A single goal from Mahad Kakoza has secured Lweza FC’s first Uganda Cup quarterfinal slot pimping FUFA Big League rivals Baza Holdings in today’s of 16 clash at Villa Park.

Lweza now have 100% record against Baza Holdings whom they also beat 2-1 in the first round of the Big League which they lead on 35 points with Baza quick in trial on 32.

Lweza’s Sadara Dumba

They now join Sports Club Victoria University, Hope Soana, Uganda Revenue Authority and Wandegeya, sides already through to the last 8 teams in the competition whose winner represents Uganda in the CAF Confederations cup next year.

Vialli Bainomugisha’s side will be making another trip in May to the same venue-Villa Park for the Big league match.

Remaining fixtures in round of 16

5th April, 2014 Ntoda vs KCC FC-Ntungamo

8^th April, 2014 Hope Soana vs Kampala University (Venue to be communicated)

Uganda’s national women rugby 7s team leaves for Nairobi, Kenya this Sunday 6th April with their vision on clinching the one-day 2014 edition of the Confederation of Africa (CAR) 7s that kick offs in Machakos on April 12.

Lady Cranes skipper Buteme (R) beats a Tunisian opponent before scoring a try for Uganda in the 2009 World Cup qualifiers at Kyadondo. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

Former Uganda international turned coach Anthony Kinene is will leave no stone unturned after missing the continental title twice.

“The team is ready for the challenge and will not settle for less,” Kinene tells Red Pepper.

“Most girls on the team have had enough international exposure and have the willpower to do well.

The Lady Cranes qualified for the 2009 Rugby World Cup (RWC) but missed out on a rendition last year after failing to qualify.

South Africa and Tunisia, who Uganda beat to the second slot back in 2009, represented the continent. Uganda and Tunisia will renew acquaintances in Machakos next week, a third meeting in a 7s tournament in six years.

The other opponents the Lady Cranes will face in pool B, include Zimbabwe and Namibia. Pool A comprises South Africa, Kenya, Senegal and Madagascar.

The team: Helen Buteme (captain), Brenda Violet Kayiyi (vice captain), Asher Nakityo Nabulime, Claire Anena, Emmanuelle Oroma, Helen Barbara Gizamba, Hilda Nyiraguhirwa, Joan Mukoya, Mary Kyoita Odoi, Regina Athieno, Rosenberg Dinah Kanyunyuzi,

FSL Friday action

SC Villa v Express FC        Nakivubo

SCVU v CRO                        Nambole

Vipers v Kira Young         Buikwe

URA v Soana                      Lugazi

Masaka v Proline              Masaka

Simba v Police                   Bombo

BUL v Bright Stars             Kakindu

You must understand when Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) football club head coach Paul Nkata says the team cannot afford to drop any more points now.

URA captain Augustine Nsumba

URA FC take on Soana FC in the FUFA Super League at Lugazi grounds today  and after dropping points in their previous match that ended in a 1-1 draw to Police FC, coach Nkata considers this encounter as important as ever.

‘You know where the league is headed now. We cannot afford to lose any points now. We have decided to approach every remaining match with the caution we often choose to approach a final’ Nkata warned after their last training yesterday.

Nkata is likely to maintain his line-up that drew with Police FC when Frank Kalanda leads the attack. The two teams played a draw in the first leg last October.

URA FC lost their latest encounter in the league to SCVU while Soana FC suffered the same fate to BUL FC.

A win for URA FC will propel them to level with Vipers SC on top of the table with 44points especially if the latter fails to beat Kira Young FC in Buikwe.

However, since returning to Buikwe after FUFA lifted the ban on the ground, Vipers SC have not dropped points there in the league. There latest league encounter there ended in 1-0 win over SCVU.

At Nakivubo stadium, SC Villa face their lifelong rivals Express FC. The Red Eagles even appear more wounded than the Jogoos ahead of the match. Express beat Villa 1-0 in the first leg at Mutesa II Stadium in Waknulukuku and they badly need this win to ensure they relax the relegation threat on themselves. Express are currently fifth from the bottom of the table in the 16 team log with just four wins this season so far.

The Federation of Uganda football Association executive could be forced to sacrifice to sacrifice its ethics to fund topflight football for the foreseeable future by on calling off Kavuma Kabenge’s suspension.

Uganda Super League Limited (USLL) director Kabenge was banned for 11 years from being part of football administration by the Mengo executive led by former President Lawrence Mulindwa but current boss Moses Magogo buried the hatchet with USLL last month stating that the marriage for financial benefits.

Kabenge (L) and Magogo at a previous function. They two have, if only for a while, shelved their differences.

That means the Mengo bigwigs will on April 9 deliberate on pardoning the Express FC boss so that he can be part and partial of football activities starting with the running of next season Top Flight Football that will be known as the Uganda Premier League.

Of course it goes without saying that one common denominator – broadcast sponsors SuperSport (it is at this point you visualize money) – are the main reason for this marriage of convenience for, each will smile in some way to the bank.

13^th April 2014

At Lido Beach, Entebbe

The race to claim the 2013-14 regular season of the Pepsi national beach soccer league, it remains a close contest between the respective teams vying for the top slot to qualify directly for the finals.

Hurriken group leaders, Nkumba Select (33 points off 12 games) are in a cut throat battle with MUBS (27 points from 11 matches played) as defending champions, St Lawrence too peeps in from a distance with 24 points (11 games).

Meanwhile the Monsoon group is no different.  Harunah Kebba Kira a franchise of topflight giants Kiira Young is just a point better than the Stormers and will leave no stone unturned in their quest to stretch their lead.

Real Galatical’s Abdul Karim (left) in action.

The top team per group makes it to the finals directly while the runners up will be engaged in a play-off to determine the 3^rd placed team overall.

Golden boot race

With a hefty cash prize staked by the sponsors, the race for the top scorers’ boot has intensified.  Mengo International’s Phillip Lwezaula 27 goals will this weekend come under threat with Nkumba Select’s Roch Somoka enthusiastically trailing with 25 while Brian Nkuubi of MUBS has scored 22 so far.

Musical acts Khalifa of the ‘Aganana fame’ and Vampino will grace the day.

Saturday Fixtures at Makerere University

Makerere vs UMU Nkozi 10am Women

Kampala Univ vs Ndejje 12pm Women

Kampala Univ vs Ndejje 2pm Men

Makerere vs UMU Nkozi 6pm Men

Saturday presents yet another opportune moment for many an ardent basketball faithful to quench the sport’s thirst with 4 mouthwatering fixtures at the Makerere University main campus courts.

Uganda Martyrs University plays Makerere University in the men and women affair before Kampala University takes on Ndejje University.

The opening fixture at 10 a.m will see Makerere University ladies battle their counterparts from Nkozi. The first round fixture ended 76 – 17 in favour of Makerere at Nkozi on 14^th March.

Back then, Claire Lamunu had a blast scoring game high 23 points and picking 12 rebounds as MUK Ladies blew out UMU before Joy Chemtai added 16 points and 5 assists while Shina Asimwe chipped in with 11 points.

Kush Nakazzi scored 7 for UMU to paint the final scoreline a worthy second look in a game that saw the home fans cheer every UMU basket.

In between the lunch hour, two Kampala University and Ndejje University games will be played before the final men’s fixture on the day between the hosts and UMU.

The first leg at Nkozi ended in favour of Makerere with a 10 point’s difference (40 – 50).

Tony Drileba, who led the MUK first round assault with 13 points and 6 rebounds will still be the key figure as Richard Ongom who also features for NBL outfit Vegetarian (11 points in first leg), Daniel Kawesa and Daniel Oporo are the other players on the MUK rooster.

Daniels Babara and Sam Wacha (scored UMU’s 8 points apiece in first leg) will combine with Mark Mayanja to avenge the 40 – 50 points’ loss.

Meanwhile in today’s game at MUK main grounds, Cavendish University’s men and women teams have defeated Bugema University 40-29  and 33-30

FSL Friday results
SCVU 5-0 CRO
Simba 1-0 Police
BUL 0-0 Bright Stars FC
URA 0-0 Soana
Vipers 0-0 Kira Young
SCVilla 0-2 Express FC
Masaka 1-1 Proline

Former champions Express FC ‘s unexpected rally sent arch-rivals SC Villa to the cleaners as they won 2-0 in FUFA Super League on Friday evening at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, downtown Kampala.

They played like wounded buffaloes to win  and keep clear of  the relegation monster. Willy Kavuma and Isaac Serunkuma netted for the cash strapped Red Eagles.

Express skipper Willy Kavuma was on target at Nakivubo

Express now have twenty two points 12^th on the log, while Nasarawa remain on 38 in eighth.

Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU) also extending their fine run of form scoring five past bottom placed CRO at Namboole Stadium. In less than nine minutes, SCVU were already 2-0 up thanks to Mathew Odong and Caesar Sapewo goals.

Cranes defender Iguma Denis added the third in the 30^th minute while Muwadda Mawejje and substitute Dan Isiagi added a goal each to send the Uganda Cup defending champions to joint second on 42 points piece with URA. SCVU have a game in hand though.

The Recreation ground in Masaka saw the home drop points in a 1-1 draw with Proline FC. Ivan Kisekka scored for Masaka LC while Andrew Kidega for Proline C.

In Bombo, the clash of government forces ended in Simba’s favor as they edged Police 1-0. Gonahasa Patrick got the only goal of the game.

URA FC will also have themselves to blame after they settled for a goalless draw against Soana FC at Lugazi while Bright Stars and BUL Bidco also played to a goalless draw in Bugembe Stadium.

Vipers, who drew 0-0 with Kira Young at Buikwe keep table leadership with 45 points.

Uganda Cup defending champions Sports Club Victoria University says Moses Oloya is still goalkeeping coach at the FUFA Super league side.

We reported of how the former goalie a brother to faded Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Posnet Omony had been encompassed in post-match talk bust-up with club owner Simo Dubajic after being blamed for making a wrong substitution during the game against FUFA BIG league side The Saints in the Uganda Cup last 16s.

Moses Oloya (R) is still at SCVU despite friction with owner over tactics during a recent game.

Talking to sources, Dubajic said that he was angered by the coaches for faileing to abide by the team plans.

“During the pre-match meeting, we agreed that after getting a favourable lead, we could introduce youngsters. But the coaches did the contrary. When do they expect those boys to play?” reasoned Dubajic.

A few eyebrows were raised in the media over the Serbian owner’s thirst for success and man management especially when young forward Yaser Mugerwa made a remorseful rant on social media on why he had signed a contract with the club.

However, the reality is that Oloya and head coach Morley Byekwaso have struggled to live up to expectations since replacing Alex Isabirye a few months back.

After that incident at Namboole, and the imminent departure of Oloya, a thing the club denied. They issued a statement we reproduce in full..

MOSES OLOYA IS STILL SCVU COACH

Moses Oloya is still Sport Club Victoria University (SCVU) Goalkeeping Coach.

Recent media reports indicated that there was a rift between Mr.Oloya and SCVU Chairman Mr.Simo Dubajic. The reports further indicated that Mr. Oloya had departed the club.

Any such claims are false.

“Whoever is writing that I have left is lying to Ugandans,” said Oloya.

“I am still with SCVU. I love my club and I will continue to strive for best results.”

Any claims of tension within SCVU as indicated in the press are mere exaggeration.

SCVU and its management will continue to support its technical staff and players in every way possible.

Uganda striker Emma Okwi brought down by Al Ahly at the national Stadium in Dar recently.

Uganda Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi has gone AWOL from his Tanzanian club Yanga, according to reports.

Okwi, who joined Yanga from SC Villa has reportedly not returned to training since his team played in Tanga against Rangers.

Bongostaz.blogspot.com, a soccer blog in Tanzania reported that after losing 2-1, a thing that left Azam runaway leaders, Okwi was absent and the blog doubts whether he will be available for Sunday’s game against Ruvu at the National Stadium.

But Yanga Secretary Beno Njovu dismissed the reports telling the Daily News that no player has boycotted  the team’s training camp.

Everything is okay in our dressing room… In fact, the camp is going on smoothly and all players are participating except Kelvin Yondani,” Njovu said.

Azam FC leads the Premier League with 53 points after 23 matches, followed by Yanga SC with 46 points in 22 matches and Mbeya City with 45 points in 23 matches is third.

While Yanga and JKT Ruvu SC will play Sunday, Mbeya City will play on Saturday against Ashanti United at Azam Complex, Dar es Salaam.

Source: Sportsmaniaug.com

St. Juliana SS – Gayaza are the new champions of Wakiso district after they beat Standard High School Zzana 8-7 on penalties on Sunday to lift the Copa Coca-Cola title at St. John’s SS.

The two sides settled for a goalless draw after regulation time and Standard High School Zzana’s goal keeper, Pius Dibaba, who had saved twice against St. Mary’s SS Kitende in the quarter finals looked a big threat.

BATTLE: Joseph Katundu of St. Juliana SS, left, battles Godfrey Ochan of Standard during the final

But with a strong psychological approach, the Gayaza-based school converted all their eight spots after their goal keeper Hatim Hilbert saved Nicholas Kato’s decisive kick.

St. Mary’s SS Kitende, who have for several years dominated Wakiso football, were ejected in the semi finals and will travel to Gulu as defending champions although they lost the bragging rights having qualified as the third best team. They beat Buddo SS in the third-place playoff 2-0 in the early game.

The national finals will be held in Gulu starting on April 26.

Meanwhile, Kitende’s girls’ team won their category beating London College 3-1 in the final. Both teams will represent Wakiso to the Lira finals.

Source: Sportsmaniaug

Saturday Results

Women

Makerere Unversity 94-19 Uganda Martyrs’ University

Ndejje University 41-37 Kampala University

Men

Ndejje University 57-46 Kampala University

Makerere 56-49 Uganda Martyrs’ University

Hosts Makerere and Ndejje Universities maintained their superb performances in the ongoing ZUKU television university basketball league after the 2 won their engagements at the Makerere University basketball courts on Saturday.

Ndejje University faced Kampala University for a second time in a week, and managed a 57-46 victory in a closely contested tie.

Once again, Ndejje’s dangerman, Jonah Otim scored 11 points as teammate; Brian Oudur added similar number of points (11). Otim had 6 rebounds compared to Oudur’s 5.

Towering Kampala University player, Michael Deng had a game high 22 points and 16 rebounds. Deng also recorded the most time (35 minutes spent on the court.). Tony Situma had 6 points and 5 rebounds for K.U.

Home ladies,  Makerere’ lady Sparks had the best and last smile with an overwhelming 94-18 victory over Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi.

Winnie Anyango had a great field day at office of the midday fixture as she recorded the game’s highest 22 points 18 coming off 3-pointers.

Usual suspect, Claire Lamunu added 20 points, Joy Chemutai had 18 points and Sheena Asimwe contributed 10 points.

Kushie Nakazzi scored 8 points to go with 8 boards for the Nkozi based insititution.

Sandra Nabbazza scored the game’s highest mark (15 points) and 3 rebounds in Ndejje’s 40 – 37 win over KU. Jane Nassali had 11 points and 1 rebound for Ndejje University.

K.U’s Victoria Ondiso returned the team’s best score of 14 points with 7 rebounds while Maggie Wesonga was second best with 10 points though she got no rebound.

The league resumes this coming Tuesday at Makerere University as Cavendish teams face Kampala University before St Lawrence men play Bugema in the last fixture of the day.

Coach Albert Aciko of Makerere University gets jiggy with Irene Ntale at the ongoing ZUBL games at MUK main grounds.

Education and Sports Minister Jessica Alupo admitted the new National Council of Sports Regulations for Associations (under the NCS Sports Act, Cap 48) will go a long way in solving sports wrangles in Uganda.

A task force to fast-track a new Sports Act last week finalized its job, was signed into law by Alupo and within six months from commencement of these regulations.

She said: “Act asks all existing national sports associations to apply afresh to the NCS for registration within six months from commencement of these regulations.

“Not going to be business as usual. Next is we expect compliance from the footballing side. We shall also organise a seminar to make the new Act public.

A sports association which is not recognized by the council shall not use or refer to itself using “Uganda.”

Athletes Winnie Nanyondo and Joshua Cheptengai beat Moses Golola and NIC Netball team to USPA month of March sports personality accolade.

The duo tallied 475 points, beating off NIC netball team (385) and kickboxer, Moses Golola (320).

Nanyondo and Cheptengai ensured it was Uganda that took the top prizes at the World University Cross Country Championship in Entebbe Sunday 22 march 2014.

Winnie Nanyondo of Uganda raises her arms after running in the ladies 800m semi final during the morning session of day 2 of the IAAF World Junior Championships at the Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic.
Photo by Roger Sedres/ImageSA

Kampala University Industrial Art and Design student Nanyondo led home an all-Ugandan women’s podium as she finished the demanding six-kilometre long course, which is at an altitude of 1,200 metres, in 20min 33.77sec to claim gold ahead of compatriots Dorcus Ajok and Prim Twikiriza. They crossed the line in 21:01.85 and 21:06.14 respectively.

Cheptegei was, however, the only home athlete on the men’s podium as he finished the 10.5km course in 31:06.71 to secure the gold.

Others commended include woodballer Lillian Zawedde, boxer Hamza Ssempewo, netballers Lukia Memme, Andrew Wasswa and cyclist, Leone Matovu.

The awards ceremony will be on 17th/April/ 2014

Faded Uganda Cranes senior player Hassan Mawanda Wasswa has said his club KCCA FC is frustrating him.

The player has not featured for the defending league champions since November last year because of a transfer dispute. The player had been allowed to travel to Vietnam for trials, but management of the team rejected terms with the Vietnam side.

“This club has really frustrated me because I have asked where I went wrong and even written letters to them, but they have given no answers,” a bitter Wasswa said this morning.

Wasswa joined KCCA after a nasty contract war with his former Turkish club Erciyesspor . He is at it again

The player, who was skipper when the team won the league title last year, said he has not been paid for four months now and the balance for his sign-on fee has not been cleared either.

Wasswa, who has featured for PSL side Ajax Cape Town and St. George, explained that he has even written to the players Status Committee which is yet to get back to him.

“I am waiting for them to invite me so that I explain my problems,” added Wasswa.

However, KCCA FC’s secretary David Tamale told sources that Wasswa is simply in-disciplined and needs to be punished.

“We paid a lot of money to get him last year and he simply took us for granted,” said the official.

Wasswa, who captained the Cranes to qualification for the 2014 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), said he hopes this matter can be resolved quickly because it’s denting his potential. The player’s contract with the club will end at the end of the season.

SC Victoria University will target a hat-trick of FUFA Super League wins when they visit Masaka LC at Recreation Stadium on Tuesday, 08 April 2014, kick-off at 16h30.

SCVU recorded a second successive league win when they defeated CRO 5-0 in Namboole on Friday while the earlier win came over 2011 champions Express.

The Kampala side has claimed 42 points from their 23 matches so far this season.

Their next three league opponents are Kiira Young (away), BUL Bidco FC (home) and Simba SC (home).

SCVU has had a much improved performance in both the league and cup games scoring a record ten goals in just two matches.

Masaka currently sit in the relegation zone and head coach Morley Byekwaso  is expecting a tough encounter against a side at the foot of the table.

“It will be a test,” Byekwaso said.

“Masaka is in a complicated position. They need a win to give them any hope of staying in the league.

“But we are the ones that need the win more and we need to start with the same energy as every single match last week.

“And if we can score as many goals, that will be even better.”

SCVU has had relative results on the road this year, securing four points from three games. Byekwaso is positive about the trip to Masaka.

“The team will have belief in themselves and come Tuesday, they will be ready to play.

“We have got to be tight and we have got to make sure that we don’t give anything away. If we can do that we’ll win.”

Tuesday fixtures
KCC v Police        Lugogo 4:30pm
Masaka v SCVU Masaka 4:30pm
Soana v Simba    Kavumba 4:30pm
Br Stars v URA   Nakivubo 4:30pm
Entebbe v Proline Wankulukuku 4:30pm

RP: What is Kagwirawo?
IN: Principally it is a new form of sports betting. Sports betting is very popular but current trends leave out some people because of the limitations in the market. So we thought of a solution to some of the issues people who bet face by helping them bet in the comfort of their homes, offices, anywhere, anytime even at a funeral, church or at the diner.

Innocent Nahabwe.

RP: When my bet wins, how do I pick my money?
IN: Kagwirawo is about instant bet, instant cash. When the game ends you are paid instantly through mobile money on your phone.

RP: Are people free to place bets across all networks?
IN: For the start it is restricted on MTN and most people are on MTN but the solution can work across networks.

RP: Are there other sports you are betting on apart from football?
IN: we are betting on all sports including volleyball, football basketball and of course football. We offer bets on anything that is bettable from games, to children of celebrities, and for the football we are looking at all European leagues, South America, Brazil, and of course with the target being the World Cup.

RP: How does kagwirawo work?
IN: By just using any phones, dial *289*1# and follow the instructions. It is up to you to choose what you want to bet on. Although the minimum bet is four games. So really it is up you to select and place your bet remember what you bet is determined by the Odds or the game you bet on. Multiple bets means better money.

RP: Why should one abandon the traditional betting for Kagwirawo?
IN: We are Unique, You can do it anywhere. We are not limited by location. Imagine someone from Rushere has to inject in transport to Lyantonde to a place a bet, and when they win they have to travel back to get the money, all this is transport cost. The transport money would have been used on predicting another match. At Kagwirawo, there is no Kapapula; you are paid instantly.

RP: What else is good about Kagwirawo
IN: Apart from the best odds, the good news is that when one doesn’t win on a game, that is not the end of life. All entries will be entered into a draw for people to hit a jackpot.

Struggling Proline FC suffered a second straight defeat in the FUFA Super League when they went down 1-0 to Entebbe FC at the Mutesa II stadium in Wankulukuku on Tuesday evening.

There were no clear chances for either side in the opening half hour but Nasser Muzamiru maintained his rich goal striking form for Entebbe with that strike that won the game just before the turn of the half.

The victory elevates Entebbe to 22 points, 4 better of Proline, one side they are fighting with, against the relegation axe at the end of the league next month.

FUFA Super League 

KCCA 1-0 Police (Lugogo)

Masaka 0-1 SCVU (Masaka)

Soana 1-0 Simba (Kavumba)

Bright Stars 0-4 URA (Nakivubo)

Entebbe 1-0 Proline (Wankulukuku)

URA FC hit the summit with a big statement in the final bend of the season by thrashing Bright Stars 4-0 at Nakivubo Stadium this evening in the FUFA Super League. It was URA’s biggest win but the worst for Bright Stars in the league this season.

Augustine Nsumba (Blue) in action against Bright Stars at Nakivubo stadium. He netted a brace in URA’s 4-0 win. FUFA Photo

Nsumba picked up the ball from midfield after exchanges with Owen Kasule and Kasirye Davies before he hit a stunning shot to beat Bright Stars keeper Davies Mutebi in the opening two minutes of the game.

Erisa Sekisambu and Owen Kasule netted the other goals as Nsumba added his second in the final quarter of the game.

At Nakivubo Stadium, KCC won 1-0 against Police thanks to a Hemarn Wasswa goal.

In Masaka, Isaac Muleme was on target for title chasing Sports Club Victoria University against Masaka LC who won by a single goal.

A total of ten teams were on Monday night docked points for fielding ineligible players in the FUFA Big League.

All these teams were culpable of fielding players with cautions and send offs in league matches, something that contradicts league rules.

Artland Koboko, a team owned by former FUFA lawyer Med Bazirengedde was docked twice. The first instance was when they fielded Kiyimba Edirisa, who had accumulated three yellow cards while also in the game against Gulu they fielded Samuel Kawuma.

HOW THE TEAMS NOW STAND

The Saints, who gained three points from Vura, who had fielded James Asilaza in a game they had won 2-1 at UCU, found themseleves on the wrong end, losing three points in a game that had ended 2-2 against Lweza in Kajjansi. The report indicates that they used Ivan Okot, who had been given a red card in a game away to Ndejje.

Lweza forfeited three points to Ndejje, who now climb into the third place, after they used Edirisa Lutaaya, in a game they had won 2-1. They also conceded three other points against Baza for fielding Mahad Kakooza. But Lweza, who were knocked off the top, gained some advantage after the FCC awarded them the three points docked from The Saints.

Gulu University were docked nine points, while VCC were docked 12 points to drop into seventh place.

In the Elgon Group, eight games attracted a docking with Ngora Freda Carr, the biggest losers. They were docked nine points, Soroti Garage six, Jinja Municipal Council Hippos, three, KJT Rwenshama three and Kirinya Jinja SS 3 for similar offences.

Source: sportsmaniaug

• Star players fight coaches indefinitely suspended
• KCCA nolonger banging goals as before
• Matsiko insists he’s done nothing wrong but future uncertain as KCCA’s resolve is tested
• Odur Shs500Million move to Sudan done and Majwega linked with move to Tanzania

Star players Brian Majweja and Tony Odur are uncertain for their future after an insider at Kampala City Council Football Club admitted they were high profile victims of a training brawl with assistant coach Abdullah Mubiru.

The Uganda Cranes duo had been ordered to impress Mubiru in the club’s training session last week- and convince their team-mates they are up for dirty defensive work as well as shining in attack.

Nsimbe (L) and his assistant Abudallah Mubiru gesture during a KCCA training session at Lugogo last month. Mubiru is on spot for spat with top players.

The duo on separate incidences instead powered profanities at the former Proline FC coach that led to their indefinite suspensions from the defending champions.

But sources within the club reveal that the players were chased away for openly rebuking Mubiru’s tactics after the 1-0 humiliation at the hands of newcomers Soana while the technical team’s game plan against the Masaka LC a fortnight back was the birth of fights in the team.

After being hugely impressive in the first half of the current campaign and the two CAF Champions league preliminary ties against Sudan’s El Merrieck and Zambia’s Nkana Red Devils the duo’s disciplinary errors and commitment issues in recent weeks have led to their bans according to club officials.

Odur’s two-year deal ends after this season and signed a pre-agreement with Sudanese giants Al Hillal worth Ug Shs500 million while Majwega’s personal plunge in form coinciding with transfer interest from a string of top Tanzanian League clubs.

Majwega’s cryptic remarks published by a local Luganda daily on Monday have now fuelled speculation that all is done and he will not play again for the champions.

KCCA Vice President Allan Ssewanyana confirmed in a brief statement to Red Pepper that Majwega would be away from the club for an undisclosed period of time due to “non compliance with the code of conduct set by the club” but denied reports that Odur was also suspended.

Tom Matsiko in action for KCCA. The star is also suspendedOdur was also indefinitely suspended.

Asked if he expected Majwega was to be at Lugogo sooner, Ssewanyana replied: “I haven’t got a view on that.

“Its upon the technical team to decide when to pardon him but for Tony Odur atleast am sure he will even train on Thursday with his fellow players.

When Ssewanyana discussed Hassan Wasswa’s decision to sign a new deal with a Vietnamese club in January , his insistence that the club controlled the destiny of its players now reads like a coded message to his agitated stars.

“The one thing I’ve found about KCCA is that they decide what players go and when they want them to go” Ssewanyana said on Top Radio.

So if  the players in question were seeking a way out, they have earned it in a quite different proposition than most expected.

Majwega’s recent dip in form comes at a time when he was accumulating Uganda Cranes caps in a whirlwind-mode starting several games for Micho Sredjevic since June 2013 while Odur was an established international but was later dropped due to competition.

KCCA players have demanded more of creative midfielder Tom Matsiko too following recent performances, including more tracking back and defending to go with his unquestioned attacking talent.

Matsiko, a son   KCC legend Tom Matsiko who the club to numerous accolades in the early 1990s admitted the tension at Lugogo was real but but refused to bill his shortcoming in ability.

“Its true a lot is going on at the club but as you can understand there is a lot of pressure because we need to retain the league. I wasn’t feeling well so was not on the team for the Police game but me and Majwega are favourites in most media station’s eyes on disciplinary issues probably because we are playing for a formidable team in the league.

Coach George Nsimbe however denied a rift with his players and the Lugogo club’s disappointing displays against Soana and Police FC in the past week led to rumours that trio, who are top players, have failed to see eye-eye with the coaches on football issues and missed the two games.

Tony Odur and Matsiko celebrate a Champions league goal at Namboole. The due are set to leave Lugogo

After Tuesday’s slim 1-0 win over the cops Nsimbe said: “There is no problem with the manager; I don’t know where that came from. The relationship is good. Of course as players they tend to be indisciplined but that remains an internal issue as per now.

“Our focus now is on retaining the title,” he added.

But it has been Majwega’s demeanour which has perhaps been the most visible change and his comments to fellow players and confidents gave a voice to the sulking image.

Sulking and complaining ultimately earned players like Brian Omony  his pass out of KCC, but it was transfer money’s call.

The league defending champions are currently in fourth place two points’ adrift leaders URA but with 3 games in hand as the FSL gets closer to its climax and Nsimbe knows they still have a chance to retain the trophy and return to the big stage of CAF Champions League football next season but is likely to find himself in difficulty with his three top players out.