Cup redemption
Sep 20, 2003
EXPRESS’ unprecedented eighth Kakungulu Cup might be perceived as just another addition to a silverware-rich trophy cabinet at Wankulukuku.
By Joseph Opio
Final
Express 3 Police 1
Semi-finals
Express 1 KCC 0 (2-2)
Ex advance on away goals
Police 1 Villa 0 (2-1)
Quarterfinals
KCC 2 Wandegeya0 (5-2)
Express 0 Kinyara 0 (4-0)
Villa 2 Top TV 0 (3-0)
Police 0 Simba 1 (1-1)
Police advance 4-2 on penalties
EXPRESS’ unprecedented eighth Kakungulu Cup might be perceived as just another addition to a silverware-rich trophy cabinet at Wankulukuku.
But for the country’s soccer fraternity, this version of the knockout Cup competition carried more significance than all the other 28 editions.
For it visited upon Ugandan football a measure of integrity that all soccer lovers desperately craved.
Following a scandal-littered league — whose champion is yet to be determined, pending the findings of an independent probe committee — the competitiveness and controversy-free atmosphere of the Kakungulu Cup came as a breath of much-needed fresh air.
Whilst the league was a battleground for boardroom supremacy, the Kakungulu Cup reminded Ugandans of how success can be achieved without manipulating the course of the game through off-the-field machinations.
Losing finalists Police, whose fairytale romance with won them as many matches as neutral fans, will remain rueful after goalkeeping errors from their semi-finals hero, David Mayombwe cost them their maiden Kakungulu crown.
Mayombwe had single-handedly dragged the Cops past SC Villa with breathtaking saves in the two-legged semi-final, which Police miraculously won 2-1 on aggregate.
The custodian’s shortage of high-profile match experience proved his major handicap however as he froze Paul Hasule’s aspirations of emulating the success he orchestrated at Villa Park with two fatal mistakes.
Hasule should however be impressed by the enthusiasm and skills of his youthful squad, especially his marksman, Geoffrey Sserunkuma.
The 19-year-old was the undisputed author of Police’s successful script after following up his first leg equaliser against Villa with a 93rd-minute header that ensured Police’s finalist status.
Hassan Mubiru, Express answer to Sserunkuma throughout the competition, rekindled his love affair with the Red Eagles’ faithful .
In the end, there was no doubting the ultimate winner. The Cup partially redeemed Ugandan football by showing that soccer is best played on the pitch, never off it.
Ends
Final
Express 3 Police 1
Semi-finals
Express 1 KCC 0 (2-2)
Ex advance on away goals
Police 1 Villa 0 (2-1)
Quarterfinals
KCC 2 Wandegeya0 (5-2)
Express 0 Kinyara 0 (4-0)
Villa 2 Top TV 0 (3-0)
Police 0 Simba 1 (1-1)
Police advance 4-2 on penalties
EXPRESS’ unprecedented eighth Kakungulu Cup might be perceived as just another addition to a silverware-rich trophy cabinet at Wankulukuku.
But for the country’s soccer fraternity, this version of the knockout Cup competition carried more significance than all the other 28 editions.
For it visited upon Ugandan football a measure of integrity that all soccer lovers desperately craved.
Following a scandal-littered league — whose champion is yet to be determined, pending the findings of an independent probe committee — the competitiveness and controversy-free atmosphere of the Kakungulu Cup came as a breath of much-needed fresh air.
Whilst the league was a battleground for boardroom supremacy, the Kakungulu Cup reminded Ugandans of how success can be achieved without manipulating the course of the game through off-the-field machinations.
Losing finalists Police, whose fairytale romance with won them as many matches as neutral fans, will remain rueful after goalkeeping errors from their semi-finals hero, David Mayombwe cost them their maiden Kakungulu crown.
Mayombwe had single-handedly dragged the Cops past SC Villa with breathtaking saves in the two-legged semi-final, which Police miraculously won 2-1 on aggregate.
The custodian’s shortage of high-profile match experience proved his major handicap however as he froze Paul Hasule’s aspirations of emulating the success he orchestrated at Villa Park with two fatal mistakes.
Hasule should however be impressed by the enthusiasm and skills of his youthful squad, especially his marksman, Geoffrey Sserunkuma.
The 19-year-old was the undisputed author of Police’s successful script after following up his first leg equaliser against Villa with a 93rd-minute header that ensured Police’s finalist status.
Hassan Mubiru, Express answer to Sserunkuma throughout the competition, rekindled his love affair with the Red Eagles’ faithful .
In the end, there was no doubting the ultimate winner. The Cup partially redeemed Ugandan football by showing that soccer is best played on the pitch, never off it.
Ends