Mbarara City FC proprietor Mwine Mpaka has come out to reveal that the club is currently undergoing financial constraints after their top financier Top Bet has pulled out of a sponsorship deal.
And as the new 2021/2022 Uganda Premier League season nears commencement, the Kakyeka based outfit has not signed big-name players after losing Ivan Eyam, Bashir Mutanda, Innocent Wafula and coaches Livingstone Mbabazi and Sadiq Ssempigi.
“Covid-19 has affected us and our major sponsors have pulled out of business. As I talk, we can’t tell how this season will be like for us. But we shall use the players that we have signed,” Mwine Mpaka says.
Mbarara City will start the new season at home against Soltilo Bright Stars on October 15, according to the new season fixtures released recently by the local football governing body FUFA competitions committee.
Demanding Mbabazi compensation
After the departure of head coach Mbabazi, who left to join newly-promoted Arua Hills, Mbarara City hired Kefa Kisala last month, but the former UPDF tactician quit less than a month in the job, and the club has now landed the services of Hussein Mbalangu as caretaker manager.
Mbabazi still had 15 months running contract, which Mwine Mpaka says they have reported the matter to FUFA for action.
“Mbabazi still had a contract that he breached and we have sent our complaint to FUFA demanding compensation. We hope it will be respected and if we are not compensated, we hope the rules will be applied and Mbabazi won’t be allowed to seat on the Arua Hills bench during games,” Mwine Mpaka said.
Mbarara City has signed seven new players. They include Aaron Okoth (Admin FC), Solomon Okello (not attached), Ivan Otude (Soroti City), Seiri Arigumaho (Six O’Clock), Sadat Nsubuga (Mbarara FC), Frank Kalule (free agent), and Thomas Kakaire (Vipers).
Uganda Premier League 2021/2022 season-opening fixtures
October 15
Express Vs Arua Hills
Mbarara City Vs Bright Stars
Onduparaka Vs UPDF
Sunday, October 17
Police Vs Vipers
Wakiso Vs KCCA
SC Villa Vs BUL
