Lugazi FC will play their first competitive in over 23 days at the Lugazi Stadium this Sunday, when they host Calvary FC in the BetPawa FUFA Big League.

The anticipation palpable following a long break from competitive action, kick-off (1600 Hrs / 04:00 PM EAT kick-off).

Head coach Richard Makumbi has urged the players and fans to come together to harness their collective glee to dismantle their visitors.

Speaking ahead of the game, Makumbi delivered a passionate explanation of how crucial the atmosphere inside the stadium can be crucial in helping the Leaders to victory.

“We need the fans to be in top form on Sunday, as they spur on the players throughout the 90 minutes,” Makumbi said. 

“The challenge to them (fans) is to help us make the most of our home advantage, and that is why I urge them to come out in big numbers.”

“We want to make them happy, but they need to ride behind us for the entire game, everybody inside the stadium has a part to play,” he added.

The Leaders are on an 11-game unbeaten run since defeat at home to Mbale Heroes in October 2023, which incidentally remains our only defeat this season.

Our last five home games have seen us pick up 11 points out of 15, including three straight victories against Onduparaka, Kigezi Homeboyz and Jinja North.

Wisley Kisakye’s 73rd minute strike dampened the mood at Najjembe as the visitors collected a point, after Sam Ssemugugu had given Lugazi the lead after 19 minutes.

Makumbi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s preparations during the break, especially in terms of their approach and decision-making in attack.

With almost the entire squad available for the game, Makumbi is confident going into the match against a tough opponent like Calvary FC.

“We are blessed to have almost the entire squad available for the game. And that means we go into the game with so many positives,” Makumbi explained. 

“We have tried to work hard over the break, especially with our approach and decision making in attack, and I am happy with the response from the players.”

“That makes me happy and gives me joy and confidence going into a game, against opponents that we are sure will not be easy to play against,” he continued.

Lugazi FC will be looking to replicate their earlier success against Calvary FC, with Solomon Akodi’s single strike at the stroke of halftime securing a victory for Lugazi in their previous meeting last year.