Sports

Mainland giants target URA players

URA team

MAINLAND Premier League giants Simba and Yanga are reportedly among top clubs in the East and Central Africa region that are attempting to recruit players from Ugandan side, URA.

Reports claim that an impressive performance by Alex Isabirye's side during this year CECAFA Kagame Cup has attracted a host clubs, which have started knocking on door, looking to prize away some URA players who have exhibited outstanding displays so far.

Tanzania giants Yanga, Simba, Vital Club of DR Congo and APR from Rwanda are tracing the services of Simon Masaba, Yasin Mugabi, Ali Feni, Owen Kasule and Sam Senkoomi.Club secretary Henry Mayeko confirmed that some clubs have approached them in a bid to do business with them but have put everything on hold until the end of the tournament.

"We have heard approaches from various camps for some of our players but as of now they are still speculations, we will not be driven by such because we are now focusing on winning the CECAFA trophy," Mayekom told New Vision of Uganda.

Former URA players Hamis Kiiza and Joseph Owino, have joined Premier League sides, Yanga and Azam FC respectively, while Dan Wagaluka and Derrick Walulya featured for Azam and Simba respectively in the past.

Simba have already recruited three foreign players ahead of next season, including Congolese duo of Lino Musombo and Patrick Mbiyavanga and Ugandan Mudde Mussa. The trio joins Felix Sunzu and Emmanuel Okwi who is attending trial in Australia.

According to Premier League regulations, which allow only five foreign players to be recruited in a season, Simba must first drop or sell before they can recruit another player.

Yanga have in their fold three foreigners, including Ghanaian goalkeeper Yaw Berko, Rwandan midfielder Haruna Niyonzima and Ugandan striker Hamis Kiiza. They can add two players before the registration window closes next month.