SLAU coach seeks redemption in UFL final rematch against UMU

Pepsi University Football League
Sunday
At Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Final 3pm
SLAU v UMU
Third-place 12pm
IUIU v Bugema
Live on Bukedde TV2/Wan Luo TV
Entrance is sh2000

St. Lawrence University (SLAU) head coach Davis Ssozi Nnono is channeling past heartbreak into motivation as his team prepares to face Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) in Sunday's Pepsi University Football League final at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Having suffered narrow defeats in the 2019 and 2022 finals, Ssozi believes this is his best chance to claim the trophy.

"Reaching two finals is an achievement many coaches never experience," Ssozi said during Thursday's pre-match press conference at Kati Kati Restaurant. "But now we're hungrier than ever. Sunday presents the perfect opportunity to rewrite history."

The match marks a rematch of the 2022 final where UMU's Sanny Kaija scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory. While UMU assistant coach Bishop Orom - a 2017 UFL champion as a player - remains confident in his unbeaten squad, Ssozi emphasizes his team's growth: "We've rebuilt with new players and gained crucial experience. Last time, luck favored them; this time we'll leave nothing to chance."

Key players include SLAU's captain Ronnie Ziraba and UMU's Joseph Kayondo, both expected to play pivotal roles. Earlier on Sunday, Islamic University in Uganda will face Bugema University in the third-place playoff. Defending champions Nkumba University were eliminated by UMU in the quarterfinals.