Lugazi Vs Kitara: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and Stats

Saturday, September 14
*Lugazi Vs Kitara – Lugazi Stadium Najjembe (Mabira), 4pm

Team News

• Lugazi have not reported any new injury concern ahead of their first ever top flight fixture
• New signings including Juma Mutebi, Bashir Asiku, Bashamu Mugwa etc are in contention
• For Kitara, Benjamin Nyakoojo and Dudu Ramathan are injured
• George Ssenkaaba is on compassionate leave while Frank Yiga is ready for selection

Probable Lineups
*Lugazi – Fahad Emuran, Gift Lubega Muhammad, Emmanuel Obua, Bashir Asiku, Richard Ayiko, Ali Bayo, Moses Buga, Rogers Adriko, Samuel Ssemugugu, Nelson Mandela, Sharif Saaka.

Kitara – Crispus Kusiima, Maxwell Owachgiu, Arthur Kiggundu, Ronald Otti, Jasper Aheebwa, David Ndihabwe, Paddy Muhumuza, Solomon Okwalinga, Titus Ssematimba, Jude Ssemugabi, Denis Omedi

Preview: Lugazi Set For UPL Debut

Lugazi will host Kitara at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe for their first-ever Uganda Premier League match.

Lugazi FC, formerly Kampala University FC, began its journey in 2010 with the Luweero District Football Association. They advanced to the Buganda Regional League after winning the Zonal Mini League in the 2012/2013 season.

After a setback in the FUFA Big League play-offs, the club reorganized and rebranded as Lugazi FC in 2020, and the rest is history.

Now, the team is preparing to face the top-flight challenge with considerable excitement in the Lugazi region, known for its football talent.

Gerald Efeti led the team to promotion on May 26 this year with a victory over Kaaro Karungi in Mabira. Since then, the club has appointed Sadick Ssempigi, formerly of Mbarara City, Arua Hill, and Jinja North, as the new coach.

Lugazi FC has made over ten new signings, including goalkeepers Juma Mutebi and George William Oluka, as well as experienced top-flight players Emmanuel Obua, Bashir Asiku, Rogers Atube, Rogers Adriko, Bashamu Mugwa, Sharif Ssaka, and Denis Lubowa.

The team has held several friendlies, including victories over Maroons and Wakiso Giants. Ssempigi will rely on these results as they prepare for Kitara’s visit. Captain Richard Ayiko and forward Sam Ssemugugu are expected to be key players.

Kitara enters the season as a strong title contender. Despite a near miss last season, they made a strong statement by winning the Uganda Cup.

New signings, including striker Fred Amaku, defender Ronald Otti, and creative midfielder Titus Ssematimba, are expected to play vital roles for coach Brian Ssenyondo.

In their last encounter at this venue during the 2022/23 FUFA Big League season, Kitara defeated Lugazi 3-0 with goals from John Wesley Kisakye (2) and Moses Sseruyidde. Kitara also won the second-round match 1-0, en route to their promotion to the UPL.