Regional qualifier Winners:
West Nile Region : Ondugparaka f.c (boys) and Paida Black Angels (Girls)
Buganda Region : Nakaseke International School (Boys) and Janani s.s (Girls)
Federation of Uganda Football Federation Associations (FUFA) Vice President in charge of Administration, Darious Mugoye has showered praise of the on going Airtel Rising stars Under 17 football tournament.
“Having such a nationwide youth football tournament is a great sign that the talents of many youngsters will be identified early and groomed to help them assimilate into the available clubs and junior national teams”, he said.
Mugoye, who was speaking at the the closure of the Buganda regional tournament at Luwero main stadium, also thanked the sponsors, Airtel Uganda for investing in the youth.
“This investment in youth football is a worthwhile project. As FUFA, we are 100% behind it and we shall offer the best support possible’ he added.
The 3 day event was won by Nakaseke International School in the boy’s category while Janani beat Entebbe Creamland 3 – 0 in the finals to take the girls’ main prize.
Another Federation official present was Dr. Patrick Ogwel. Sports Minister for Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Henry Ssekabembe was chief guest.
The tournament is played in all the 8 regions of FUFA, from where different teams participate.
Special football scouts and coaches like Frank Video Anyau, Phillip Obwinyi, Hakim Magumba, Christine Wanyana, Majiah Nantanda, Hadijah Namuyanja are tasked to identify the excelling players per region.
The 8 regions will then play at the national finals by the end of June 2014 from where a select side will be picked to represent Uganda at a training camp in Gabon later in the year.
The national finals for this year will be held in Fortportal.
This same crop of players is being looked at representing Uganda at the U-17 Championships to be held by Niger in 2015.
The tourney, making its 4th year since inception is bankrolled by Airtel Uganda, the main sponsors of Uganda football national team, The Cranes.
They also sponsor the FUFA Big league. Other partners in the Rising stars programme are Rwenzori Mineral Water and FUFA.
PHOTO: Mr Darious Mugoye addressing the gathering at the Airtel U-17 Rising Stars Buganda regional qualifiers held in Luwero on Sunday.
Photo Credits: John Batanudde
