Dove FC: Something special is brewing in Masindi

KAMPALA.

The story of Dove is a simple one of footballing romance and defiance.
Constantly fed on tales of others, we immediately identify it with the journey of Onduparaka. Dove is showing us that a structured underdog can stand tall.
In Masindi, the rise of Dove is regarded with mild amusement, almost as if they had known all along that this would happen very soon.
Masindi had been dormant since Kinyara was dissolved in 2011. Attempts by moneybags Taban Amin to breathe life through Village Club California (VCC) fell flat and his team was dissolved three years ago while Booma’s story has been of one step forward, two steps back.

The Genesis
A village Christmas tournament in honour of former LC3 chairman of Miirya sub-county John Katusabe, father of the founder Julius Mugisa in 2014, turned out to be the lynchpin. “I got the idea of selecting the cream and in 2015 the team was born with no name,” said Mugisa.
Masindi’s Cinderella sporting story began with the appointment of 1978 Afcon hero John Musokota to lead them into the fifth division. Since then they have earned promotion thrice. They will now battle the winners from Western region at the end of the season for a chance to play in the Fufa Big League.
Mugisa, the manager internal audit at the National Agricultural Advisory Services (Naads), never had plans to stay long in football. He only wanted to try to honour his dad. But passion overtook him and he fell in love. The tilt has lured him to construct the ‘Stadium of Fame’ in his home area in Kiyenje, seven kilometres from Masindi town.
Community club
The distinction for the most popular local team in Masindi stays with Booma, but Dove’s concept of a community club is making them a conquering brand. With a town equally thirsty and hungry for football, fans have been mobilised through coordinators in 22 villages. The success of the men’s team gave birth to the Lady Doves, who are poised to play in the Fufa Women Elite League next season. Mugisa had reservations about girls’ football because of their delicate nature but he fell for the experiment after co-owner Steven Tinkamanyire backed it.
“We’re focused on building an outstanding brand and we are laying a strong foundation,” Mugisa says.
Yet, with such a story of promise, hovers great uncertainty. Dove’s golden endeavour could end up counting for nothing.
Because the irony is that even if they earn promotion to the top flight, most probably the feeling is they may be relegated.
This is where the defiance of this tiny club is crucial. As it prepares to take on the massive challenge, its sudden success will be tested.

CLUB PROFILE - DOVE FC

Full name: Dove Football Club
Nickname: The Red Army
Founded:2015; 3 years ago
Ground: Masindi Stadium
Owner: Julius Mugisa
Manager: Patrick Agaba
Coach: Hesborn Mundia
League: Kitara Regional League (Albert group)
Regional League: 1st of 11
Home Colour: Red
Away Colour: Orange
Website: www.dovefc.com