By Our Reporter
The Airtel – FUFA Awards are back.
Returning from a one-year hiatus, they were launched on Thursday at Stonehaven Restaurant in Kololo, Kampala.
The awards are aimed at recognising and celebrating the best and most outstanding football players across the country while recognizing their achievements on and off the pitch.
While making his remarks at the press briefing, Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali said, “As Airtel Uganda, we are excited to be part of the launch of the 2021 Airtel – FUFA Awards, awards that recognize and honour excellence of Ugandan footballers, both men and women who have gone the extra mile by showcasing resilience, hard work, and passion for what they do.”
He added that, “This year, Airtel will be contributing up to a tune of Ushs. 100 million towards the Awards, and we believe the contribution will support with the organization of the awards. As a brand, we strive for excellence and ensuring memorable moments for our customers at every point of contact from our products and services to our trade channels as well as CSR and sponsorships alike.”
Mr. Justus Mugisha, 1st Vice President at FUFA Uganda noted, “Toady we are launching the 6th edition of the Airtel – FUFA Awards which have produced memorable moments in the eyes, hearts and minds of the football fans who attend the glamorous awards night.”
The 2021 Airtel – FUFA Awards will be held under the theme ‘Celebrating Uganda’s Finest Football Personalities’ with the award ceremony slated for 4th December 2021 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
“We are honored to have participated in the FUFA awards for the last 6 years, since 2015, and we pledge our commitment to continuously support the development and celebration of football in its various disciplines both locally and internationally,” Murali concluded.
The awards were not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that saw football action put on hold.
Meanwhile, the nominees in the categories of male and female player of year were also revealed during the launch ceremony.
The male nominees include; Erick Kambale (Express), Shafik Kagimu (URA), Yunus Ssentamu (Vipers), Abdul Azizi Kayondo (Vipers), and Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers).
In the female category are; Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves), Fazilah Ikwaput (Lady Doves), Joan Naggayi (She Maroons), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), and Margret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies).
The nominees in the other categories will be revealed in the coming days.