Dove franchises braced for ‘good life’ next season
Epic Celebrations. Lady Doves attained promotion to the Fufa Women Elite League. PHOTO BY GEORGE KATONGOLE
What you need to know:
- Dove, Light SS Soroti and Kiboga Young were the three sides promoted to next season’s 22-team nationwide Big League.
KAMPALA. While plans are still in the early stages, exciting things are happening in Masindi town.
Julius Mugisa, the founder of Dove FC, which was promoted to next season’s Fufa Big League on their first attempt, is looking to build a formidable brand.
Delivering his congratulatory message to the fans, who welcomed the team after beating Rushere 5-3 on aggregate, Mugisa said the team has big plans to change football in Masindi.
“We are lining up friendly games with high profile teams but we also want Dove to be the team of choice in Masindi,” he said.
The new hope
The buzz in Masindi has been low since Kinyara was dissolved in 2011.
Taban Amin’s Village Club California (VVC) followed them down the drain three years ago while Booma’s story has been of one step forward and two steps back.
Since Dove’s inception in 2015, they have earned promotion every season and their ladies’ side, the Lady Doves, have also gained promotion to the Fufa Women Elite League.
Plans
The team lost their long serving coach Hesborn Mundia after a short illness two days to their final play-off game. Mugisa is scouting for a decent coach who will then formulate next season’s squad. Although they are struggling to keep their star striker Amis Muwonge, who scored 19 goals in the campaign as Onduparaka, are hot on his heels, he expects the rest of the players to remain loyal.
He said: “Amis played a vital part in our promotion and is a player everyone admires.
“Unfortunately, circumstances have changed and that makes it very difficult for us to retain his services.”
The team is working on completing works at their home ground - The Stadium of Fame’ in his home area in Kiyenje, seven kilometers from Masindi town.
“We are focused on building an outstanding brand and we are laying a strong foundation,” Mugisa told Sunday Monitor early this year.
Dove, Light SS Soroti and Kiboga Young were the three sides promoted to next season’s 22-team nationwide Big League.
Teams in next SEASON’S Big League: Proline, UPDF, Masavu, Kitara, Kira, Bumate, Kansai Plascon, Kabale Sharp, Water, Kireka, Ntinda, Kyetume, JMC Hippos, Amuka, Kataka, Kamuli Park, Doves, Bukedea, Kiboga, Dove, Light SS and Nebbi Central.
