A day filled with football festivities commenced with a visit to the Joe Kigozi Academy and a heartfelt stop over at the home of the less privileged Acholi Quarters in Kireka-Banda B1 Zone, reaching its pinnacle with a charity football match at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, just 16 kilometers from Kampala's city center.
Flying Winger: Hon. Asuman Basalirwa entertained on the left wing as he more than often beat his markers with good dribbles before unleashing crosses into the opposition's box.(All Photos/Francis Isano-NBS Sport)
Aliguma Foundation Charity Match
Parliament of Uganda 1-7 UEFA Legends
Chronology of Goals
Jersey #11 Ovokavic Micivoj goal 2’
Jersey #11 Ovokavic Micivoj goal 16’
Jersey #11 Ovokavic Micivoj goal 25’
Jersey #11 Ovokavic Micivoj goal 37’
Jersey #23 Aleksander Čeferin goal 72’
Jersey #11 Ovokavic Micivoj goal 77’
Jersey #8 Hamson Obua goal 86’
Jersey #23 Aleksander Čeferin goal 90’
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, joined by European football legends predominantly from Slovenia, orchestrated an impressive 7-1 victory against the Parliament of Uganda Soccer Team on Monday, February 12.
Kitende, home to the reigning StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions, Vipers Sports Club, set the stage for a match where the visitors played with a champion mindset, culminating in a well-deserved celebration.
New Venom: UEFA boss Aleksander Čeferin (C) soon after receiving his Vipers replica jersey from the club president Lawrence Mulindwa (2nd R) shares a photo opportunity with FUFA president Moses Magogo (R), State Minister For Sports Peter Ogwang (2nd L) and Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua (L) at Mulindwa's office chambers.
Meet of philanthropists
Before kick-off, Vipers president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, who generously provided the ground to the Aliguma Foundation free of charge in true manner of giving back and supporting noble causes, held a meeting with the visiting entourage.
Inside his elegant office chambers, club merchandise and jerseys were presented to Čeferin and some of Slovenia's footballing legends.
Despite conceding an early goal in the second minute, the Ugandan parliamentary team, coached by Cranes and KCCA FC legend Tom Lwanga and captained by FUFA President Moses Magogo, approached the match with enthusiasm.
Ovokavic Micivoj, the attacking winger, showcased his scoring prowess with not only the opener but also four additional goals, displaying finesse and impressive runs that dismantled the Parliament of Uganda’s defense.
Dangerous Duo: UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin (L) and attacking winger Ovokavic Micivoj (R) celebrate one of the latter's five goals. The pair scored all the seven goals for the UEFA Legends side.
Čeferin, the captain fantastic, contributed a brace with a penalty and a last-minute free-kick in the top right corner that ensured Ugandan goalie Salim Kato’s valiant effort not good enough.
The Parliament of Uganda managed a consolation goal by former State Minister For Sports and Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua, but the scoreline was already out of reach at 6-1.
Sweet Strike: Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua converts from the penalty spot for the consolation goal that restored some dented pride for the Parliament of Uganda team.
Fans applause
The enthusiastic crowd, drawn to the free-entry match, enjoyed the spectacle and burst into fits of laughter as the hard-running Ugandans were treated to a football clinic by the UEFA Legends. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, chairman of the Parliament of Uganda Football Team, along with parliament staffers Alex Kirya and Mufti Shafiq Luzinda, thrilled fans with their silky skills and dribbles, leaving the ground with their reputations intact.
In a post-match interview, Čeferin expressed his fondness for Uganda, commending the Parliamentarians for their spirited performance. He described the match as fair and praised the beauty of the country.
“We are friends now. Tomorrow, we shall not be friends because it is match time. We want to win” Čeferin had joked on arrival and he truly lived to see his promise come to fruition.
Calm Before The Storm: The two teams exchange pleasantries during the customary greeting before kick-off at St Mary's Stadium, Kitende yesterday.
Return leg looms
Reflecting on the experience, Budiope East MP Magogo stated, “It was a learning opportunity for us to compete against players who have reached the highest levels of the sport. We aim to improve in the second leg. Football is not just a game; it brings people together, as evidenced by the initiatives of the Aliguma Foundation. We look forward to more collaborative activities like these.”
On Tuesday, February 13, Čeferin and his UEFA delegation will embark on a two-hour road trip to Masindi to commission works at the Aliguma Foundation Sports & Empowerment Center (AFSEC) and kick off the first ball at the center’s training football ground in Kinuuma Village.
The historic visit will culminate on Wednesday, February 14, with Čeferin meeting selected government leaders in a journey that is aimed at using football as a force for good.
Full House: The Parliament of Uganda Starting XI pose with Aliguma Foundation CEO Ritah Aliguma (R), Vipers owner Dr Lawrence Mulindwa (2nd R) and NBS Sport's Joe Kigozi (L) and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa (squatting 3rd L) before kick-off.
TOUR ITINERARY
Tuesday, February 13
· Departure for Masindi
· Commissioning of Works at Aliguma Foundation Sports & Empowerment Center (AFSEC)
· Kick off first ball at AFSEC Training Pitch
· Tourism Activities
Wednesday, February 14
· Meetings with Government Officials
· Departure
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