2021/22 StarTimes FUFA Big League Winners Blacks Power FC have officially been crowned at Akiibua Stadium in Lira City.
In a function held on Friday morning, Blacks Power FC received the trophy and medals for a spirited campaign that saw them clinch the title on the final day of the season.
To emerge winners, Blacks Power came from a goal down against Luweero United FC to win 2-1 thanks to a brace from Michael Siwu.
FUFA 2nd Vice President, Darius Mugoye Kitibwa represented FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim as the guest of honor at the awarding ceremony and he was accompanied by a strong delegation from the Federation that included FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson Ssubi, FUFA Executive Committee Members Rogers Mulindwa, Agnes Mugena (Chairperson of Blacks Power FC) and Dan Obote.
National Council of Sports was represented by General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel while the local leadership was represented by Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lira City, Lawrence Egole.
Adrine Nsubuga, the StarTimes Vice President, Uganda represented the sponsors.
While delivering his speech, Mugoye congratulated Blacks Power FC for reaching this milestone and indicated their hard work paid off.
“I want to convey a congratulatory message from the FUFA President and on my own behalf I would like to laud you for earning promotion. It is a milestone worth celebrating because this season was competitive and had to go to the final day to determine the three teams,” he stated.
“This has definitely come with a lot of hard work and sacrifices especially from the management of the team and the players on pitch. We wish the best at the top and Lira City that has been for long yearning to have a team in the Uganda Premier League.”
Dr. Ogwel who is a shareholder in Blacks Power represented NCS indicated government has consorted efforts to promote and develop sports.
“I want to thank FUFA for making football present in every part of Uganda. The people of Lira are now proud to have a team in the Uganda Premier League. And as government there is willingness and commitment to develop sports by increasing funding, formulating good policies and improving Infrastructure.” He said.
Mulindwa, the Vice Chairperson, FUFA Competitions Committee indicated the 2021/22 season was successful and got a lot of attraction given the stiff competition.
“The League put the people on tenter hooks and even on the last day, the promotion slots were not yet determined. The broadcasting of games even offered more coverage and we can only hope for better next season.”
Agnes Mugena, the Club chairperson took the fans who were at Akiibua Stadium through the journey they have moved since inception in 2006 and how the team eventually rebranded from Bukedea Town Council FC to Blacks Power FC.
“The journey to the top has indeed been long and not an easy one. I remember last year, the team transfered here after FUFA deemed our pitch I Bukedea not fit to host games. We had three options, Lira, Gulu and FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru but luckily we chose Lira. The people of this region have embraced the team and supported it all the way. We promise you that the team will remain here forever.” Said an extremely happy Mugena.
Lira RCC Engole asserted that the club fully belongs to the people of Lira and the love showed during the second division games will even multiply.
StarTimes Uganda, Vice President, Aldrine Nsubuga commended Northern Uganda for loving domestic competitions and indicated the numbers reflect whenever games are broadcast.
“The most passionate fans we have come from Northern Uganda. The days when we have the best subscription numbers are when a team from this side is playing. With Blacks Power now joining the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, the following will definitely increase.” He said.
To clinch the title, Blacks Power FC collected 39 points from 20 games, finishing a point above Maroons FC who joined them alongside Kyetume FC as the three teams that were promoted to next season’s Uganda Premier League.
Some of the Blacks Power players posing for a photo with the trophy.
For emerging Winners, Blacks Power FC will receive a cash prize of UGX 10M.
In the individual awards, Blacks Power’s Michael Siwu emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) while his teammate Emmanuel Odongkara was named the best goalkeeper.
Maroons FC striker Fred Amaku took the golden boot with 15 goals while Ndejje University FC who had only 14 bookings received the Fair play Award that came with UGX, 2M.
For the individual awards, each plaque came with a cash prize of UGX 1M that will be wired to the player’s bank accounts.
The sponsors, StarTimes also gave Satellite dish and decoders to each of the winners including FUFA Competitions Officer Phoebe Kutamba who was appreciated for her incredible work.
Individual Awards
MVP – Michael Siwu (Blacks Power FC)
Top scorer – Fred Amaku (Maroons FC)
Best Goalkeeper – Emmanuel Odongkara (Blacks Power FC)
Fair play Award – (Ndejje University FC)
*Credit: FUFA website.
