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Zambia Super League to kick-off on October 31, 2020

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Zambia Super League to kick-off

Zambia Super League to kick-off Late October This Year.

During the Zambia FA executive committee meeting held on July 30, 2020, it was decided that the 2021 season would kick off on October 17, 2020. However, the dates have been moved and the League will start on October 31, 2020.

As usual, the Zambian Football Season will kick off with Charity shield on October 24, The Super league champions, Nkana FC, will lock horns with Indeni FC, the 2nd division champions. Indeni FC recently won the Preseason Tournament organized by Napsa Stars despite being an underdog.

There are 18 clubs contesting in this MTN sponsored league. In the coming season, 5 provinces out of 10 will be represented; Lusaka will have 7 clubs, Copperbelt Province will have 7 clubs too, Central Province 2 clubs, Southern Province 1 club and Northern Western Province that will be represented by 1 club.

The Zambian Super League, like other sports events was suspended in March 2020 due to a coronavirus outbreak. the league resumed in July but also a few days later, the alarming number of new cases and the failure of some teams to comply with the pandemic prevention guidelines prompted the country’s administration through the Ministry of Health urging Zambia FA to bring the 2019/2020 season to early closure.

After that all teams played 27 rounds, Nkana FC was declared MTN Super League champions. 4 teams (Kansanshi Dynamos, Mufulira Wanderes, Nakalamba Leopards and Kabwe Youth Academy) that were at the bottom of league table got relegated to the FAZ Eden University National Division one (2nd division league). In FAZ Eden University National Division one, after playing an equal number of games, Ndola based club Indeni FC was declared champions too. With four top teams on the ranking getting promotion.

Robertinho Is New Gor Mahia Head Coach.

By
Ground Sports
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Gor Mahia Head Coach Roberto Oliveira Goncalves

Robertinho Is New Gor Mahia Head Coach After Polack Fails To Come Back.

Following that coach Steven Polack failed to return from home, K’Ogalo decided to part ways with him and a few hours later, Brazilian tactician has been confirmed as the new Gor Mahia head coach.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambroise Rachier testified that after announcing the departure of Steven Polack who exited the club by mutual agreement, the club has appointed his successor.

“We are excited to announce the arrival of our new coach Roberto Oliveira from Brazil. He has had a long coaching experience in Africa thus making him more conversant with African football. We think it will be a great asset in our quest to achieve better results on the field,” noted the Chairman

In his words, Roberto Oliveira Goncalves also called “Robertinho” said he is happy to join Gor Mahia, a club that has won everything in local competition and added that its time to make a mark in continental assignments.

“After leaving Rayon Sports, I got three offers to come back to Africa but I turned them down. When Gor Mahia came knocking, I couldn’t turn it down because I like the club, I like their style because I have seen Gor Mahia play many times and even had a tie against them in CAF competition. I am happy to be offered the chance to coach the team,” said Robertinho

Robertinho, who signed a 2-year contract, is a former Brazil international and has previously managed many clubs in Africa notably Stade Tunisia, Atlético Sport Avíacao and Rayon Sports that he led to a historical CAF Confederation Cup Quarter Final in 2018.

Uganda’s U17 Prep For Cameroon

By
Kenneth Lwanga
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Uganda's U17 Prep For Cameroon
Courtesy Photo | National U17 Women Training At StarTimes Stadium Lugogo.

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.

Crown Beverages Limited (CBL) |
Courtesy Photo | L-R FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, U17 player Fauzia Najjemba, Nivana Brand Manager Ernest Ssentongo, U17 star Juliet Nalukenge and Corporate Communications Manager Allen Ssempa

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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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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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
-
Photo Courtesy

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
-
Vincent Mashami
Courtesy Photo | Vincent Mashami

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

CHAN Groups

 

FUFA Confirms Kickoff Dates For Football Activities

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-
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
-

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
-

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

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