Shocking: Arua Hill's future in the league in huge doubt

Arua Hill may not feature in the league in the future|AruaHill image

FOOTBALL Shocking: Arua Hill's future in the league in huge doubt

Allan Damba 10:10 - 17.07.2023

However, while the new partnership stands with numerous benefits to the club, it may send the Arua Hill fans and supporters into everlasting agony.

West Nile powerhouse Arua Hill SC have confirmed a sale of 49% shares to new partners, Cayman Global Ventures.

The 49% sell represents a value of $1.75 million (about Shs. 6.4b), figures that would be every look of it, excite the Kongolo faithful.

However, while the new partnership stands with numerous benefits to the club, it may send the Arua Hill fans and supporters into everlasting agony.

Arua Hill fans at Barifa Stadium last season|Arua Hill Image

First forward, the Arua Hill-Cayman combo has cast a huge doubt over the club's participation in the Uganda Premier League.

"This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of sourcing young talent from emerging markets like Africa," Cayman Global Ventures CEO John Smith was quoted by Kawowo Sports.

Clayman Global Ventures CEO John Smith (L) with Arua Hill Chairman Joel Aita |Kawowo image

"Our concentration shall be in line with the above vision not in League competitions," he added to stamp a huge uncertainty of Arua Hill's future in the UPL and FUFA related competitions.

While the initiative is about talent identification, nurturing and development, it's major purpose is monetary, as the club anticipates to generate vast revenue in player sales.

"The partnership of Arua Hill Sports Club with Cayman Global Ventures is welcome and strategic. See ourselves bringing in more revenue for the club," the club's chairman Joel Jaffer Aita was also quoted by Kawowo.

Arua Hill, in line with the terms of the agreement, will be tasked to ready at least 10 players, for shipping to the global market.

The deal is by every sense more of a business idea than a sporting one, something which is unlikely to rub well with the fans, who have invested emotions and funds since it made way to the topflight in the 2021/22 season.

This could partially explain the massive player exodus at the club as free agents, including Rashid Toha, Innocent Maduka, Richard Matovu, Rogers Omedwa, Bright Vuni, Ivan Eyamu, Isaac Okello.

Captain Toha has been out of contract at Arua Hill SC|Arua Hill Image

There's also huge uncertainties on the futures for the likes of Innocent Media, Allan Mugalu, Gadafi Wahab among others.

Exiting the Uganda Premier League by the Leopards will reflect a massive shortfall for the region, as they have already lost Onduparaka FC to the FUFA Big League.

It would also represent a huge loss for the entire league, as the region presents some of the most passionate fanbase and crowds in country.

Arua Hill have made the top five in the two seasons spent so far in the league, finishing fifth (52 points )in their maiden one and fourth (44) in the most recent campaign.