"But when you take away players just to play friendly games, really, I don't think it makes sense. But they do it because they have authority and power and no one will challenge them."
Thirteen-time Uganda Premier League KCCA FC will be without three of their first-team players for over a month after their summons to the forthcoming Dire Cup and All Africa Games tournaments.
Defender Haruna Lukwago, midfielder Saidi Mayanja and attacker Usama Arafat Kiza traveled with the Uganda U20 team to Ethiopia for the Dire Cup, a build-up to the Accra, Ghana All Africa Games.
The latter competition will be played from March 8 to 23 in the West African country.
The absence of the trio has triggered KCCA head coach Abdallah Mubiru, who feels local football custodians FUFA didn't plan well for the engagements as well as the local competitions.
10:39 - 23.02.2024
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE It's not a big game against Kitara - KCCA coach Abdallah Mubiru
KCCA sit a lowly ninth on the log with 23 points in 17 games, while Kitara are second with 33. But, Mubiru feels the game is far from being termed 'big.'
"I'm not happy with the way FUFA conducts their business," a disappointed Mubiru started in the lead to the Kitara game.
"There's a lot of disrespect to the clubs and it's not good to disrespect other people much as you have all the people and power."
Mubiru was left infuriated and felt the poor planning was disrespectful to the Uganda Premier League.
"We should give respect to our league as well. Because you can't just suddenly wake up, and invite players for friendly games yet the league is ongoing," he added.
09:55 - 23.02.2024
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The experienced attacking midfielder has stressed they will have their eyes stuck on a positive result, to stay within their season targets.
"If they knew about or had it in the calendar, they would not have fixed the matches."
"But when you take away players just to play friendly games, really, I don't think it makes sense. But they do it because they have authority and power and no one will challenge them."
"It's not a good thing and not a good way to lead people. I'm praying to the authorities to think about it. They can do better and they have all the authority to remove the matches (UPL) so the U20s proceed with the friendlies and the tournaments.
17:02 - 22.02.2024
How much Ugandan referees are to buy their kits from FUFA
The referees’ uniforms and other assorted items related to their work are part of a long list of sportswear items produced by Janzi.
"So, it is a challenge. But, we're going to play the game, though as a citizen I'm so concerned. That's not the way business is conducted," he summed.
Should Uganda stay in the All Africa Games till the final day, KCCA will miss Arafat, Mayanja and Lukwago for the games against Kitara FC (today), NEC FC and Vipers SC.