Uganda’s U17 Prep For Cameroon

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October 10, 2020

Uganda’s U17 Prep For Cameroon In The Final Round The FIFA U17 Women World Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

The Uganda Women U17 National team started training in preparation for the last round of the FIFA U17 Women World Cup Qualifiers versus Cameroon. The sessions were at KCCA home grounds, StarTimes stadium Lugogo.

The team now under coaches Hadijja Namuyanja, Olive Mbekeka (fitness) and James Magala (goalkeeper) are gearing up to face Cameroon in the final qualifying round of the 2021 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with the first leg in Kampala slated for 31st October and a return leg later in November 2020.

Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Communications Director, in August this year, confirmed that the national team ladies would receive $100 each. These funds were set to aid in personal training in preparation for Cameroon.

The team also earlier this week received more support from Crown Beverages Limited (CBL). Through a partnership with FUFA, CBL provided 400 cartons of Nivana water to the team. “We wish the U17 Women the best of luck in their upcoming games and this donation is a token of our appreciation for the partnership with FUFA and our joint desire to see Ugandan football prosper,” stated Nivana Water brand Manager Ernest Ssentongo.

However, there is a major set-back as the team head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi tested

positive for the global pandemic COVI-19. “I have on Thursday 8th October 2020 tested positive for COVID -19. I am now in self-isolation from the camp for a period as guided by the health officials for better medication and recovery,” the coach said.

Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi | U17 Prep For Cameroon — Courtesy Photo | Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi

Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi said that while he is away, he will help conduct some sessions with his technical team for the players online as they continue with preparations for the FIFA U17 World cup Qualifier with Cameroon.

Kigali and Alexandria to host AfroBasket Qualifiers.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 10, 2020

FIBA Africa approved Kigali and Alexandria to host November AfroBasket Qualifiers games.

Following a recommendation from the Medical Commission and the Competitions Commission, the FIBA Executive Committee decided to conduct the November and February qualifiers in bubbles.

All the games of both windows will be conducted in a secure environment instead of home and away matches, with the agreement of the host public health authorities and in compliance with FIBA health protocols.
FIBA authorized FIBA Africa to decided the host cities. In Abidjan at the FIBA Africa Headquarters, the Basketball governing body of Africa approved two cities to host games in a protected environment tournament format.

Kigali, Rwanda is set to host 12 teams from Groups A, B and D, with the four teams of Group E competing in Alexandria, Egypt.

The games of Group C have already been played during the February 2020 window.

The full schedule of matches and the hosts for the second window games in February next year will be announced in due course.

FIBA claimed it would continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 in Africa on a daily basis and provide further updates when necessary.

2021 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers Groups:

Group A:

Tunisia
Central African Republic
DR Congo
Madagascar

Group B:

Senegal,
Angola,
Mozambique
Kenya

Group C:

Cameroon
Côte d’Ivoire
Guinea
Equatorial Guinea

Group D:

Nigeria
Mali
Rwanda
Algeria

Group E:

Kenya beat Zambia for the first time since 2001

By

Ground Sports

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October 10, 2020

Kenya's winger Cliff Nyakeya (left) watches as Zambia's Mwape Tandi turns the ball into his own net during their international friendly match at Nyayo Stadium on October 9, 2020. | Photo: Nation Media Group

In a friendly match between Kenya and Zambia on Friday, October 9 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Zambia head coach Micho reiterated that VAR is needed in Football after Chipolopolo’s disallowed goal.

In preparations for the upcoming African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Kenya’s Harambee Stars survived a late scare to edge Zambia 2-1 in an international friendly. Kenya’s Head coach Francis Kimanzi played this match without some of his usual players such as Micheal Olunga, Arnord Origi, Ayub Timbe, Johanna Omolo and the Skipper Victor Wanyama. On the other side, the Chipolopolo head coach, Milutin Sredojevic Micho did not have the services of Clatous Chama, Aubrey Chirwa, Mwape Musonda, Patson Data and Enock Musonda.

The Harambe Stars, who had only been in training for five days, led the first half of the game through 25-year old forward Cliff Nyakeya, who had a good performance in the game. Cliff had his cross turned into the net by Zambian defender Mwape Tandi on 20 minutes before he scores the second goal on 37 minutes, this goal was his first goal in the senior national team.

Through substitute Emmanuel Chaluba, Zambia scored their goal at 81 minutes before the later drama of disallowed goal. The incident left coach Micho protesting and he mentioned it in a post-match interview.

“We scored a genuine second goal but it was not given. All those talking and saying that VAR is not needed in football now have the answers today because this is comedy. At this level it is not supposed to happen by all means.”Micho said. The Serbian tactician had once proposed Zambia FA the idea of using Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in Zambia Super League.

Zambia coach Micho played a friendly match in the middle of the week, beating Malawi 1-0 at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. They will travel to South Africa for another friendly game against Bafana Bafana this Sunday, October 11. Kenya have a proposal to play against Zimbabwe but this match has not yet been confirmed.

Kenya Starting XI: Ian Otieno, Baraka Badi, Brian Mandela, Joash Onyango, David Owino, Antony Akumu, Lawrence Juma, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Cliff Nyakeya, Masoud Juma.

Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Clinton Oduor, Philemon Otieno, Francis Kahata, Haimi Abdallah, Elvis Rupia, Oscar Wamalwa, Timothy Otieno.

Zambia Starting XI: Sebastian Mwange, Lubambo Musonda, Zacharia Chilongoshi, Tandi Mwape, Kabaso Chongo, Benson Sakala, Kelvin Kapumbu, Edward Chilufya, Kings Kangwa, Evans Kangwa, Fashion Sakala.

Subs: Lameck Siame, Jackson Kakunta, Kondwani Chiboni, Godfrey Ngwenya, Luka Banda, Dominic Chanda, Leonard Mulenga, Chaniza Zulu, Collins Sikombe, Gamphani Lungu, Emmanuel Chabula, Kelvin Kampamba.

APR FC loan Ernest Sugira to Rayon Sports again

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 9, 2020

APR FC accepts Rayon Sports loan request for Rwanda International striker Ernest Sugira for the second time

In a letter from APR FC chairman on October 7, in response to Rayon Sports’ October 3 letter, they confirmed that APR FC have agreed to loan Sugira Ernest to Rayon Sports FC for the 2020-2021 season in addition to that APR FC gives the player and Club (Rayon Sports FC) a green light to discuss about personal terms. If he is sold before the end of the loan period, APR FC will get 50%.

Through his social media, Sugira has announced that he is a Rayon sports player and is excited to be working with Rayon again.

“From good hands to good ones, it’s a good step to enjoy in my football career, I am a RAYON SPORTS player for 2020-2021 season and I am happy to work with you again”

Sugira is added to the center forward Robert Mbelu and midfielder Jean Vital Ourega. Both are loans from DR Congo giants, TP Mazembe

Rayon Sports parted away with many players that helped them finish second last season which makes sense to be busy in transfer market.

Vincent Mashami Calls 48 Players For AFCON Qualifiers – Could He Have CHAN In Mind?

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 8, 2020

Rwanda National Team Head Coach Vincent Mashami Calls 37 Players For AFCON Qualifiers. Only 10 Players On The List Are Foreign Based. Could This Be A Move In Preparation For CHAN Too?

The continent football governing body, Confederation of Africa Football – CAF has recently released fixtures for the forthcoming CHAN Tournament for early next year. Neighbouring countries Rwanda and Uganda in CHAN Group C in the second fixture of the group.

Group C Fixtures

18/01/2021

Morocco Vs Togo
Rwanda Vs Uganda

22/01/2021

Morocco Vs Rwanda
Uganda Vs Togo

26/01/2021

Uganda Vs Morocco
Togo Vs Rwanda

Both nations have their teams in preparation for another continental tournament AFCON in the qualifiers stages with the Uganda Cranes in Dubai for a training camp and Amavubi of Rwanda in a residential will join the camp at La Palisse Hotel in Bugesera tomorrow.

CHAN is a tournament that only allows players currently playing in the local leagues. Rwanda Head coach called quite a big number of players in preparation for the AFCON qualifiers stages. 37 players were selected on the squad with 11 players on the reserve list making a total of 48 players. Could Mr Vincent Mashami be planning ahead of time for the CHAN games in too? Here is how Rwanda Local Players would line-up.

Goalkeepers – Kimenyi Yves (SC Kiyovu), Kwizera Olivier (Rayon Sports FC), Ndayishimiye Eric (AS Kigali) and Rwabugiri Omar (APR FC).

Defenders – Manzi Thierry (APR FC), Mutsinzi Ange (APR FC), Fitina Ombolenga (APR FC), Manishimwe Emmanuel (APR FC), Rutanga Eric (Police FC), Rugwiro Herve (Rayon Sports FC), Bayisenge Emery (AS Kigali) and Rusheshangoga Michel (AS Kigali)

Midfielders – Niyonzima Olivier (APR FC) Ngendahimana Eric (SC Kiyovu), Twizerimana Martin Fabrice (Police FC), Nsambimana Eric (AS Kigali), Manishimwe Djabel (APR FC), Niyomugabo Claude (APR FC) and Nshuti Dominique Savior (Police FC).

Forwards – Byiringo Lague (APR FC), Sugira Ernest (APR FC), Sibomana Patrick (Police FC), Bizimana Yannick (APR FC), lyabivuze Ossee (Police FC), Mico Justin (Police FC), Tuyisenge Jacques (APR FC) and Hakizimana Muhadjili (AS Kigali).

Waiting List – Usengimana Faustin (Police FC), Ndekwe Felix (AS Kigali), Iradukunda Eric (Police FC), Iradukunda Jean Bertrand (Gasogi United), Kalisa Rachid (AS Kigali), Usengimana Danny (APR FC), Nsabimana Aimable (Police FC), Nshuti Innocent (APR FC) and Twizerimana Onesme (Musanze FC)

We have seen Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry called local players including the following below in preparations for the AFCON Qualifiers and most likely he will call the same players again for CHAN based o their performance.

Goalkeepers – Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume, Uganda) and Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda).

Defenders – Samuel Kato (KCCA, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Patrick Mbowa (URA, Uganda).

Midfielders – Shafiq Kagimu (URA, Uganda), Karim Watambala (Vipers, Uganda), Saidi Kyeyune (URA, Uganda), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers, Uganda), David Owori (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (KCCA, Uganda).

Forwards – Milton Karisa (Vipers, Uganda).

The two East African teams meeting is going to be a derby match.

Here are the Groups for CHAN

FUFA Confirms Kickoff Dates For Football Activities

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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October 7, 2020

Uganda Premier League Fans | FUFA Confirms Kickoff Dates — Courtesy Photo

Football Governing Body of Uganda FUFA Confirms Kickoff Dates For Competitive Football in The Country After a Long Wait.

It has been a long wait for the resumption of sports in the country after the COVID-19 global pandemic caused many countries in the world to impose lockdowns. These lockdowns have seen many sports activities put on hold for over 6 months now.

The uplift of the ban on sports was recently announced by the head of state but this was followed by restrictions that were not properly met by the stakeholders of football. The football federation together with other sports federations raised their concerns to the National Council of Sports. FUFA Vice President, Justus Mugisha also stated that they would engage the government further on the safe return of sports including free testing.

Top Flight League.

FUFA confirms kickoff dates for the 2020-2021 season after a long wait for football to resume in the country. The football federation has set 20th November 2020 as the new date for the when competitive football to resume.

This has seen other football activities affected such as club licensing and player registration and their deadlines moved. Club licencing has been extended to 15th October 2020 and player registration to 19th October 2020. FUFA also announced that the new season fixtures will be expected in 20th October 2020.

Stanbic Uganda Cup 46th Edition.

There will not be further action of the Stanbic Uganda Cup 46th Edition.

Playoffs

Playoffs for the FUFA Big League (FBL), FUFA Regional League (FRL) and the FUFA Women Elite League (FWEL), will be hosted at FUFA Technical Center Njeru. Tentatively, the play-offs for the Star Times FUFA Big League clubs kick off date has been set for 10th November 2020.

The federation hopes that COVID-19 SOPs will be observed by all stakeholders as put by the Ministry of Health.

St Etienne Star Monnet-Paquet’s First Call-up in National Team.

By

Ground Sports

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October 7, 2020

Rwanda hand St Etienne star Monnet-Paquet first call-up in National team as Vincent Mashami named Amavubi first Squad of 2020

In today’s press conference held at the Rwanda Football federation headquarters, head coach Vincent Mashami has named the first squad team composed of 27 domestic players and 10 foreign based players. The 27 domestic players will go to a residential camp at La Palisse Hotel on Friday October 9, after the completion of the COVID-19 player-testing program. then Foreign Based players will join the group before heading to Praia, Cape Verde.

New Gasogi United forward Jean Bertrand Iradukunda, had been hopeful of making the squad after relaunching his career at Mukura, but instead has to settle for a place on the standby list of 11. Only one player has been handed the first call-up in Rwanda national team, St Etienne Star Monnet-Paquet

Kevin Monnet-Paquet, 32, born to a Rwandan mother and French father, plays as a forward for French Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne.

Monnet-Paquet represented France at youth levels, U-18, U-19 and the U-21 national team. However, he was never called-up by the senior French national team.

Rwanda is preparing for back to back matches of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications against Cape Verde. The first match is scheduled on November 9, 2020 in Praia and the 2nd one after 8 days in Kigali. Two countries make group F along with Cameroon and Mozambique.

Rwanda’s hope to qualify is very slim as they are bottom of the group without a point after two loses; 2-0 in Maputo against Mozambique and 1-0 to Cameroon in Kigali. Mozambique tops the group with 4 and a goal-difference of 2 and Cameroon has 4 points too but with a goal-difference of 1. Cape Verde is ranked third with 2 points.

Rwanda National Football team is ranked 132nd and the last match they played was against Cameroon on November 17, 2019. Amavubi lost the game one goal to nil at Kigali Stadium.

The entire list presented by Mashami on this Wednesday follows below.

Goal Keepers:
Kimenyi Yves (SC Kiyovu), Kwizera Olivier (Rayon sports FC), Ndayishimiye Eric (AS Kigali) and Rwabugiri Omar (APR FC)

Defenders:
Manzi Thierry (APR FC), Mutsinzi Ange (APR FC), Fitina Ombolenga (APR FC), Manishimwe Emmanuel (APR FC), Rutanga Eric (Police FC), Rwatubyaye Abdoul (Suitchbacks), Nirisarike Salomon (Pyunick FC), Rugwiro Herve (Rayon Sports FC), Bayisenge Emery (AS Kigali) and Rusheshangoga Michel (AS Kigali)

Midfielders:
Niyonzima Olivier (APR FC), Ngendahimana Eric (SC Kiyovu), Twizerimana Martin Fabrice (Police FC), Nsabimana Eric (AS Kigali), Manishimwe Djabel (APR FC), Niyonzima Ally (Azam FC), Mukunzi Yannick (Sandvikens), Muhire Kevin (Tela’ea el gaish), Bizimana Djihad (Waasaland beveren), Niyonzima Haruna (Young Africans), Niyomugabo Claude (APR FC), Nshuti Dominique savior (Police FC) and Rubanguka Steve ( A.E. Karaiskakis)

Forwards:
Byiringiro Lague (APR FC), Sugira Ernest (APR FC), Sibomana Patrick (Police FC), Bizimana Yannick (APR FC), Iyabivuze Ossee (Police FC), Mico Justin (Police FC), Tuyisenge Jacques (APR FC), Kagere Meddie (SC Simba), Hakizimana Muhadjili (AS Kigali) and Kevin Monnet Paquet (St Etienne)

Waiting List:
Usengimana Faustin (Police FC), Ndekwe Felix (AS Kigali), Iradukunda Eric (Police FC), Iradukunda Jean Bertrand (Gasogi United), Kalisa Rachid ( AS Kigali), Usengimana Danny ( APR FC), Nsabimana Aimable (Police FC), Iranzi Jean Claude, Mvuyekure Emery (Tusker), Nshuti Innocent (APR FC), Twizerimana Onesme (Musanze FC)

FUFA Agreed to Share Cost to Play

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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October 6, 2020

FUFA agreed to share the cost with teams during the FUFA Big League play-offs to meet SOP’s

During a Consultative Meeting held on Monday 05 October 2020 at the FUFA Complex building in Kampala, the big league and regional leagues team representatives that will fixture in play-offs discussed with the Ugandan football leaders the financial challenges they will face during the play-offs games.

In the welcome speech of the President of the Ugandan Football Federation, Eng. Moses Magogo thanked them for their contribution to the development of football. He reminded them that even though they are in a difficult situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and people want to play football again, life must come first and strive to restore and develop this game.

He said, “We thank you for the incredible work you are doing for football. Football clubs are the beginning blocks of football. Without clubs, you can not have football. You are making a contribution to the game of football. We are aware of the challenges everyone is going through because of COVID-19. We are in an abnormal year but football people want to play football but life is very important. It is not a matter of life and death. We must live tomorrow. As football people, we have a responsibility to make. Fair as possible so that we take football to the next level. There is no time and already club licensing is taking place. We received SOP’s from Government and the Ministry of Health that included playing before under closed doors, regular social distancing, masking and sanitizing as well as quarantine of the teams (tournament environment with camping hotel after undertaking COVID-19 tests).”

The participants continued to exchange views and came to an agreement that FUFA would share the COVID-19 testing costs with the clubs; meet the accommodation, feeding the team players and officials as well as provision of medical services for all the teams during the matches. A point that was well received by the team representatives who said that the meeting was useful and even expressed the gratitude of FUFA partnership.

It was reiterated in the meeting that the teams had difficulty in testing the players and did not hesitate to continue to ask FUFA to continue engaging the government to reduce the cost of the COVID-19 tests from shs 240 000 which is very big.

The date for the FUFA Big league play-offs is tentatively set for November 10, 2020 with FUFA Technical Center confirmed as the venue for these play-offs

Silverbacks to start Preparations Ahead of AfoBasket 2021 Qualifiers

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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October 6, 2020

Uganda National Basketball Team The Silverbacks to Start Preparations ahead of AfoBasket 2021 Qualifiers

The Uganda Basketball Federation together with the team management has summoned a roster to start the training in preparation for the journey to Egypt for the Afrobasket 2021 Qualifiers window 1.

The training begins today, October 6 at the Lugogo Indoor MTN Arena under the direction of Mandy Juruni who is currently City Oilers head coach, assisted by Brian Wathum of Titans & junior silverbacks along with Andrew Tendo.

12 local players have been invited to start a non-residential camp for 40 days, the team will train 4 days a week after which they will select a group to head to the training camp in Alexandria where they will meet the foreign-based players with head coach George Galanopoulos.

The SilverBacks plan to play some friendly games in Alexandria before they start the competition on November 27, 2020. Uganda are placed in Group E with Egypt, Morocco and another team that is yet to be confirmed from Pre-Qualifying games scheduled between 23-25 October opposing South Sudan, Cape Verde, Chat and Zimbabwe.

The usual foreign-based players, Brandon Davies, Jordin Mayers and A’Darius Pegues will not feature. However, there is a new face on the list, 26-year old power forward who plays for SIG Strasbourg in France. Mr Ishmail Wainwright.

Silverbacks last on the court in the summer of 2019 in the 2019 Zone Five tourney in Uganda where they finished 3rd behind Kenya and Egypt, will have to play the 2nd window of this qualifiers in February 2021 before hoping for participation in the final games in Kigali.

Uganda has qualified for and competed in the last two AfroBasket tournaments – Tunisia 2015 and Senegal / Tunisia 2017 and are determined to make it a third straight time.

Silverbacks Full Roster

Local-Based Players:
Ben Komakech (City Oilers), Tony Drileba (City Oilers), Ivan Muhwezi (City Oilers) Fayed Bbale (UCU Canons), Innocent Ochera (JKL Dolphins), Jimmy Abraham Enabu (City Oilers), Joseph Ikong Anyuru (City Oilers), David Deng Kongor (UCU), Stanley Mugerwa (Warriors), Geoffrey Soro (Nam Blazers), James Okello (City Oilers), (Titus Lual Odeke (UCU Canons).

Foreign-Based:
Emmanuel Mugenga, Samuel Kalwanyi , Eric Rwahire ,Ishmail Wainwright , Robinson Opong , and Deng Geu .

Medie Kagere on fire as Simba thrashed JKT.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

October 5, 2020

Rwandan international striker Medie Kagere helped Simba collect 3 points at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

In Matchday 5 of the Vodacom Premier League, JKT hosted the giants SC Simba. Simba dominated the game from the beginning to the end of the match. Meddie Kagere opened the score three minutes after the kick-off with a header. Three minutes later, Congolese striker Chris Mugalu netted the second goal with a header again.

Before half time, Medie Kagere also known as MK14, scored his brace and the third for his team thanks to Chama’s clever pass then Luis Miquissone scored the fourth in the second half.

The victory took Wekundu wa Msimbazi to second place behind the invincible Azam FC. Meddie Kagere scored the 3rd and 4th goals of the season, he is now the club’s top scorer and 2nd in the league with 1 goal behind the Zimbabwean Striker, Prince Dube who plays for Azam FC.

Elsewhere, Rwandan National Team Skipper, Haruna Niyonzima helped Young Africans beat the Coastal Union 3-0. Calinhos and Songne scored other goals. Despite the win, Young Africans decided to part ways with their head coach Zlatko Krmpotic after 37 days. With Zlatko, Young played 5 league games, they won 4 games and drew 1 game but Dar es salaam based club is not satisfied with the football quality and Cloakroom management.

The unstoppable Azam continue winning streak with 4-2 victory over Kagera Sugar at Chamazi Stadium. Prince Dube scored a brace (6 th and 87th), Aubrey Chirwa on 47th and Richard Djodi on 51′ for Azam while Luhende and Mhilu scored for Kagera Sugar in the 34th and on 51st minutes respectively. Azam is on top of the table with 15 points

Results of matchday 5

Standings

Uganda’s U17 Prep For Cameroon

Uganda’s U17 Prep For Cameroon In The Final Round The FIFA U17 Women World Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

Kigali and Alexandria to host AfroBasket Qualifiers.

Kenya beat Zambia for the first time since 2001

APR FC loan Ernest Sugira to Rayon Sports again

Vincent Mashami Calls 48 Players For AFCON Qualifiers – Could He Have CHAN In Mind?

FUFA Confirms Kickoff Dates For Football Activities

St Etienne Star Monnet-Paquet’s First Call-up in National Team.

FUFA Agreed to Share Cost to Play

Silverbacks to start Preparations Ahead of AfoBasket 2021 Qualifiers

Medie Kagere on fire as Simba thrashed JKT.

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