By Robert Kayindi James
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that the highly anticipated 2015/2016 FUFA Big League playoffs are on this week. They will kick off on Thursday, 19th May until Sunday, 22nd May at the heart of Kampala in Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium.
The development was confirmed by the local football governing body’s competitions director, Ali Mwebe yesterday in a statement that said; “Nakivubo Stadium will host the playoffs this Sunday with the final on Sunday. Sporting United from Lira plays Masavu in the first game on Thursday after which Proline will play Ndejje University.”
“The successful club after their third place game will join Onduparaka and Kirinya Jinja SS as the three clubs promoted to the Uganda Premier League,” he added.
Apparently the playoffs were supposed to be played at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo that was recently laid on artificial turf under the sponsorship of FIFA. However, due to some incomplete paperwork that is yet to be availed to FUFA by the international body, they were forced to change venue.
While Onduparaka FC and Kirinya Jinja SS have already secured their promotions to the topflight after the regular season, eight clubs were also relegated back to their respective Regional Leagues. These include Kiira Young, CRO, Bukedea Town Council and Lira United were thrown back from the Elgon group while Masaka Local Council, Citizens, Wandegeya and Kasese New Villa dropped from the Rwenzori Group.
FUFA Big League Playoffs:
On Thursday 19th-May-2016
Sporting United vs Masavu @1:30pm
Proline FC vs Ndejje University @4:00pm
Final: Sunday 22nd-May-2016
Third place game: Winner between Sporting United/Masavu vs Winner between Proline/Ndejje University @1:30pm
Finals: Onduparaka FC vs Kirinya Jinja SS @4:00pm