Namungo FC in an away return leg forced Sudanese side Al hilal El Obeid to draw 3-3 at Blue Jewel Stadium in Omdurman hence knocking the latter out on a 5-3 aggregate.
Namungo FC, who won the first leg in Dar es salaam, 2-0, started the game high to open the score in the 2nd minute of the game through their midfielder from Ghana, Stephen Sey. Al Hilal then took control of the game and score 3 goals in 7 minutes, from 13th to 19th minute. Al Hilal’s goals included a brace from Hussein Galangat before being sent off 3 minutes later. Ibrahim scored the other goal for Al Hilal.
From that, Namungo started to capitalize on the numerical advantage. In the 39th minute, the Burundian international striker Blaise Bigirimana reduced the score before Charles Manyama levelled the score five minutes after the break to give the Tanzanian CAF Confederation Cup debutants the opportunity to play in the next stage.
This encounter was officiated by Ugandan quartet led by the centre referee, Ali Sabila
Today’s other Results from CAF Confederation Cup games.
JS Kabylie* 2-0 US Gendarmerie Ag 4-0 Coton Sport* 1-0 Green Eagles Ag 3-0 DC Motema Pembe* 2-1 Bravos do Maquis Ag 3-1 Pyramids FC* 3-2 Al-Ittihad Tripoli Ag 4-2
Jean de Dieu Rukundo, New Head coach of Musongati | Courtesy Photo
After the resignation of former coach Niyonkuru Jumaine, the Gitega province based club, Musongati FC opted to replace him with a CAF A license holder, Rukundo Jean de Dieu.
The Burundian tactician who coached Rwanda side, Espoir FC, got suspended in February 2020 due to the disappointing results, has been tasked to lead the unfit Musongati FC which struggled in the first leg of Primus League. Musongati, home of Burundian International defender, Emery Nimubona is in 9th place with 21 points.
This football Club won the President’s Cup last season, which gave them the ticket to represent Burundi in the CAF Confederation Cup. The poor performance in the domestic league followed them on continental level and they were knocked out in the first preliminary round by the Green Eagles from Zambia. Coach Rukundo led the team because his compatriot Niyonkuru had no Qualifications to coach in a game organized by CAF.
All the head coaches of clubs engaged in the 2020/2021 edition of Total CAF Champions League and Total CAF Confederation Cup must hold the “CAF A” coaching license or its equivalence from other confederations.
Rwanda FA and BRALIRWA agree on a 4-year deal for the brewer to assume League naming rights.
In an extraordinary general assembly held last weekend, the Executive Committee of the Football Association of Rwanda outlined how they will use the resources (budget plan) for the 2020-2021 season, and then the football governing body took the opportunity to discuss with its members the status of the league sponsor.
FERWAFA President Rtd Brig-Gen Sekamana Jean Damascene said that it looks like a deal has been reached with Bralirwa of 640 million Rwandan francs in four years and will be signed this January.
Retired Brigadier General Jean Damascene SEKAMANA, FERWAFA President
“We talked to them. It took a long time because releasing money for them was a little bit of a problem. They wanted to give less. However, the other day we seemed to have agreed — we came to an understanding ahead of the actual agreement this month,” said Rtd Brig-Gen Sekamana Jean Damascene.
He added, “This month we will sign the agreement. It is no longer a secret, we agreed that they will pay 640 million Rwf over 4 years. Furthermore, we’ve agreed that when we get another sponsor who can give us more than that, there is a clause included in case they fail to raise to the new sponsor’s fees, the deal will be terminated. We are looking for someone who can give us more.”
“The other part of the agreement is that they also have money to work on the venues, and the program we talked to them about is working together to see how we can bring fans back to the stadiums,” he added.
Bralirwa is expected to provide 640M Rwf in 4 years, advertise 50% on the stadiums and take the naming rights of the Rwanda Premier League. In the 1st year, this brewer and soft beverage company will give 180M Rwf.
The agreement comes in addition to the one signed in September 2020 between the Rwanda FA and National TV to air the series of games organized by this Federation, especially the Rwanda Premier League.
The Rwanda Premier League was halted at the 3rd round on 11th December 2020 with the Ministry of Sports citing that the Standard Operating Procedures were not properly followed. No communication has yet been made ever since as to when the league will resume but it is expected to resume after CHAN scheduled in Cameroon.
AS Kigali arriving at Entebbe airport | Photo: AS Kigali
Saturday, January 2, 2021, AS Kigali with 23 players arrived in Uganda to play the second leg match against KCCA FC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
AS Kigali is Rwanda’s flag bearers in the CAF Confederation Cup twice in a row after winning the Peace Cup in 2019. Last season, The cup was not played and completed due to COVID-19 which gave AS Kigali the chance to represent the country a second time in a row even though they had finished sixth in the league. They were eliminated at this stage last year by Uganda’s Proline FC 3-2 on aggregate.
In the first round, AS Kigali knocked out Orapa United on the away goals rule then in the second round, Rwanda side team was supposed to host KCCA at Kigali Stadium in the first leg, however, the game got cancelled because Uganda side KCCA was not able to get the number of players determined by CAF for a team to be allowed to play the continental club competition. As results, AS Kigali was awarded an automatic 2-0 win advantage.
The second leg tie will be played at St Mary’s Kitende following that MTN Omondi Stadium, home of KCCA FC failed to meet the requirements to host CAF games. The game is to be played Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 16:00 EA time.
AS Kigali travelled-squad to face KCCA FC:
Eric Ndayishimiye, Chris Rugero, Bate Shamiru, Hassan Rugirayabo, Mossi Rurangwa, Latif Bishira, Christian Ishimwe, Hassan Karera, Emery Bayisenge, Eric Nsabimana, Janvier Benedata, Rachid Kalisa, Tumaini Ntamuhanga, Shaban Hussein, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Aboubakar Lawal, Fiston Nkinzingabo, Pierrot Kwizera, Bosco Kayitaba, Felix Ndekwe, Abeddy Biramahire, Alex Ortamal and Sudi Abdallah. The Head Coach is Eric Nshimiyimana.
The national football teams of Namibia and Congo Brazzaville were invited to Kigali in the 3 teams Mini tournament.
The tournament is organized by Rwanda FA and Ministry of Sports to help these countries prepare for the CHAN 2021 tournament. However, Namibia won’t participate in this mini-tournament due to COVID-19 infection in the team.
The Brave Warriors have been in camp since 8 December 2020 and after the routine tests were done on 29 December 2020, 10 players and one technical staff member tested positive for Covid-19. Namibian FA immediately activated the relevant protocols that include isolation and calling off group activities temporarily.
On the other hand, FERWAFA through their Twitter handle said that a delegation from Congo will arrive in Rwanda on Monday, January 4. Rwanda may play Congo 2 times between January 7th and 11th before they travel to Cameroon.
CHAN is scheduled for 16 January to 7 February 2021, and Rwanda will compete in Group C along with Morocco, Togo and Uganda.
Rwandan tactician Andre Casa Mbungo agreed with Kenyan Premier League side Bandari to guide them following the exit of Ken Odhiambo who joined Sofapaka.
Mbungo has been Gasogi United’s head coach since July last year where he replaced Guy Bukasa who joined Rayon Sports.
Mbungo returns in KPL where he coached the AFC Leopards and he quit this Club in December 2019 after he had not been paid for a long time. He later went to Rayon Sports before joining Gasogi United.
Other clubs Mbungo has coached include SC Kiyovu and Police FC — he coached twice, AS Kigali, and Sunrise. In 2014, he coached the national team temporarily for a short time. Coach Mbungo is known to be the only Rwandan coach who managed to win the Peace Cup in two different teams other than APR and Rayon Sports, he won this with AS Kigali in 2013 and Police FC in 2015.
He heads to unfit coastal side, Bandari FC — this team from Mombasa has won only one of five games played in KPL 2020/2021 season.
The oldest golfer Mzee Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza celebrated his 95th birthday at the Tooro Golf Club.
Mzee Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza was born in the ‘village of golf’ in the hills of Bukwali — a village that is also home to many golfers such as Stephen Kasaija the former national team and current head coach of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Rugumayo Ronald the Uganda open winner 2018, Otile Ronald the brace Uganda open winner 2016 and 2017, David Kamuindwa, Adolf Muhumuza, Harisson Kasaija among other top players.
Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza picked interest from the whites who used to play golf at Tooro Golf Club. He became a serious golfer in 1970 and, and won his first major in 1975 called Western Open beating Sadi Onito who used to hail from Jinja golf club. Just eight years into golf he got his first hole in one at Tooro Golf Club, Hole number 5 and he got another hole in the 9th year but this time it was on hole number 6 using iron 8. Some of the notable tournaments Mzee has won include Newsgraph, Mukwano, JBG, and Tusker.
Basaliza At 95 Golf Tournament was held at Tooro Golf Club to celebrate the Mzee Apuuli Emmanuel Basaliza and Lord Bishop Roben Kasembo, RDC of Kabarole district, patrons of the club and the family members of Apuuli Basaliza were in attendance to grace the ceremony.
The tournament attracted 62 players including the youngsters from the youngest academy in the region, AFRIYEA Golf Academy. Tooro club contributed the biggest number of members followed by Kasese, Mbarara and Uganda Golf club.
Junior winners
Winner: Damian Asiimwe 72
1st Runner Up: Racheal Natukunda 35 Net in 9 Holes
2rd Runner Up: Aisha Kabasita 50 Net in 9 holes
Seniors
Winner: Atwooki Gilbert Mujogya
Runner Up: Abdul Mayaja
Group B
Winner: Mesh Feroze
Runner Up: Paul kasaija
Group c
Winner: Dr.Nyatia Edward
Runner Up: Okwir Mathias
Ladies
Winner: Joyce Kisembo
Runner Up Lillian Koowe
AFRIYEA Golf Academy student Amon Bwambale beat the rest of all other players to emerge as the overall winner
Overall Winner: Amon Bwambale 69
Runner Up: Wyliff Leo 70 Net
Overall winner Amon Bwambale receiving his trophy from the Guest of honor Bishop Roben Kisembo
Ugandan born Rwandan attacking forward Meddie Kagere sinks Ihefu to help his side Simba narrow the gap on table leaders Yanga.
On 23rd December 2020, Simba lost their CAF Champions League tie away to Platinum 1-0. This prompted the club to go into beast mode when they returned to win in the Azam Sports Federation Cup 5-0 against Majimaji FC with goals from Gadiel, Kope Mugalu, Ame, Meddie Kagere, and Miquissone.
Simba continues its achievements in the second leg campaign with a 4-0 win over relegation prone side Ihefu in the Vodacom Premier League. The encountered transpired at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam. Hussien Mohamed opened the scores after converting an assist from Shomary in the 10th minute. This was followed by a brace by star striker Meddie Kagere in the 15th and 40th minute to end the first half 3-0 in favour of Simba.
66 minutes into the second half, Meddie Kagere gave way to Kope Mugalu off the bench, a wise decision by tactician Sven Vendenbroeck that lead to the 4th and last goal of the game by the substitute Mugalu.
Simba will play their return in the CAF Champions League against FC Platinum on 6th January 2021. Head coach Sven Vendenbroeck is optimistic his side will emerge, victors, against Platinum in Dar-es-Salaam. “We have chances because we did not lose our away match because of our opponents’ prowess, but we did that because of our mistakes. I think we should have a keen focus on our return leg tie and secure a home win with a big margin,” he said.
Simba will then host Mtibwa Sugar FC in the Vodacom Premier League. All the fixtures mentioned above are at home for Simba from which they should capitalize to pick up maximum points to again advantage in these competitions.
Rwanda head coach Vincent Mashami wants his side to play friendly matches ahead of the three-week CHAN tournament between January and February 2020.
As Amavubi prepare to participate in the forthcoming CHAN tournament, head coach Vicent Mashami believes that the squad need to play friendly games for extended analysis of the team’s tactical formations.
“Friendly matches are very important and will help us prepare better for the tournament. We are working on different tactical formations and we plan to test these in the friendlies,” said Vincent Mashami.
Rwanda is pitted in Group C together with Morocco, Togo, and neighbours Uganda for the games scheduled to start 16 January 2020, and Amavubi will face Uganda Cranes in both sides’ opening games on the 18th January 2020.
Uganda national team is not resting as they set off yesterday for a Pre-CHAN mini-tournament scheduled to be played between 1st and 7th January 2020 with four teams taking part including hosts Cameroon, Uganda, Niger, and Zambia.
The calls from Vincent Mashami for friendly games also came at a time when the team is faced with COVID-19 adversity. It is believed that 3 Amavubi players plus a kit manager tested positive for the virus right before the squad went into camp at the Golden Tulip in Nyamata.
Rwanda is not the only nation that has reported positive COVID-19 test from squad members as Zimbabwe who are in Group A with hosts Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali has also returned nine positive tests.
However, amidst all these developing situations, the continent’s football governing body has set up a COVID-19 medical team. There is now a total of 60 COVID-19 medical officers, whose task is to enforce the International Match Protocol during FIFA / CAF competitions. The medical officers are trained by the Development Department and the Medical Committee, and they perform their work on matchdays and non-matchdays to ensure the integrity of the game players.
AFRIYEA Golf Academy’s Edward Rubongoya vows to return well prepared for the competition on 30th December 2020.
Edward Rubongoya who emerged 3rd in the recently concluded Captain’s Tournament that took place on Christmas Eve has vowed to go back to the drawing board and correct all the mistakes that caused this result.
After appropriate practice, Edward Rubongoya believes he has the edge to win the juniors at the upcoming Mzee Basaliza 95 Years Celebration Tournament that will be played on the 30th December 2020. This practice session has aided him in correcting the mistakes he needs to avoid from the previous tournament that saw him slide off dropping points to his counterparts Natukunda Racheal and Damian Asiimwe.
His confidence has also been boosted by more tips he got from the academy coaches after the tournament “The coaches always call us for the meeting after every tournament to discuss on the things that didn’t work out well and this helps us master the important areas where we should not go wrong in the next tournaments,” Edward Rubongoya said.
However, Edward believes his winning won’t come on a silver plate as he expects other good challenging academy students like Shilla Kasembo who is a long hitter and good ion player, Isabella Nansubuga, Aishah Kabasita, Damian Asiimwe, Ian Collins, Esther Kemigisa, Babu Ibrahim and Racheal Natukunda among others.
The organizing committee of the tournament is expecting many golfers to come and participate in this tournament of the oldest golfer in the country mzee Ek. Apuuli Basaliza a life member at Toro club.
Mzee Ek. Apuuli Basaliza
His great love for people will see people moving from Kasese, Mbarara, Kampala and other clubs coming to join him on his 95th-year celebration that will begin with the tournament and later on a party all to be held at Toro club.
National team players like Joseph Cwinya-ai the national team captain, Abdul Kakeeto, Andrew Mugume, Denis Asaba and other in form players like Amon Bwambale, Wyliff Leo, Tom Cullen, Peace Kabasweka, Lillian Koowe, Dan Basaliza, Jill Pinda, Atwooki Gilbert Mujogya, David Mugambwa, AK. Mayaja will be expected to grace this event among other players.
Mzee Ek. Apuuli Basaliza with AFRIYEA golf Academy juniors
The management of the club noted that this is one of the tournaments that are held at this prestigious club to appreciate the good work that Apuuli Basaliza has done for the club.
Dan Basaliza is aged 25 years, a grandson to Mzee Ek. Apuuli Basaliza started golf at the age of 11 years and is still very active now after having finished his school at MUBS. His most memorable is his first tournament where he won the Mukwano Open and this was followed by other tournaments like Venus.
About 40 players are expected to come and play in this noble tournament
