The anticipation is building in Uganda as the national U15 boys’ team, affectionately known as the Uganda Rhinos, prepares to embark on their journey to defend their CECAFA title. The thrilling football spectacle is set to kick off on a highly anticipated Saturday, as Uganda takes on Djibouti in the opening match at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

With the fond memories of their triumphant victory in 2019, where they clinched the CECAFA U15 Boys’ Championship by outplaying Kenya in the inaugural edition, Uganda is fervently aiming to replicate that success. The spirited efforts of these young talents, under the able guidance of Coach Hamza Lutalo, are expected to be on full display as they vie for another championship title.

Coach Lutalo, brimming with confidence and a meticulous game plan, believes in the abilities of his team to overcome the challenges and maintain their status as the CECAFA champions. Their journey to retaining the trophy will begin with the opening clash against Djibouti, and it is anticipated that the Rhinos will set the tournament’s tone with their performance.

Uganda finds itself placed in Group A alongside formidable opponents, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Sudan. The path to securing their championship defense won’t be an easy one, as they are set to face stiff competition from these fellow East African nations.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the Uganda Rhinos, who are poised to showcase their skills, teamwork, and unwavering determination. The expectations are high, and the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this thrilling competition.

Uganda’s involvement in the CECAFA U15 Boys’ Championship not only underscores the country’s dedication to the development of football at the grassroots level but also provides a platform for young talent to shine on the regional stage. The tournament is not just about defending a title but also about nurturing the future of football in Uganda.

In the days to come, as the CECAFA tournament kicks off in Njeru, Ugandan football enthusiasts will come together to support their young stars and hope for a successful title defense. The nation’s pride rests on the shoulders of the Uganda Rhinos as they aim to make their mark in East African football once again.

Kabale University coach, Farouk Nsubuga, remains confident in his team’s prospects to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the Pepsi University Football League, despite currently holding the third position in Group A with four points after four games.

The university is now banking on winning all of its remaining matches and hoping that both Uganda Martyrs University and Bugema University stumble in their games to secure a berth in the next round.

Nsubuga expressed the team’s determination, stating, “Our backs are against the wall, but there is still a chance to advance to the next round, and we have no other option. We must go out there and perform at our best.”

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“I have strong faith that we can turn things around, starting this Wednesday,” Nsubuga remarked.

“We need to have a clear game plan and the confidence to execute it on match day,” Nsubuga emphasized.

Kabale University is set to face the University of Kisubi (Unik) at the Entebbe Campus Sports Grounds on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Unik coach Jesse Lukoki pledged that his team would put up a formidable challenge against Kabale University.

“I expect my players to maintain their focus. After securing a point against Uganda Martyrs, I am aware that the Kabale team will be in high spirits,” Lukoki noted.

In other Pepsi University Football League action, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) settled for a goalless draw against Victoria University in a Tuesday match held at Nakawa.

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As a result, MUBS maintains its top position in Group B with ten points, followed by the Islamic University in Uganda with 6 points. YMCA is in third place with four points, while Victoria University remains at the bottom of the group with two points.

National Council of Sports (NCS) has taken the decision to withdraw the Certificate of Recognition previously granted to the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF). This action signifies a rupture in their official relationship, with the NCS declaring that it will no longer engage in any sport-related activities or partnerships on behalf of the Ugandan government concerning netball.

The decision to revoke the certificate is grounded in several longstanding issues related to governance and leadership within the netball federation. These issues have been a source of concern for the NCS, leading them to take this drastic step.

In an official statement released by the NCS, it was revealed that the Uganda Netball Federation has faced ongoing challenges with regard to governance and leadership. Additionally, the federation has been found wanting in its adherence to the laws of Uganda and its own statutes.

The NCS contends that it had previously brought these concerns to the attention of the Ministry of Education and Sports over two and a half years ago, with the hope of finding an amicable resolution. Regrettably, all official procedures undertaken since that time have failed to produce a satisfactory resolution.

In a meeting held on October 25, 2023, the NCS formally decided to terminate the Certificate of Recognition awarded to the Uganda Netball Federation. This decision was made due to the federation’s alleged failure to abide by the constitutional provisions of the Uganda Netball Federation (2012) for the election of the Executive Committee, as well as their failure to follow the correct procedure to amend the Constitution of UNF, contravening the provisions outlined in the Certificate of Incorporation issued under the Trustees Incorporation Act, Cap 165.

The NCS statement also outlined other critical issues that led to the withdrawal of the certificate, including:

1. Failure to resolve governance and leadership challenges within the Uganda Netball Federation, in contravention of Section 15(1)(0) of the National Sports Act, 2023.
2. Failure to disclose sources of funding to the National Council of Sports, as stipulated in Section 22 of the National Sports Act, 2023, and Regulation 16(2) of the National Council of Sports Statutory Instrument No. 38 of 2014.
3. Failure to inform the National Council of Sports about several bank accounts opened by the Uganda Netball Federation without following established procedures. These accounts were alleged to have been opened using forged and unauthorized documents.

As part of their action, the National Council of Sports has made it clear that the Uganda Netball Federation may reapply for recognition once the underlying issues that led to the withdrawal of the certificate have been effectively addressed.

It is important to note that in the months leading up to this decision, the Uganda Netball Federation and the National Council of Sports had been embroiled in a corruption scandal that had serious implications for the national team’s participation in the World Cup. The dispute escalated with accusations and counter-accusations, with the federation’s president, Sarah Babirye Kityo, revealing discrepancies in funding allocations. In response, the NCS attempted to delegitimize the netball federation’s executive administration. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by sports organizations in Uganda and the need for effective governance and oversight within the sporting community.

Godfrey Nsubuga dominated the Uganda Open golf tournament, clinching his first title with a remarkable score of 275 strokes (13-under-par) at the UGC course in Kitante. He led from start to finish, showcasing exceptional skill and mental strength throughout the competition.

On the first day, Nsubuga set the pace with an impressive 7-under par score of 65, while the defending champion Andrew Sekibejja struggled at 10 over par 82. Although Nsubuga faced challenges on day three, he bounced back with a score of 69, sealing his well-deserved victory.

Nsubuga attributed his success to long-term preparation and his familiarity with the Uganda Golf Club. He expressed his gratitude for training in South Africa, where he honed his mental game, and noted that his putting skills played a crucial role in his victory.

The closing ceremony of the tournament, made colorful by the title sponsor, Johnnie Walker, featured exciting awards and a captivating musical performance by Michael Ouma and his band. Conrad Odere won a Motorola smartphone for a hole-in-one, Titus Okwong claimed the nearest-to-the-pin award, and Felix Dusabe secured the longest drive accolade, including a Powerology Phantom Portable Bluetooth speaker and a Motorola Smart Phone Moto G.

Andrew Kilonzo, Uganda Breweries Managing Director, expressed Johnnie Walker’s commitment to supporting golf in Uganda, emphasizing their longstanding relationship with the sport. The 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open will continue with the Pro-Am and the Professionals Open next week, concluding another thrilling chapter in the tournament’s history.

In an exhilarating match at Wankulukuku Stadium, Express FC claimed a 1-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars. Forward Alpha Ssali, famously known as the son of the renowned musician Moses Ssali, aka Bebe Cool, was the hero of the day. He brilliantly found the back of the net, delivering the only goal of the match, as Express celebrated their third successive win in the Uganda Premier League.

The winning moment unfolded as Ssali unleashed a powerful strike that eluded the grasp of Bright Stars’ goalkeeper Derrick Were, following a missed opportunity by the visiting team. This solitary goal was enough to secure the much-coveted victory for Express.

Defensive midfielder Ramsey Kawooya, who earned the title of Man of the Match, attributed their success to the trust placed in the team by the coaching staff. Kawooya expressed, “The coaches believe in us, and this belief has fostered a strong sense of teamwork. It’s an excellent feeling to have clinched three victories in four games, with the other result being a hard-fought draw in our debut match. We are committed to maintaining our high standards in subsequent fixtures.”

With this victory, Express FC now sits in third place on the league table, amassing a total of 10 points. BUL and Kitara currently lead the pack with 12 points each.

Nonetheless, Bright Stars’ head coach, Joseph Mutyaba, acknowledged that his team squandered several opportunities during the match. He remains optimistic about their prospects in the league, stating, “We had chances to score, but regrettably, we couldn’t capitalize on them. However, this is a long season, and we will continue to work on our performance and capitalize on opportunities as they come our way.”

In another league encounter in Lugazi, URA FC emerged victorious by defeating Wakiso Giants 1-0 at Metha Stadium. Forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe was the hero of the day, scoring the solitary goal that sealed the win. Coach Fred Muhumuza commended his team’s performance, even though they missed several opportunities. Muhumuza stated, “We left some chances on the table, but the most important thing is that we secured the victory. We’ll use this win as a stepping stone to enhance our performance in the upcoming matches.”

Arsenal is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Victor Osimhen from Napoli during the upcoming January transfer window. Rumors surrounding the potential move are intensifying, adding to the excitement ahead of the Premier League’s return this weekend.

Analyzing Arsenal’s Striker Options

As the transfer window approaches, Arsenal is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bolster their squad. Recent reports indicate that they are actively considering Victor Osimhen as a potential reinforcement for their forward line. The Nigerian striker currently plays for Napoli in Serie A and has earned a reputation as a clinical finisher with remarkable speed and agility.

Striker Search Continues

Arsenal is on the hunt for a new striker, and Osimhen’s name has risen to the forefront of transfer rumors. While the Gunners already have options like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for the center-forward role, there’s an apparent desire to secure a clinical focal point to complement their attack.

Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen comes at a time when other Premier League clubs are also exploring the possibility of signing quality strikers. Players like Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have been linked with potential moves, with rumors swirling about potential departures from their current clubs.

The Case for Gabriel Jesus

One of the names in contention for a possible swap deal with Napoli is Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus. However, the idea of swapping Jesus for Osimhen is met with skepticism among some football pundits and fans. Jesus has made a significant impact at Arsenal, bringing leadership and versatility to the squad. His dynamism and ability to play multiple forward roles have proven invaluable.

A Swapping Conundrum

While swap deals in football are not uncommon, especially when top-level clubs are involved, it’s not a straightforward decision for Arsenal. Jesus offers more than just goals; he contributes to team morale, plays a leadership role, and provides flexibility in attack. Swapping such a player for Osimhen could disrupt the balance that Mikel Arteta has established.

The Price Tag on Osimhen

Another factor to consider is the price tag associated with Osimhen. He was valued at €130 million last season, a figure that may deter Arsenal from pursuing a move in January. There are other quality strikers available in the market at a more reasonable price, making it essential for Arsenal to weigh their options carefully.

Midfield Reinforcement a Priority

While the idea of acquiring a top-class striker is tantalizing, it’s vital for Arsenal to focus on other areas of the squad, particularly the midfield. Arsenal’s midfield could benefit from a world-class addition, and addressing this issue should be a top priority. With potential departures, such as those of Granit Xhaka or Lucas Torreira, the Gunners need to reinforce this area to maintain a strong presence in the Premier League.