Football

Coach Matia Lule relieved as Police FC sink SC Villa

Published

7 months ago

March 11, 2026

Following a gritty 1-0 victory over SC Villa, Police FC head coach Matia Lule has hailed his players’ resilience, noting that the result has finally restored a much-needed winning touch to the camp.

A solitary early strike from Lawrence Tezikya was enough to separate the two sides, ending a frustrating three-match winless run for the Cops. For Lule, the victory was as much about psychological relief as it was about the three points.

Addressing the media after the match, Lule revealed that the tactical battle felt surprisingly comfortable. He noted that the similar systems employed by both teams allowed Police FC to settle into the rhythm of the game quickly.

“The game plan was easy because we play nearly the same formation,” Lule explained. “The only surprise was them not crossing from the wings, but it was easy on our side.”

The winless streak had clearly cast a shadow over recent weeks, and Lule was candid about the emotional toll that a lack of results takes on a squad. He expressed immense pride in the “fight” shown by his players to break the cycle.

“It was not a good feeling not to be in the winning mood. So we are glad the winning touch is back,” Lule said. “The boys have tried their level best and have tried to put up a show. Everybody has been yearning to bounce back to winning ways.”

With the pressure of the winless run now lifted, the coach believes this result against a traditional giant like SC Villa will act as a catalyst for the games ahead. By securing the result early and defending the lead, the team has reclaimed its self-belief.

“This win is very important because it creates a positive mood in the camp and restores a feel of confidence,” Lule concluded. “I thank the boys for the great fight and I am happy that we picked the results.”

The post Coach Matia Lule relieved as Police FC sink SC Villa appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Alex Yiga sets sights high after joining URA FC

Published

23 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)