ISBAT University targets knockout stage as new season UFL season kicks-off

ISBAT University has unveiled its 20-man squad and technical team for the upcoming 2025/2026 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) season, with renewed determination to finally break into the knockout stages.

At a ceremony held on Monday at the main campus in Lugogo, Kampala, head coach Edwin Laston was introduced alongside assistant coach Paul Kasule and head of technical affairs Arthur Kyesimira.

Team captain Joshua Ssentongo delivered a passionate pledge to the Director of Academics, Pradeep Kumal, promising that ISBAT will be a different side this year.

“We have grown as a team. I am now one of the senior players, and together with others who have been here for two seasons, we have gained valuable experience,” Ssentongo said.

“With the new players joining us, we are a much stronger team. Our promise to the director and our fans is to fight hard to reach the knockout stages. That is our ultimate goal. It won’t be easy, but we believe in ourselves.”

ISBAT faces a challenging campaign after being drawn in Group C alongside 2024 champions Nkumba University, 2018 winners Kyambogo University, YMCA, Soroti University, and Busitema University.

Under the new league format, only the top team in each of the five groups qualifies directly for the quarterfinals. They will be joined by the three best second-placed teams to complete the last eight.

Coach Laston is optimistic about his side’s chances, pointing to the new AUUS regulations that limit each university to a maximum of three Masaza Cup players, a move he believes levels the playing field.

“I have assembled a well-balanced team. The senior players like Ssentongo are still with me, and the new signings have brought strength and competitiveness,” Laston said.

“We have tested them in friendlies, and I am very confident that we will make it to the knockout stages. The new rules restricting Masaza Cup players give young teams like ours a real chance to compete.”

Of the 20 players named, 12 were retained from last season, while eight are new additions who recently joined the university.

Team manager Fahad Musa commended his new players for their focus and discipline.

“We have built a team of young men who are not only passionate about football but also committed to developing their careers. Their discipline stands out, and I am confident they will represent us with pride this season,” Musa said.

ISBAT will be hoping to build on last season’s lone victory, a 4-1 away win over Busitema University after finishing bottom of their group for two straight campaigns.

The 2025/2026 season kicks off this Thursday with holders Uganda Martyrs (UMU) Nkozi facing Kampala University at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo. Still on that day, ISBAT will face Kyambogo University later in the evening. 

This season marks a turning point for the UFL. The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) has increased the number of teams from 23 to 29 and introduced a fresh league format. Gone is the home-and-away setup; now teams will face each opponent in their group only once, making every match decisive. Only group winners and the three best runners-up will advance to the quarterfinals.

The expanded league also welcomes fresh faces: these are Mountains of the Moon University, Soroti University, African Renewal University, Lira University, and King Ceasor University who are all desperate to make a strong start.