The annual FUFA Tv Cup is set to captivate the nation once again, with the second edition significantly expanding from its inaugural year.
Launched this weekend by FUFA Executive Committee Member Apollo Ahimbisibwe, who also serves as the Chairperson of the organizing committee, this year’s edition promises to be bigger and better.
With a stunning 65 schools participating, the tournament is set to deliver more excitement, talent, and unforgettable moments as schools from all corners of Uganda vie for the prestigious title.
“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,” stated Ahimbisibwe during the press conference held at FUFA Complex.
FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza believes the tournament is part of the larger 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,” he said.
A Humble Beginning
The first edition of the FUFA Tv Cup was a trailblazer in the realm of school football tournaments. Featuring just eight schools, it showcased a high level of competition on a home and away basis. St. Mary’s College Kisubi emerged victorious, defeating Kiira College Butiki 2-1 at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, setting a high standard for future tournaments.
Gift Fred Mutalya from Kiira College Butiki stole the spotlight as the top scorer, leaving an indelible mark with his exceptional skills, scoring 8 goals in 5 games.
Expansion and Evolution
Building on the success of its first edition, the FUFA Tv Cup has grown exponentially. This year, the tournament will kick off with a preliminary round on June 16, 2024, featuring a clash between Nganwa High School and St. Kagwa High School at the Nganwa High School Playground in Sheema District. This match will set the stage for a thrilling competition.
The winner of this fixture will join the other 63 schools in the round of 64.
Jeremiah Mugerwa, Vice Chairperson of the FUFA Tv organizing committee, cautioned schools against using non-bona fide students to gain an unfair advantage.
“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,” he stated.
The tournament’s structure has been meticulously designed to ensure every match is a do-or-die affair. The round of 64 will be played on a home and away basis, starting on June 29 and 30, 2024. This stage will see 64 teams battling it out, with only half advancing to the next round.
The intensity will escalate to the round of 32, played over two legs on July 6 and 20, 2024. This format gives teams a chance to strategize and make comebacks, ensuring that only the most resilient and tactically proficient teams progress.
Following this, the round of 16 will also be a double-leg affair, taking place on July 27-28 and August 3-4, 2024. By this stage, the competition will be fierce, and the stakes higher, as the remaining teams battle for a spot in the prestigious national championship.
The Grand Finale
The journey culminates in the National Championship, featuring the last eight teams. These matches will be held at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, from August 28 to September 15, 2024.
This stage of the tournament is expected to draw significant attention, with fans eagerly anticipating which school will claim the title this year.
To facilitate the movement of teams according to their geographical location, the tournament has been segmented into 12 Chapters: 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.
The FUFA Tv Cup’s expansion reflects not just the growing interest in school football but also FUFA’s commitment to nurturing young talent across Uganda. As the tournament unfolds, new heroes will emerge, and unforgettable moments will be etched into the chronicles of Ugandan school football history. The entire nation eagerly awaits the kickoff, ready to support their schools and witness the rise of future football stars.
