Faizo Matovu has heaped praise on the ‘amazing and ultra dominant’ defensive partnership he has struck with Savio Kabugo at Lugazi FC so far this season.
Kabugo, a marquee addition to the squad this season has thrived alongside his left footed partner this season and have been key players for coach William Kyeswa.
The defensive pair has played a key part in the Leaders’ strong start to the season, enjoying a clean run in the league, and are yet to concede a goal thus far.
They will be hoping to extend that run when Mbale Heroes – another promotion hopeful – visits the Lugazi Stadium this Sunday [October 29].
Ahead of the game, Matovu – who signed a contract extension at the club until 2025 – was keen to highlight his admiration for Kabugo and how much he has enjoyed playing alongside the Uganda Cranes international.
“He [Kabugo] is the ultimate defensive partner. And I think he is one person that every defender will be proud to play alongside,” Matovu said of his central defensive partner.
“I like his command of everyone playing in the backline, his communication in the game is absolutely clear and precise.”
“I am learning a lot about him, about his game and his personality. Every day we are talking how we can improve and he is always encouraging.”
“Kabugo is not shy to share his experience with us, and I wish we can play together longer because I like him as a player,” Matovu explained.
The Leaders go into Sunday’s game as the only club in Uganda’s top two divisions yet to concede a goal, five games into the new season.
We are also among four clubs in the FUFA Big League yet to suffer defeat, but that will be put to test against Mbale Heroes who themselves are yet to suffer defeat and have conceded just once.
Lugazi has taken eight points from their opening four games, and victory on Sunday will see them claim top spot in the standings, as the Leaders aim to control the promotion race early on.
Matovu stresses that their performance is only a platform that helps the rest of the team flourish as they continue their push for promotion.
“We have not conceded any goal and that is because of the communication and the team work within the group,” Matovu stated.
“I think we all don’t want to complicate match situations for ourselves, so we prefer being the team pushing to have the advantage rather than be at a disadvantage in a game.”
“Obviously, the whole group knows what the objective for the season is, we understand what we need to do, and as defenders we are sure if we keep it tight at the back, then the guys upfront can make the difference for us,” he stressed.
“It is [not conceding a goal] a positive thing that we can build up on. It is something that brings incredible confidence to anyone playing,” Matovu said.
“But we are not thinking about it so much, and most of the discussions are not about how long that run can go, but the focus of the squad is for everyone to give their best every game.”
Lugazi kept their first clean sheet in a 3-0 victory over Ndejje University. They quickly built on it with victory over Calvary FC in Yumbe.
Police was the first side to stop them from scoring, but the Cops too did not have a look in at the other end, before another low-key draw away to Booma.
Kabugo missed his first game at the club against Booma, but Ochen stepped up to partner with Matovu to keep the clean defensive record running, and show strength in depth within the squad.