FUFA Big league playoffs
Thursday
Kyetume vs Dove FC, 1pm
Kansai Plascon vs UPDF, 4pm
Four teams will battle in the FUFA Big league playoffs this Thursday at the StarTimes stadium, Lugogo for the remaining promotion slot to the StarTimes Uganda premier league next season.
Kyetume who were runners up in Elgon group as Wakiso Giants earned automatic promotion face Dove FC, who finished third in Rwenzori group as Proline earned automatic promotion.
Kansai Plascon that finished second in Rwenzori group play UPDF that finished third in Elgon group. Having been relegated in the 2017/18 season, UPDF Coach Steven Bogere will be seeking to lead his side to immediate return to top flight and his experience at this level, having guided SC Victoria University to premier league before, will be essential for the army side to go past Bogere’s former side to storm the final.
Kyetume FC boost of a name in Jackson Mayanja, the head coach but his assistant Allan Kabonge weighs heavier at this stage. It is the second consecutive time Kyetume is at this stage –having lost in penalties to Paidha Black Angles in last season’s playoffs as Kabonge guided the West Nile side to the Promised Land.
Away from Richard Makumbi, Kabonge is next to none in helping teams earn promotion and his magic will be at test against a tricky Dove FC. Kabonge has of recent helped Masavu, Onduparaka and Pidha Black Angels gain promotion.
Dove FC were the unlikely side to get into playoffs but their win at Kansai Plascon on the last day of regular season changed the equation and with experienced Mark Twinamatsiko in charge, they are a dark horse at this stage.
Twinamatsiko has coached Kirinya Jinja SS, Kira United in the Big league and is also remembered for having led defunct The Saints to premier league.
The Kitara side that boasts of a huge fan base will however miss their best player and top scorer Bright Aguma after seeing red in the last regular season fixture against Kansai Plascon.
Two winners this Thursday will face off in the final on Saturday to determine which team joins Proline and Wakiso Giants as the three promoted for next season premier league.
Wakiso Giants and Proline will also on the same day and venue play in the 2018/19 FUFA Big League final.
Paidha Black Angels, Nyamityobora and Ndejje University were relegated in the concluded season after just a season of top flight football.
