University league: Busitema take on Uganda Martyrs

PEPSI UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Pepsi University Football League

Busitema v Uganda Martyrs University (Friday)

Mbarara v University of Kisubi (Saturday)

Kabale v Kyambogo (Sunday)

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Uganda Martyrs are determined to challenge for this year's Pepsi University Football League title.

The Nkozi-based side finished fourth last season and will kickstart their campaign on Friday away at Busitema University.

"Last season, we missed out narrowly on making it to the final and on winning bronze," said Uganda Martyrs team manager Tony Ssali.

"This season, we want to make it to the final and lift the trophy but first, we need to make sure we get out of the group stages. The new format is tricky and if one is not focused, one can easily miss out."

Uganda Martyrs will be without four players from last season. Atanaas Mutaawe and Livingstone Mbigo graduated, Ronald Ssempala joined Bright Stars while Nasser Lugwago played the maximum of four seasons.

Friday's opening tie will be the first meeting in the league between the two teams and Busitema University coach Stanley Muganga believes his team will put up a fight.

Muganga and co will have to put their last season behind them. They exited the competition after a 5-0 quarter-final loss to eventual champions Uganda Christian University.

"It was not a good result for us, but we have to pick ourselves up and do better," said the tactician.

"There are few changes to the squad. We have one or two additions and I expect that with the experience the team has from last year, we shall do well."