Saturday September 14, 2024
Uganda Premier League
Lugazi FC Vs Kitara
Lugazi FC Stadium – Najjembe
Kick-off: 4pm
We are Lugazi FC and we are now in Uganda Premier League. Isn’t it? It’s actually happening. On Saturday we’re hosting Kitara FC to play our first football match in the top-flight of Ugandan football.
District competitions to Uganda Premier League in 14 years is an incredible story and as Lugazi FC, we wholeheartedly agree.
Can you genuinely believe it? Imagine discussing or telling those around you in the thickets and sugarcane plantations of Ndoddo, Namengo, Kikaula, Kawotto, Kiswera, Bukuku, Nakifuma, Ngogwe, Najjembe, Najja, Nakazadde and Ssi-Bukunja that by 2024 we would be in the UPL. Inconceivable at the time.
We suffered heart-breaking defeats along the way. However, the hard work never ceased. We kept going. Trusted the process. Most importantly, our fans and anyone who would listen for that matter – stuck by us. Therein lies the beauty. We’re here. But the journey has only just begun.
The Match
It’s a lovely opener at the Lugazi FC Stadium – Najjembe. Kitara are a descent outfit. Fourth last season, holders of the Uganda Cup title and played at the continent just a few weeks ago.
But we are equally strong to say the least. After gaining promotion, reinforcements were made to our squad.
In goal, Juma Mutebi and George William Oluka were signed to join Abraham Opio and Fahad Emuran who was one of our standout performers last season. Bashir Asiku, Emmanuel Obua and Rogers Atube were brought in to add steel in defence.
The midfield was also improved with the signing of Rogers Adriko, Nelson Mandela, Denis Lubowa and Ian Amanya. At the top, Sharif Yusuf Saaka and Bashamu Mugwa are expected to compliment Sam Ssemugugu in the attack.
Sadick Sempigi, one of the respected coaches in Ugandan football, was trusted to oversee this talented squad and he has already laid his mark on the team.
Out of the four high profile friendlies we played in pre-season, two victories (against Maroons and Wakiso Giants), one draw and defeat against Tusker and Vipers SC respectively were registered, and the team achieved this while displaying a brand of mesmerising football.
This gives us reasons to believe and hope that the same spirit will be carried into tomorrow’s encounter.
Team News
All the players are available for selection, and everyone is yearning to play.
Coach Sadick Sempigi’s remarks.
“We have spent a couple of months training as a team after bringing in a couple of new players to add on those who were available, and we have had different intensive training sessions to let these players understand the way we play.”
“We now have different ways of approach to the game in each and every situation as we have been teaching our players on how to behave on the pitch with or without the ball.”
“The players have adapted very well and we are good to go – they are ready, and I think they will give the best tomorrow.”
“Kitara is a very good team and a very tough challenger. They have had very good games in the preseason, I watched most of their games in the FUFA Super8 and the confederations cup. They are very ambitious, play well and they have fared well in the market – they really have good players who I think will give us a very tough challenge.”
“But I want to accept that we are at home and we know the kind of opponent we are going to face. We are going to work hard to make sure we answer most of the questions they will bring. We believe they are going to be a tough team but my players are ready to take up the challenge and deliver the best.”
After the last training, Captain Richard Ayiko said;
“Much as we are new at this stage, I believe we can play and match any team in the league. Football is about working together. We shall give in our best, follow the coach’s instructions and I believe we shall get a positive result.”
“We have had enough preparations, and we are going to give our best on the field of play to get the three points. Kitara have got some experience in the league but I think if we work hand in hand, and as a team, we shall get better results tomorrow.”
Match Officials
Kasalirwe Lucky is the man in the centre. The assistant referees include; Okudra Emmanuel and Mafumu Mustafa. Turyamureeba Pual will serve as the fourth official while Tomusange Ali will be the referee’s assessor.
Coverage
The game is live on FUFA TV. Follow our social media pages for live updates, photos and behind-the-scenes content and stay on lugazifc.com for a full report and post-match reaction.