2016/17 FUFA Big league:
Promotional final: Mbarara City 2-1 Synergy
Main final: Masavu 1-2 Maroons
The 2016/17 FUFA Big League officially came to a climax on Sunday, 7th May 2017 at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Kampala.
In the early kick off, Richard Makumbi’s Mbarara City outwitted Synergy in the promotional final 2-1 with South Sudanese striker Makweth Wol scoring twice and Solomon Okwalinga netting the consolation for Synergy.
The main finale witnessed Maroons recover from a goal down to win 2-1 against Entebbe’s Masavu.
Maroons were declared the 2016/17 FUFA Big League overall winner.
Masavu took the lead through Joseph Nkabirwa in the 19th minute.
The Prisons funded side made amends when regular season top scorer Patrick Kaddu headed home the equalizer in the 42nd minute off Eddy Kampampa’s delivery from the right.
Solomon Walusimbi then acrobatically volleyed home the winner three minutes later for arguably the best goal of the FUFA Big League, more so in the playoffs.
Maroons’ head coach Asaph Mwebaze attributed the great performance to self-confidence and determination.
“I thank my entire team for believing in themselves. Even when we were down, we still remained focused and composed. It was a wonderful season and look forward to having a great season too in the top flight. We shall add three to four senior players to strengthen the team,” Mwebaze noted.
His counterpart, Allan Kabonge Kivewala was full of praise for his charges even in defeat.
“This is football, we shall have another day. I still thank the players for the wonderful season,” Kabonge stated.
Outstanding individuals:
Solom Okwalinga of Synergy was voted Most Valuable player of the Big League as Maroons’ Patrick Kaddu was top scorer with 16 goals in the regular season.
Mbarara City’s goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekebba won the golden gloves and Maroons’ Asaph Mwebaze took home the coach of the year accolade.
FIFA Referee Ali Kaddu was best referee in the Big League.
Maroons, Masavu and Mbarara City will play in the 2017/18 Uganda Premier League after the promotion.
Relegated:
Relegated from the Big League to the respective Regional League include; Entebbe, Boma Young, Hope Doves and Baza Holdings (Rwenzori Group) while the three relegated sides from the Elgon Group were; Moroto United, Kyambogo and Doves All Stars.
The FUFA Big League was started in the year 2010 as a feeder and sieving league to the Uganda Premier League.
Individual awards:
Most Valuable Player: Solomon Okwalinga (Synergy)
Top Scorer: Patrick Kaddu (Maroons) -16 goals
Fair Play award: Ndejje University
Coach of the year: Asaph Mwebaze (Maroons)
Best goalkeeper: Muhammed Ssekebba (Mbarara City)
Best Online journalist: David Isabirye (Kawowo Sports)
Best Radio journalist: Lawrence Bwanika (102.1 FUFA f.m)
Best Referee: Ali Kaddu
