StarTimes FUFA Big league
2019/20 opening fixtures
Thursday, 17, 2019 (4pm)
Paidha Black Angels vs Kataka, Zombo
Katwe United vs Light SS, Lugogo
Kiboga Young vs MYDA, Mbale
Ndejje University vs Nyamityobora, Bombo
Kitara vs New Villa, Hoima
Water vs Kigezi Home Boys (Kabale Sharp), Luzira
Dove vs UPDF, Masindi
Friday
Dove All Stars vs Bukedea, Zombo
Over Shs100m was raised in cash and pledges for the StarTimes FUFA Big league side Kigezi Home Boys FC ahead of the 2019/20 season. This was during a fundraising dinner at Piato restaurant in Kampala last Friday.
The dinner that was graced by Hon. (MP) Henry Musasizi, representing the Prime Minister Rt Hon. Rwakana Rugunda, was graced by mostly Kigezi region born and well wishers of the team.
According to Spencer Oyes Sabiiti, the Kigezi Home Boys FC chairman, they wanted to raise over Shs150m from the dinner for purchase of a coaster to ease transport and establishment of an academy but the start was exciting.
“We want to buy a 28-seater coaster for the team at Shs100m and also raise about Shs50m to go to the academy that will groom local talent. We want to use players mostly from the region so that we can start up employment for the youths in region through talent,” noted Sabiiti.
He said that the club runs at a budget of Shs350m and most of the funding (60%) comes from the six directors of the club. The club based in Kabale is also sponsored by Tiger security and the Bakiga nation.
“The money raised is not part of the season budget and we call upon all well wishers especially the corporate and politicians born in Kigezi to support the club. This is the only club representing the region yet we have football talents that only need to be supported,” added Sabiiti.
To be part of the dinner, one had to part with Shs1500,000 for both meals and drinks but would offer or pledge more according to capacity.
Nicknamed the Gorillas, Kigezi Home Boys was recently known as Kabale Sharp and finished 7th in Rwenzoti group last season –something Sabiiti attributed to financial struggles.
“We are called the Gorillas as our nickname because Gorillas are found in Kigezi and we want to promote the area as the home of gorillas to promote tourism in the area. This will also come with a financial resource to the people in the region,” said Sabiiti, whose side lost 2-0 at home to Proline as the Uganda Cup champions sealed promotion to top tier in the last fixture last season.
Kigezi Home Boys starts the new season away against Water this Thursday in Luzira as one of the eight first round opening fixtures.
The top two teams qualify to the StarTimes Uganda premier league automatically while the third side comes through the promotion play-offs.
Wakiso Giants, Proline and Kyetume are the teams that qualified last season to replace relegated Paidha Black Angels, Ndejje University and Nyamityobora.
