King’s Caesar University head coach Kasumba Derek has declared his side ready to compete in the new Pepsi University Football League (UFL) season, insisting that two months of preparation and fresh additions to the squad have strengthened their prospects of a better campaign.
King Caesar, entering only their second edition in the competition, have been drawn in the Eastern Group, where they will face Islamic University of Uganda (IUIU), Soroti University, Busitema University, Uganda Martyrs University, Metropolitan International University and World Mission Mission Frontier University.
Derek believes the group offers his side a fair challenge and says his players are determined to move beyond simply gaining experience to competing for results.
Kasumba Derek Head Coach King Ceasar
“This is our second time participating in the league. We are still like babies in the competition, but this time around, we are not going to just participate; we are going to compete,” Derek said.
King Caesar begin their campaign with an away trip to Soroti University on Saturday, a fixture Derek expects to test his side’s readiness as they embark on their new-season journey.
The coach says the team has used the two-month pre-season period to strengthen its tactical approach, improve finishing and build the confidence needed to face more experienced university sides.
A key part of that transformation has been recruitment. Derek revealed that the university management gave him the opportunity to strengthen the squad after identifying the need for additional players, allowing him to bring in between five and eight new recruits to address weaknesses exposed last season.
“Last season, we were using students who simply had the heart to play for the university. But now I have brought in new players who are going to help us in the tournament,” he said.
“I was lacking in different areas, but now I have got the boys who are going to do the job.”
The changes are intended to address two major shortcomings from their previous campaign a leaky defence and a lack of goals. Derek admitted that his team conceded too many goals last season and managed just one goal, but insists that their work on finishing and attacking play should produce a different outcome this time.
“We have worked on our tactical part of finishing, taking the ball forward and not fearing opponents. Last time, the boys were new to the tournament and had that fear, but we have built confidence in them so they can face any team,” he added.
King Caesar have also played several trial matches against established sides, giving the technical team an opportunity to identify weaknesses and make the necessary adjustments before the competitive action begins.
Derek credited the university management for facilitating training and providing the basic requirements needed to prepare the team, saying the support has helped the players train consistently.
With a strengthened squad, improved confidence and a clear determination to avoid last season’s struggles, King Caesar head into the new campaign seeking to prove that they can do more than make up the numbers.
Their opening assignment against Soroti University will offer an early indication of how far the preparations have taken them.