University of Kisubi announced their growing threat in the Pepsi University Football League by holding two-time champions Kampala University to a frustrating draw, delivering a statement performance that exposed the Flying Eagles’ struggle against a rapidly rebuilding side.
The Church Boys stood their ground against one of university football’s established powerhouses, combining defensive discipline, determination and attacking ambition to deny Kampala University maximum points.
Credit to Jackshots
Kampala University pushed for a breakthrough in the closing stages but found Kisubi difficult to break down. Their frustration intensified in the 75th minute when an appeal for a penalty was dismissed by referee Edmund, who waved play on.
Rather than retreat into their shell, Kisubi went close to delivering a decisive blow five minutes later.
Hamphrey Lumu powered down the right flank before Innocent Ruva produced an impressive piece of individual skill, dribbling past Ayebale and setting up Bakitwale, whose effort flew over the crossbar with a golden opportunity to punish the hosts wasted.
Credit to Jackshots
Kampala University threw more pressure forward in search of a winner, but the Church Boys remained resolute to secure a valuable point and underline the progress of their reconstruction.
The result is a significant encouragement for Kisubi’s new technical partnership of Allan Katwe and Noah Ssebwato, who took charge this year following the departure of Jessy Lukoki.
Ssebwato believes the transformation is beginning to take shape, crediting improved institutional investment and the introduction of bursaries for providing a foundation to build a more competitive team.
Credit to Jackshots
“Before, the university never had bursaries, but this time the institution has given us bursaries, and we looked for students who can study and as well play football,” Ssebwato said.
The coach, however, cautioned against expecting instant results, revealing that the squad is largely inexperienced, with 95 per cent of the players being first-year students.
“This game has helped us to check ourselves. These boys are new in this league; 95% of them are first-year students. They still have a lot to learn, and we believe we shall be somewhere,” he added.
Kisubi’s rebuilding mission is therefore gathering momentum, with the technical team focused on developing a competitive squad without compromising the players’ academic responsibilities.
The Church Boys will seek to turn this encouraging performance into their maiden league victory when they travel to face Muni University in their next fixture.
Kampala University, meanwhile, must quickly regroup ahead of a potentially demanding trip to Buwambo to face last season’s finalists YMCA Comprehensive, as the two-time champions look to recover from another frustrating outing.