Clubs play seek-and-hide with players’ lists

By Phillip Corry and Norman Katende THE league is set to start at the weekend but with many players getting onto the pitch without players licenses.It is only four days to kick off of the 2002 Nile Special Super League, but, not a single club has handed in the list of players they will field this seasons.Fifteen teams, led by champions SC Villa, will play in the country’s top soccer league.“We are still waiting for the teams to hand in their team lists for the season,” National Football League Committee (NFLC) administrative secretary Aisha Nalule said. “Most of these clubs have student players and don’t want their school curriculum to clash with the football season.”The league kicks off this weekend when KCC — last season’s runners-up — entertain bogey side Police FC at Nakivubo Stadium.When contacted, KCC’s spokesman Fred Ogene, said the club will use a team of 30 players that they will hand over to the committee this week.r Arua-Garage FC have no ground fit for the league following inspection by NFLC officials. The other option Lira, is also unsuitable.Arua, that merged with Mbale side Garage, want to play in Mbale, and NFLC is writing to FUFA to resolve the ground issue.The requirements are having an inner and outer perimeter fence, dressing room for players and match officials, toilet facilities and a first aid kit. “The only substitute ground was Lira which also does not have the requirements,” said NFLC vice chairman Chris Kalibala yesterday.The rules say that a new team should play in the region it qualified from for one year. It is however silent on what should be done in such a situation.In Kampala, Express was still fighting to see that they use Wankulukuku as their home ground despite being ruled out days ago.“We will go to Nakivubo in case our move fails,” said Express boss Godfrey Kirumira who ruled out returning to Mandela National Stadium, Nambole.Other grounds reported to be in a bad state are Iganga (has no toilets and other necessities) and Lugazi’s Kanyike ground (has no dressing room shelter and part of the perimeter fence).Lyatonde was also ruled out for this season and Lyatonde-URA advised to shift their home ground to Masaka.ends