Pepsi University football league
Semi final draws
UCU vs Bugema
SLAU vs UMU
After ejecting defending champions Kyambogo, Bugema University are confident that they can make their way to this year’s Pepsi University football league final.
Bugema were drawn against first time semi-finalists Uganda Christian University (UCU) during the draws held on Tuesday at Katikati restaurant, Lugogo while St. Lawrence University (SLAU) were paired against former champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU). Bugema head coach Meddy Nyanzi says that UCU style of play is almost the same as theirs which is an advantage ahead of the first leg next week.
“The coordination in my team is visible on the pitch. The players are motivated and ready to deliver their best. I am happy that the University management added on the scholarships offered and also facilitated the team to camp before we played Kyambogo. They have also promised to facilitate our camp ahead of the semi finals,” noted Nyanzi, who will again rely on his lead scorer Aldrine Kambale that has so far scored eight goals this season.
“It is good we are playing away first and will take home advantage in the second leg. Like I predicted against Kyambogo, I see my side ejecting UCU,” added a confident Nyanzi.
UCU and Bugema have only met twice before in 2017 during Bugema’s first year of participation with UCU beating Bugema 4-0 at home and drawing 0-0 away in Bugema.
UCU Captain Emanuel Derrick Were is confident they will make their way to the final despite his side being at the semi finals for the first time in six seasons of participation.
“We are happy that our time finally came and we broke the quarter final jinx. Our season target is to at least get to the final and if possible win our first title,” noted the goal keeper, who has conceded only two goals and kept six clean sheets in the eight games played. Meanwhile, SLAU and UMU have also only met twice –which was this year in the group stage with both games ending in stalemate.
This season’s first leg action is scheduled for next week on Tuesday, 8th October and Friday, 11th October with UCU hosting first at Mukono and St. Lawrence hosting first at Crown City Campus, Kavule. Speaking at the draws, Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) President, Peninah Kabenge said that the fact that all the traditional names are missing at the semi-finals, shows the high level of competitiveness in the league.
“The University Football League is highly competitive and this can be seen in the fact that none of the traditional football giants have made it to the semi-finals. This year, we have only one former champion among the semi-finalists –the Uganda Martyrs and I am sure, they will have to be on their best game to make it to the Finals” Kabenge said. The 2019 University league has Shs25m in cash prize courtesy of Pepsi –the exclusive league sponsors.
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