Giants get easy draws in Cup
Big Statement: Magogo (2nd R) is flanked by Stanbic’s Karamagi (2nd L) and Fufa officials Rogers Byamukama (L) and Aisha Nalule to present the Uganda Cup trophy to the media yesterday. Stanbic will sponsor the tournament with Shs120m. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
What you need to know:
- Soccer. After 43 editions, 11 teams have lifted the Uganda Cup, Uganda’s oldest football competition.
- Of those, only six are among the 64 teams vying for the opportunity to represent Uganda in next season’s Caf Confederation Cup.
- On paper, they all got a fair draw.
Kampala. The Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 64 draw took place on Monday morning at Serena Hotel with 16 Premier League clubs, 22 Big League sides and 26 regional and non-league teams in the pot.
Holders and 10-time winners KCCA have been given the best possible incentive, a home game against Big League side, Amuka Bright Stars. The Lira-based side, who are on a rollercoaster, lie mid-table with just two victories.
Interim coach Aldo Odong told Daily Monitor: “We are just delighted to be facing KCCA.”
Asked if the tantalising prospect of his team playing away at the StarTimes Stadium piled pressure, Odong added: “Possibly, but our team is very strong-minded anyway.”
Express, who have won the title 10 times, even though their last trophy was 11 years ago, have an enticing prospect in line, if they can get past top flight side, Paidha Black Angels.
The Red Eagles overcame Paidha 3-1 on their first trip in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on November 3. But nothing can be taken for granted as Express were eliminated by a second-tier team, Kitara at the same stage last season.
Nine-time winners SC Villa will face a qualifier from Buganda, whose finals are due today while URA, who have lifted the title on three occasions open with a home tie against JMC Hippos, who are struggling in the Big League.
League champions, Vipers have a home game against minnows Rusekere Growers of Fort Portal while the only all-Premier League tie is between Mbarara City, who host Maroons. Fellow Mbarara side, Nyamityobora, start away to Kachumbala.
According to Aisha Nalule, Fufa Competitions Director, action will run between December 19 -28.
Winners from Buganda and western region will be known today.
Bigger, better
But the Shs30m increase in cash prizes from sponsors, Stanbic Bank, was equally exciting.
Sonia Karamagi, Stanbic’s Senior Marketing Manager announced that the prize money had been increased from Shs90m to Shs120m with the winner walking away with Shs40m.
“Having witnessed last season was enriching and I am excited that the new season will be equally thrilling as more teams will be able to win more money,” Karamagi said.
The runner-up will bag Shs20m while the semi-finalists will each take Shs10m. The rewards will go up to teams that reach the round of 16.
Fufa president Moses Magogo hailed the landmark of retaining Stanbic as sponsors for the second year running.
“When we get the confidence from sponsors like bankers, who are very careful with risk, it is definitely a message that we are heading into the right direction,” Magogo said.
