The eagerly awaited draws for the Round of 8 in the FUFA TV Cup, also known as “The Giant 8,” took place this morning at the FUFA TV studios in Mengo. The draw was conducted by Kibuli Secondary School’s team captain, Oyiyi Jackson, and saw the eight remaining teams divided into two groups, A and B.
The Draw and Format
The FUFA TV Cup 2024 has reached its critical stage, where the final eight teams will battle it out for the top honors. The format for the remaining games is as follows:
• Two Groups: Group A and Group B
• Four Teams Per Group: Each group comprises four teams.
• Single-Leg Matches: Each team will play three group stage matches.
• Top Two Teams Advance: The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals.
• Semifinals: The winners of the semifinal matches will advance to the final.
• Third Place Playoff: The semifinal losers will compete in a third-place playoff game.
Group A
• Nabumali High School
• Mpanga SS
• Nganwa High School Kabwohe
• Mengo Senior School
Group B
• St. Charles Lwanga Koboko
• Lango College
• Gombe SS
• Jinja SSS
The teams are scheduled to arrive at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru on Sunday, 25th August. The competition will then take place at the same venue from 26th August to 2nd September 2024. This will mark the conclusion of this year’s edition of the FUFA TV Cup, which started in June with 65 teams.
The winner of this prestigious tournament will walk away with a non-cash prize of 3 million Ugandan Shillings, a significant achievement for the victorious school.
Message from the Vice Chairman
FUFA Vice Chairman, Mr. Mugerwa Jeremiah, congratulated the eight teams for making it this far in the competition. He emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism as the teams prepare for the upcoming matches. Mr. Mugerwa also called upon football fans to rally behind their favorite teams, ensuring a vibrant and supportive atmosphere at Njeru. He assured fans that they would be treated to exciting and competitive football during the final stages of the tournament.
Intense Competition Expected
As the tournament narrows down to the final eight, the competition is expected to reach a fever pitch. Each of the remaining teams has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience to make it this far, setting the stage for fiercely contested matches. Group A, which features schools like Nabumali High School and Mengo Senior School, is particularly intriguing, with all four teams boasting strong comeback records in the earlier rounds. Mengo Senior School, known for its tactical discipline, will face a tough challenge from the physically imposing Nabumali High School, while Mpanga SS and Nganwa High School Kabwohe are expected to bring their own brand of dynamic football to the pitch.
In Group B, the matchups are equally compelling. Jinja SSS is a perennial powerhouses in school football, known for its aggressive play and high-scoring games will face St. Charles Lwanga Koboko, Lango College and Gombe SS which must however not be underestimated. All teams have shown they can hold their own against the very best, making this group an unpredictable battle ground.
Fans can expect every match to be a tactical chess game, where a single moment of brilliance or a minor mistake could decide the outcome.
With so much on the line, the pressure on these young athletes is immense, but so too is the opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the biggest stages in Ugandan Traditional school football.
The FUFA Tv Cup has a history of producing future stars, and all eyes will be on Njeru to see who emerges as the next standout player. For the teams, this is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to make history, gain recognition, and elevate their schools to national prominence.
The stage is set, and anticipation is high as these young talents prepare to showcase their skills on the national stage.
