Football

Having a bit of ‘arrogance’ helps Fonzy Gonzalez anchor UP’s golden run

Published

4 months ago

February 28, 2026

When University of the Philippines staged its thrilling 2-1 comeback over Far Eastern University last Monday to claim its second UAAP Men’s Football crown in three seasons, one name stood tall between the posts: Fonzy Gonzalez.

The goalkeeper’s heroics not only sealed the Fighting Maroons’ redemption story but also earned him the season’s Best Goalkeeper award, capping a campaign defined by seven clean sheets and just eight goals conceded.

But Gonzalez’s rise to the top wasn’t instantaneous. Long before the accolades, he was the patient understudy, honing his craft in training and supporting teammates from the sidelines, ready for the moment his number would be called.

“For me, I wasn’t really one of the players who usually got picked to play,” Gonzalez admitted. “So I knew my role was to work as hard as I could in training and support my teammates on the pitch—always knowing I had their back no matter what happened.”

The transformation from backup to elite stopper demanded more than skill; it required a shift in mindset. Gonzalez credits his growth to guidance from the team’s previous starter and goalkeeper coach, who taught him that a great keeper must combine skill with presence and confidence.

UAAP88-FOOTBALL-FINALS-MENS_UP-vs-FEU_-GONZALEZ-Jose-01995 Having a bit of 'arrogance' helps Fonzy Gonzalez anchor UP's golden run Football News UAAP UP - philippine sports news

“One thing I learned from the starting keeper and our coach was to have a bit of arrogance—magkaroon ng konting yabang. Know that you can handle anything and that every decision you make is the right one,” he explained.

That self-assuredness shone brightest in the championship match. In the dying minutes, with UP leading after Ramil Bation II’s 104th-minute strike, Gonzalez and his defenders held firm against a relentless FEU attack, denying the Tamaraws a chance to force penalties.

“It felt like a flashback—beating FEU again—but the scenario was reversed,” Gonzalez recalled. “We were chasing most of the game and never doubted our comeback. Next thing we knew, we were controlling the match, and it ended our way.”

The Fighting Maroons’ triumph was truly a collective effort. Aside from Gonzalez, Florenz Tacardon and Charles Lobitaña were named co-Most Valuable Players, with Lobitaña also earning Best Defender honors.

For Gonzalez, Season 88 will always stand out—not just as another championship, but as a testament to years of unseen effort finally paying off.

“I cannot be happier. It feels like it was about time for me,” he said. “It’s the result of all the hard work I’ve put in during the off-season and in other tournaments. Every moment of preparation mattered.”

UP’s redemption story was built on resilience, teamwork, and a goalkeeper who refused to let anything slip past him—a true wall at the heart of their championship run.

The post Having a bit of ‘arrogance’ helps Fonzy Gonzalez anchor UP’s golden run appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

Football

CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship: Teen Cranes obliterate minnows Djibouti for perfect start

Published

10 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Bryce Mullins

Uganda U17 Women’s Football National Team, the Teen Cranes made a remarkable start to the 2026 CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship after humbling Djibouti on Sunday.

In the game played at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Teen Cranes were ruthless and registered a 13-0 win.

Shadia Nabirye ochestrated the damage on Djibouti, scoring a hat trick on the day.

Justine Ayerango and Immaculate Acen came through with a brace apiece while Lydia Namaseruka, Flavia Yagala, Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashidah Nakalema, Vicky Atyoronimungu and Brenda Nassaka scored a goal each.

Uganda will return to action on Tuesday against Zanzibar before wrapping up Group B business against South Sudan two days later.

The top two teams in each of the two groups will progress to the seminfinals.

The CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship will run up to 23 June 2026 in Tanzania.

The post CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship: Teen Cranes obliterate minnows Djibouti for perfect start appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Road to FUFA Big League 2026/27: Amus edge MYDA to take first leg advantage in promotional battle

Published

1 day ago

June 14, 2026

Elliot Michael

FUFA Big League Promotion Play-offs:

1st Leg Results:

Amus 2-1 MYDA
Black Star 1-1 Buwambo United

Amus Football Club overcame MYDA 2-1 during the first leg of the FUFA Big League promotional play-off played at the Amus college stadium on Saturday, 13th June 2026.

Mudashiri Ijosiga and Davis Busuulwa scored for Amus College in the 29th and 41st minutes respectively.

Jeremiah Otai got the consolation for MYDA that will mean a great deal to play for during the return leg next weekend in Kongunga.

Amus Football Club represents the Eastern region whilst MYDA plays in the North Eastern region.

Meanwhile; the contest between Black Star (Kampala region) and Buwambo United (Buganda region) at the Muteesa II Wankulukuku stadium in Kabowa.

Buwambo United will host the return leg next weekend in Buwambo.

Sunday 14th June 2026

The promotional play-offs continue on Sunday, 14th June 2026 as Mutolere Sports Club takes on Booma Football Club at the Mashaka stadium in Kisoro, South Western Uganda.

Pajule Lions will take on Pakwach Young Stars at the Pajule ground.

Four clubs shall be promoted to the FUFA Big League for the season 2026/27.

This season, four clubs (Mbale Heroes, Nebbi Central, Soltilo Bright Stars and Wakiso Giants) were relegated.

The post Road to FUFA Big League 2026/27: Amus edge MYDA to take first leg advantage in promotional battle appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

MultiChoice brings the FIFA World Cup heat closer to Ugandans

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2026

Kenny Malone

Canada, Mexico and the United States may be hundred miles far away from Uganda but the 2026 FIFA World Cup thrill and feel is evident across Uganda thanks to MultiChoice.

Through their flagship Pay TV channels Dstv and Gotv, football fans are catching live every moment of the global football showpiece. With kickoff times of the games spreading between 10PM – 4AM (Local time), for the love of the beautiful game, Sleep Can Wait.

The FIFA World Cup happens just once every four years and with the coveted tournament taking place, Everything Can Wait.

Across Kampala and beyond, MultiChoice Uganda has made efforts to ensure that everyone feels the FIFA World Cup heat.

At the Wampewo Roundabout, the boot and ball sculpture stands tall, informing the public that all the 104 World Cup games are live on Dstv.

Multichoice has also gone closer to where football is played by branding 25 Artificial Football pitches around Kampala, a constant reminder that the World Cup is happening.

Additionally, Multichoice has embraced the use of Digital-Out-Of-Home (DOOH) screens around Kampala to relay World Cup information, including live scores, results, fixtures etc.

It should be noted that DStv Uganda offers seven main subscription packages, ranging from UGX 17,000 to UGX 320,000 per month, alongside flexible “ka Weekie” 7-day plans and all those options have the FIFA World Cup action.

For the next month, indeed Sleep and Everything Can Wait

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