By Robert Kayindi James
Local football governing body, FUFA yesterday officially launched the 2016 FUFA Awards at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The event was graced by federation officials led by President Eng. Moses Magogo, Vice President Dennis Mbidde who also happens to be the awards committee chairperson and spokesperson Ahmed Hussein in accompaniment of a team from the official sponsor of the Uganda Cranes, Airtel, who are also the official sponsors of the awards.
Speaking at the event, the chairperson Dennis Mbidde said, “Footballers who have won the prestigious FUFA Awards have not remained the same. Take an example of Brian Umony, Robert Ssentongo and lately Farouk Miya and Sandra Nabweteeme. They have all been motivated by the awards and they are now prosperous,” as quoted on the federation’s website.
The awards that are scheduled to take place on December 2nd 2016 at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo have 11 categories that include players (both local and international), coaches and referees.
The major categories include the MVP male and female player of the year respectively.
MVP-Male nominees include; Dennis Masinde Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA FC), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege), Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka FC) and Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers SC).
MVP-Female nominees are; Sandra Nabweteeme, Ruth Aturo, Christine Nambirigee and Hasda Nassuna.
The winner in the male category will cruise away in a brand new Toyato Premo while the winner in the female group will drive away with a brand new Toyota Spacio.
Other categories include;
FUFA Presidential Award (Award given out by FUFA President)
FUFA Fair Play award (Given to the team with the least bookings in all FUFA sanctioned competitions)
FUFA beach soccer player of the year
FUFA coach of the year
FUFA referee of the year
FUFA upcoming talent (Awarded to a player from the FUFA Junior’s league and Airtel rising stars)
Fans Favorite player of the year (strictly Ugandan player)
Fans Favorite player in other leagues