Twenty (20) out of the 25 man Uganda U20 Squad in Mauritania are products of the FUFA U17 Juniors League started in 2015. Five players Ssenyondwa Dennis, Bogere Ivan, Baligeya Simon, Begisa James and Basangwa Richard are the only youngsters on the team who have never tested football in the FUFA Juniors league.
However over the last 6 years, FUFA has achieved remarkable success in Youth football after the revamp of the Technical Department now called FUFA Football Development Department. Youth football falls under this Department headed by Ali Mwebe.
The inception of the FUFA U17 Juniors league with a specific staff for Youth Development Manager Bashir Mutyaba assigned to handle its various activities. It is the first time Uganda Hippos (U20) is competing in the AFCON U20 Finals.
We bring you profiles of the 25 players in Nouakchott, Mauritania ready for action from 14th February – 6th March 2021.
Full Names: Bukenya Joseph Kizza
Position: Forward
Shirt Number: 7
Date of Birth: 08/08/2002
Place of Birth: Wakiso
Current Club: Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club
Schools Attended: Standard High School Zzana, Buddo Secondary School
Youth Clubs: Kawempe Youth Soccer Academy, Park FC, Standard High School FC
Tournaments Played: CAF Confederation Cup (2020/21) against AS Kigali January 06 2021, CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers November 2020, Uganda Premier League, FUFA Juniors League, COPA Coca Cola and FEASSA Games.
Football Dream: To play professional football in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: To Win the AFCON U20 Trophy
Full Names: Richard Basangwa
Position: Forward
Shirt Number: 15
Date of Birth: 17th December 2001
Place of Birth: Mulago
Current Club: Vipers SC
Schools Attended: Namilyango Boys, Seeta High, St.Mary’s Kitende SS
Tournaments Played: Copa Coca-Cola 2017-2019, East African Schools 2017-2019 (FEASSA Games), CECAFA U20 2020.
U20 Stats: 6 Games – 1 Goal
Football Dream: To became a professional footballer
Target in AFCON U20: To reach the final
Full Names: Kizito Mugweri Gavin
Position: Defender
Shirt Number: 5
Date of Birth: 14-Jan-2002
Place of Birth: Kampala
Schools Attended: Brilliant College, London College, St Mary’s Kitende SS
Youth Clubs: Santos Soccer Academy, Big Talent Soccer Academy, Kansanga Sports club, URA Junior Team, SC Villa Junior Team, Vipers SC Junior Team
Tournaments Played: COPA Coca Cola, FUFA Juniors League, Uganda Premier League, UEFA Assist U17 Tournament Turkey 2019, AFCON U17 Burundi (2018), AFCON U17 Qualifier Rwanda (2018), AFCON Finals Tanzania (2019), CECAFA U20 Uganda (2019), CECAFA AFCON Qualifiers Tanzania (2020)
U20 Stats: 11 Games – 0 Goals
Football Dream: To play professional football in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: To play and help the team qualify for the final stages and use it as a chance to accomplish my dream
Full Names: Ssenyonjo Samuel
Position: Striker
Shirt Number: 21
Date of Birth: 3/09/2001
Place of Birth: Kampala
Current Club: KCCA FC
Schools Attended: Lady Bird Nursery and Primary School, Jolly Primary School, Gadhafi Integrated Academy SS, Royal Giant High School, Masaka SS
Youth Football Clubs: Everton Uganda Football Club, Bright Stars Junior Team, Vipers SC Junior Team
Tournaments Played: FUFA U17 Juniors League, KAYOFA 2007,2010,2012, Watoto Wasoka Slums Derby 2012,2015,2016,
Football Dream: Play professional football in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: Score not less than 7goals
Full Names: Sserwadda Steven
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 8
Date of Birth: 28/Aug/2002
Place of Birth: Kampala
Current Club: KCCA FC
Schools Attended: Kisugu Preparatory Primary School, Old Kampala SSS, St Mary’s Kitende SSS
Previous Club: None
Tournaments Played: FUFA U17 Juniors League, Copa Coca Cola schools, East Africa Schools (FEASSA Games) (2019), CECAFA Club Tournament (2019), CAF Champions League (2019), CAF Confederation (2021), CECAFA U-20 (2019), CECAFA U-20 (2020), StarTimes Uganda League, Stanbic Uganda Cup, Super 8 Cup
U20 Stats: 10 Games: 2 Goals – 3 Assists
Football Dream: To develop my talent through hard work and reach the top.
Target in AFCON U20: To win as a team, promote my talent to the top and make Uganda proud
Full Names: Kakooza Derrick
Position: Striker
Shirt Number: 20
Date of Birth: 23-10-2002
Place of Birth: Kampala
Current Club: Police FC
Schools Attended: Mulusa Academy Wobulenzi, St. Juliana High School Gayaza, Kibuli SS, St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende
Previous Clubs: Super Eagles Soccer Academy, Bright Stars Football Academy, Kayda soccer academy, Naguru Police Soccer Academy, Police Junior Team
U20 Stats: 2 Games 1 Goal
Tournaments Played: Copa Coca cola, East Africa Games (FEASSA), Buganda Cup, Mulama Cup, Bika Football Tournament, FUFA Juniors League, Uganda Cup, Uganda Premier League
Football Dream: To play for the senior National Team The cranes
Target in AFCON U20: To score many goals and help my team lift the trophy
Full Names: Yiga Najib
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 14
Place of Birth: 18/12/2002
Place of Birth: Mubende
Current Club: St Mary’s Kitende
Previous Club: Vipers SC
Tournaments Played: CECAFA U20 (2020 & 2019), CECAFA U17 (2018) AFCON U17 (2019), Uganda Premier League, Copa Coca Cola, FEASSA Games, Masaza Cup (Buwekula), FUFA U17 Juniors League.
U20 Stats: 11 Games: 2 Goals – 4 Assists
Schools Attended: 2018 Kisozi Seed High School, 2019 St. Mary’s Kitende 2018 2019
Football Dream: To be a professional footballer
Target in AFCON U20: To reach the finals
Full Names: Musa Ramathan
Position: Defender
Shirt Number: 4
Date of Birth: 13/11/2001
Place of birth: Lira
Current Club: KCCA FC
School Attended: St. Marys Primary School Lira, VH Public School, Lira Primary School, Kibuli SS, Amus College.
Previous Club: Lira Sports Academy
Tournament Played: Copa coca Cola 2015 to 2018, CECAFA Kagame cup 2019 club and CECAFA Qualifiers U20 Tanzania, FUFA Juniors League, Airtel Rising Stars and City Tyres Tournament.
Football Dream: To play professional football in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: To lift the AFCON Trophy
Full Names: Kafumbe Joseph
Position: Left Back
Shirt Number: 13
Date of Birth: 09/10/2002
Place of Birth: Mpigi
Current Club: KCCA FC
Schools Attended: Mutudwe Blessed Academy, Katiti Primary School Mutudwe, Rechmond High School, Buddo SSS
Previous Clubs: Super Cubs
Tournaments Played: U17 CECAFA in Burundi (2018), U17 Qualifiers in Tanzania (2018), U20 CECAFA in Uganda (2019), U20 Qualifiers in Tanzania (2020) COPA Coca-Cola (2017,2018,2019), FUFA Juniors League (2018-19)
Football Dream: To become professional player
Target in AFCON U20: To qualify for world cup
Full Names: Kawooya Andrew
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 12
Date of Birth: 3/03/2003
Place of Birth: Masuliita
Current Club: KCCA FC
Schools Attended: Bethel Junior School, John T. Miller Junior School, Dynamic SS Namugongo, St. Mary’s Kitende.
Previous Clubs: Kick it Soccer Academy, Streamline Academy, Naguru Kids Academy, Lweza Junior team, Proline Junior Team, Vipers Junior Team
Tournaments played: CECAFA U-17(2018), AFCON U-17(2019), Copa Coca Cola (2019), FUFA Junior League (2016,2017,2018,2019,2020), Airtel Rising Stars(2017) City Tyres (2015)
Target in AFCON U20: To become the best player in the world and play football in Europe
Full Names: Komakech Jack
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt Number: 18
Date of Birth:31/07/2002
Place of Birth: Gulu
Current Club: Ascent Soccer Academy
Schools attended: Gulu Vision Nursery School, Gulu Public Primary School, Victory Infant school, Bright Valley Schools, Wakadogo Primary School, Everlight college, Buziga Islamic Theological Institute, King’s way High School
Previous Clubs: Ascent Soccer Academy
Tournaments played: FUFA U17 Juniors League, AFCON U17(2019);CECAFA U20 challenge cup(2019);CECAFA U20 AFCON Qualifiers (2020)
Target in AFCON U20: Play Professional football in Europe
Full Names: Begisa James Penz
Position: Right Back
Shirt Number: 2
Date of Birth: 27/09/2002
Place of Birth: Bugiri
Current Club: UPDF
Schools Attended: Bugiri Modern p/s, Blessed Sacrament SS Kimaanya
First club: KCCA FC
Tournaments Played: CECAFA Kagame cup 2019 and Confederation Cup, COPA Coca Cola
Football Dream: To play professional football in Europe.
Target in AFCON U20: To add my effort to the team and win at least 5 games in the Tournament.
Full Names: Mugulusi Isma
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 10
Date of Birth: 10-10-2003
Place of Birth: Jinja
Current Club: Busoga united FC
School Attended: Lugazi Community Primary School, Risah Standard, Canaan High School Lugazi, Jinja SSS
U20 Stats: 8 Games – 4 Goals – 5 Assists
Football Dream: Playing in European countries
Target in AFCON U20: To help the team qualify from group stage
Full Names: Ssekajja Davis
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 16
Date of Birth: 25th Feb 2002
Place of Birth: Mulago Kampala
Current Club: Soltilo Bright Stars FC
Schools attended: King Solomon Junior School Bulenga, Bethel junior, St Peter’s junior, Royal Giant High school, Buddo SS
Previous Clubs: Good News Sports Academy Bulenga, Bethel Junior Team. Bright Stars FC Junior Team.
Tournaments played: KJUFA from 2009 to 2014, league Ndogo in Kenya 2011, Academy East tournament in Rwanda 2011, FUFA Junior league from 2015- 2019, COPA Coca- Cola from 2015 to 2019, Uganda Premier League since 2019
Football Dream: To play in English premier league
Target in AFCON U20: to help Hippos win games
Full Names: Eyamu lvan
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 23
Date of Birth: 18/06/2001
Place of birth: Mbale
Current Club: Mbarara City FC
Schools Attended: Amuria SS, Amus College School
Previous Clubs: Kataka FC, Mbarara City FC.
Tournaments played: Copa Coca Schools (2015), AFCON U20 Qualifier, Uganda Premier League (2018,2019),(2019, 2020), (2020, 2021), Airtel Rising Stars, (2015)
Football Dream: To play football in Europe and to become a professional player
Target in AFCON U20: To win the trophy for my country and get good clubs in Europe.
Full Names: Oyo Delton
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt Number: 19
Date of birth: 24-11-2003
Place of birth: Walukuba
Current Club: Busoga united
Schools Attended: Spire Road Rrimary School, Jinja Secondary School
Previous Clubs: Andy Mwesigwa Soccer Academy, BUL FC Junior Team and Busoga United
Tournaments Played: FUFA U17 Juniors League, COPA Coca Cola (2019) CECAFA U17(2018), AFCON U17(2019)
Football Dream: To play for top clubs in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: To help the national progress Successfully.
Full Names: Bobosi Byaruhanga
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 17
DOB: 3 /12/ 2001
Current Club: Vipers SC
Birth Place: Kisoro
Previous Club: Kisoro Young Simba
Viper’s Junior Team
Schools Attended: Real Quality Kisoro, Seseme Pri School Kisoro, Standard HS Zzana, St. Mary’s Kitende
Tournaments: FUFA U17 Juniors League, Airtel Rising Stars ( 2015,16), Masaza Cup ( 2016 Mawokota), Copa Coca Cola Nationals, FEASSA Games, CECAFA U20 (2020), CHAN 2021, CAF Champions League 2020/21.
U20 Sats: 5 Games 1 Assist (Friendly against Tanzania)
Football Dream: To play in World best leagues
Target in AFCON U20: To help your Team win title.
Full Name: Ssali Alpha Thierry
Position: Foward
Shirt Number: 25
Date of birth: 29/12/2003
Place of Birth: Kampala
Current Football club: Proline FC
School Attended: Kitante Hill School
Tournaments played: CECAFA U20 (2020), FUFA Juniors League
Football Dream: To become one of the best professional football players in the world
Target in AFCON U20: To learn and get international experience
Full Names: Ivan Bogere
Position: Foward
Shirt Number: 9
Date of Birth: 14/ 06/ 2002
Place of Birth: Busunju – Mityana
Current Club: Wakiso Giants FC
Previous Clubs: Proline FC
Tournaments Played: CECAFA U20 (2019, 2020), Uganda Premier League (2018 – Now), 2019 CAF Confederations Cup and 2019 CECAFA Club Championship.
U20 Stats: 10 Games – 8 Goals
Football Dream: To be a top scorer in the world top leagues
Target in AFCON U20: To be the Top scorer of the Tournament
Full Names: Abdul Azizi Kayondo
Position: Left Back
Shirt Number: 3
Date of Birth: 6/ 10/ 2002
Place of Birth: Kalungu
Current Club: Vipers SC
Schools Attended: St. Marys SS Kitende
Tournaments Played: CHAN 2021, CAF Champions League 2020/21, Uganda Premier League, CECAFA U20 2019 and 2020, FEASSA Games, Copa Coca Cola,
U20 Stats: 11 Games 2 Goals – 2 Assists
Football Dream: To play in World Top Leagues
Target in AFCON U20: To help my team to win the trophy
Full Names: Faisal Wabyoona
Date of Birth: 22/ 6/2003
Position: Midfielder
Shirt Number: 24
Current Club: Big Talent
Schools Attended: Railway Children Primary School, Golden Times Primary Sch, Mackay Memorial Primary, Bulo Parents School, Kibuli SS.
Youth Clubs: Bright Stars Junior Team
Tournaments Played: Airtel Rising Stars, Masaza Cup, Copa Coca Cola 2019, FUFA Juniors League, 2020 CECAFA U20.
U20 Stats: 3 Games – 0 Goal
Football Dream: To play in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: To win the Trophy
Full Names: Simon Baligeya
Position: Defender
Shirt Number: 22
Date of Birth: 17/7/2001
Place of Birth: Busia
Current Club: Busia Young Stars FC
Youth Clubs: Busia Young Stars Soccer Academy
Schools Attended: Busia Integrated Primary Sch, Greens Primary Sch, Busia Trust SS, Green Hill Kyamulibwa, St. Juliana SS, Bulo Parents and Kibuli SS.
Tournaments Played: Copa Coca Cola 2017, 2018, 2019, Africa Copa Tournament, Airtel Rising Stars
Football Dream: To play in European Leagues
Target in AFCON U20: To win the Trophy
Full Names: Kenneth Semakula
Position: Defender
Shirt Number: 6
Date of Birth: 4/11/2002
Current Club: BUL FC
Youth Clubs: Busoga FC Junior Team
Former Club: Busoga Utd
Schools Attended: Rock View Primary School Tororo, World Ahead SSS Matugga, St. Johns College Kawuga Mukono, Light College Katikamu and Jinja SS.
Tournament Played: Airtel Rising Stars, City Tire Challenge Cup, FUFA Juniors League, Cpa Coca Cola, FEASSA Games 2019, Uganda Premier League, CECAFA 2019 AND 2020.
U20 Stats: 11 Games: 2 Goals – 1 Assist
Football Dream: To play in World’s Top Five Leagues
Target in AFCON U20: To win the Trophy
Full Names: Ivan Asaba
Position: Foward
Shirt Number: 11
Date of Birth: 8/ 5/ 2003
Place of Birth: Kawempe
Current Club: Vipers SC
Youth Teams: KCC FC Junior Team, Vipers SC Junior Team
Schools Attended: Kibuli Demonstration Primary Schoool, Kibuli SS, St. Mary’s SS Kitende
Tournaments Played: Airtel Rising Stars, FUFA Juniors League, Copa Coca Cola, FEASSA Games, 2019 AFCON U17, 2018 CECAFA U17, 2019 CECAFA U20, 2020 CECAFA U20.
U20 Stats: 6 Games: 1 Assist
Football Dream: To Play Professional Football in Europe
Target in AFCON U20: To win the Trophy
Full Names: Denis Ssenyondwa
Position: Goalkeeper
Shirt Number: 1
Date of Birth: 13/ 4/ 2003
Place of Birth: Mutundwe
Current Club: SC Villa
Previous Clubs: Mutundwe Red Star and Super Cubs
Schools Attended: Excel Junior School Mutundwe, Bright Trust Primary Sch Mutundwe, Upland High School Kirinyabigo, Mijja College Bulamu, Kisozi Seed SS.
Tournaments Played: Copa Coca Cola, 2020 CECAFA U20
Football Dream: To be the best goalkeeper in Football
Target in AFCON U20: To help my team become champions
