The air at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru carried the crisp weight of opening day anticipation, but for St Noa Girls FC captain Imelda Kasemiire, the final whistle brought a wave of pure relief and soaring ambition.
Kicking off their 2026-27 FUFA Women Super League campaign away from home, St Noa secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over She Corporate FC, courtesy of a magical sixth-minute strike by Giovana Aketowang.
For Aketowang, wearing the number six on her back, the moment was poetry in motion as she found the decisive breakthrough to capture all three points. Speaking moments after the final whistle, Kasemiire did not hide her delight at securing such a crucial result on hostile turf.
“We played our first game away from home, and we’re so grateful that we’ve won the game,” Kasemiire remarked, emphasising the psychological lift of the triumph.
“Being the first game and you get a win away from home gives you more energy for the coming games.”
Yet, the inspirational skipper was quick to pivot from celebration to calculation, keeping her squad’s eyes firmly fixed on the horizon and stressing that this is only the beginning of a long journey.
“So we plan for the better results in other games,” she noted with resolute focus.
Kasemiire also turned her attention to the faithful travelling contingent, taking a moment to express profound gratitude to the supporters who braved the long road from Kampala to Jinja to back the team.
“Well, to our fans, though it was a long journey away from Kampala to Jinja, we’re so grateful that you came and supported us, and we promise to do better in other games,” she said.
That promise will be put to the ultimate test immediately, as St Noa’s ideal start sets up a blockbuster next assignment against KCCA Women FC. KCCA stamped their own authority on opening weekend by sweeping past URA Women FC 3-0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, creating a thrilling clash between two opening day victors.
Across a dramatic opening weekend of league action, Kawempe Muslim LFC defeated Jinja United WFC 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Saturday, September 19.
Sunday’s slate delivered more excitement as Makerere University WFC edged Amus College WFC 1-0 at Nsibirwa Playground, Lady Doves FC fell 1-0 to Uganda Martyrs H/S WFC at Katusabe Dove Playground, and She Maroons FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over Rines SS WFC at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, alongside St Noa’s narrow triumph in Njeru.