Bugema seeks to break UFL quarterfinal jinx against Muteesa

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Pepsi University Football League

Muteesa v Bugema (4pm, live on Bukedde TV2/Wan Luo)

Muteesa I Royal University has taken the Pepsi University Football League by storm in their debut season. No team had ever advanced from the group stage to the quarterfinals in their first season, making their achievement all the more remarkable.

The Masaka City-based institution was not expected to progress from Group F, which featured two-time champions Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). However, Muteesa defied expectations, topping the group with nine points after securing three victories—home and away against MUST and MUBS. Their only defeat, a narrow 1-0 loss to MUBS in Nakawa, came from a controversial late penalty.

Today, Muteesa hosts Bugema University, one of the tournament’s favourites, in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash at Kirumba Grounds in Masaka City.

Muteesa’s head coach, George William Ssengabi, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a win. He highlighted the benefits of adequate rest and the home advantage, with their passionate supporters expected to turn out in large numbers. He also emphasised that his team is under no pressure, as they are considered underdogs at this stage, shifting all the burden of expectation onto Bugema.

“We are feeling great and ready for the game. The players have had ample recovery time since our last match against MUST. We have already surpassed our initial goal of reaching the quarterfinals, and that is an achievement in itself. However, we see a real opportunity to progress to the semifinals, and we will fight for it,” Ssengabi said.

Muteesa’s fan base has been one of the most vocal in the tournament, consistently filling Kirumba Grounds during home matches. Supporters from Katwe, Ssaza, Butego, Nyendo, and Masaka City Centre are expected to create an electrifying atmosphere once again.

Muteesa will rely on Eddie Jjunju, Ali Lutwama, Patrick Busuulwa, Nicholas Ssenyonjo, and Geoffrey Sserugo, who will be instrumental in their push for victory.

On the opposing side, Bugema University, led by experienced coach Medhi Nyanzi, will be looking to break their quarterfinal curse. His team has fallen short at this stage in the last four seasons, but he is determined to change that this time.

“We had a strong group stage performance. This season, we are determined to go beyond the quarterfinals, and I strongly believe we will achieve it. Our target is to win the competition,” Nyanzi declared.

Bugema topped Group D with 13 points and has performed well in away matches, which could work to their advantage as they face Muteesa on their home turf.

Their key players include Sulaiman Ssentongo, Arthur Jjombwe, Denis Kimuli, and Eric Sawa, whose performances will be crucial if Bugema is to secure a favourable result ahead of the second leg next week.