FULL LIST: Omedi, Nandede shine bright at 2024 MTN FUFA Awards

Kampala, Uganda: The 2024 MTN FUFA Awards lit up the Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday night as football stars and officials came together to honour Uganda’s best performers in the beautiful game.

The full-house event, organized by FUFA and sponsored by MTN, celebrated 16 winners across various categories.

Denis Omedi, a former Kitara FC striker and key player for Uganda Cranes, was crowned Male Player of the Year.

The striker’s standout performances in helping Uganda qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and winning the 2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup with Kitara FC earned him the top prize.

Omedia’s famous Rabona goal against KCCA FC, which was nominated for both the CAF Goal of the Year and FIFA Puskas Award, was also awarded the FUFA Goal of the Year.

In the women’s category, Zainah Nandede of Kampala Queens stunned many by winning Female Player of the Year, beating strong contenders like Agnes Nabukenya. Nandede’s strong display for the Queen Cranes, especially in the 2024 Africa Games, where they won bronze, played a key role in her victory.

She also scored six league goals for Kampala Queens, helping the team finish second in the league.

While opening the event, FUFA Executive and Organising Committee Chairperson Rogers Byamukama expressed joy over the strong turnout and promised an even bigger show next season. “Tonight is a beautiful day. We are not just celebrating footballers, but everyone who supports football. The next awards will be even better,” Byamukama said.

FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo praised the return of the awards and their live broadcast on FUFA TV. He also hinted that future editions will be held earlier to avoid clashes in the fixture schedules. “We aim to hold the 2024/2025 Awards before the end of this year,” Magogo said.

Other big winners included Brian Senyondo, who led the Uganda Cubs and won Male Coach of the Year, and Ayub Khalifah, coach of Kawempe Muslim, who was named Women’s Football Coach of the Year.