High stakes for Buganda, West Nile in Drum quarters
Wise Men From The East. Acting Fufa president Justus Mugisha picked Busoga Province during the draws ceremony held at the Fufa House in Mengo on Monday. The quarterfinals get underway on November 21. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
The redefined second edition of the Fufa Drum will have holders Buganda and losing finalists West Nile sweating more this time round to achieve success.
Last term, it was all about getting out of the first group matches and storming the quarters in a double-legged format and through to the semis and final.
In the revised format, all the eight teams will be playing from Lira and Gulu up to the final. The route to the finals has more than doubled as Alex Isabirye’s Buganda must first negotiate past Acholi on November 21, Bukedi on November 23 and Tooro on November 25. On the other side, favourites West Nile will face Busoga, Bugisu and David Obua’s Lango in that order. According to the organisers, the Uganda Premier League will take a break during that period. “We appreciate the reception that the people have given the Fufa Drum. We have a good story to tell in the last two years because the tournament has given people a sense of belonging,” said acting Fufa president Justus Mugisha during the draws at Fufa House Mengo on Monday.
Among the challenges the tourney is facing, Mugisha noted the absence of playing facilities and the acting Fufa president believes that the huge numbers expected to throng the matches will stir the government into acting.
According to Rogers Byamukama, the chairman of the Fufa Drum Tourney organising committee, they will announce a catalogue of sponsors before the quarterfinals kickoff next month.
The final is expected to be played on November 30 in either Gulu or Lira and the winner will take home Shs30m on top of the glittering trophy .
FIXTURES - QUARTERS
Thursday, November 21
Bukedi vs. Tooro - Pece Stadium, Gulu
Acholi vs. Buganda - Pece Stadium, Gulu
Friday, November 22
Busoga vs. West Nile - Akii Bua, Lira
Bugisu vs. Lango - Akii Bua, Lira
Saturday, November 23
Buganda vs. Bukedi - Pece Stadium, Gulu
Tooro vs. Acholi - Pece Stadium, Gulu
Sunday November 24
Lango vs. Busoga - Akii Bua, Lira
Bugisu vs. West Nile - Akii Bua, Lira
Monday, November 25
Bukedi vs. Acholi - Pece Stadium, Gulu
Tooro vs. Buganda - Pece Stadium, Gulu
Tuesday, November 26
Busoga vs. Bugisu - Akii Bua, Lira
Lango vs. West Nile - Akii Bua, Lira
