Uthman Ali sets sights on Under-17 Juniors League
Uthman Ali may have missed out on individual honours, but scoring the first goal of the inaugural FUFA Academies League has given the Prosper Soccer Academy youngster something to be proud of as he sets his sights on the Under-17 Juniors League and a future move to NEC FC.
Despite falling short of the title, Ali is determined to work harder and take the next step in his football journey.
“I feel proud of myself for scoring the first goal that opened up the FUFA Academies League, but I’m still disappointed that I didn’t win,” Ali said.
▶️ The first goal scored in the pilot FUFA Academies League Uthuman Ali, Prosper SA ⚽️ The league is part of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme, supporting youth football in Uganda. It targets Grade 2 and 3 academies (players born 2011-2012), focusing on skill development and… pic.twitter.com/JinGnccRt7 — FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 22, 2026
“I’m going to work hard so that I can play in the Under-17 Juniors League next season. My goal is to play for NEC FC. We are going to work hand in hand to progress through the FUFA Academies League and the Under-17 Juniors League.”
Ali’s ambitions come after Prosper’s impressive run to the final, where they lost 1-0 to St Mary’s Kitende SA at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Alex Ssekyanzi scored the winner in the 50th minute to crown Kitende the competition’s first champions.
Prosper had topped the Kampala Region group with 51 points from 18 matches, winning 15 games, drawing one and losing two. They scored 41 goals and conceded only 10, finishing with a goal difference of +32.
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Kitende led the Buganda Region group with 57 points from 18 matches, recording 14 wins, three draws and one defeat. They scored 64 goals and conceded 17 for a goal difference of +47.
Kitende’s 64 goals were the highest across the two groups, while Prosper boasted the best defensive record. The competition awarded four points for victories by a two-goal margin, making such results important in the regional standings.
Although Ali did not win an individual award, Ssekyanzi took the Most Valuable Player prize after scoring the decisive goal in the final. Prosper goalkeeper Swaleh Mganda was named Best Goalkeeper, El Cambio Academy’s Samumba Angello won the Top Scorer award, while Watoto Soccer Academy received the Fair Play Award.
With the new season offering another opportunity to progress, Ali also urged parents to trust Prosper with their children’s football development.
“Prosper is such a good team that it can elevate any child. If you can bring your child to Prosper, please do so. Your child will grow in football and develop many skills,” he said.
The FUFA Academies League was introduced to give young players regular competitive football, strengthen academy development and create a pathway to Uganda’s national youth teams.
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