Gadaffi throw out 'match-fixers' as it confirms new changes for 2023/24 season

As the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) gears up for an exciting new season, Gaddafi FC has made significant changes to its roster, by announcing wholesale changes to its squad.

The club that was engulfed in a match-fixing scandal as several of their players were investigated for match fixing, has unveiled its 27-man squad for the 2023/2024 season.

Alongside it, they have confirmed a fresh partnership with Nile International Hospital as their new shirt sponsor, and will appear at the front of their match jerseys.

This collaboration ensures full medical coverage for both players and club officials under a one-year renewable contract.

On the field though, the Soldier Boys have confirmed that they will retain only five players from last season as they aim for improvement after finishing 11th in their debut top flight season.

These players include goalkeeper Abdul Magada, defenders Otong Willis, Kiyimba Ibrahim, and Massa Ibrahim.

Magada, who showcased his skills with the Uganda Hippos during the U20 AFCON finals earlier this year, is expected to play a more prominent role within the squad, particularly with the departure of Joel Mutakubwa.

Additionally, midfielder Johnson Odong has been retained for the final season of his contract.

The Soldier Boys have bolstered their ranks with some marquee signings. Notable additions include former SC Villa player Benson Muhindo, who joins from Rwanda’s Rwamagama FC.

Other new faces include Baker Buyala from Kyetume FC, Busoga United duo Balabala Franco and Bithum Douglas, Kaka Joshua (Kisugu United), and Najib Tusaba (SC Villa).

Two Gadaffi players Mahad 'Yaya' Kakooza and captain Andrew Waiswa were handed five year bans from football after they were found guilty of influencing results of several matches by a FUFA investigation. 

The two were among eight individuals handed suspensions from football by FUFA over similar allegations of match-fixing and manipulation of football competition results.

Referees George Nkurunziza and Deogracious Opio were also suspended alongside winger Godfrey Lwesibawa who left Gadaffi in January 2023 to join Kitara FC.

David Mutono will lead the new charge as the head coach, succeeding Wasswa Bbosa, who left Gaddafi FC at the end of last season to join newly promoted side Mbarara City.

Mutono brings extensive experience, having previously guided Kyetume FC to the top flight in 2022, despite the promotion not lasting with Kyetume sent back to the second tier after failing the licensing process.

His assistant will be Felix Kawooya Ssekabuza from Gomba Ssaza. Ali Kiggundu, formerly of Wakiso Giants, will serve as the goalkeeper coach.

The junior team will be under the stewardship of Siraji Bogere. The backroom staff also includes Simon Muswasa, Isaac Muyanga, Precious Edrine Mutebe, and Patricia Mukite, who will take on the roles of kit manager, team doctor, and physiotherapist, respectively.

The team leadership comprises captain Ibrahim Kiyimba, assisted by Ronald Bithum and Douglas Bithum.

The Soldier Boys will commence their season this Sunday, September 17th, with a match against defending champions Vipers SC at the Gaddafi Arena.

Full list of Gaddafi’s 25-man squad; 
GOALKEEPERS: Ssekandi Andrew (Busoga United), Mwambu Denis Ochieng (Free agent), Mugoya Herman (Admin), Magada Abdul 

DEFENDERS: Ndalambi Jimmy (Blacks power), Ochungo Thomas (Busoga United), Bithum Douglas (Busoga United), Najib Tusaba Gwaidho (SC Villa), Musoke Peter (MYDA), Onyango Herbert (BUL FC), Otong Willis, Kiyimba Ibrahim, Massa Ibrahim 

MIDFIELDERS: Mukungu Rashid (MYDA), Balabala Franco Magero (Busoga United), Owori Job (Admin), Kaka Joshua (Kisugu United), Bogere Yusuf (Gaddafi JT), Ssengendo Sharif (Catda), Opio David (Bujumbura FC), Masembe George (Free agent), Odongo Johnson 

FORWARDS: Muhindo Benson (Rwamagana), Nsereko Mohammed (Kaaro Karungi), Othieno Raymond (Admin), Baker Buyala (Kyetume FC), Mpaata Rashid (Busoga United)

COACHING STAFF

Head coach: Mutono David
Assistant coach: Ssekabuuza Felix
Goalkeeping coach: Kigundu Ali
Fitness coach: Jalendo Jimmy
Junior team coach: Bogere Siraji
Trainer: Muswaswa Simon
Kits man: Muyanga Isaac
Team doctor: Mutebe Edrine
Physiotherapist: Mukite Patricia

Goalkeeping coach: Kigundu Ali
Fitness coach: Jalendo Jimmy
Junior team coach: Bogere Siraji
Trainer: Muswaswa Simon
Kits man: Muyanga Isaac
Team doctor: Mutebe Edrine
Physio therapist: Mukite Patricia