New leadership at Kampala Queens FC: Hailegebreal steps in

Kampala Queens FC have a new face in the dugout, and he is no stranger to the women’s football fraternity.

Asefa Firew Hailegebreal was unveiled on Monday, November 4, by Kampala Queens FC as their new head coach, replacing Charles Ayeikol, who guided the club to a runner-up finish in last season’s FUFA Women Super League.

Hailegebreal brings a respected reputation, notably guiding the Ethiopia Women’s national football team to an impressive victory in the 2022 CECAFA Women’s U-20 Championship in Uganda.

However, football is a brutal sport that respects no reputation. While he might be given some time because it’s women’s football, the game has evolved significantly and is now as competitive as the men’s game.

Known for his exciting football, Hailegebreal faces high stakes, with opposition ready to challenge him. He takes over from Ayeikol, who also had a strong reputation in Ugandan women’s football but was not spared from the pressures of the role.

Hailegebreal steps in after five games in the 2024/2025 FUFA Women’s Super League season, with Kampala Queens FC sitting second on the table with 9 points, four points behind league champions Kawempe Muslim FC, who have 13 points.

Kampala Queens won back-to-back titles in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 before being overtaken by Kawempe Muslim last season, a hard pill to swallow.

Second place after five games is not bad, but for a team eager to reclaim their winning status, they cannot afford to lag behind the reigning champions, who seem to be getting stronger with each game.

Before bringing on Charles Ayeikol, Kampala Queens had signed Sam Charles Ssenyange, who had vast experience with many Uganda Premier League and FUFA Big League teams like Tooro United, KCCA FC, and Paidha Black Angels. He was deputized by former Uganda Cranes midfield maestro Tony Mawejje, but they parted ways after a few months.

Hailegebreal has a big opportunity to prove his worth and establish his tenure when his side takes on Amus College WFC on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Amus College is in third position, just one point (8) behind Kampala Queens, making it a crucial task.