David GOMBE
The Local Football Appreciation (LFA) awards will return for the second edition this year. The awards were launched on Friday at Chint Centre along Jinja Road in Kampala.
Unlike the previous edition were 30 awards were given out to the outstanding performers, this year, the organisers have confirmed that 39 awards will be rewarded to the best.
Vipers Sporting Director Charles Masembe, StarTimes’ Aldrine Nsubuga, CHINT Head of Corporate and Public Affairs John Kimbowa, and Leero Sports Managing Director Raymond Kayungirizi attended the official launch of the awards that was hosted by Nation Media female sports journalist Gystin Angarukiremu.
The awards ceremony will be held in June this year, with a dinner organised as pre event on June 5th.
Leero Sports Managing Director, Kayungirizi revealed that they have added several awards categories and they are to stage up an interactive dinner with the legends
“We are organizing the dinner because we want the awards to be sustainable. The football industry has many people who can support such initiatives retirees, established stars and young people who want to be inspired. Young professionals will have the opportunity to sit with people they have watched on television and learn from them. That kind of interaction is important for the growth of the industry. Sometimes your best is not my best, but once someone is nominated it means they have made a meaningful contribution to the game. We have also added new categories to celebrate different aspects of football so that no stakeholder is left out.” Said Kayungirizi
StarTimes’ Vice President and Regional Marketing Director Aldrine Nsubuga hailed the organisers for the initiative.
“I always say I am first a KCCA supporter before anything else, and I carry that proudly. As fans, we believe awards like these should exist. But I would also love to see fans recognized because they are often the most underrated people in football. For players and administrators it is work, but for fans it is about heart and devotion. Awards like these should mean a lot for the fans. Even when teams struggle, fans continue to show up and support. Football people appreciate brands that support the game. When someone in a position of influence brings sponsorship into football, it makes a big difference. Football starts with identity. There is nothing wrong with declaring the club you support. It is pride and part of the culture of the game.” Noted Nsubuga
On behalf of CHINT, head of Affairs George Kimbowa said,
“CHINT Uganda is proud to be associated with the most beautiful game. Behind every starting eleven, there is a strong team behind. We look forward the Local Football Appreciation Awards that are meant to reward key football stakeholders.”
The awards to be rewarded include best male and female player, coaching and leadership, match officials and technical, media and communication, football community and special categories, specialized football codes (futsal and mini football), platforms and competitions (University football, beach soccer, Masaza cup, schools football).
