NSSL back
Nov 21, 2002
Nile Breweries leave super league planners in suspense:<br>BARELY a month or so after the 2002 Nile Special Super League (NSSL), the thrills and spills of local soccer’s 2003 championship start tomorrow
By Mark Namanya
BARELY a month or so after the 2002 Nile Special Super League (NSSL), the thrills and spills of local soccer’s 2003 championship start tomorrow.
The National Football League Committee (NFLC) instituted the change early this year as Uganda moves towards a global soccer calendar.
Five straight championships, since 1998, go a long way in describing SC Villa’s hold of Ugandan soccer, and any neutral would be hard pressed to bet against them.
The 14 time champions don’t buckle under the encroaching pressures of their rivals, and seem to have mastered the cut and thrust of the league with effortless efficiency.
A fondness for a perfect head start is one of Villa’s advantages.
But with injured midfield star Hakim Magumba still on the sidelines, Villa’s attacking conundrum, which nearly failed the double, leaves a glimmer of hope in the rivals — at least for the start.
Cross town rivals Express and KCC ought to stop Villa from creating a yawning gap by the end of first round lest they all but forget the championship.
There is a huge chasm in Express between unabated quality and fulfilment while 1991 and 1997 champions KCC have none.
On and off pitch troubles have left the Lugogo outfit teetering dangerously but the signing of Danish coach Jan Fray has left the club’s fans harbouring feelings of optimism.
Villa coach Micho Sredojevich is not showing complacency.
“This season will be hard and I expect serious competition not only from Express and KCC but also Police, URA, and Masaka,†the Yugoslav tactician stressed.
With hindsight from last season, Micho is not far from the truth. Police, in particular, has advanced miles under the guidance of Cranes coach Paul Hasule.
The one time ordinary team is a delight to watch, with a sleek passing game that is the envy of many a rival.
“A top three finish would be perfect but the title contenders remain the big three — Villa, Express and KCC,†Hasule said .
Buoyed by a 4th NSSL debut finish, Jackson Mayanja’s URA FC hopes to build the same momentum that made it a force to reckon with.
Norman Katende adds that the usual atmosphere at the league opening will be absent as Nile Breweries Limited, under their flagship brand -Nile Special Lager have declined to sponsor any league activity until they commit themselves on paper.
With just a day to the league kick off, Nile Breweries have left the league organisers in suspense on what step to take as they have the first opportunity of renewing the sponsorship contract and unless they say ‘No’, FUFA can not make any step to get another sponsor.
“The march through town and other programmes that we had organised have been ruled out since we have no sponsor yet. Sports state minister Okello Oryem will be present at the opening match,†said chairman Godfrey Kwizera after yesterday’s National Football League Committee (NFLC) meeting at Nakulabye.
KCC will host URA in the opener, which will be followed by seven matches at different stadia on Sunday.
Fred Mufuta has been appointed the centre referee for the match to take place at Nakivubo tomorrow. He will be helped by FIFA assistant referee Ali Tomusange and Hillary Kimbugwe.
Meanwhile, the referees’ cooper test has been set for Saturday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
BARELY a month or so after the 2002 Nile Special Super League (NSSL), the thrills and spills of local soccer’s 2003 championship start tomorrow.
The National Football League Committee (NFLC) instituted the change early this year as Uganda moves towards a global soccer calendar.
Five straight championships, since 1998, go a long way in describing SC Villa’s hold of Ugandan soccer, and any neutral would be hard pressed to bet against them.
The 14 time champions don’t buckle under the encroaching pressures of their rivals, and seem to have mastered the cut and thrust of the league with effortless efficiency.
A fondness for a perfect head start is one of Villa’s advantages.
But with injured midfield star Hakim Magumba still on the sidelines, Villa’s attacking conundrum, which nearly failed the double, leaves a glimmer of hope in the rivals — at least for the start.
Cross town rivals Express and KCC ought to stop Villa from creating a yawning gap by the end of first round lest they all but forget the championship.
There is a huge chasm in Express between unabated quality and fulfilment while 1991 and 1997 champions KCC have none.
On and off pitch troubles have left the Lugogo outfit teetering dangerously but the signing of Danish coach Jan Fray has left the club’s fans harbouring feelings of optimism.
Villa coach Micho Sredojevich is not showing complacency.
“This season will be hard and I expect serious competition not only from Express and KCC but also Police, URA, and Masaka,†the Yugoslav tactician stressed.
With hindsight from last season, Micho is not far from the truth. Police, in particular, has advanced miles under the guidance of Cranes coach Paul Hasule.
The one time ordinary team is a delight to watch, with a sleek passing game that is the envy of many a rival.
“A top three finish would be perfect but the title contenders remain the big three — Villa, Express and KCC,†Hasule said .
Buoyed by a 4th NSSL debut finish, Jackson Mayanja’s URA FC hopes to build the same momentum that made it a force to reckon with.
Norman Katende adds that the usual atmosphere at the league opening will be absent as Nile Breweries Limited, under their flagship brand -Nile Special Lager have declined to sponsor any league activity until they commit themselves on paper.
With just a day to the league kick off, Nile Breweries have left the league organisers in suspense on what step to take as they have the first opportunity of renewing the sponsorship contract and unless they say ‘No’, FUFA can not make any step to get another sponsor.
“The march through town and other programmes that we had organised have been ruled out since we have no sponsor yet. Sports state minister Okello Oryem will be present at the opening match,†said chairman Godfrey Kwizera after yesterday’s National Football League Committee (NFLC) meeting at Nakulabye.
KCC will host URA in the opener, which will be followed by seven matches at different stadia on Sunday.
Fred Mufuta has been appointed the centre referee for the match to take place at Nakivubo tomorrow. He will be helped by FIFA assistant referee Ali Tomusange and Hillary Kimbugwe.
Meanwhile, the referees’ cooper test has been set for Saturday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.