Busitema lurking as UCU aim to break UFL quarterfinal jinx
UCU’s Fred Atuhyera (L) and Kampala University’s Hussein Mwanje vie for the ball earlier this season during the preliminary round. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
KAMPALA-Uganda Christian University (UCU Mukono) have for the last four seasons reached the quarter final stage of the Pepsi University Football League; topping the group each time.
They have, however, never gone past that stage twice falling to Uganda Martyrs University (2017, 2016), Kampala University (2018) and Kampala International University (2015).
The Mukono based side now believe they are ready to break that jinx after being drawn against Busitema University for their quarter-final encounter.
“We are also tired of this jinx as you call it and are determined to break it this year,” said UCU’s Kintu Mwera.
The two sides have met three times before in the group stage of the competition with UCU winning home and away in 2017 and drawing in 2016.
“Yes the draw was kind for us in giving us Busitema University but we shall not take them for granted,” Mwera added. Busitema University coach Dorothy Namugenyi, on the other hand, warned UCU to be prepared for the game of their lives.
Namugenyi said Busitema are not in the knockout stages by accident and they are determined to make it all the way to the finals.
“We are not here (knockout stage) by mistake. We played well in the group stages and are here on merit. The team is in high spirits and we are looking forward to the game,” Namugenyi said.
“UCU should come expecting a tough game. We are not afraid of them and are going to make sure we win the first leg so that we are comfortable when we travel to Mukono,” Namugenyi added. The return leg is due next week at UCU campus.
PEPSI UNIVERSITY SOCCER LEAGUE
Today, Quarterfinals (1st Leg)
Busitema vs. UCU, 3pm
