2015 University Football League:
- 3rd Place play off: Makerere University 0-2 Ndejje University
- Finals: MUBS 4-0 Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi
The highly anticipated final of the 5th edition of the University Football League between Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi was a complete mis-match.
On a wet Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole turf after an afternoon down pour across the city, MUBS were the dominant side from the start of FUFA referee William Oloya’s opening whistle to the last kick of the ball.
Towering defender Davis Kasujja opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute with a well drilled header following left back Ismail Kawawulo’s curling corner to ignite the already charged MUBS’s 12th player in the terraces.
Musa Esenu doubled the lead on 8 minutes following goalkeeper Jackson Kigozi’s hesitation to parry Peter Otai’s teasing cross.
The recipe for Kigozi’s howler was that early change called by the Nkozi technical bench when Kyagaba Muganga was introduced immediately.
Perhaps, the tide of the game remained static and rather one way with MUBS posing more threat as the fans cheered the side with passionate chanting songs.
Towards the half hour mark, UMU dangerman Emmanuel Kamya who lit Namboole with fancy footwork created for star striker Douglas Owori but MUBS’ goalie, Eric Dhaira was alert to threat the danger.
Come the 35th minute, Moses Kifumba’s stunning shot over 35 yards from goal propelled the Nakawa side to a comfortable 3 goal lead and virtually their second consecutive title to spark the already charged atmosphere into wild jubilation.
The half time score read 3-0 in favour of MUBS and the majestic walk of MUBS’ head coach Charles Ayiekho and his entire technical team to the dressing rooms spoke volume of the euphoria engulfed with pride at the material time.
A healthy 15 minute half time pep talk awoke many of Martyrs University players as they resumed the second half with more urgency.
Left back, Yunus Kateregga combined well with dribbling gem Emmanuel Kamya to torment Steven Ogwal and exposed Isaac Katende’s rustiness in the back line.
With a collection of fluid passing, they were the only team on mission by the opening quarter of action of the second half.
Owori’s 58th minute long range kissed the woodwork with Dhaira beaten and Kamya continued to threaten down the left with mesmerizing step-overs.
MUBS perhaps, had the last say of the game with Derrick Wasswa’s 65th minute icing on the already baked cake.
MUBS technical bench could even afford to give playing time to second choice goalie Edward Masaba for Eric Dhaira for the remaining last ten minutes.
The victory granted the Nakawa university their second title in 5 editions and becoming the first institution to win back to back titles.
The final whistle was greeted with deafening vuvuzela sounds, wild passionate singing from the terraces as MUBS players ran to the section of the terraces where their fans were.
Individual Accolades:
MUBS’ Davis Kasujja was nominated MVP of the tournament. Brothers Joshua Lubwama (Makerere University) and Hannington Ssebwalunyo (Ndejje University) were the top scorer and best goal keepers respectively.
Nkozi’s Joseph Ssekandi was nominated best sports tutor, Ndejje University fans took the best supporting gong as Gulu and Busitema Universities clinched the fair play and best disciplined awards respectively.
Deogratius “Carzola” Nsubuga’s spicy commentary throughout the tournament was recognized with a gold medal.
Best coach, Charles Ayiekho attributed his team’s performance throughout the tournament to adequate preparations.
We recruit the best performers before the start of each season. We plan for players who are leaving in each and every department. It has been down to preparations
Prizes:
On top of the gold medals, a golden glittering trophy the winners pocketed Ugx 2.5M.
UMU took home Ugx 1.5M, trophy and silver medals as the second runners up (Ndejje University beat Makerere University 2-0 in third place) bagged Ugx 1M bronze medals and a trophy.
There were also 12 different MVPs from each of the participating universities.
UFL league manager, Anthony Tumwesigye hailed the true spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by all the universities and fans alike, but promised a better organization from the 2015 edition.
This tournament has grown in stature and it is a pleasure that the spirit of fair play has been exercised throughout. We as the organizers promise a better showing in the subsequent events.
Team Line-ups:
MUBS XI:Eric Dhaira (G.K), Stephen Ogwal, Davis Kasujja, Isaac Katende, Ismail Kawawulo, Andrew Obonyo, Peter Otai, Moses Kifumba, Derrick Waswa, Musa Esenu, David Ssebulima.
UMU XI: Jackson Kigozi (G.K), Francis Kalungi, Yunus Katerega, Julius Ssengo, Nasser Lukwago, Shakira Mbazira, Jacob Owora, Ashiraf Bulega, Livingstone Mbigo, Douglas Owori, Emmanuel Kamya.
Previous Winners:
2015 – MUBS
2014 – MUBS
2013 – Kampala University
2012 – Makerere University
2011 – Kampala University
