Festus Chuma

With the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers set to resume in March, Uganda is at risk of playing the remaining home fixtures on a neutral ground.

Latest reports indicate that <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/football/namboole-stadium-handover-set-for-june-2023/nwl6xfh">Mandela National Stadium, Nambolee,</a> is still unfit to stage international matches per the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.&nbsp;

The ban on the stadium was imposed on March 2021 after the CAF inspection team found that the pitch, toilets, pavilion, and dressing rooms were in terrible shape and recommended total renovation.&nbsp;

The renovations kicked off in January 2022, and a fortnight ago, the project engineers informed the public that the process would be complete by June this year.

Cranes used St Mary's Stadium Kitende for her&nbsp;2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches. But FUFA president Moses Magogo states both facilities have yet to be approved and have been forced to look for alternative venues outside the country.

"Namboole was classified by CAF as one of the stadiums not fit to host national team's class A matches. Ugshs 97bn was passed by the government, the facility is under renovation but not yet ready," FUFA president Moses Magogo said on Thursday in a series of Tweets.

"Unfortunately, all our immediate neighbors don't have stadiums that qualify. Tanzania has one, but we are playing against them in the<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCONQ?src=hashtag_click">&nbsp;</a>Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, so we are looking at nations like Zambia, Malawi, and Egypt, among others."

Mandela National Stadium, Uganda (Flickr)

Magogo defended FUFA over blame from the public over the slow process of the facility and clarified that its the government's responsibility to build and renovate stadiums.

"I am the President of FUFA. We don't manage, we are just clients at Mandela National Stadium. We can only raise the noise like any other Ugandan, which we have done through parliament and that's how the resources have been availed," Magogo added.

Uganda Cranes are scheduled to host Tanzania on March 30 and Algeria on June 12 in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Cranes are currently seated at the bottom of Group F of the qualifiers with one point from two matches.

uganda cranes win first leg over Tanzania

Mandela National Stadium is on schedule to be handed over in June, 2023.

Why Cranes may be forced to play  remaining 2023 AFCON qualifiers in  foreign land

Vipers SC and BUL FC powered their way into the Stanbic Uganda Cup last Round of 32 after winning their respective matches.

The Venoms made it to the next qualification round after defeating Bujumbura United 4-1 on penalties after a goalless stalemate.

Bright Anukani, Disan Galiwango, Desire Tety, and Ashraf Mandela converted their spot kicks for the Vipers.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/football/paul-mucureezi-announces-departure-from-vipers-sc/m8yt5p5">Vipers </a>controlled the match from the start, with Karim Watambala pulling the strings from midfield for the last season's finalist against the Reds.

Beto Bianchi Pellister's side looked dangerous from aerial balls, with goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora forced to come out and deal well with a cross.

Bujumbura had a chance to score in the 43rd minute, but one of their strikers flicked effort narrowly missed the target, and the score was 0-0 at the interval following a first half which Vipers dominated.

The Hoima-based side were the better side after the restart following their half-time team talks with their coach. David Opiyo forced keeper Mutombora into a save from a free-kick.

Bujumbura should have taken the lead when Godfrey Abigasa intercepted a poor back pass from Ashraf Mandela, but Mutombora did brilliantly to stop the forward.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/bul-to-kick-off-uganda-cup-title-defense-against-sparks/kyqmcqp">BUL to kick-off Uganda Cup title defense against Sparks</a>

This served as a wake-up call for Vipers. Tety Desire got the faintest of flicks from Bright Anukani's free-kick and the Bujumbura custodian made a smart save at his near post.

The two teams were unable to find a late winning goal in the latter stages of the encounter and the match ended in a 0-0 draw in regulation time and penalties followed.

Meanwhile, BUL FC remained on the course to defend their trophy after they beat Sparks FC 1-0 in a match played at Kirondo Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Hillary Onek scored the all-important goal in the 51st minute after he latched on Regan Kalwoya's inch-perfect cross in a highly tense fixture.

Ndejje University also progressed to the Round of 32 following a 3-1 win over Ntinda United.

Jimmy Waswa netted a brace for the Lions with Brian Obedi scoring the other goal for the former Uganda Premier League outfit.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FULL TIME | We are into the Round of 32! Ntinda United FC 1 Ndejje University FC 3<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NDULions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NDULions</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StanbicUgandaCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StanbicUgandaCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/zZibLt2sP6">pic.twitter.com/zZibLt2sP6</a>&mdash; Ndejje University Football Club (@NdejjeUniveFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NdejjeUniveFC/status/1620071701135384578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In another match, Jinja North United FC beat Busei FC 6-5&nbsp;on post-match penalties following a 3-3 draw in normal time at Ssaza grounds in Iganga.

The other teams that have booked the Round of 32 tickets are&nbsp;Kitara FC, Admin FC, Junior Eagles FC, Pajule Lions FC, and Blue Stars FC.

The two Uganda Premier League sides have kept alive their hopes of winning a double this season after cruising in the domestic cup

Vipers and  BUL advance to Round of 32

<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/football/afcon-u20-uganda-hippos-learn-opponents-for-continental-showdown/6w65859">Uganda U-20 national team</a> head coach Jackson Mayanja says he is satisfied with his team’s pre-tournament preparations ahead of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

The Hippos have been camping at FUFA Technical Centre in Jeru before moving to Kampala as they prepare for Africa’s finest youth tournament in Egypt.

However, after two weeks of training, the former Uganda international Mayanja reveals his happiness about preparations.

“ The preparations are going well, and I thank the federation for allowing the boys to train in a good environment regarding welfare and everything," he said.

“We are now back in Kampala, trying to prepare again for the next few days before we fly out for the tournament.”

Mayanja expressed hope for Titus Ssematimba and Travis Mutyaba, who joined camp straight from the 2022 African Nations Championship on Monday.

Travis Mutyaba in action against Senegal (photo Credit: FUFA)

“ They are not so bad, but their fitness level is not so good, maybe because of long travel from Algeria, where they participated in CHAN,” he added.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/football/uganda-u-20-qualify-for-2023-afcon/2qf17l4">Uganda U-20 qualify for 2023 AFCON</a>

Uganda Hippos are pitted in Group B with Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, and South Sudan.

The East Africans will open their group campaign on February 20 against the Central African Republic.

Jackson Mayanja’s charges qualified for the tournament after they beat South Sudan in the CECAFA regional qualifiers finals held in November 2022 in Sudan.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Photographs of Uganda Hippos (U20) training at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Monday morning The team is preparing for the upcoming Egypt AFCON U20, which will take place from February 19 to March 11, 2023. <a href="https://t.co/pFINY6Db3a">pic.twitter.com/pFINY6Db3a</a>&mdash; FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialFUFA/status/1619991489215434752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Uganda will be participating at this stage for the second time, having made their maiden appearance in 2021, where they reached the final only to lose to Ghana.

The&nbsp;TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals are slated for Egypt in February, with each semi-finalist assured of a spot in the 2023 World Cup in Indonesia.

The Hippos beat Jinja North United 1-0 before edging UPL side BUL FC on a similar margin in the trial matches played in the eastern town of Jinja.

Jackson Mayanja elated with Afcon U-20 preparations

URA FC right-winger Joackim Ojera has completed his loan move to Rwanda Premier League side Rayon Sport.

The 23-year-old Uganda international switches to Rwanda on a six-month deal, with Rayon having the option to buy at the end of the loan deal.

Ojera leaves the tax collectors without appearing for the club this season due to disciplinary reasons.

“One of the goals of URA FC is to build international relationships with clubs outside Uganda through partnerships that come as a result of a number of aspects like say having friendly matches,” the club said in a statement.

“The above narration partly explains why URA FC visited Rwanda to play against Rayon Sport FC in September last year as part of the pre-season engagements at the Stade Kigali in Nyamirambo, which ended 1-1.

Ojera vies for the ball with Vipers FC player

“Four months later, the fruits of the mentioned Partnership have started working magic following workaholic right winger Joackiam Ojera completing a loan move to Rayon Sport for five months.

“Ojera was part of the URA FC team that played in Kigali in the build up match, putting up an impressive performance and with the Partnership already in place, the move was inevitable.

“The deal becomes the first foreign loan transfer in the history of URA FC. We thank Ojera for his services while at the club and wish him the best at Rayon Sports for now.”&nbsp;

READ:<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/football/ura-sign-tooro-province-coach-fred-muhumuza/glqx91y"> URA sign Tooro Province coach Fred Muhumuza</a>

Ojera becomes the second Ugandan to join Rayon after Musa Esenu, who switched from BUL in December last year.

Esenu signed a two-year contract with the Gikundiro until 2024, with an option for another year.

Ojera will be remembered for his stance at URA where he rejected the proposed salary cut in 2022 by the management.

Rayon Sport are currently fourth on the Rwanda Premier League table with 32 points, just two points below table leaders APR with 34 points.

Ojera could debut for Rayon Sport when they host Kiyovu Sports on Sunday, February 5, at the Muhanga Regional Stadium in Giratama.

The Uganda Cranes winger has agreed to join Rayon Sports on a short-term loan from the UPL giants.

URA winger Joackiam Ojera completes Rayon Sport loan move

Ugandan midfielder Ibrahim Kasule has joined Turkish Second League side Ankara Keciörengücü on a three-and-half-year deal.

The 18-year-old, who has been called up for the Cranes CHAN team but later pulled out, joins from StarTimes Premier League side Wakiso Giants for an undisclosed fee.

Kasule has been in Turkey since the beginning of this month , and according to the contract, the star will spend at least a season in the U19s before joining the first team.

The midfielder joined Wakiso Giants in June 2020 from Kampala Junior Team (KJT), which plays in Regional League.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/sports/football/micho-trims-chan-squad-drops-seven-players/jbrwlhw">Micho trims CHAN squad, drops seven players</a>

Kasule has been a consistent figure in the dominant Wakiso side over the last two seasons attracting interest from various clubs, including New York Red Bulls.

The youngster scored five goals and made five assists in the first round for Wakiso before the league went into the break.&nbsp;

The former Nasana United star was part of the St. Lawrence University team that reached the&nbsp;2019 Finals where they lost to UCU University.

He also featured Buddu in Buganda Masaza Cup where he was named the 2018 Masaza Cup Most Valuable player (MVP).

The attacking midfielder has made a move to an Ankara-based side, it was confirmed on Friday.

Ugandan midfielder Ibrahim Kasule joins Turkish side Ankara Keciörengücü

Former SC Villa striker Emmanuel Okwi has officially been unveiled at Iraq Premier League side Ebril FC.

The Cranes star joins the Ebril on a long-term deal after parting ways with another Iraq top-tier side Zawra FC.

The 30-year-old had joined Zwara in September last year following the expiry of his one-year contract with Rwanda Football League outfit Kiyovu SC.

Okwi was officially presented at the Franso Hariri Stadium on Wednesday alongside Iraq defender Hassan Ashoor, who signed from Al-Zawraa.

He participated in an open training session, which local media said was attended by thousands of fans.

Ebril FC are currently placed 15th on the Iraq Premier League table with 12 points from 12 games, and their upcoming match will be against Naft Al-Janoob.

Okwi started his professional career at SC Villa in 2008 before joining Simba Sports Club of Tanzania in 2009.

After four seasons with the Tanzanian outfit, the left-winger was snapped by Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel in 2018 before returning to Uganda to join his former club SC Villa.

In 2014, Okwi traveled back to Tanzania, where he signed a six-months contract with Young Africans Sports Club before making a second return to Simba.

A year later, he signed a five-year contract with Danish side&nbsp;Sonderjyske, which he terminated in January 2017 and returned to Simba for a third stint.

Following his impressive performance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored two important goals that sent Cranes to the Round of 16, Egyptian Premier League club Ittihad of Alexandria signed Okwi on a two-year contract.

He parted with Ittihad of Alexandria in July 2021 and joined Rwanda Football League side Kiyovu Sport.

Okwi received his maiden call up to Uganda Cranes in 2009, where he debuted in the 2010 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

The towering forward has since garnered 91 caps and scored 28 goals for the national team.

Emmanuel Okwi has joined the 9th club of his long career after signing for Iraq side Ebril FC- just days after he ended a brief stay at Zawraa.

Emmanuel Okwi unveiled at Iraq’s Ebril FC

Police have released eight Arsenal supporters who were detained on Sunday in the ‘premier league’ trophy parade in Jinja.

The fans, wearing Arsenal replica jerseys, were released without charges on Tuesday after the news of their arrest spread across the globe.

Police had placed them behind bars for holding processions in the city streets where they were celebrating Arsenal's 3-2 win over their archrivals Manchester United.

Eddie Nketiah scored twice to sum up Bukayo Saka's goal, ending the thrilling encounter at Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United scored their goals through Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez, which was insufficient for Erik ten Hag's men.&nbsp;

The results gave the Gunners fans hope that their club could end its 19-year wait to win the English Premier League.

James Mubi, the Kiira Regional police spokesman, justified the fan's arrest on Monday, saying they had not sought clearance to hold processions.&nbsp;

"They were holding a procession, and you all know that when holding any gathering or procession, you must get clearance from police," he said per&nbsp;Daily Monitor.

"Seeking Police clearance is also for your good because there are people with ill intentions, and not whoever dons an Arsenal jersey is a supporter.

"I'm in a Police uniform, but I support Arsenal... We aren't against Arsenal, but what is inside the intentions."

Arsenal are predicted to finish on 93 points, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on 81. Newcastle will be third, with Tottenham taking the final Champions League spot in fourth.

Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring for Arsenal in their win against Bodoe

Police in Jinja  had detained several supporters of English Premier League football side, Arsenal, over an illegal trophy parade.

Arsenal fans released after two days in custody

The tournament is set to kick off with a Round of 64 matches on June 28, with the final slated for June this year.

BUL will seek to win the knockout competition to earn a ticket to represent Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

The Jinja-based side will travel to Mukono for the first leg to face Sparks at Kirondo Grounds. The Buganda region outfit progressed to the Round of 64 after eliminating Nakifuma United.

BUL won the first-ever Uganda Cup after beating Vipers SC 3-1 in a well-attended final played in Boma Grounds in Masindi on June 12, 2022. Karim Ndungwa grabbed a brace for the Oilers, while Simon Peter Oketch scored the other goal for the champions.

In the other notable fixtures involving Uganda Premier League teams, Vipers will face Kitara region outfit Bujumbura United in Hoima.

Uganda Cup record champions Express FC will be up against Kajjansi United, while their archrivals SC Villa will start the campaign against Kireka United.

The 2022/2023 edition saw a record of 308 teams competing in Regional Preliminaries, where 33 teams joined the Ugandan Premier League and Big Leagues teams in the Round of 64.

The Full Fixtures:

<ul><li>Simba (Kampala) Vs Adjumani (Adumani)</li><li>JLOS (Kitgum) Vs Busoga United (Jinja)</li><li>Sparks FC (Mukono) Vs BUL (Jinja)</li><li>Gorilla Highlands (Kisoro) Vs Kataka (Mbale)</li><li>Kisugu United (Kampala) Vs Maroons (Kampala)</li><li>Free Stars (Mukono) Vs Kitara (Hoima)</li><li>Admin (Tororo) Vs Northern Gateway (Lira)</li><li>Water FC (Kampala) Vs Lugazi FC (Lugazi)</li><li>Uganda Pentecostal University (Kabarole) Vs URA (Kampala)</li><li>Mbale Heroes (Mbale) Vs Araka FC (Yumbe)</li><li>Nakapelimen (Moroto) Vs Bright Stars (Wakiso)</li><li>Pakwach Youngsters (Pakwach) Vs Onduparaka (Arua)</li><li>Bunyaruguru (Rubirizi) Vs Kaaro Karungi (Ibanda)</li><li>Elite FC (Lira) Vs Arua Hill (Arua)</li><li>KJT (Kampala) Vs KCCA (Kampala)</li><li>Pajule Lions (Pader) Vs NEC FC (Kampala)</li><li>Kajjansi United (Wakiso) Vs Express (Kampala)</li><li>Blue Star (Kitara) Vs Luweero (Luweero)</li><li>Fort Portal Boda Boda (Fort Portal) Vs Wakiso Giants (Wakiso)</li><li>Aputuun (Soroti) Vs Police (Kampala)</li><li>Kireka United (Kampala) Vs SC Villa (Kampala)</li><li>Kiyinda Boys (Mityana) Vs Gaddafi FC (Jinja)</li><li>Kigezi HomeBoyz Vs Booma (Masindi)</li><li>Ntinda United (Kampala) Vs Ndejje University (Luwero)</li><li>SC Tawai (Dokolo) Vs Mbarara City (Mbarara)</li><li>Budondo United (Iganga) Vs Calvary FC (Yumbe)</li><li>Busei (Iganga) Vs Jinja North United (Jinja)</li><li>Bujumbura United (Hoima) Vs Vipers (Wakiso Giants)</li><li>Junior Eagles (Soroti) Vs Soroti City (Soroti)</li><li>Bushenyi Veterans (Bushenyi) Vs UPDF (Luweero)</li><li>Bukedea Central (Bukedea) Vs Blacks Power (Lira)</li><li>Paidha Blacks Power (Paidha) Vs Kyetume (Mukono)</li></ul>

BUL FC  will play Buganda regional side Sparks FC in the Round 64 of the 2022/2023 Uganda Cup

BUL to kick-off Uganda Cup title defense against Sparks

Uganda international forward Davis Kasirye has left Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka FC by mutual consent.

The 27-year-old striker joined the Batoto ba Mungu in September 2022 after seeing out his contract with StarTimes Premier League giants KCCA FC.&nbsp;

Kasirye, who has won three caps for Uganda, is reported to have requested the termination of his contract to find more regular football elsewhere.

“ Davis was unhappy at the club and wanted to move on, so he requested to part ways with the club. It had nothing to do with his performance,” a source close to the player told Pulse Sports Uganda.

The former Zesco United star has yet to make a league appearance since a 1-1 draw against Police FC in December last year.

Kasirye becomes the second departure from the 2009 FKF Premier League champions after the exit of Kenyan striker Joseph Waithera.

During his unveiling at Sofapaka, Kasirye promised to hit ten goals, rekindling memories of the journeyman’s time at Rwanda Premier League side Rayon Sports.

He guided Rayon to the Peace Cup in 2016 and scored 13 league goals that season.

He then moved to DR Congo’s Daring Club Motema Pembe for a reported $90,000 transfer fee a year later before heading south to Zambian Super League giants Zesco United.&nbsp;

He also previously played at Express, URA, and BUL in the Uganda Premier League.

Kasirye is now expected to choose his next destination in the coming weeks as a free agent, having previously been linked with a move to Black Power FC.

Kenyan side Sofapaka release Ugandan striker Davis Kasirye

The striker has left Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka less than four months after joining the club.

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Pulse Uganda

Festus is an award-winning journalist. At Pulse Sports he specializes in coverage of football, rugby, boxing and basketball.