The inaugural Futsal Mini-League successfully climaxed on the night of Tuesday, 10th May 2016.
This brought down the curtains of the first ever version of indoor football held at a mini-league stage in the entire CECAFA region.
For starters the mini-league kicked off in March 2016 with a total of 12 teams.
By the close of business of the two month tournament, Sauna were worthy winners of the inaugural Futsal Mini-League in Uganda.
Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye closely followed the proceedings from the mini league and rates the tourney’s successes and pitfalls.
Personally, I was very excited for the Futsal Mini League in place.
Having the Mini League itself in place was a big plus ahead of the expected main stream league for the organizers – Futsal Association of Uganda (FAU).
Players, keen spectators graced the Lugogo Indoor Arena every Tuesday as it evidently became a red-letter evening reserved for the mini-league.
Witnessing the thrilling and electrifying action itself on the field of play – full of skills, passion, power and endurance was yet another positive registered.
Luring and mobilizing the initial 12 teams with varying companies is a learning experience that other sports associations ought to borrow a leaf.
Rewarding man of the match after every game with a pizza was a self rewarding stint invented by the organizing.
This gives the players the impetus to work even harder and exhibit the best match after match – creating that worthwhile healthy competition on the field of play.
Perhaps, there were a few grey areas that ranged from administration, reluctance to teach the sport rules and regulations to fans, players and referees as well as ensuring the teams are maintained.
Three of the original teams registered pulled out of the league due to irreconcilable but avoidable differences.
FAU technical director, Pius Sserugo does not regret the teams that left the league in an unceremonious way.
We wanted to clean the house and put our sport in order. There is no way we could bend rules to favour a few teams.
Sserugo’s comments in my own understanding could have been said out of anger.
For a sport as young as Futsal, all teams and companies ought to have been brought together for a harmonization plat-form that letting them go away.
By and large, the 2016 Futsal Mini-League will go down in history of Uganda’s football for breaking the ice bug.
It has now got a safe haven in many hearts of Uganda’s supporters.
With the small grey areas cleared, this version of indoor football is destined for the best, greater and new heights.
