Real work starts for futsal in pursuit of success
Forging Forward. Futsal association chairman Hamza Jjunju stresses a point during Saturday’s inaugural annual general meeting in Kampala. PHOTO | GEORGE KATONGOLE
What you need to know:
- The responsibilities grew firmer with the Buganda Regional Football Association urging all member clubs to embrace the sport fully.
- Jjunju says this calls for determination to manage bigger events and responsibilities.
There have been two distinctive aspects to futsal this year. One was progressive, after gaining full membership to the Federation of Football Associations (Fufa).
It was a major milestone as the club’s administration was streamlined. For better or worse, this was the highlight of the sport’s history since it was introduced in 2015.
The second, which featured prominently midway the season, was punishing.
As the teams embarked on the second round of the three lined up in the Super League, sport was brought to its knees by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The humbling experience led to the cancellation of the season.
But officials were more than satisfied, impressed with how the sport is progressing.
Broad-spectrum
During Saturday’s first annual general meeting at Kenedia Hotel, Kampala on Saturday, Futsal Association of Uganda (Fau) chairman Hamza Jjunju explained that expectation has now shifted. With the passing of a Shs136m budget, Jjunju explained that the amateur twinkle comes to an end.
The association has been operating on a meagre Shs70m and the association is ready for an outlandish assault.
From three calendar activities, Fau will now add annual youth galas, primary school galas, corporate and university action to the menu.
The responsibilities grew firmer with the Buganda Regional Football Association urging all member clubs to embrace the sport fully.
Jjunju says this calls for determination to manage bigger events and responsibilities.
“These are exciting times for the futsal game in Uganda as now we start to envision what started as a dream way back in March 2015 at the MTN Arena, Lugogo in Kampala as a gala,” Jjunju said.
With Fufa backing futsal activities fully, Jjunju says the sport’s profile, estimated at a brand value of nearly Shs150m, will grow tremendously.
New responsibilities
The challenge though will be turning around a severe lack of human resource to spread its wings over a broad spectrum of new responsibilities.
Jjunju stressed that improvisation especially due to the shockwaves of Covid-19 will have to be stressed.
With 14 members admitted to the family, including eight clubs; Equator, Mengo City, Park, Parakeets, Yeak Kabowa, Aidenal, Yap Stars, Intercity Busega and Elephants as well the associations (coaches, referees, youth, universities and schools, feels like the beginning of a new era.
GROWTH PROGRAMME
Bigger & Better: The association has been operating on a meagre Shs70m and the association is ready for an outlandish assault.
From three calendar activities, Fau will now add annual youth galas, primary school galas, corporate and university action to the menu. All this will call for more resources both financially and manpower wise.
