Sunday, December 22, 2024
spot_img
Home Blog Page 80

FUFA – Stadium Inspection Committee Approved

Courtesy Photo

Football in Uganda has come a long way and due to the passion and competitiveness, the magnitude of development is quite like never before. A number of young stars from the region have been scouted from clubs abroad to play on the international scene, this has built confidence, exposed players and also boosted the competition from individual to club to national level. Various football academies plus a Junior League have been established in the country to spot, develop and prepare young talents for careers in football.

But not only will football in the country evolve through player development but also through structures put in place to manage the proper administration of the sport. Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) in a congress on Tuesday made several decisions and among these was the establishment of a Stadium Inspection Committee.

The quality of the stadium or the playing field is a huge factor that determines greatly the performance in a match with issues ranging from player safety and security at the venue. The committee was established as an Adhoc committee by the FUFA Emergency Committee.

“It will undertake the inspection of all stadiums submitted by clubs for use ahead of the 2020/2021 season. The Adhoc Committee will submit stadium reports to the FUFA
Licensing Committee responsible for issuance of Licenses.” mentioned in a statement on the FUFA website fufa.co.ug

There are already various venues that host matches played in the country’s league and arranging structures that will properly manage these venues is an immense milestone in the evolution of football in the country.

Kenya – Contact Sports Remain Closed As Government Issues Guidelines For Resumption Of Sports Activities.

Courtesy photo

Kenya is one East African country that has recorded thehighest cases of COVID-19. On Friday, Sports Cabinet Secretary(CS), Amina Mohamed in a virtual launch of Resumption to Sports and Recreational Activities released adequate giudelines to act in accordance for the resumption of sports in Kenya.

Outdoor non-contact sports activities, including athletics, lawn tennis, weightlifting, badminton, cricket cycling, equestrian, horse racing, golf, motorsport, fencing and shooting, private fitness clubs and other sporting clubs, if guidelines are properly complied with can re-open said Sports CS Amina Mohamed.

“Testing will not be mandatory but where required, the cost shall be met by the federations, sports organisations, participants or event organisers as applicable. Private fitness clubs may reopen immediately and observe all the containment measures,” said the Sports CS.

However, sports activities, including football, hockey, handball, basketball, volleyball, netball, wrestling, wheelchair basketball, team-building activities, swimming, judo, rugby and karate remain closed.

Besides Uganda and Rwanda, Kenya is the other East African country that is yet to re-open sports activities since lockdowns were enforced early this year. As it is most likely that even when sports that attract a big crowd are opened, fans will still have to catch the live action in the comfort ofthe homes for as long as the novel CORANA virus is not yet fully under control.

Burundi: Primus League Matchday 3

BURUNDI: Flambeau Hold On To Table Summit Seat As Primus League continues

East African countries have been affected by the CORONA virus and nations in the region are struggling to see how to resume sports, one of the most looked at recreation activity now that lockdowns in the region are gradually being eased. Be that as it may, Burundi and Tanzania have had no issues at all with fans attending games despite the caution for social distancing to combat the virus.

Primus League will see Matchday 3 played today and tomorrow and here are the fixtures for the games as they will be played.

In Bujumbura at Intwari stadium, Dynamik host newly-promoted Les Elephants. Both sides lost their previous encounters with now 2nd place Musongati and Athletico at Urunani Gatwaro stadiums respectively. Dynamik is 9th and Les Elephants is 4th on the League table.

Aigle Noir travel to face Flambeau du Centre at Ingoma stadium. All teams lost games previously played, that is matchday 2. Aigle Noir is 10th and Flambeau du Centre is 5th on the League table.

Elsewhere, Le Messenger Ngozi, the defending league champions will host Olympic Star. Both teams have won 1 of 2 of their last two games played. The league title holders stand-in at 13th while Olympic Star is 7th on the league table.

Day 3 Fixtures

Other games will continue on Sunday 20 September.

Resumption Of Sports In Uganda.

With a little over six months, sports in Uganda was halted as a measure to prevent the spread of the novel pandemic COVID-19. The Government imposed a lockdown in the Nation and since then many uplifts have happened. Most businesses in the country have been opened but sports is yet to be.

Sports website football256 have confirmation that in the Sunday address by the President to the nation, an announcement about the resumption will be made.

“Yeah it’s true, it’s good for us. Let’s be patient for the presidential address on Sunday and see. Only games which are under FUFA will be allowed but under strict regulations. No fans will be allowed to these games. Only media and security people will be allowed in.” a trusted source told football256

Volleyball 

In March the Uganda Volleyball Federation on their Facebook page (ugandavolleyballfederation) announced the suspension of all volleyball activities due to the CORONA virus. The National Volleyball League (NVL) attracts the biggest number of participating teams in the country with four series. Men Serie – A, B and C and also Women’s Serie and there are altogether 47 teams that played last season. A matchday in the league brings the excitement of a tournament as there are over 20 games played at the select venues Mukono UCU grounds with 8 courts and at Nkumba University grounds with 6 courts. With all these games played on one matchday at one venue, there is no doubt the hunger for action the fans have right now. The new season had not started and news from the federation is that the league will start as soon as sports is allowed in the country.

Basketball 

Basketball is another sport that brings together a huge audience and just like volleyball, the National Basketball League (NBL) had not yet started when sports in the country were halted. The league has five tiers NBL Men and Women, Div I Men and Women and Div II Men. A typical match day at MTN Arena or YMCA is always a full house most especially when rival teams are contesting. The league this year will not be played with the ruling body stating that there will not be enough time to complete with the scheduled calendar thus scheduling for 2021.

Courtesy Photo

Football

Football by far is the most-watched sport in Uganda. The sport has gained the nation international recognition. A huge number of big talents play both at home and also abroad. Football just like any other sport has also suffered the backwash of the COVID-19 pandemic. A decision by FUFA to end the league after 25 games played was not well met by the clubs as this affected clubs in relegation zone that had hoped to stay in the top tier if the league was concluded. Dates for the new league were set for October 17th but apparently this seems impossible as time is not the luxury at hand. Teams will have to go into pre-season training and there is a possibility that when sports resumes a new date will have to be discussed by the board. Vipers were crowned champions after the decision was made to stop the league. If games resume, fans will not be allowed to attend with only media, staff, officials and players allowed at venues. Fans will have to stay home and catch the live action on SANYKA TV.

FIFA Ranking – Uganda’s Position Remains Unchanged.

Courtesy Photo

After the release of the FIFA rankings on Thursday, Uganda has held the same position 77th with Tanzania also remaining in the same position 134th, whereas Kenya’s Harambee Stars have moved up one place from a previous position standing at 106th, comes after a draw against Togo played in Nairobi to decide who would take the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) slot.

Rwanda has dropped one place to stand at 132nd. They expected to play against CECAFA counterparts, Uganda and Kenya in the CAF World Cup qualification second round.

Uganda still holds the top position in the CECAFA region among all member nations.

  1. Uganda – 77th
  2. Kenya – 106th
  3. Rwanda – 132nd
  4. Tanzania – 134th
  5. Ethiopia – 146th
  6. Burundi – 149th
  7. Somalia – 197th

The new method of testing, analysis and calculating the ranking was implemented in August 2018. The new model relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous points total rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the world ranking.

APR FC has revealed Jacques Tuyisenge.

Rwanda most decorated football club APR FC has revealed the Rwandan international striker Jacques Tuyisenge as a new player.

Tuyisenge, 29, returned to Rwanda from Angola’s Petro Atletico after mutual termination of his contract.

Former Kenya’s Gor Mahia striker has been linked with a move to Zesco United in Zambia, Rwanda’s Police FC his former club, but he signed a two-year contract with APR FC.

APR FC New striker Jacques Tuyisenge with the club vice President Maj Gen. Mubarakah Muganga

APR FC won the league title last year with unbeaten record. Therefore, they will represent Rwanda in the CAF Champions League and the club has not stopped stating that they want to reach the group stage and beyond if necessary.

FUFA – Uganda Cup To Be Concluded.

Courtesy Photo

In a meeting on the 15th od September, chaired by the federation president Eng. Moses Magogo, Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has expressed confidence that the Uganda Cup competition will be concluded.

Following the closing of all sports activities in the country and the world over due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 46th edition of the Uganda Cup was halted. FUFA has said in a statement on their website fufa.co.ug that “The 46th Uganda Cup will be played to conclusion unless the time is not sufficient.”

The competition is played as knock games and this saw big-name clubs, Vipers and Express were knocked out. Remember that the competition allows registered clubs playing in all football divisions under FUFA.

Uganda Cup Round of 16 draw

  • Kyetume FC Vs Maroons FC
  • Kiboga Young Vs Proline FC
  • Kataka FC Vs Free Stars FC
  • Dove FC 0-1 KCCA FC (Played before Lockdown)
  • Tooro United Vs Kitara FC
  • URA FC Vs Wakiso Giants
  • SC Villa Vs Mbarara City
  • Light SS Vs UPDF

 

Gavin Hunt – Kaizer Chiefs Appoint New Head Coach

Courtesy Photo

ABSA Premiership side, Kaizer Chiefs are out of the market for a new head coach as they have found a replacement for sacked boss Ernst Middendorp. Club chairman, Kaizer Motaung, said in a press statement about a week ago that Amakhosi would have a coach before the players return in pre-season training this week.

Amakhosi appointed Gavin Hunt as the new head coach and he will take the lead of the team for the coming three seasons. This comes following the conclusion of the previous league that saw Amakhosi finish in second place after a match against relegation zone side Baroka that ended in a draw (1:1). On the other side, rivals Mamelodi Sundowns won their last game against Black Leopards (3:0) thus winning the title.

Hunt has an impressive coaching career with accolades including, five times PSL coach of the season and also winning league champions four times with two different teams and has several domestic cup competitions.

“We looked at our situation and our needs before deciding on Gavin. He brings with him an abundance of experience, having coached about fives teams in the Premiership. There is success wherever he has coached. Given that the Covid-19 epidemic has forced us to finish the season in the bio-bubble and that the squad will only rest for two weeks before the players return for pre-season, we needed a coach who understands the local market and conditions. We believe that with Hunt we have brought in a person with the right experience and energy to do just that,” said club chairman, Kaizer Motaung in the club website kaizerchiefs.com.

Gavin will meet the squad next week when they return for training in preparation for the forthcoming 2020/21 season and also the new assistant coach will be announced later.

Kaizer Chiefs Set To Return To training Soon.

Courtesy Photo

Kaizer Motaung, the club chairman, said in a press statement last week that the side would have a coach before players return but there is yet to be a replacement for Ernst Middendorp.

Amakhosi are in the market for a new coach after sacking Ernst last. However, it’s believed that the squad will be back for pre-season next week.

Following the conclusion of the previous season about a week ago, that ended in Amakhosi giving away the title to Sundowns although, they were favorites to bag the title one game before the season conclusion, preparation are underway for the upcoming campaign.

CONFIRMED. Rwanda has agreed to host AfroBasket Qualifiers Group A and B

Rwanda Basketball Federation and Ministry of sports have confirmed that they are ready to host AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers Group A and B in additional to Group D.

Rwanda was supposed to host qualifiers for Group D, in which it belongs along with Nigeria, Algeria and Mali in November 2021 however, FIBA Africa asked Rwanda to host the matches of the other 2 groups due to pandemic situation on this continent.

Group A, B and D games were supposed to be played between 27-29 November 2021.

Group A includes Tunisia, Central African Republic, DR Congo and Madagascar; whereas Group B is made up of Senegal, Angola, Mozambique and Kenya then Group B consists of Senegal, Angola, Mozambique and Kenya.

In other Groups, The first matches of group C were played from 21 to 23 February 2020 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This group consists of Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea. In Yaoundé, Côte d’Ivoire won all 3 games, Cameroon won 2 games, Equatorial Guinea won 1 while Guinea lost all the 3 games. The next round games are expected to be played in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in February 2021.

Egypt will host Group E games from November 27-29 in Alexandria. Egypt are in Group E with Morocco, Uganda and another team that is yet to be confirmed from the Pre-Qualifying games that will be played next month.

The top three teams from each group will qualify for the FIBA AfroBasket 2021. Rwanda will use these qualifiers as preparations since they have an automatic ticket as a host nation.