Lugazi FC get their 2023/24 season underway on Wednesday, when they host Ndejje University FC at Lugazi Stadium.
The Leaders were not involved in matchday one of the BetPawa FUFA Big League, given the composition of the league with 15 teams involved.
Lugazi FC made a promising debut to the Big League last season, finishing fifth. On 44 points, only 13 points behind last season’s champions Kitara FC.
Last season was the first season for the Lugazi based outfit to take part in the second flight having advanced from the third division league during the 2021/22 season.
The club has made no secret their desire to push for promotion this season. And they will want to make that clear with a statement victory on Wednesday.
Coach William Kyeswa expressed his confidence and excitement ahead of the season opener: “The boys are ready, and thank God we have no injuries.”
“So, that will be a huge boost in terms of options, and we cannot wait to get underway.” He added, urging the fans to come and support the team, emphasizing their ambition:
“We are not hiding what our ambition is; we want to fight for promotion, so we need to make that clear from the start.”
Lugazi completed their build up for the new season with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Dream Chasers FC on Friday.
The lads will hope they will be able to carry the momentum from pre-season into their early season fixtures as they aim to build confidence as the season wears on.
Captain Ssali Elijah Brian echoed the team’s readiness and mission for the season: “The team has been in preparation, and we are very ready for the season.”
“The mission of this season is to push for promotion to the top flight. We have cooked something new.”
Brian emphasized the importance of fan support: “We want to get the mission underway from the get-go, but we cannot do it without our fans, we want them to join us for the journey, and back us along the way.”
“We know how important our fans are, especially at home, so they should come along in good numbers and give us that extra push.”
Kyeswa has bolstered his squad with several new signings which he believes will help in the push for promotion.
Lugazi FC has been active in the primary transfer window, and have acquired Latif Kiyemba, Sam Ssemugugu, Ronald Ssempala, Alvin Birungi, Freedom Mungudit, James Okiror, Abraham Opio, Mubarak Mitala, Andrew Odong, Abdul Kalanzi, Emran Fahad and Samuel Nsubuga.
Brian Elijah Ssali, Paul Wasswa, Louis Anguti, Derrick Ochen, Muhammad Lubega, Isaac Tamale and Faisal Matovu have signed new contracts.