ODILO Finals 2019
4th-7th August 2019
Match 1: Green Valley Primary School Vs Bright Valley Primary School
Match 2: Citizen Parents Primary School Vs Rays of Grace Primary School
Match 3: God’s Grace Primary School Vs Busumbu Primary School
Match 4: Oasis Annex Primary School Vs Tooro Boarding Primary School
On Wednesday, the Federation of Ugandan Football Association (FUFA) held the finals’ draw for the inaugural edition of the Primary Schools Championships (ODILO).
The youth tournament that was launched earlier this year has already reached its closing stages with one team representing each of the 8 regions.
The 8 winners of the different regions will face off in a mini-tournament at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, from the 4th-7th of August 2019.
The championship started with competitions at the district level with 62 of the 95 District Football Associations taking part.
From the district level, the winners at the respective districts qualified for the regional championship. Eastern region had the biggest participation with 14 districts taking part.
A total of 375 schools from 62 districts featured in the inaugural edition with about 12,000 pupils taking part as players in 740 matches.
Speaking at the draws on Wednesday, FUFA President Moses Magogo noted that the federation prides in the tournament and hopes it will help in the development of players.
“It is one thing to dream of an idea but another to fulfill that dream, said Magogo.
“As FUFA, we are proud of what the Uganda Sports Secondary Schools Associations (USSSA) are doing at that level but we thought it was important to have a competition for the primary schools.”
Magogo also stressed that Odilo will help in the multiplier effect because more people will get involved.
“It is important to cultivate interest for young people at this level. Besides, there will be more involvement of coaches, players and parents, through this tournament. It is a beginning but we are excited about the first edition.”
The first edition only catered for boys’ football but it was confirmed that girl’s football will be included starting next year.
FUFA Vice President, Justus Mugisha who is the chairman of the Odilo championship believes this is a good step to help FUFA realize its mission of becoming the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the field.
“As FUFA, we seek to become the best footballing country in Africa and this is an input in realizing that target. This is a tournament that is played countrywide and will help to identify talent at a tender age.” Stated Mugisha
FUFA Competitions Director, Aisha Nalule confirmed the federation will cater for meals, accommodation, and transport (to and fro) for all the eight teams. In addition, all the teams will be provided with fully branded jerseys and five balls to each team to be used during the championship playoffs.
The coveted title will be taken for keeps by the school/ team that will emerge the champion.
It should be noted that at this stage, a team (school) that represents a given region is allowed to add players from other schools but from the same region.
The Schools and their different Regions
-Green Valley Primary School (Western Region)
-Citizen Parents Primary School (Kampala Regions)
-Bright Valley Primary School (Northern Region)
-Oasis Annex Primary School (West Nile Region)
-Busumbu Primary School (Eastern Region)
-Rays of Grace Primary School (Buganda)
-Tooro Boarding Primary School (Kitara Region)
-God’s Grace Primary School (Northern Region)
Fixtures
Match Day Two (Monday, 5th August 2019)
-Match 5: Loser of Match 1 Vs Loser of Match 2
-Match 6: Loser of Match 3 Vs Loser of Match 4
-Match 7: Winner of match 1 Vs Winner of Match 2
-Match 8: Winner of Match 3 Vs Winner of Match 4
Rest Day (Tuesday, 6th August 2019) – Workshop for all the 8 Teams
Match Day Three (Wednesday, 7th August 2019)
-Match 9: Loser of Match 5 Vs Loser of Match 6 (7th and 8th place)
-Match 10: Winner of Match 5 Vs Winner of Match 6 (5th and 6th place)
-Match 11: Loser of Match 7 Vs Loser of Match 8 (3rd and 4th place)
-Match 12: Winner of Match 7 Vs Winner of Match 8 (Final)
