Muteesa I Royal University eyes quarterfinal spot in University Football League
MRU currently tops Group F with six points, two ahead of second-placed Makerere University Business School (MUBS), with both teams having played three matches.
File photo
Yekoyada Saaka
Journalist @New Vision
Pepsi University Football League
Results
KU 1 Bugema 3
UNIK 1 IUEA 2
Friday, 3pm
MUST v MRU
Saturday, 3pm
Kabale v SLAU
Live on Bukedde TV2 and Wan Luo TV
Muteesa I Royal University (MRU) has the opportunity to become the third team to secure a quarterfinal spot in the Pepsi University Football League with a victory against Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Mbarara City.
MRU currently tops Group F with six points, two ahead of second-placed Makerere University Business School (MUBS), with both teams having played three matches. A win today would not only solidify MRU’s position at the top but also eliminate MUBS from quarterfinal contention, even if they win their final group match against MUST next week in Nakawa.
MRU head coach George William Ssengabi, who guided his team to a convincing 3-0 victory over MUST last October at Kirumba Grounds in Masaka City, is confident of replicating that success despite playing away from home.
“It will be a tough game against a team that still has a chance to advance if they win their remaining matches. However, we’ve had ample time to prepare, and my players understand that this is like a final for us. Only a win will guarantee our quarterfinal place,” Ssengabi stated.
MRU is also aiming to reach the quarterfinals in their debut season, a rare achievement for a first-time participant. However, they are still seeking their first away victory, having lost 1-0 to MUBS in their previous away fixture.
Key players for MRU include Ali Lutwama, Patrick Busuulwa, Ibrahim Mubiru, Geoffrey Sserugo, and Nicholas Ssenyonjo. Lutwama, Sserugo, and Mubiru, who all scored in the reverse fixture, have been standout performers throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, MUST, currently on one point from their 1-1 home draw against MUBS, is determined to secure their first win. Head coach Muhammad Kyagambidwa remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
“We are playing at home, and we understand the importance of this game. I can assure you that we are ready to get our first win,” Kyagambidwa said.
Emmanuel Atuhire and Marvin Ssebagala will be key players for MUST as they aim to challenge a determined MRU side in today’s crucial encounter.
Other teams that have already secured their quarterfinal places are two-time champions Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi (UMU) and Bugema University.