Footballers unite for Dhaira Memorial

Football players have vowed not to succumb to more cancer deaths after the fall of former goalkeeper Abel Dhaira who passed on from abdominal cancer on March 27 in Iceland.

Uganda Football Players Association (UFPA) in conjunction with the Uganda Cancer Institute has organized a one day football gala in memory of Dhaira where participants will also be given chance to undergo free cancer screening at Nakivubo this Saturday.

All clubs, schools and institutions have been invited to register teams to participate in the inaugural tournament with action starting at 8:00am.

"We will give free cancer screening to all people who will wish to be tested. Those who test positive will be referred to Mulago Hospital Cancer Institute for free medication and we encourage all people to take this chance," said Christine Namulindwa from Uganda Cancer Institute at a press conference at Mengo.

Paul Mutakabala, an ex-international has called on all league clubs to avail players for the initiative because anyone can be susceptible.

At the press conference, quarter final draws for Uganda Cup were conducted where Lweza FC was paired with Entebbe FC while Bright Stars will host KCCA FC.

Defending champions SC Villa will take on Aduparaka FC where the winner will play Busia FC for the round of 16 fixture before taking on Soana FC at the quarter final stage.

Airtel Kitara will also play Vipers before taking on Hope Doves for the quarter final fixture.

The matches will be played on April 22-24th according to Ali Mwebe the chairman of the competitions committee.

FUFA has also announced the second edition of the FUFA Corporate League is due at Njeru in Jinja on May 7th where 16 teams will be entertained.

Esther Musoke of the organizing committee has said 10 teams have so far registered at a fee of 1.5m and the deadline of April 20 has been set.