Comeback Win For Zambia Secured By Bench Players.

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October 12, 2020

Comeback Win For Zambia Secured By Bench Players.

Substitute Players Secure Comeback Win For Zambia Against Bafana Bafana.

South African’s Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-1 loss against Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic’s Zambia. Keagan Dolly opened the scores of the game for Bafana Bafana following a superb pass from Percy Tau 78 minutes after kickoff.

The comeback win for Zambia came through players of the bench. The equalizer and match-winning goals were scored in a space of 3 minutes, Kelvin Kampamba in the 83rd and Zulu Chaniza 2 minutes later.

Evans Kangwa as the matchday captain led the Zambian team. The Arsenal Tula forward had the responsibility of leading the Chipolopolo after the defender, Kabaso Chongo, who led the team in Kenya, was banished from the camp for unknown reasons.

Both teams had played international friendly matches in the middle of the week. South African tied 1-1 with Namibia on Thursday. Zambia was in Nairobi to confront Harambee Stars of Kenya. The trip did not go well for Micho’s team a controversial loss 2-1. This game follows the one they played at home against Malawi winning 1-0. All these matches are in preparation for the AFCON Qualifiers double-headers in November.

Zambia has two Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier matches against Botswana on 9th November in Lusaka and on November 17 in Gaborone whereas South Africa has matches against Sao Tome at home on 9th November and away on 17th November this year.

SOUTH AFRICA XI: Darren Keet, Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster, Andile Jali, Themba Zwane, Thabiso Kutumela, Thulani Hlatswayo, Sfiso Hlanti, Percy Tau, Reeve Frosler, Motjeka Madisha

SUBS: Thibang Phete, Innocent Maela, Abobakar Mobara, Luther Sigh, Keagan Dolly, Siyethemba Mgnuni, Mothobi Mvala, Thabo Modada, Kermit Erasmus, Mosa Lebusa, Ricardo Goss, Gladwin Sitolo

ZAMBIA XI: Sebastian Mwange, Kondwani Chiboni, Zacharia Chilongoshi, Tandi Mwape, Benson Sakala, Kelvin Kapumbu, Kings Kangwa, Lubambo Musonda, Collins Sikombe, Fashion Sakala, Evans Kangwa

SUBS: Jackson Kakunta, Lameck Siame, Luka Banda, Godfrey Ngwenya, Dominic Chanda, Leonard Mulenga, Kelvin Kampamba, Bruce Musakanya, Emmanuel Chabula, Chaniza Zulu, Gamphani Lungu

Ntibazonkiza Shines As Burundi Beat Tanzania

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Ground Sports

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October 11, 2020

Ntibazonkiza shines as Burundi beat Tanzania in a friendly match.

Ntibazankiza Saidi also known as “Saido”, once again showed how great of a player he is. This all happened the Taiffa Stars of Tanzania hosted the Swallows of Burundi in an international friendly tie on Sunday 11th, October 2020. Saido scored the only goal that separated the two neighbouring countries.

Saido, who last played for his nation in 2015, together with compatriot and namesake Saido Berahino (Captain) played up front attacking the ball. The duo has not played together in a single official match. In the 85th minute of the match, through a pass from Cedric Hamiss, Ntibazonkuza released a powerful shot from outside the keeper’s box. Tanzania goalkeeper, David Mapigano tried to follow up on the shot but could not do anything and the ball went flying into the back the net (1-0). This was the final score.

Ntibazonkiza who last scored for the national team in 2015 against Mauritius, is also a free agent now despite being the first Burundian player to play in French Ligue 1.

Intamba mu Rugamba (Swallows) used this international friendly match to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Mauritania in November.

Tanzania XI: David Mapigano, Shomary Kapombe, Mohammed Hussein, Abdallah Salum, Bakari Nondo, Jonas mkude, Said Hamis, Feisal Salum, Mbwana Samatta, Simon Msuva and Idd Selemani
Subs: Aishi Manula, Metacha Mnata, Israel Mwenda, Nickson Kibabage, Dickson Job, Idd Abdallah, Salum Abubakar, Mzamiru Yassin, Ally Msengi, Thomas Ulimwengu and Ditram Nchimbi

Burundi XI: Rukundo Onesme, Nzeyimana Philip, Nsabiyumva Frederic, Ndizeye Eric, Nimubona Emery, Cedric Hamiss, Nzigamasabo Steve, Ndayishimiye Youssuf, Amissi Mohamed, Berahino Saido and Ntibazonkiza Saidi
Subs: Nahimana Jonathan, Ngabonzima Blanchard, Ndikumana Asman, Hakizimana Issa, Kagabo Cedric, Blaise Bigirimana, Mugisha Josue Alberto and Bimenyimana Bonfils Caleb

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

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 11, 2020

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 (2^nd 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.

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Ground Sports

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October 10, 2020

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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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.

Comeback Win For Zambia Secured By Bench Players.

Substitute Players Secure Comeback Win For Zambia Against Bafana Bafana.

Ntibazonkiza Shines As Burundi Beat Tanzania

Ntibazonkiza shines as Burundi beat Tanzania in a friendly match.

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

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

Robertinho Is New Gor Mahia Head Coach.

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

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

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