UCU seek first win to revive fading University League hopes

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Pepsi University Football League

Bugema 1 KIU 0

Live on Bukedde TV2 & Wan Luo TV (Thursday, 4pm)

UCU v Kabale 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) face a do-or-die clash against Kabale University today, Thursday, in Mukono, as they fight to keep their Pepsi University Football League campaign alive. 

The 2019 champions and last season’s runners-up sit at the bottom of Group C with just two points from three matches, making victory crucial to avoid an early exit.

A failure to win would mean a shocking elimination for a side that has reached the quarterfinals in each of the last five seasons. UCU, consistently among the favourites to contend for the title, have struggled this season, dropping points against teams they historically dominated.

Their 2024/2025 campaign began with a 1-1 home draw against 2022 runners-up St Lawrence University (SLAU) in September, followed by a frustrating goalless draw with YMCA in Buwambo. 

They then suffered a 1-0 defeat to today’s opponents, Kabale University, in an October away fixture. The league then took a two-month break to allow students to complete their end-of-year exams and enjoy the festive period.

A key factor in UCU’s struggles has been the departure of several experienced players who either graduated or exceeded the league’s 25-year age limit. 

Notable absentees include last season’s MVP and former captain Geoffrey Gagganga, now playing for Express FC, and striker Aaron Ofoyrwoth, who joined Mbale Heroes in the Uganda Premier League. 

Other major losses include centre-back Godfrey Arijole, first-choice goalkeeper Collins Wesonga, and creative midfielder Ivan Mutebi, all of whom have moved on from university football.

With a less experienced squad, UCU head coach Jimmy Kintu has had to rebuild, which may explain their shaky start. In today’s must-win match, he will rely on attackers Peter Kyomuhendo, Allan Opio, and Harry Abiti to lead the charge, while Elton Mwidu is expected to guard the goalposts and Sharif Ssewanyana will fill Arijole’s defensive role.

Meanwhile, Kabale University, currently on four points, could move level with group leaders SLAU on seven points if they win. Last week, SLAU’s 3-1 victory over YMCA in Kavule, Mpigi, saw them claim the top spot, pushing YMCA down to second place with five points.

Kabale will look to key forward Stuart Atugonza, who netted the winner in their last encounter against UCU. Head coach Farouk Nsubuga will be aiming for a league double over UCU, a result that would significantly boost Kabale’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

Defending champions Nkumba University remain on the sidelines as the battle for knockout stage spots intensifies across the six groups. Only the top team in each group secures a quarterfinal spot, with the two best second-placed teams also advancing.