Bushenyi’s Royal Dreamers WFC Ready for FUFA Elite League debut

The Bushenyi Royal Dreamers Women’s Football Club is no longer just dreaming but is now poised to compete at a higher level of local women’s football.

The Bushenyi-based team successfully advanced to the second tier of women’s football competition, the FUFA Women Elite League, in their very first season. They topped the Ankole zone of the Western Region League and then defeated Kigezi zone winners Mpororo Queens 1-0 in the regional playoffs final to secure their spot.

With just a few weeks until the league kicks off, the team, under the guidance of tactician Jonathan Wangwanyi, who has now assumed the CEO role, has been preparing through recruitment and friendly matches, while also seeking support to run team activities.

An overhaul of the team has seen many youthful, school-going players recruited, with senior players being released. Their 2-0 win over Kashenshero Girls in a buildup match on Sunday gave Wangwanyi and his team hope for a strong performance in the league.

“We want to take this as an opportunity to elevate women’s football in Bushenyi and Ankole to another level. We will need support from fans and well-wishers to make this dream come true,” said club chairman Julius Bwahwayo.

Teenagers Pauline Akankwatsa, Faith Apio, Jellan Atukunda, Ovius Owomugisha, Diana Kinamushabire, Mirian Tusingwire, Shabellah Abahwera, Aine Adellah, Lucky Ampaire, Bronia Atuzarirwe, Adellah Atwine, Patricia Kobuhwezi, Aisha Namuddu, Vanisha Nuwaha, Beatrace Kyokushaba, and Claire Nahurira are among the new recruits.

The 14-team league is divided into two groups of seven teams each, Elizabeth and Victoria. Royal Dreamers are grouped in Elizabeth alongside UCU, St. Noa, Kawempe Muslim Jr, Isra Academy, She Kasese, and She Geme.

In their last meeting with the FUFA competitions desk on September 5 in Mengo, the teams were informed that the league would kick off in October, although the fixtures are yet to be released.