Kitandwe's death a blow to FUFA plans - Watson

Edgar Watson has described the murder of 18-year-old Matthew Kitandwe as a huge blow to FUFA's ambitions to beef up the national team with foreign-based footballers.

The promising youth footballer who had declared his ambitions to onetime feature for the Uganda Cranes was stabbed to death at his front door in London.

"This is a huge blow. It really hurts especially at a time FUFA is looking for foreign based players out there to play for the Uganda Cranes," Watson said.

Kitandwe was ambushed as he put his key in the lock on returning home from college on Tuesday.

A neighbour who saw the aftermath of the 4.15pm attack in Battersea said: "The poor kid's dad was crying with his face to the sky, holding his dying child. It was awful."

An eyewitness in the neighbourhood said that she saw three young men jump out of a car and act as if they were hunting for someone shortly before the stabbing. Matthew played as a right back for Colliers Wood United and had just been promoted to the first team.

Colliers Wood first team manager Tony Hurrell said: "He was a smashing lad, always on time and a pleasure to be around.

"I am just so shocked. He was a lovely boy and a good player at this level. His attitude was exemplary and we will all really miss him."