By Joseph Mary Ssempiira.  

Former Federation of Uganda Football Associations Chief Executive Officer, Charles Masembe has been appointed as Vipers Sports Club Sporting Director.

Masembe joins the Entebbe Road based Star Times Uganda Premier League side and 2019/2020 national league champions with a wealth of experience to his name. Besides being a former C.E.O at FUFA, he played the game, coached it and he is also a retired FIFA Referee who has officiated as a FIFA certified referee at the international scene notably, at three Africa Cup of Nations Championships.

“It is an honor and privilege to join Vipers SC, an institution with big dreams,” Masembe said.

“I have always admired to give my contribution to institutions with dreams and I have landed well in a place where I can also be helpful,” he added.

Vipers say Masembe will ensure that he creates a constructive surrounding at the club for the players, coaches and the entire management as well as overseeing the youth structures.

It will also be in his line of duty to ensure the successful delivery of the agreed aims, objectives and outcomes of the 1st team within the strategic football development plan; provide technical advice to the coaching staff; give guidance for the club vision and sporting strategy as well as act as a connection between the technical staff and the Board of Directors.

Vipers President, Lawrence Mulidwa said:

“We are delighted to have appointed Charles Masembe. This is a role we have been keen to introduce into the structure for some time, and it has been in our strategic plan.”

“We unveil Masembe as one of the most experienced and exposed football administrators because our dream is big and we want people like him that can help us archive our vision of becoming the first-class football club in Uganda and Africa.”

Masembe’s appointment completes a period of significant recruitment in the structures of the club.

Charles Masembe’s career in and around football circles:

Playing Career: Entebbe Fisheries Football Club, Express Football Club (Won the Uganda Premier League in 1975).

Coaching Career: Sports Club Villa Assistant Coach (1982-1984), Head Coach Bank of Uganda Football Club and Express Football Club (December 1985 – February 1986).

Refereeing Career: Started refereeing in1983 to 1998 and officiated at 3 Africa Cup of Nations (1994, 1996 and 1998; Handling the 1996 Final between South Africa and Tunisia.

He also officiated in the 1996 Asia Cup.

He is a qualified refereeing instructor, assessor and commissioner

Managerial Career: He was Stadium Manager of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium in August 1985.

He served as FUFA and National Council of Sports (NCS) Administrative Secretary.

He served as Chief Executive Secretary in 2006 and 2008.

Secretary of Buganda General Sports Council (BGSC).

Was a member of CAF’s Referee’s Appointment Committee, Match Assessor and Match Commissioner.