Football

Omar Ahmed Mandela: The Man to steer SC Villa for next five years

Published

7 months ago

March 11, 2026

On 10th March 2026, the Chairman of the SC Villa Electoral Committee, Brian Kajubi, officially declared Hajji Omar Ahmed Hussein—popularly known as Mandela—the President of SC Villa for the next five years after he emerged unopposed in the presidential race.

As he embarks on this new mandate, it is important to recognise that Mandela’s association with Villa is neither confined to the last four years nor defined solely by the next five. He is, in every sense, a man of Villa—his bond with the club spanning decades. Understanding the depth of his journey with the club, therefore, provides valuable context as we look ahead to his leadership over the next five years.

Born in 1960 in Kampala, Hajji Omar Ahmed Mandela spent his early years in the bustling neighbourhood of Kisenyi, a place whose vibrancy shaped his youthful ambitions and quietly laid the foundation for his lifelong attachment to football—and especially to Sports Club Villa.

Before joining SC Villa, Mandela—like many others of his generation—was an ardent supporter of Express FC, particularly during the mid-1970s. However, the 1977 ban imposed on Express fractured the club’s fan base, and in the aftermath of this period, Mandela’s association with SC Villa began to take shape.

His early proximity to the club was not accidental; it was woven into his environment, his upbringing, and the people around him.

According to veteran Sc Villa figure, Fred ‘Guy’ Kawuma, Mandela’s father ran a mosque located just in proximity to the Kabaka’s palace, which was not far from where the club traces its earliest roots. Though not an official of the club, Mandela’s father was a sympathiser, a humble supporter who volunteered his time and resources—even buying footballs for the Nakivubo Boys at a time when the club’s needs were many and its finances few.

This spirit of generosity deeply influenced the young Mandela. As a boy, he would spend his evenings at the Nakivubo settlement grounds—where the club had its earlier base, watching the Nakivubo Boys train. Kawuma recounts that even as a financially modest youngster, Mandela often volunteered to take the players for tea at a restaurant in Kisenyi, covering the costs himself. These simple gestures—quiet, sincere, and consistent—became the earliest visible threads of what would grow into one of the most influential relationships in SC Villa history.

As Mandela matured, so too did his ambitions. In the early 1980s, he embarked on a business journey that would evolve into the renowned Mandela Group of Companies. With his financial rise came an increasing capacity to support the club he had loved since childhood.

Despite his expanding wealth and influence, Mandela remained reluctant to take on official positions in the club. Instead, he preferred to support from the outside, contributing as a loyal financer—quietly but significantly ensuring Villa’s stability during the 1980s and early 1990s. His involvement was understated, but his impact was unmistakable.

Mandela’s official entrance into club leadership came in 1993, in the aftermath of the Kawooya leadership collapse, when he agreed to serve as Treasurer under President Francisco Mugabe. It was during this period that his influence became unmistakable.

As treasurer, Mandela was assertive, strategic, and relentless in strengthening the club’s competitive edge. He masterminded several high-profile player signings that shaped SC Villa’s dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s. His most famous recruitment coups came at the expense of Express FC, including the acquisition of key players such as Phillip Obwiny, James Odoch, Joseph Mutyaba, and Geoffrey Bukohore, among others.

In 1998, Mandela was appointed Vice Chairman – Administration, a role many insiders interpreted as grooming him for the presidency. The belief was not unfounded; his administrative strength, financial muscle, and club loyalty positioned him naturally for higher leadership.

During his years as Treasurer and Vice Chairman, Mandela became one of the most influential figures in Villa’s internal affairs. His decisions shaped recruitment, finances, and operational stability, and he built a reputation as a leader who fiercely protected the club’s interests.

Despite his contributions, Mandela’s relationship with a section of the Villa fanbase reached a breaking point on 31st March 2004. After a heated confrontation at Namboole over gate fares(Sc villa Vs Iganga TC), fans hurled insults and objects at him—a moment that deeply wounded him. In the aftermath, he tendered his resignation, citing the indiscipline and disrespect he had endured.

Though he pulled away from official roles, his heart never strayed from Villa. Mandela continued offering modest financial support from the sidelines and attended crisis meetings whenever the club’s stability was threatened. But for years, he maintained a low profile, watching from a distance as the club went through waves of turmoil and administrative stagnation.

A long, quiet spell ended in 2021, shortly after the club’s elections were halted by a court injunction. SC Villa found itself at a crossroads, and Mandela—recognising the critical moment—returned to steady the ship. In the re-organised elections, he was voted President unopposed, a testament to renewed trust in his leadership.

His tenure brought discipline, structural reform, and a restored sense of identity and stability. The culmination of his efforts came in the 2023/2024 season, when SC Villa won its first league title in 20 years—a historic achievement that marked the return of the Jogoos to Ugandan football’s summit.

On top of being declared as the President of SC Villa for the next five years, he also sits on the Board of Trustees— continuing a relationship with the club that began with a young boy buying tea for Nakivubo Boys players in Kisenyi.

Mandela’s story is one of humble beginnings, steadfast loyalty, and generational influence. From the mosque by Nakivubo Settlement School to the boardroom at Sc Villa, he has lived every phase of SC Villa’s history. His journey—spanning early volunteerism, decades of financing, bold administrative leadership, and ultimate presidential triumphs—cements him as one of the most iconic figures in the club’s lineage.

The post Omar Ahmed Mandela: The Man to steer SC Villa for next five years appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Alex Yiga sets sights high after joining URA FC

Published

13 hours ago

September 24, 2026

Bryce Mullins

Newly signed URA FC winger Alex Yiga says he is fully committed to giving his all to help the Tax Collectors achieve their target after wrapping up his move from KCCA FC.

The versatile forward sealed a two-year contract on deadline day, becoming the latest addition to Head Coach Jimmy Kintu Mwera’s side ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

Speaking to the club’s media following his unveiling, the former Uganda Cubs international expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to join the four-time league champions.

“I am very happy to join URA FC and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this great club. I am ready to work hard, learn and continue improving as a player,” Yiga stated.

With competition for places expected to be fierce in URA’s renewed attacking unit, the young attacker emphasised his intent to support the team’s ambitions on the pitch.

“I know the club has important targets this season, and I want to play my part in helping the team achieve them. I will give my best in training and whenever I get the opportunity to represent URA FC,” he added.

Yiga’s arrival offers Coach Kintu significant tactical flexibility in the final third, with the attacker comfortable operating on either flank or through the centre.

The post Alex Yiga sets sights high after joining URA FC appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

FKF appeals to Kenyan judiciary to unlock football stalemate

Published

1 day ago

September 23, 2026

Kenny Malone

FKF president addressing the press in Nairobi on Monday, September 21, 2026. Photo courtesy: FKF

The new Premier League season was scheduled to kick off on September 19, but a late court order halted the commencement of the competition amid a promotion and relegation dispute.

Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership has appealed to the Kenyan Judiciary to help resolve the legal stalemate that has stalled the start of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season.

In an address to the nation on Monday, September 21, 2026, FKF president Hussein Mohammed appealed to Chief Justice Martha Koome to intervene and ensure that court processes are not abused to the detriment of Kenyan football.

“I hereby plead with the Judiciary and the President, the Chief Justice Martha Koome, to understand the unique situation we operate in and disallow abuse of processes that ultimately harm all Kenyans,” Hussein pleaded.

The new FKF Premier League season was scheduled to kick off on September 19, but a late court order halted the commencement of the competition amid a promotion and relegation dispute involving FKF, Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United.

The dispute centres on whether Mombasa United should be admitted as the 18th team in the league or play off against Kariobangi Sharks for a place in the top flight.

Kenya’s Sports Act 2013 established the Sports Disputes Tribunal, or SDT, to hear and determine sports-related disputes. However, jurisdictional overlaps have seen some stakeholders turn to the High Court to challenge or seek stays of decisions made by the Tribunal.

Hussein says the resulting legal uncertainty has significant consequences for the football ecosystem.

“While access to justice is a fundamental right, repetitive, calculated, and contradictory legal interventions on the eve of competitions cause immense financial and emotional harm. They disrupt club planning, athlete livelihoods, losses for vendors, broadcasters, and commercial partners. Football dispute resolution must balance legal rights with the stability required to run a functional national league,” he said.

However, FKF has itself faced criticism over its use of the High Court on previous occasions to challenge or seek stays of decisions that have gone against the federation.

Hussein is now calling for football disputes to be resolved through the sport’s internal dispute-resolution mechanisms, as provided for under FIFA, CAF and FKF statutes.

“For this reason, FIFA, CAF, and FKF statutes do not allow football-related disputes to be prosecuted in ordinary courts. We must immediately revert to internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the football administrative structures if we are to protect the growth, integrity and development of the game.”

The FKF Premier League remains suspended as the federation engages the affected parties and explores a legal resolution to the dispute.

Marabou News Agency

The post FKF appeals to Kenyan judiciary to unlock football stalemate appeared first on Sports Network Africa.

Football

Tanzania edge Burundi to qualify for U-20 AFCON

Published

2 days ago

September 23, 2026

Elliot Michael

2026 CECAFA U-20 championship (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)

Semifinal 2: Tanzania 2-0 Burundi
Semifinal 1: Uganda 2-3 Sudan

Tanzania took the second CECAFA Zone slot to the AFCON U-20 finals, joining Sudan at next year’s fiesta in Accra, Ghana.

This was after a 2-0 victory over Burundi in the semifinal of the CECAFA U-20 Championship at the Uhuru Stadium, Dar es Salaam, on Tuesday evening.

Juma Abushiri and Faraji Kayanda scored the goals that inspired Mario Rivera Campesino’s charges.

Tanzania players sing the national anthem | Credit: David Isabirye

Abushiri, a player at Young Africans Sports Club, scored directly from a corner kick past Burundi goalkeeper Omari Niyonkuru on the opening quarter-hour mark.

Simba’s Bashiri Salum Kibaila set up Dodoma Jiji’s Kayanda for the second goal in the 33rd minute to establish a 2-0 lead.

From then on, Tanzania played a cautious game and maintained the lead to progress to the final for Thursday’s final against Sudan.

The final will be preceded by the bronze medal match between Uganda and Burundi.

Uganda lost 3-2 to Sudan in the other semifinal.

Tanzania U20 XI Vs Burundi | Credit: David Isabirye

Team Lineups:

Tanzania XI: Shabano Bakari (G.K.), Ismail Ally, Abubakar Othman, Shomvi Rajabu (Captain), Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Ahmad Ahmad, Abdulnassir Abdallah, Juma Abushiri, Evastus Lukanima

Subs: Telvin Mfuse (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abdallah Mnumba, Arafat Masoud, Kelvin Revokatus, Jofrey Malecha, Machela Machela, Juma Sagwe, Omar Mdachi

Head coach: Mario Riveria Campesino (Spain)

Burundi U20 XI vs Tanzania | Credit: David Isabirye

Burundi XI: Omari Niyonkuru (G.K.), Radjabu Nzeyimana, Cadeau Ndayishimye, Sympathique Majidi, Abedi Irakoze, Amini Nshimirimana (Captain), Ali-Ali Sadiki, Dieudonne Ndikumana, Abdallah Ndikumana, Roy Amissi, Ally Magambo

Subs: Papy Victoire Mude (G.K.), Djibane Kwizera, Lionel Bigirimana, Abdoul Rahim Ndizeye, Yussuf Nshimirimana, Aubin Ntwari, Jacques Irankunda, Theogene Minani, Hamissi Nahimana

Head coach: Jean De Dieu Rukundo (Burundi)