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UPL Kickoff – Dates For 2020/21 Held Back.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
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7th Annual General Meeting | UPL - Dates For The 2020/21 Kickoff Held Back.
Courtesy Photo | UPL

Due to the global pandemic, the league ended too soon after 25 games. After a decision by the football governing body, FUFA, crowned Vipers SC champions as they were at the top on the table. New UPL kickoff dates were set tentatively for 17th October this year.

The Government recently put out new guidelines to be followed for the resumption of sports in the country. These included testing for players 72 hours before the sports activities every 14 days. National Council of Sports also issued guidelines on behalf of the government for the federations to abide by.

In a statement on the UPL website, FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha stated that they would engage the government further. “As FUFA, we shall continue engaging Government on the safe return including free testing if need be,” Mugisha said.

Mugisha, in his remarks also mentioned that the UPL kickoff due on 17th October will not be possible. FUFA also confirmed that player registration that had ended on September 21 has also been extended by a month.

FUFA has also confirmed that the team, Kataka, Kitara, Kiboga Young and Ndejje University will contend to decide the third team to join the premier division. The promotional playoffs will be played soon at Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru.

FUFA Big League playoffs (2019-20) – Semi-finals:

Kataka Vs Kitara

Kiboga Young Vs Ndejje University

*Venue is FUFA Technical Center – Dates will be confirmed later*

DSTV Premiership – New Sponsors Of PSL.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
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DSTV Premiership | PSL 2020/2021 Season
Courtesy Photo | Premier Soccer League

The Premier Soccer League is home to some of the best players on the African continent and beyond its shores. Recently know as ABSA Premier, PSL recently made public new sponsors DSTV, changing it to DSTV Premiership.

Multichoice assumes from ABSA to end the 13-year relation with PSL. MultiChoice’s DStv brand has signed a five-year deal to become the new headline sponsor of the PSL’s premier division. The announcement was made on the league website

“As the PSL continues to innovate with a quest to improve its product, it will have a full backing of DStv, whose offering requires an abundance of local content. There is no “them and us,” says Dr Khoza.

The DSTV Premiership comprises of 16 teams previously won by Mamelodi Sundowns. The DStv Premiership strives to reach every community in South Africa, both existing PSL loyalists and emerging new groups. Babize Bonke is our call to all South Africans to come together in the experience of a common passion.

“This affiliation is special because it is the only affiliation that is as appealing to the young as it is to the old,” says Dr Khoza.

“It is the only affiliation that cuts across race, gender, creed, culture and political affiliations in the manner that it does,” says Dr Khoza.

MultiChoice Group CEO, Calvo Mawela believes the deal speaks to the essence of who and what the two organisations represent.

“Through the DStv Premiership, we are expanding football’s reach deeper and wider in partnership with the PSL,” Mawela emphasized.

“This league is for every South African and every community represented in our uniquely diverse nation,” Mawela added.

Uganda Sports Resumption – Sports Federations Receive Quite Demanding Guidelines for Recommencement of Sports in The Nation.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
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Following the recent address from the head of state where more sectors of the economy saw lifting of ban, among these was sports. National Council of Sports (NCS) the body responsible for the Development, Promoting and Controlling sports activities in the nation on behalf of the Government, after a meeting with federation leaders on Friday has put out guidelines to be followed for sports to recommence.

Rules to follow include

  • National sports federations and Associations will be required to prepare and submit a schedule of planned activities and venues to be used with a priority of national teams engagements
  • Each sports activity to be organized shall be cleared on its own merit
  • National sports federations and associations shall appoint a medical personal who shall work in liaison with MOH on all Covid-19 related matters
  • There shall be a focal point person appointed or designated by Federation and associations to act as the liaison between NCS and the Federation on all sports-related matters
  • Federations and associations shall seek relevant clearance from the organs of govt for the activities to take place
  • Federations and associations shall notify NCS of the venue to be used, number of Athlete’s and officials including media prior to the event
  • Provide proof of testing of players and officials prior to the activities
  • Events to be organized are those where NCS has been notified and clearance obtained
  • National teams to be encamped in one place avoid unnecessary interaction with outsiders
  • Only players and accredited officials to be allowed at the events
  • PPE must be available and in place
  • NCS shall constitute a team of persons to access the readiness and compliance of national sports federations for a resumption of sports activities

Sports would be eligible to reopen provided they fulfil the conditions set including testing of Athlete’s 72 hours to the game and repeat test after 14days and availability of adequate PPE’s. NCS should assess the readiness of federation and associations in terms of facilities, logistics and human resource to facilitate the resumption of sports

Federations will submit respective federation planned activities and protocols for approval to NCS on 2nd October 2020 thereafter Verification and approval of federations activities and protocols on 9th October 2020 and Monitoring for compliance of federations on 19th October 2020.

 

Burundi named the Squad to face Taiffa Stars of Tanzania.

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Intamba mu Rugamba (swallows) during 2019 AfCon in Egypt

Ntibazonkiza is Back in National Team since 2015

In preparation for the friendly match between Burundi and Tanzania on October 11, 2020 in Dar es Salaam, Swallows’ coach Alain Olivier Niyungeko called on 20 players to start preparations.

Among the players called are the former national team captain Saidi Ntibazonkiza, who was suspended from the national team due to misconduct with his brother Steven Nzigamasabo and Nimubona Emery popularly known as Kadogo. Ntibazonkiza, currently  free agent after parting ways with unfit Vital’o FC and other team members are expected to report to the camp.

Gael Bigirimana and Christophe Ndiwarugira, will not be participating in the match as the trips to the countries where they play have not yet returned due to COVID 19.

Burundi Full Squad :

1.Jonathan Nahimana ( Namungo FC,Tanzania )

2.Philip Nzeyimana ( Akademisk Bk ,Denmark )

3.Nsabiyumva Frederic ( Chipa United, South Africa )

4.Ndayishimiye Youssouf ( Malatya Sport, Turkey )

5.Amissi Cedric ( Al-Tawoon, Saudi Arabia)

6.Nzigamasabo steven ( Namungo FC, Tanzania )

7.Saido Berahino ( Zulte Weregem, Belgium)

8. Rukundo Onesime (Messager Ngozi, Burundi)

9.Mohamed Amissi ( Heracles Almelo, Netherlands)

10.Saidi Ntibazonkiza ( Free agent)

11.Abdul Razak fiston ( NPPI, Egypt )

12.Bimenyimana Bonfils caleb ( FK Pohronie, Slovakia )

13. Hakizimana Issa (Flambeau du centre, Burundi)

14.Bigirimana Blaise ( Namungo FC, Tanzania )

15. Ngabonziza Blanchard (Aigle Noir CS, Burundi)

16. Urasenga Cédric Kagabo (Messager Ngozi, Burundi)

17. Mugisha Josue Alberto (Musongati FC, Burundi)

18.Nimubona Emery Kadogo ( Musongati FC, Burundi )

19.Ndizeye Eric ( Musongati FC, Burundi)

20.Ndikumana Asman ( Aigle Noire, Burundi).

 

 

Zesco United appointed Mumamba as the Head Coach

By
Ground Sports
-

Zesco United officially appointed coach Numba Mumamba as George Lwandamina’s successor

Mumamba is a respected coach in Zanaco’s history where he started his coaching career. Winning the league title with Zanaco and leading them to the Absa Cup title was not enough, Mumamba will be remembered as the first Zanaco coach to help them reach the CAF Champions league group stages then with his guidance, Zanaco reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stages too.

Numba Mumamba signed a 3-year deal with Zesco United | Photo: Zesco United

He has replaced  George Lwandamina who won 2 league titles and the Absa Cup but failed to get them qualified to either the CAF Champions league or Confederation Cup.

Announcing the appointment, Zesco United CEO, Mr Richard Mulenga said “Mumamba is one of the finest young coaches to have emerged from the Zambian game in recent years. He has managed at the top level of Zambian football and he knows the domestic game very well.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to ZESCO United. His track record of success is ideal to take this club forward,” he said in a statement on Zesco’s website.

The Zambian tactician will be working with Noel Mwandila as the 1st assistant coach and Emmanuel Siwale as the 2nd assistant coach. Siwale was in Lwandamina’s staff.

Zesco United, despite being the most successful Zambian club in the last 15 years, ended last season in fifth place, the worst rankings they have had since 2011.

Bigirimana the hero as Namungo FC got a massive 3 points

By
Evode Munyeshuri
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Blaise Bigirimana | Courtesy Photo

On Day 4 of the Tanzania’s Vodacom Premier League, Thierry Hitimana’s Namungo FC faced Mbeya City at Sokoine Stadium.

Burundian striker Blaise Bigirimana scored the only goal of the match 10 minutes after Kickoff, assisted by his compatriot Steven Nzigamasabo.

Bigirimana Blaise was the club’s top scorer last season, with 10 goals and today’s goal is the second this season, also the second for this club.

Today’s victory helped Namungo move forward with 6 points in 4 games before hosting Mwadui in the 5th round while Mbeya City is still struggling the get the 1st point of season with 4th  consecutive defeat. they have not yet scored in any single game. Next match Mbeya city will host tanzania prisons on October 3

Starting XI on both sides:

Mbeya City FC: Mandanda, Kanambi, Mwakinyuke, Shemvuni, Chitembe, Mohamed, Lukindo, Taro, Mchelenga, Kibu, Ibrahim

Namungo FC: Nahimana, Kristom, Duah, Kyata, Jafary, Nzigamasabo, Hamoud, Kikoti, Manyanya, Kipagwire and Bigirimana

In other fixture, Kagera Sugar ended KMC’s unbeaten record in this season, thanks to a 1-0 win at Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba District. Yusuph Muhilu scored the goal in first half. It was the first win of season for Kagera sugar with 4 points in 4 matches.

The fourth round matches of the Vodacom Premier League continues this weekend as follows

Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers – How Are Nations Preparing For The AFCON 2021 Qualifiers

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-

CAF the football governing body of the continent announced the postponement of the AFCON qualifiers after the world was hit by the Coronavirus. Competitive football resumes in November and participating nations are facing various issues as there is only one month to prepare to contend.

Uganda and South Sudan

Uganda and South Sudan are in Group B, Uganda leading the group with 4 points and South Sudan at the bottom with no points. South Sudan’s Bright Stars has lined up a friendly match against Cameroon on October 10th, 2020 at the Yaounde Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon. The government announced a resumption of sports activities in the country and the Bright Stars have been training at the Baluk playground in Juba, on the contrary, opponent Uganda Cranes has planned a 9 days training camp in Dubai. Uganda Cranes coach believes that camp will allow quality time on the field with the team meets the requirements of the squad in various ways.

Uganda and South Sudan will contend with each other on 9th November (Uganda Vs South Sudan) and 17th November (South Sudan Vs Uganda).

Burundi and Tanzania

After 2 matches played in the qualifiers, Burundi stands at the bottom in Group E with 0 points whereas Tanzania is second with 3 points in Group J. The two neighbouring countries have agreed to play a friendly match on October 11 in Dar es Salaam at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. Burundi and Tanzania have already started their new local league campaigns whilst other East African countries facing problems re-opening sports.

Burundi’s Intamba Mu Rugumba will face Mauritania on 9th November (Mauritania Vs Burundi) and the return leg on 17th November. Tanzania’s Taiffa Stars will travel to Tunisia on 11th November (Tunisia Vs Tanzania) and 17th November (Tanzania Vs Tunisia).

Zambia And Zimbabwe

Both teams are in Group H with Zambia in 4th position with 0 points and Zimbabwe in 2nd position with points after 2 matches played each. Zambia have secured a friendly match with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana during the FIFA International window and another one with Kenya’s Harambee Stars on 13th October in Lusaka. Zimbabwe Football Association received an invitation from Nairobi to play the Harambee Stars but are yet to respond to the request.

Zambia face Botswana on 9th November at home and 17th November away and Zimbabwe face Algeria on 9th November away and 17th November at home.

Uganda Striker – Tito Okello on Joining KPL Side Gor Mahia

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-
Courtesy Photo

24-year-old Ugandan striker named after former President of Uganda Tito Okello joined Kenya Premier League giants, Gor Mahia, in August this year from yet again titleholders and giants of the Uganda Premier League. Both teams were crowned Champions after decisions by the football governing bodies in their countries to end the leagues prematurely because of the global pandemic COVID-19.

“Actually from my side, it’s a pleasure joining a team like Gor Mahia because I think it has been among my dreams clubs. I’ve always been dreaming to play for big teams and my dream has come true because I always work hard to make sure I reach there,” Tito said.

When young, Tito watched and dreamt of playing for teams like KCCA and Vipers and he played at these big-name clubs, that goes for current team Gor Mahia.

When asked what should be expected of Tito Okello he answered, “Actually I am not so much a guy of media, I always do my work but yeah, I know there is a lot of expectation so long as you are in a big team like Gor Mahia they always expect a lot from you. So, I want to let the fans out there to know that me at first I don’t work for my name, I work for the BADGE first then the name comes later. So, I want them to expect the best from me.”

He joined the Kenya Premier League champions after his contract with Vipers SC ended. Other players who have joined the club include, Andrew Malisero Numero from Malawi, Benson Omalla, midfielder Sydney Ochieng, goalkeeper Samuel Njau, and defender Wesonga from Western Stima, Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor, John Macharia, Jules Ulimwengu (Rayon Sports), and John Ochieng from Chemelil Sugar. Captian Kenneth Muguna showed confidence in his squad and believes they will reach Quarter-Finals at the CAF Champions League as they represent Kenya.

Tito was approached by teams from Rwanda and Tanzania but he chose Gor Mahia after consulting former Ugandan players at the team and also careful comparison. It was not about the offer but rather about chasing his dream.

Gor Mahia Back in Training – Captain Kenneth Muguna Confident New Signings Will Get Team to Quarter Final At CAF Champions League.

By
Kenneth Lwanga
-
Courtesy Photo

Kenneth Muguna is a Kenyan national currently captaining Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia. The 24-year-old K’Ogalo midfielder has expressed confidence in his side’s new signings and believes the team will reach the quarter-finals in the CAF Champions League this campaign.

Following the effects of the global pandemic early this year, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to end the season before the normal period it’s supposed to end, crowning Gor Mahia as the league champions, therefore, they will represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League for the fourth consecutive season.

Government of Kenya gave a green light to the resumption of non-contact sports in the country leaving contact sports still closed. Despite the continued ban, the K’Ogalo resumed training on Tuesday.

“We have been training individually at home and sometimes when you have a pitch next to your home, you were allowed to go and jog, the program was coordinated through a WhatsApp group by the coach,” Kenneth told Gor Mahia TV.

“I was the one who was monitoring how the players were doing the individual training and you can see everybody took the program very seriously. So, we just have to thank all the players for following the training sessions,” he added.

“It feels great to resume training and this time at least we want to go past the quarter finals (CAF Champions League), like we did in 2018 (Confederation Cup). So, the sqaud is ready and the new players have bonded very well and are looking sharp, ready to kick the ball again,” he said.

He added “It is better to train now, we have been missing the natural grass, but I thank God we are now back in training and we hope everything will be okay.”
Kenneth explained more, “It will not be easy to defend the league, we have around 17 teams in the country and they will all want to win the trophy, we won’t take any trophy lightly we will take part in all competitions and the league with the respect it deserves.”

“With the new players, they already know the targets of the club they have joined and so far they are looking good, and their mentality is up there and so we are ready to win all our matches this season,” he ended.

Some of the new signings at Gor Mahia include Andrew Malisero Numero from Malawi, Benson Omalla, midfielder Sydney Ochieng, goalkeeper Samuel Njau, and defender Wesonga from Western Stima, Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor, John Macharia, Jules Ulimwengu (Rayon Sports), and John Ochieng from Chemelil Sugar.

Gasogi United Sign Iddy Museremu From Primus League Side Le Messanger Ngozi

By
Ground Sports
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Gasogi United President KNC with the new signing Iddy Museremu | Photo: Gasogi United

In a press conference, today held at the team’s offices in Kigali Downtown, Gasogi United president and spokesman, Mr Kakoza Nkuriza Charles also known as KNC unveiled a new striker from Burundi, Iddy Museremu.

Iddy Museremu, 23, a Burundian international forward who lead the scoring charts last season with 19 goals and also assisting Le Messanger Ngozi to win the title that season has joined Gasogi United.

When asked why he chose Gasogi United, He answered that it’s because of the ambition of the team. He said, “Of course, there are many teams that wanted me and gave me a lot of money but I found that my aspiration match with the ones of this football club.”

Asked if he had any information on Rwandan football and how he compared it to Burundi’s, he replied that Rwandan football is almost similar to Burundian but Rwandan football is based on the physical aspect while Burundi is very technical.

Iddy Museremu is another addition to the huge number of Gasogi’s signings, including Iradukunda Bertrand signed from Mukura VS, Bugingo Hakim from Rwamagana City, Beya Beya Herve from AS Maniena (DRC), Mfashingabo Didier from Etoile de l’est, Eric Nzitonda from Gicumbi , Nkunzimana Sadi from Espoir FC, Mazimpaka Andre from Rayon Sport FC and Tuyisenge Hakim from Etincelles FC.

when asked if the number is too high, Gasogi president replied saying, “given the current situation, it is clear that when the league starts the teams will play very closed and tight matches. We have to build a team that is not based on just 11 players; we want a balanced team that has substitutes who are also at a good level, who will help us cope with next year’s championship.”

Gasogi for the first time played in the first division, finishing in 9th place. Next season the team is clearly built under the guidenes of experienced coach Cassa Mbungo Andre.

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