YOUNG Africans midfielder Khalid Aucho and Simba SC striker Steven Mukwala, both currently shining in the NBC Premier League, have been nominated for the 2024/2025 Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Awards in the category of Best Foreign-Based Player.

The duo will compete against other Ugandan internationals, including Bevis Mugabi of Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus), Elio Capradossi of SC Cittadella (Italy), and Rogers Mato of FK Vardar in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Their nomination follows a season of standout performances in Tanzania's top-flight league, putting them in contention for recognition among Uganda’s best football exports. The final decision will now rest with the fans, who will vote to determine the winner.

Aucho, who joined Young Africans on September 8, 2021, from Misr Lel Makkasa of Egypt, has been a pivotal figure for the club. 

He has helped Young Africans secure three consecutive Mainland Premier League titles and multiple FA Cup triumphs. 

Despite being hampered by injuries this season, Aucho has made significant contributions, playing a key role in the club's progress to the Federation Cup final and maintaining a four-point lead in the league over archrivals Simba.

His commanding presence in midfield, both defensively and offensively, has been sorely missed during injury spells - periods during which Mudathir Yahya and Duke Abuya have stepped up to form a solid midfield partnership.

On the other hand, Mukwala has continued to impress since his arrival at Simba from Ghana’s Asante Kotoko, where he scored 14 goals last season - finishing just behind Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Amankonah, who netted 16.

At Simba, Mukwala has proven his worth across multiple competitions, notably helping the team reach the final of the CAF Confederation Cup. 

Domestically, he has netted 11 goals in the Premier League, matching teammate Leonel Ateba (12 goals), while Jean Charles Ahoua leads the club’s scoring charts with 15 goals.

As both players continue to excel on Tanzanian soil, their recognition in the FUFA Awards highlights not only their individual talent but also the growing competitiveness and visibility of the Mainland Premier League.