Pepsi university football league
Friday, 3pm
Kyambogo vs KIU, Kyambogo
Defending champions Kyambogo University start their title defense at home this Friday against newly promoted Kampala International University (KIU) at Kyambogo.
This will be the 2019 Pepsi University football league group stage opening game after preliminary round last week. Kyambogo starts the 8th edition with -2 points after being docked two points for indiscipline against Bugema University during the 2018 semi-final. Bugema were also docked 4 goals and 4 points for their fans indiscipline during the second leg. Kyambogo will have a new captain to command the team after skipper Racmac Ashaba joining SC Villa in the January transfer period yet Premier league and second tier players are ineligible for the Pepsi-sponsored competition. Kyambogo Coach Deo Sserwadda is however confident that he can win back the title with the team at disposal. “Last season’s trophy was a team effort and with the exception of Ashaba and two other players that left, the team remains intact. I know we shall not only have a good game, but shall also be able to defend our title in the long run,” noted Sserwadda. KIU who progressed from the preliminary stage after knocking out Makerere University have an even record against Kyambogo –having beaten the champions in their last two encounters. The two sides last met in 2016 at Kyambogo and KIU won 1-0. Prior to that, KIU had beaten Kyambogo 2-1 in 2014 at home. The last time Kyambogo beat KIU was in 2012 as the former won 3-2 away from home. KIU coach Akabwai Geoffrey is confident despite having an inexperienced squad.
“Most of my players are fresh since most of last year’s players are not eligible to play. But we were able to get a result against Makerere; beating them 1-0 last week and I am confident we can do the same against Kyambogo especially since we beat them 1-0 the last time we visited them,” said Akabwai, whose side was awarded 3 goals and points after Makerere players aborted their preliminary and promotional return leg amidst penalty shootouts. Action continues on Saturday as two-time champions Kampala University (KU) host debutantes International University of East Africa (IUEA) before Busitema University host Kumi University on Sunday.
