ANALYTICAL: WHY ALLAN OKELLO AND USAMA ARAFAT DUO IS VIPERS' MOST DANGEROUS ASSET
Vipers SC aims for a crucial home win against struggling UPDF to catch KCCA/SC Villa. The lethal partnership of Allan Okello and Usama Arafat is Minnaert's key to victory.
Minnaert hopes the trio can help them catch KCCA and SC Villa, who are tied for first with 17 points.
Vipers are back home on Tuesday, eager to win.
The 1–1 draw against SC Villa last Saturday might’ve hurt, but Minnaert’s team says it was just a minor setback.
With UPDF, who are not doing well, coming to St. Mary’s Stadium, the goal is clear: get back on track and win.
Vipers can't afford to lose more points at home, especially with a tough game against NEC in Lugogo coming up.
Allan Okello and Usama Arafat are working well together, giving Vipers a strong attack.
Usama's goal against Villa, his second this season after scoring against Maroons, was set up by Okello. This partnership is becoming Vipers' most dangerous asset.
Their good play comes at the right time. Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put is about to announce his AFCON squad, and both forwards are trying to get noticed with their skill and consistency.
Usama's arrival from KCCA this season changed Vipers' attack, moving Milton Karisa to the bench and giving coach Ivan Minnaert a capable front three—Yunus Sentamu, Okello, and Usama—who can trouble any defence in the league.
It's a trio that’s good at scoring, moving, and creating problems, and it has already helped Vipers get 13 points from five games, putting them fourth with three games in hand.
Minnaert is counting on the same trio to help them get closer to KCCA and SC Villa, who are tied for first with 17 points each.
UPDF, near the bottom with six points from seven games, won't give up easily.
Paul Kiwanuka’s team will fight hard. But they are struggling, lack confidence, and can't afford many mistakes.
For Vipers, the match is more than just a game. It's a chance to redeem themselves, set the tone, and show that the draw against Villa was a one-time thing.
UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE
The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.
Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.
After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.
After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.
As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.
In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.
Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.
In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.
Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.
The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.
DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF
Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.
James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.
Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.
Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.
Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
About AGF Aarhus:
Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)
Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)
Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen
Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).
History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.
With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba
Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.