UCU Sharpen Tactics Ahead of AUUS Games

By Kayiira Jackson 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) men’s and women’s football teams are in the final stages of preparations ahead of the 20th edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, set to kick off on Thursday, December 18, at the university’s main campus in Mukono.

With just two days remaining to the start of the games, which will attract 24 universities from across the country, the UCU technical teams are fine-tuning both tactical and technical aspects, focusing on match-day systems and team cohesion.

The women’s football team, who are the defending champions after lifting the title in 2023, are confident of mounting a successful title defense. Head coach Collins Ahumuza expressed optimism, despite stiff competition expected from Nkumba University, Kampala University, and East Africa Games champions Makerere University.

“We’re preparing well for the games. As the women’s team, we believe that at this stage we’re ready to compete and defend the title we won in 2023,” Ahumuza said.

The tactician revealed that the squad has been strengthened with additions from UCU’s sister campuses and experienced league players.

“We have added players from our sister campuses – two from Mbale campus, Zabinah Nanboozo and Esther Namataka. We’ve also brought in Jovia Nakagolo from Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Apio Faith from She Maroons, who both study here but don’t play for our league side. The team is strong and experienced,” he added.

Ahumuza acknowledged limited competitive action but believes their preparation has been sufficient.

“The only challenge is that we haven’t been playing in the league, but the friendlies we’ve had are enough for us to compete and defend the title,” She noted.

On the men’s side, UCU are aiming to improve on their quarterfinal exit in the 2023 AUUS Games, where they lost 1–0 to Bugema University on home soil. Head coach Jimmy Kintu is confident that his current squad has the quality and experience to go further this time.

According to reliable sources from Voice of Bugerere, the official draws for the games will be conducted on Wednesday, a day before the teams’ arrival.

Overall, 24 universities have confirmed participation in the 20th edition of the AUUS Games across various sports disciplines. The games will run from December 18 to 23, all hosted at UCU.

In men’s football, Uganda Martyrs University are the reigning champions, having beaten Bugema University in the 2023 final via penalty shootouts after a goalless draw.