KAMPALA – Uganda footballers will in the coming years be able to play in top international leagues including the much sought-after Europe and the United Kingdom, courtesy of MTN Uganda support.
The development was announced by Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer at the closure of the FUFA Super 8 tournament held at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo, on Sunday.
“We will slowly start making major inroads in the international market of football. I hope the international Scouters who are watching the players today take a hard look at them and very soon in the next three or four years we do believe that there will be a lot of Ugandan youngsters playing football for international clubs,” Somdev.
He said that sports can solve a big issue of unemployment in Uganda, noting that with talent and skills, a footballer can go far away.
Somdev added that football is one sport that unites the entire country.
“It’s a sport that defies religion, cults, and tribes. Everybody unites for this game.” He said.
MTN Uganda took over the coveted brand of Uganda Cranes early in the year, sinking up to UGX 19 billion in the entity alongside 6 other properties of FUFA.
The Crested Cranes (National women’s team), The FUFA Drum, The FUFA Juniors League, The FUFA Super 8, the FUFA Super Cup, and the FUFA Awards complete the set.
“I hope our sponsorship to this game will improve the quality of the game and improve the quality of the players, he said, also urging Ugandans to play their part.
FUFA SUPER 8 winners
BUL FC claimed their first-ever Fufa Super 8 trophy after overcoming URA on penalties following a goalless stalemate at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
Hudu Mulikyi, Nicholas Kabonge, and Sharif Kimbowa saw their kicks saved by substitute Joel Mutakubwa with only Joshua Lubwama converting for URA.
Mutakubwa was also brave enough to score his attempt and hand the Jinja-based side victory.
In the third-place play-off, KCCA beat SC Villa in a five-goal thriller with Usama Arafat scoring a brace and Ashraf Mugume scoring the other goal for the Kasasiro.
Villa’s goals came from David Owori and former KCCA man Charles Lwanga.
The FUFA Super 8 Table
BUL
URA
KCCA
SC Villa
Soltilo Bright Stars
Vipers SC
Wakiso Giants
Maroons
