The SMACK League, powered by Guinness, returned on Sunday at the IUEA Sports Ground in Kansanga with Matchday Three of the regular season, delivering a day of football, e-sport, entertainment and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The league partnered with the Kuliva Foundation to run a charity drive that encouraged fans and players to donate pre-loved and pre-owned clothes. The collected clothes will be sorted and distributed to vulnerable communities in the coming weeks.
SMACK League Chief Marketing Officer, David Kawooya, said the initiative reflected the leagues wider purpose beyond football.
“Football brings people together, and when we pair that with giving back, it becomes something bigger. Our partnership with the Kuliva Foundation gave everyone here a chance to make a difference,” he said.
On the pitch, there was plenty of action across both pools. Knights earned their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Vikings, thanks to goals from Asea Jordan and Katamba Edgar. Bushmen continued their strong start with a 2-1 win against Zuluz, while Elite edged defending champions Alks 2-1 in a thrilling contest. Zimbaz beat Window 1-0 in a clash of former champions.
BlockOwners registered their first win of the season by defeating Devils 3-1, with Osman Mayanja and Timothy Kyagulanyi among the scorers. Pirates maintained their perfect record with a 1-0 win over Phantomz despite heavy afternoon rain that briefly interrupted play.
Gladiators also kept their unbeaten run going with a 2-0 victory over Vulcanz, while Lycans overcame Spartans 1-0 courtesy of a long-range strike from Mbonimpa Brian. Outkasts edged Mama Teo Legends 2-1 after Lutalo Solomon netted a late winner.
Away from the football, the Carnival theme brought a vibrant and festive feel to the day. Most fans turned up in floral shirts, vibed to music from DJ LB, DJ Ashaba, and enjoyed side attractions such as e-sports racing, boxing and ludo.
Mercy Atwongyeire, Project Manager for Premium Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited, said Guinness was proud to be part of the experience.
“Moments like the one have had today is why we partner with the Old Boys leagues like SMACK, because we not only want to bring people together but we also want to be a force for change and be part of a people that want to make community better, so for me matchday three was a meaningful step towards,” she said.
The SMACK League returns on November 9 for matchday four of the regular season.
