David GOMBE
Following a successful inaugural event, the second edition of the Uganda Premier League fans tournament has officially been launched at Amicus Hotel in Kireka.
The tournament attracts 16 topflight teams and is organized by the fans under their umbrella of the Platinum Football Fans Association Uganda Limited.
According to Sultan Hakim Kivumbi, this year’s tournament promises to be better than the previous one that was won by SC Villa fans.
“This is a tournament that we fans organize in the bid to fostering unity, talent and community among us. It’s helps us connect and socialize, so this year we expect to have an event better than the first edition.” Said Kivumbi.
According to the organizers, all teams shall register not more than 35 players, teams shall not register more than 10 players who are aged 30 years and below in a given match. A team shall not field more than 3 players at ago who are ages 30 years and below in a given match and every team must field a female player. Any person who once registered as an active player in any league level under FUFA structure for the past five seasons is not eligible to participate.
The playing criteria will see the group stages and quarterfinal stage played eight aside inclusive of the female player while the Sendi and final shall be played eleven aside plus a female player.
The tournament is scheduled for July or August this year with participants expected to return all necessary registration forms two weeks before kickoff.
Besides the official launch of the tournament, the fans under their Platinum Football Fans Association umbrella had a special cultural dinner at Amicus Hotel.
Xavier Sports Consultants will provide the match balls to every participating team in this year’s football championship.
Last year, SC Villa beat NEC FC in Namalere to win the title while Vipers, Express, URA FC, Police FC, Soltilo Bright Stars, KCCA FC, Maroons FC, UPDF FC and Kitara FC all participated.
