Airtel – FUFA Awards 2015:
- Male Footballer of the year: Farouk Miya
- Female Footballer of the year: Sandra Nabweteme
For many, the top two Airtel – FUFA Awards were affirmatively predicted for Farouk Miya and Sandra Nabweteme long after the short list had been released two months ago.
The Awards dinner on Sunday 13th December 2015 at the spacious and well decorated Victoria Hall – Speke Resort Munyonyo, was a mere confirmation of the premeditated choices.
Miya was flaw-less for both club and country with odd assists, eye catching goals and the crucial team leadership on and off the playing turf.
For Nabweteeme, her 152 goals and involvement of team-mates emitted volume of expectations for a teenage star.
By the time the final awards were read out, the over 300 guests had wined, dined and danced – thanks to the explicit organization.
Miya beat Vipers and Cranes teammate, Kezironi Kizito and Orlando Pirates’ Yassar Mugerwa to the top award, that came forth with an AZAM T.V decoder and a car.
In a brief acceptance speech, the roving midfielder, smartly clad in a black suit, white shirt and matching black bow-tie noted;
I thank Airtel for all this. I also thank FUFA, Airtel and other sponsors for this award. I am so happy to win. I dedicate this award to my mother wherever she is
On her side, an over joyed Nabweteeme, a S.6 vacist playing for Kawempe Muslim S.S in the Women Elite League attributed the success to her coaches and mother, who was also part of the 300 guest list.
Nabweteeme during her acceptance speech accompanied by the mother
Other Awards:
Ghanaian left footed ace, Andre Ayew was the fans’ pick (internationally) as Tonny Mawejje took the fans favourite local player.
Douglas Muganga of Uganda Sand Cranes and Nkumba Select scooped the Beach Soccer player of the year, beating Baker Lukooya and Brian Nkuubi to the Award.
Faridah Bulega of Big League Club, Wakiso United was chosen ahead of Mark Twinamatisko (Jinja S.S) and Kawempe Muslim’s Ayub Khalifana as the coach of the year.
SC Villa Jogoo took the Fair Play Award for receiving the least number of cards for the season past (23 yellows and 2 red cards).
Mark Ssonko was awarded best referee ahead of Brian Miiro Nsubuga and Dennis Batte and Paul Ssali, the 1978 Uganda Cranes goalkeeper took home the FUFA Presidential Award.
Team of the Year:
On the team of the year, reigning champions, Vipers had a lion’s share of players with Derrick Walulya, Musa Malunda, Dan Birikwarira, Kezironi Kizito and Faruku Miya taking five slots.
SC Villa has goalie Nicolas Ssebwato (now in Tanzania), Erisa Ssekisambiu (at Vipers now) and Hassan Wasswa Mawanda.
Police had star striker, Umar Kasumba (now at SC Villa), URA had Yassar Mugerwa (now playing professional soccer with Orlando Pirates) and SCVU’s former crafty midfielder, Muzamiru Mutyaba (Presently KCCA F.C player).
Entertainment:
Sheebah (right) joined by excited guests to dance the ‘Go down low’ jig
Besides the occasional jokes from the day’s M.C’s – Ben Mwine and Ahmed Hussein, there was assured entertainment from Sheebah Kalungi when she moved the guests off their seats to lyrics as ‘By the way’, ‘Abaywi’, ‘Otubatisa’ and the award winning Go Down Low hit.
Bebe Cool, also an ambassador for the Uganda Cranes also performed two songs much to the delight of the guests.
FUFA president, Moses Magogo hailed the winners but challenged them to maintain the status quo in a way of making the podium at the next awards.
Grey Areas:
Proper time management remains too big a burden for many on the African continent. The function delayed by an hour.
There were murmurs on the choice of the coach of year award, many reasoning Edward Golola would have at least made the short list for inspiring Vipers Sports Club to the league crown.
Whereas the stipulated dress code was suit with a black tie, several personalities dressed on the contrary.
Other Guests:
Other VIP guests included the assistant general secretary, National Council of Sports – David Semakula Katende, Airtel officials, Noella Byuma and Praason Lal, NIC Marketer Pamela Abonyo and FUFA Officials.
By 10 p.m, the awards night had come to the climax and the two biggest winners moved to the hall outer parking to officially recieve their cars as the guests departed at leisure.
Congs all the winners.
Full Awards:
Airtel Male footballer of the year: Faruku Miya (Vipers Sports Club)
Pepsi Female footballer of the year: Sandra Nabweteeme (Kawempe Muslim Secondary School)
Coach of the year: Faridah Bulega (Wakiso United)
Fans Favourite player of the year (International): Andre Ayew
Fans Favourite player of the year (Local): Tonny Mawejje
FUFA presidential Award: Paul Ssali
Beach Soccer player of the year: Douglas Muganga
Referee of the year: Mark Sonko
Fair Play Award: Sports Club Villa Jogoo
Team of the Year: Sebwato Nicholas, Derrick Walulya, Dan Birikwalila, Hassan Wasswa, Musa Malunda, Keziron Kizito, Yasser Mugerwa, Muzamir Mutyaba, Umar Kasumba, Erisa Sekisambu, Faruku Miya (captain)
