes it exciting when you play under pressure. That will actually motivate us to score more goals,” a confident Ssepuuya stated. Adding; “If need be, we’ll die on that pitch.”

Like Ssepuuya, Williamson insisted on delivering at Namboole other than monitoring proceedings in Luanda.

“All the players are doing well and hope they can maintain the same spirit. The most important thing is getting the goals on Sunday,” he said.

Defender Nestroy Kizito meanwhile joined camp yesterday while Cranes opponents Benin also jetted in Wednesday night.

Angola, second in Group Three, ahead of Uganda by goal difference, will be playing Niger on the same day in Luanda.

Players in camp

Goalkeepers: Abel Dhaira, Posnet Omwony, Hannington Kalyesubula
Simeon Masaba, L. Ssegawa,, Ibrahim Sekagya. Musa Doka, Patrick Ochan, Robert Kimuli, Joseph Owino, Edward Ssali, Michael Ssebalinga, Johnson Bagoole, Vincent Kayizzi, Dan Wagaluka, Mike Sserumaga, Caesar Okuti, Timothy Batabaire, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Eugene Ssepuuya, Geoffrey Massa.

Uganda Cranes to tour South Korea

THE Uganda Cranes are expected to tour South Korea between November 2-26 in an exchange programme being developed with the Korean Football Federation.

According to officials in the soccer governing body FUFA, the tour that is fully sponsored by the Koreans will be used to prepare home based Cranes players for the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup which Uganda will host in December.

Attack to be built around Sepuuya

AS a player, Robert Williamson carved out a reputation as a reliable striker with British clubs Rangers, Rothermam, Kilmarnock, Clydebank and West Bromwich Albion — gathering a combined 138 goals with the clubs.

This week, the Scottish coach faces a challenge of identifying the right attacking combination, one similar to the one that enabled him crack the net with ease those 138 times.
He defied both fatigue and sleep yesterday having arrived just hours earlier from his father’s funeral to conduct his first session of which he devoted a lot more of his efforts in shaping Cranes’ attack.

Geoffrey Massa, Geoffrey Sserunkuuma and Caesar Okhuti are competing for a first team place alongside Eugene Sepuuya, who should lead Uganda’s goal feast against Benin. Current statistics indicate, the Voivodina striker will be Cranes primary forward.

Sepuuya struck Cranes opener in the 3-1 win over Angola in July after helping Uganda to an early lead in the 4-1 defeat to Benin in June.
Williamson stuck to a 4-4-2 formation in Niamey and that will not change on Sunday, going with either two strikers playing side by side (Sepuuya and Massa), or a lone front-man (Sepuuya) with the other forward Massa, Okhuti or Sserunkuuma playing just behind him.

On the evidence of yesterday’s sessions, there were indications that URA FC midfielder Patrick Ochan could be thrown into the creating position, in the event that Sserumaga, switches to either the left ahead of Michael Ssebalinga or starts behind the main striker.

Ochan’s ability to hold the ball and bring forwards into play enabled the likes of Sserumaga do what they can do best: linger with intent off the shoulder of the final defender.

The absence of Obua means Williamson will also have to fast-unearth another dead-ball specialist that will secure that odd goal from set-piece situations.

The expert view

Former Cranes coach Mike Mutebi, when approached to explain the dilemma faced by coach Williamson and his assistants Sam Ssimbwa and Jackson Mayanja, said Sepuuya is best suited to lead the attack.

“Sepuuya would be my ideal lead striker, with Mike (Sserumaga) playing just behind him” Mutebi said, before commenting on several possible combinations
Sepuuya and Sserumaga
“Sserumaga has never been a number eight. He is a 20-yard player that struggles with distance but would do what David (Obua) has been doing for the team in that role.”

Sepuuya and Sserunkuuma
“Sserunkuuma has good statistics but playing him alongside Sepuuya would create a flat line. None of them is fast.

Sepuuya and Massa/Okhuti
“Massa’s first touch is a problem. Okhuti would be ideal, he is fast and can take on a two-man defence although his first touch is also a problem.
Massa and Okhuti are quite identical. Yet starting either would guarantee the team both aggression and pace, two attributes that could be significant against Benin’s resilient central defenders.”

Sekagya defiant
Cranes captain Ibrahim Sekagya, who has had an ankle injury problem recently, completed his first physical session without pain and declared that “we have to win this game. We have the strikers capable of getting the goals we need and that’s why everybody is here and focused.”

“We want to forget the Niger result by winning on Sunday,” Sekagya said at Namboole yesterday.

Sekagya is expected to shackle the visitor’s lead forward Razak Omotoyosi, who struck twice in the 4-1 defeat in Cotonou.

Ugandan Soccer in Brief

Fans get 250 football bars
SOCCER - UGANDA Breweries has offered to take Premier League matches closer to the fans across the country under their Guinness brand. According to Guinness marketing manager Fred Otieno, there will be a creation of 250 Guinness Football bars across the country. The lucky bars will be offered GTV subscription thereby availing more fans the opportunity to watch Premiership games on GTV, SuperSport and WBS TV.

Boroboro wins
Divine Waters final
Boroboro 2 Apua 0
BOROBORO Parish took home a bull, sh0.1m and a trophy after winning the Divine Waters Uganda soccer competition in Lira. The victors beat Apua 2-0 in the final match last weekend with Jimmy "Good Boy" Ogwang scoring both goals. The three-month tournament drew 13 teams and was organised to promote sanitation and hygiene.

Oryem boosts Pader clubs
SOCCER - THE chairman of Pader Football Association, Boniface Oryem has donated ten footballs to ten clubs in the district. Oryem,who is also the FUFA delegate for Pader district told the club officials to make good use of the balls to train and help uplift the local football standards. The district clubs will compete in a second division league.

Ugandan Soccer in Brief

Fans get 250 football bars
SOCCER - UGANDA Breweries has offered to take Premier League matches closer to the fans across the country under their Guinness brand. According to Guinness marketing manager Fred Otieno, there will be a creation of 250 Guinness Football bars across the country. The lucky bars will be offered GTV subscription thereby availing more fans the opportunity to watch Premiership games on GTV, SuperSport and WBS TV.

Boroboro wins
Divine Waters final
Boroboro 2 Apua 0
BOROBORO Parish took home a bull, sh0.1m and a trophy after winning the Divine Waters Uganda soccer competition in Lira. The victors beat Apua 2-0 in the final match last weekend with Jimmy "Good Boy" Ogwang scoring both goals. The three-month tournament drew 13 teams and was organised to promote sanitation and hygiene.

Oryem boosts Pader clubs
SOCCER - THE chairman of Pader Football Association, Boniface Oryem has donated ten footballs to ten clubs in the district. Oryem,who is also the FUFA delegate for Pader district told the club officials to make good use of the balls to train and help uplift the local football standards. The district clubs will compete in a second division league.

Sekagya fit for Benin clash

Cranes skipper Ibrahim Sekagya has declared himself fit for crucial 2010 World Cup\Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin at the Mandela Namboole Stadium on Sunday. Sekagya, who turns out for Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, was speaking to journalists after Wednesday morning training with the rest of the team at the Mandela Stadium.

“If I was not okay my club would not have allowed me to come. I missed our last league match against Rapid Vienna after club decided to give rest ahead of the Benin match,” Sekagya, who was voted Uganda’s MVP and best foreign player, said.

Regarding Sunday’s clash, Sekagya said: “We only need prayers from Ugandans to deliver. We are not thinking about how many goals we are going to score. We only want a win.”

Sekagya also said that Benin should not be underestimated as they are a good side with quite a number of professionals.

Benin is scheduled to arrive today (Wednesday) for Sunday match. Benin has already qualified for the next stage.

Dhaira to the rescue of goalkeeping woes?

GOALKEEPING has been the most overlooked department in Cranes qualification campaign, and yet it is one area that might have undermined Uganda’s qualification prospects.

Lack of competition for the number one jersey means Uganda will enter new territory on Sunday. Denis Onyango, who has occupied the team’s goalkeeping position for the last three years, is suspended for Cranes’ 2010 ultimate World Cup qualifier.
Cranes need a ‘clean sheet’ against Benin and plunder the required goals to secure progress to the final stages of the qualifying campaign.
Three talented goalkeepers Abbey Dhaira (URA FC), Posnet Omony (Black Leopards) and Hannington Kalyesubula (No club) are available for selection.
Celebrated goal keepers’ coach Fred Lukwago has to decide whether to opt for the match fit and youthful figure in the shape of Dhaira or depend on the experienced hands of Omony and Kalyesubula.
“I will assess all the three and advise coach Robert Williamson on Thursday,” he said.

Dhaira
In Dhaira, Lukwago possesses a youngster who has made an already strong URA FC defence, at times, impenetrable and played on the continent with Express. “Dhaira is still young. It is too early for him,” Lukwago hinted.

Omony
Omony served Cranes well three years ago, but his decision-making, particularly in leaving his line, was blamed for Cranes’ 3-2 defeat in a friendly against Libya in 2007. He then lost his place with South Africa Premier League side Bloemfontein Celtic and signed for second division side Black Leopards.
“ If I am not in goal on Sunday, I will still support whoever is there,” Omony stated.
“I will need an extra two days to watch Omony,” Lukwago hinted.

Kalyesubula
The former St. George goalkeeper has been Onyango’s deputy and could have graduated automatically. However, there are concerns over his fitness having been deprived of competitive club football for the last four months. “ I have been working on my fitness personally,” he stated.

Rwanda-based midfielder Michael Ssebalinga gets suprise Cranes call-up

World Cup qualifiers
Uganda v Benin
Angola v Niger

Rwanda-based midfielder Michael Ssebalinga yesterday got a surprise call to the national fold ahead of Uganda’s decisive Sunday’s African/World Cup qualifier against Benin.

Keen for more pace in attack, assistant coaches Sam Ssimbwa and Jackson Mayanja opted for the former Nile and SC Villa player though the irony is that Ssebalinga, now at Atraco FC, has never been blessed with searing pace.

He was due in the country yesterday evening together with teammate Johnson Bagoole who has effectively manned the Cranes midfield in the last couple of matches.

Ssimbwa is confident Ssebalinga will make a strong Cranes debut after an impressive run of form at Sam Timbe’s Atraco. “He has played for Uganda before (U-23) and should be enthusiastic to play again. He is the star of his club and he has scored many goals this year. We have been monitoring him and if he turns up in the right shape as expected, he will be on the starting line-up,” an upbeat Ssimbwa said.

Coach Bobby Williamson, Ibrahim Ssekagya, Nestory Kizito and Eugene Ssepuuya are due in Kampala to join the South-Africa based trio of Posnet Omwony, Timothy Batabaire and Geoffrey Sserunkuma. The latter three arrived Monday night.

Saturday fixtures
Tanzania v Cape Verde Islands
Camer’n v Mauritius
Namibia v Zimbabwe
Guinea v South Africa
Nigeria v Sierra Leone
Gabon v Libya
Ghana v Lesotho
Liberia v Algeria
Senegal v Gambia
Botswana v Mozambique
Ivory C’t v Madagascar
Rwanda v Ethiopia
Morocco v Mauritania
Tunisia v Seychelles
Mali v Chad
Togo v Swaziland
Malawi v Congo DR


Sunday fixtures
Guinea v Kenya
Uganda v Benin
Angola v Niger
Burundi v Burkina Faso
Egypt v Djibouti

Bugembe Stadium unfit for matches

Victors request to play their CAF Confederation Cup matches at Bugembe Stadium might not go through after Fufa recommended that the stadium needs a complete overhaul before it can stage international matches.

FUFA officials inspected the stadium, 60km East of Kampala in Jinja district last week and found it in a poor state.

Charles Masembe, the federation’s CEO, ruled that a lot of work has to be done to turn the stadium into international standard.

“Bugembe has no running water, the toilets are in a sorry state, stands need repair and worst of the entire stadium wall is shared with other (private) houses. International regulations do not allow this,” the CEO who has compiled a report to be presented to the executive for decision told KickOffEastAfrica.com.

He added: “CAF officials will also be in the country to inspect the stadium later, but we want them to come when the ground is presentable.”

However, Masembe said that time is running out for management to repair the stadium which is used for league matches by Jinja based side Kakira Sugar FC.

“We have a deadline of October 15 to register stadiums for Victors, Kakungulu Cup winners and KCC league champions,” he said.

Asked if the poor state of the stadium also means that it won’t be considered for Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup set for December 31-January 13, 2009, Masembe replied: “These are two different tournaments. The regional body inspection committee will decide for itself,” he concluded.

Cranes Drop Six From Training Camp

Six players were on Wednesday dropped from the Ugandan squad, the Cranes, as they prepare for this weekend's crucial 2010 World Cup/Nation's Cup qualifying encounter against the already qualified Squirrels of Benin Republic.

Joint coaches of the Cranes, Sam Ssimbwa and Jackson Mayanja dropped Peter Ssenyonjo of Police FC, Owen Kasule and Yuda Mugalu of Bunamwaya club, Martin Muwanga of URA, Patrick Ssenfuka and the country's Footballer of the Year Brian Omony both of KCC.

The decision to drop the six players was made after the Cranes morning training session on Tuesday.

According to reports monitored on kickoffeastafrica.com, the axed players will give way to the foreign players that started arriving in the country yesterday.

"We don't need these players for the moment as the professionals start reporting to camp. But they will definitely be recalled for CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup," Ssimbwa told the website.

He also expressed delight on the arrival of several key foreign players from South Africa and the technical adviser of the team Bobby Williamson.

"We expect more sighs of relief when skipper Ibrahim Ssekagya, defender Nestory Kizito and striker Eugene Ssepuuya show up for today's training sessions, as well as Scottish coach Bobby Williamson."

FUFA to cater fully for Benin visit

THE Squirrels of Benin will have a comfortable stay in Kampala after soccer governing body FUFA confirmed they would fully abide by a memorandum of understanding made before Cranes lost 4-1 in Cotonou in June.

The Benin soccer federation took up all the hotel costs of the Cranes in Cotonou, with FUFA promising to reciprocate. Although the players claimed they were housed in a slum, FUFA was happy with the deal.

Benin, who arrive on Friday with a contingent of 25, have been booked in the three-star Regency Hotel in Bakuli.
World soccer governing body FIFA at the start of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers ruled that visiting sides should fully cater for their accommodation costs.

This followed a string of complaints about sub-standard hotels in the the previous arrangement where the hosts were supposed to pay the visitors' bills.
The Cranes took an early Eugene Sepuuya lead in Benin before crashing to defeat.

Hapless goalkeeper Denis Onyango blamed the defeat on witchcraft. He is suspended from this weekend’s game.

Cranes must watch deadly Razak Omotoyossi

World Cup qualifiers, Sunday

Uganda v Benin
Angola v Niger

Razak Omotoyosi is one man Uganda Cranes defenders must keep a keen eye on when they face Benin in a must- win Africa/World Cup qualifier at Namboole on Sunday.

The deadly striker shredded the Cranes rearguard before bagging a brace as the Squirrels came from a goal down to record a 4-1 victory in Cotonou in June.

Omotoyosi was also the architect in Benin’s 3-2 win over giants Angola; a result that propelled the West African side to the second phase of the qualifiers as Group 3 leaders with 12 points.

The Cranes are third in the group on level eight points with second-placed Angola and must whitewash Benin to stand any chance of progressing. Victory may also not be enough as long as Angola defeat Niger at home.

Though morale would theoretically be down in the Cranes camp, Sweden-based attacking midfielder Mike Sserumaga believes Omotoyosi can be contained.

“Razak (Omotoyosi) is a very dangerous striker, but I am confident our defenders have the experience needed to thwart his raids,” said Sserumaga, the first professional to report for Cranes training at Namboole yesterday.

Sserumaga played with Omotoyosi at Swedish side Helsingborgs for over two years though the West African has since moved to Qatar.

“Razak is the kind that can score with either foot, his pace is alarming and the defenders need to be at their best on that day,” he added.

Assistant coach Sam Simbwa conducted yesterday’s training session and lauded the players’ attitude.

Meanwhile, Fufa has written to Fifa arguing that the Angola-Niger match should kick off at 4pm, the same time as Uganda-Benin. Kickoff in Angola is set for 6pm.

UFRA issues fees deadline

SOCCER - Uganda Football Referees Association (UFRA) has vowed to throw out officials who fail to pay up their annual affiliation fees by Friday. In a communication to District Football Referees Associations, match commissioners and the referees, UFRA welfare officer David Katabira said yesterday the decision was meant to allow paid up members enjoy the full benefits of their membership. He warned: "No match commissioner/assessor shall officiate any match organised under FUFA unless he/she is paid up by October 10.

Uganda refs to handle CAF Champions League game

Caf has appointed four Uganda referees to officiate explosive match between Egypt club Al Ahly and Enyimba (Nigeria) on October 18th at Cairo Military Academy Stadium. The match is the semifinal second leg of MTN CAF Champions League. The first leg in Aba, Nigeria ended goalless on Sunday.

Mohammed Ssegonga is the centre referee; Hussein Bugembe and Ali Tomusange are his assistants while Ali Kalyango will travel as stand-by referee.

This will be Tomusange’s first club assignment since 2007 when he was part of the team which handled a match between Al Ahly and a club from Angola.

The Ugandans were also in charge of MTN CAF Champions’ League group match between Cotonsport (Cameroon) against Enyimba in Doula two weeks ago. Coton Sport won 3-0.

Cranes can get better says coach Simbwa

OCTOBER 12
Cranes v Niger
Angola v Benin

Newly appointed Cranes assistant coach Sam Simbwa has revealed that the national team can still get better despite their recent dip in form.

The Cranes face the Squirrels of Benin on Sunday, October 12 in a must win game. Simbwa has guided army side Simba SC to the summit of the National Super League and was on Thursday appointed to assist Cranes coach Bobby Williamson. “There is always that bad spell but I am still confident the current Cranes side is among the best on the continent. There is no doubt about that,” said Simbwa.

The Cranes need to score goals and pray that Niger snatches a decent result in Luanda if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the next phrase of the qualifiers.

He promised to help Williamson to beat Benin. The Scottish coach traveled to his home country to attend the last funeral rites of his father who passed away on Wednesday. “My return to the national team is not meant to waste time clashing with people but to do my job,” he said.

Simbwa and Jackson Mayanja were relieved of their duties in April after they failed to assist then coach Laszlo Csaba. The Cranes begin residential training at the Mandela Sports Hotel on Monday ahead of the crunch encounter.

Mayanja back in Cranes’ setup

Sam Ssimbwa and Jackson Mayanja have both denied that they have differences with each other. The denial comes after both bounced back on the Cranes technical team six months after controversially being dropped following team's elimination by Tanzania in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Ssimbwa was appointed as first assistant on Friday and Mayanja bounced back as second assistant 48 hours later.

“We have no differences, never clashed, we played in the same successful KCC team and we are both good coaches who can use our expertise to help Cranes,” Ssimbwa said.

He added: “I am the one who requested the federation to bring Mayanja back on board.”

For his part, Mayanja said he could not let down his country by turning down the appointment.

“We are both ambitious young coaches, maybe people think we don’t like each other,” Mayanja said.

When asked Edgar Watson, Fufa Technical Director, to clarify what has changed now and six months ago when the duo were sacked, he could only say the environment has change. “Coach Bobby Williamson recommended Mayanja to join the technical team before he left for Scotland for burial of his father,” he concluded.

However, another source in Fufa said that former Cranes coach Lazslo Csaba recommended Mayanja to Williamson.

The same source also said that Williamson’s contract ends after the Benin match on Sunday, Ssimbwa and Mayanja will handle the Cranes during Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup scheduled for December 31–January 13, 2009 to be held here.

Man United coaches leave Uganda satisfied

Manchester United Academy Director Chairman John Shields will leave the country a satisfied man about the progress made by the kids of Proline Soccer Academy (PSA). Shields disclosed this to the press at the end of the three day coaching clinic held at Lugogo Sports Complex.

He said the coaching style, almost six months after their tour of England where they caught the eye of many, has improved a great deal.

“When they played in England, you could see a group of players with all the enthusiasm to learn. These players are certainly getting better especially with their ball skills,” Shields said after the session attended by hundreds of kids from the U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 age groups.

Shields also emphasised ‘comfort on the ball and ability to beat opposition defenders’.

Shields, was in the country along with Man United Academy Director Anthony Whelan on a four-day working visit on the invitation of PSA Director Mujib Kasule and patron Julian Ferdinand, father of Premiership stars Rio and Anton of Man United and Sunderland respectively.

Kasule for his part told the press that he remains positive that President Yoweri Museveni will come good on his promise of providing land to start a fully-fledged academy on Entebbe Road.

“I have been in touch with the (land) authorities and hope it happens soon,” he said.

President Museveni promised to provide to the academy apiece of land when Rio and Anton called on him last year and this year respectively. The Academy has sponsorship deal worth $120,000 with MTN.