Jinja United coach Musafiri Abdulsamadu Daba is confident his side will quickly find its feet in the FUFA Women Super League despite a bruising 3-0 opening day loss to champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies.
The newcomers were punished inside the first five minutes at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, with Latifah Nakasi and Jovia Nakagolo striking within three minutes to put Kawempe in control.
But Daba refused to dwell on the scoreline, pointing instead to a young side learning the demands of top-flight football.
“It’s our first game that we lost, but I think we shall catch up because it is our first game,” Daba said.
Jinja United were making their debut in the top flight, with most of their players also experiencing league football at this level for the first time.
And against a Kawempe side that lifted the league last season and also won the CECAFA Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers, Daba saw enough to remain encouraged.
“I give credit to my players. Most of them, it’s their first time playing in the league, in this top league,” he said.
The coach blamed the early setback on defensive lapses but praised his players for settling as the game progressed.
“It was just a slight mistake in the first five minutes when we conceded. The goals came abruptly, but when we talked to them, you see they settled, and we started playing,” he said.
Jinja United even created chances after recovering from the early shock, but failed to turn them into goals.
“Even we missed chances, many chances. So that one, I give them credit for that. I’ve seen, and they are promising,” Daba said.
Kawempe eventually put the result beyond doubt when substitute Belinda Nabawanuka struck in the 69th minute.
For Daba, however, the defeat is part of the learning curve.
“When we go ahead playing, we shall catch up, and we shall do better,” he said.
Jinja United will seek their first points next Saturday when they host She Corporate at Ssaza Ground in Iganga, while Kawempe Muslim travel to Wankulukuku to face She Maroons.