Middlesbrough has sacked head coach Michael Carrick after two-and-a-half years in charge.
The former England midfielder, 43, took over at the Championship side in October 2022 for his first role in management. He guided the team to a play-off finish in 2022-23 but they have missed out on the top six in the past two campaigns. Carrick’s assistants Jonathan Woodgate and his brother Graeme Carrick have also left the club. Boro spent much of the 2024-25 season challenging for a play-off spot but one win in their final six matches proved to be costly. They stayed in the hunt for a top-six place until the final game of the season but defeat at Coventry saw them finish 10th. His departure means that 17 of last season’s 24 Championship teams have changed manager since August last year. Ends
Uganda Cranes Squad Complete in Marrakech Ahead of Cameroon and Gambia Friendly’s
The Uganda Cranes have assembled a full squad in Marrakech, Morocco, after the arrival of Bobosi Byaruhanga, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita, Allan Oyirwoth, Isaac Muleme, and Elvis Bwomono. The new arrivals bring the total number of players in camp to 27. However, the team will be without striker Steven Mukwala, who withdrew after sustaining a minor injury while on duty with Tanzanian club Simba SC. Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick was the first of the initially expected eight foreign-based players to report to camp yesterday before Mukwala’s unfortunate withdrawal reduced that number to seven. The Cranes will hold their second training session in Marrakech this evening, with the full squad expected to participate. Uganda is in Morocco as part of preparations for two high-profile international friendly matches—against Cameroon on Friday, June 6, and Gambia on Monday, June 9 as the team builds momentum ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. Full Uganda Cranes Squad in Marrakech: Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda) Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren FC, Scotland)Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda)Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic FC, England)Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic) Midfielders: Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France) Forwards: Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)Mohammad Shaban (Al Anwar, Libya) Ends
Buddu Ssaza Lights Up Lukaya Trophy, Talent, and Togetherness
The heart of Lukaya town beat louder than ever yesterday as Buddu Ssaza, the reigning kings of the Masaza Cup 2024, rolled into town for an unforgettable celebration, anticipation, and unity. The town was electric as hundreds gathered at the Bulakati grounds to welcome the champions. The crowd erupted as the 2024 Masaza Cup Trophy was carried into the Bulakati Stadium by team captain Joseph Kayondo, flanked by teammates and coaches. The event marked not only a proud moment of remembrance but also the official unveiling of Buddu Ssaza’s 2025 squad. Coach Eric Kisuze said “We don’t just want to win again,” “We want to build a legacy, starting with the community.” Buddu Ssaza launched an ambitious 2025 fundraising drive and the campaign aims to raise essential funds for player’s welfare, training camps, equipment, and community outreach programs ahead of the new Masaza season 2025. Zziwa Steven, the team manager of the Buddu Ssaza team, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Last year, we lifted the trophy. This year, we want to lift our entire region. We need every fan, every well-wisher, and every proud son and daughter of Buddu to stand with us so that we can defend the trophy back.” The chief fundraiser Yusuf Nkeletanyi Kiruuta also yearning for the Mp seat of Kalungu East Constituency called upon all well wishers of Buddu Ssaza to come and join the team to defend the Trophy. Over 3 millions were raised to see that Buddu excel. Ends
Former Vipers FC defender Rashid Toha has confirmed his departure from Kenyan side Police FC
The defender used his official social media platforms to bid farewell to the Kenyan side where he joined two years back, “This might not be the right time to put this out there but I believe it’s the right thing to do and for that the game against Shabana FC and Gor Mahia will be my last time putting on the famous red and the blue jerseys of Police FC” I want to thank the club management, Board members, The club Chairman, CEO, Team managers, Technical staffs and the players” “I have had two seasons full of ups and downs but in the end am so grateful for everything and Police fc will always have a special place in my heart and hopefully one day our paths cross again InshAllah ” “Now before I sign out, let’s get the win and celebrate this with the league cup InshAllah ” Toha has previously played for FUFA Big League sides Onduparaka FC and Arua Hill SC plus UPL reigning champions Vipers SC