Nkumba University is gearing up for an electrifying start to this year’s Pepsi University Football League as they clash with two-time finalists, St. Lawrence University, in an epic showdown at Crown City in Kavule.
Despite being overwhelming favorites last season, they lost the final to Uganda Martyrs University and will thus feel this campaign is theirs to lose.
Having faced elimination in the quarterfinals during the previous edition, Nkumba University finds itself in a challenging group alongside St. Lawrence University, International University of East Africa, and Gulu University.
Their first match sees them pitted against a formidable St. Lawrence side, which has consistently proven its mettle, especially in the last two editions. Nevertheless, Coach Bbosa Sulaiman exudes confidence in his team’s preparation.
“We play away against a strong St. Lawrence side, and we are well aware of their impressive track record. However, facing a tough opponent has only fueled our preparations. The boys are primed for this encounter, and we firmly believe we can go toe-to-toe with them.”
Coach Bbosa also has high hopes for the newly recruited players who have bolstered the team’s ranks for the upcoming competition, aiming to push past the quarterfinals.
“We’ve brought in five new players to shore up areas where we were lacking, especially in the forward positions with Norman Brown and Meke, and in midfield with Aaron Ismail and Zaga. We are confident that these additions will significantly enhance the team’s performance.”
Reflecting on last year’s edition, it was Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi who narrowly edged out St. Lawrence University in another fiercely competitive showdown at Lugogo. The stage is set for yet another thrilling season of university football.
The 11th edition of the university football league is set to kickoff tomorrow as Defending champions Uganda martyrs university hosts Bugema University in Nkozi.
While SLAU coach said. “Every game in the group stage will be very important for qualification to the knockout stage, so it is not a time for experiments,” Nnono told the media.
“We are drawn in a tough group with Nkumba and Gulu and even IUEA, so we don’t want to take risks. We shall keep trying things but our focus is on winning,” Nnono added.
Other notable fixtures in the first week include Bishop Stuart clashing with Isbat on the 14th of September in Mbarara, Kabale going head-to-head with Unik on the 15th of September in Kabale and Makerere hosting Kyambogo university in the Kampala Derby
Groups
Group A: Kabale, UMU Nkozi, Bugema, Unik
Group B: IUIU, MUBS, Victoria, YMCA
Group C: Muni, Kyambogo, Makerere, Ndejje
Group D: Kumi, Busitema, UCU, KIU
Group E: Gulu, St. Lawrence, IUEA, Nkumba
Group F: Mbarara, Kampala University, Bishop Stuart, Isbat
Past winners.
2012: Makerere
2013: Kampala University
2014: MUBS
2015: MUBS
2016: Kampala University
2017: Uganda Martyrs
2018: Kyambogo
2019: UCU
2022: UMU Nkozi
