FUFA TV Cup expands to 65 schools this year.
Launched by FUFA Executive Apollo Ahimbisibwe.
Focus on nurturing young talent in Uganda.
National Championship held at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
As the FUFA TV Cup gears up for its second edition, the nation is abuzz with anticipation. This year’s tournament, significantly larger and more ambitious than its inaugural run, promises to deliver heightened excitement and a showcase of young football talent from across Uganda.
Launch and Expansion
The tournament was officially launched this weekend by FUFA Executive Committee Member Apollo Ahimbisibwe, who also serves as the Chairperson of the organizing committee. “The first edition, which was a pilot project, was a success. We received overwhelming interest from across the country, and I guarantee that the second edition will provide an even better experience,” Ahimbisibwe announced during the press conference at the FUFA Complex.
From a modest beginning with just eight participating schools, this year’s edition has expanded to include an impressive 65 schools. This dramatic increase underscores the growing enthusiasm for school football and FUFA’s commitment to developing grassroots talent.
Nurturing Young Talent
FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza emphasized the importance of the tournament within the broader FUFA Technical Master Plan. “In the FUFA Technical Master Plan, we emphasize nurturing and identifying talent at a young age. Competitions like the FUFA TV Cup provide a platform for raw talent,” Kiiza explained. This initiative aligns with FUFA’s strategic vision to create a robust pipeline for future football stars.
From Humble Beginnings to National Stage
The inaugural FUFA TV Cup set a high standard for school football tournaments. With St. Mary’s College Kisubi clinching the title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kiira College Butiki, the stage was set for future competitions. Notably, Gift Fred Mutalya from Kiira College Butiki emerged as the top scorer, with a remarkable eight goals in five games, highlighting the level of talent the tournament can uncover.
Building on this success, the tournament has evolved into a nationwide event. The preliminary round will kick off on June 16, 2024, with a match between Nganwa High School and St. Kagwa High School at the Nganwa High School Playground in Sheema District. The winner will join the other 63 schools in the round of 64.
Tournament Structure and Integrity
Jeremiah Mugerwa, Vice Chairperson of the FUFA TV organizing committee, stressed the importance of maintaining the tournament’s integrity. “FUFA has established rigorous standards and laws that schools must adhere to, and any violation will result in severe consequences. These competitions offer more than just victory; they provide valuable opportunities for networking and building social connections,” Mugerwa stated.
The tournament’s structure is designed to ensure high stakes and intense competition. The round of 64, starting on June 29 and 30, 2024, will see teams face off in a home and away format. This setup continues through the round of 32, played over two legs on July 6 and 20, 2024, and the round of 16, scheduled for July 27-28 and August 3-4, 2024. This format ensures that only the most resilient and strategically adept teams advance.
The Road to the National Championship
The journey culminates in the National Championship, featuring the last eight teams, to be held at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, from August 28 to September 15, 2024. This final stage is expected to draw significant attention as fans eagerly await to see which school will emerge victorious.
To streamline logistics, the tournament is segmented into 12 chapters based on geographical locations: Western Chapter, Buganda Chapter, Buganda-Masaka Chapter, East Buganda Chapter, Rwenzori Chapter, Busoga Chapter, Kampala Chapter, Luo Chapter, Elgon Chapter, Bukedi Chapter, Bunyoro Chapter, and West Nile Chapter. This division ensures a well-organized and efficient competition.
Expectations
The FUFA TV Cup is anticipated to showcase an unprecedented level of talent from 65 participating schools.
The tournament is expected to provide thrilling, high-stakes matches with a meticulously designed competitive structure.
Fans eagerly await the emergence of new football stars and unforgettable moments throughout the championship.
