St. Noa’s Struggles in the Topflight and the Exciting Developments in the FTBFWSL
Newly promoted St. Noa have had a mixed season so far, managing to eliminate Kampala Queens (KQ) from the Cup earlier this year but struggling to secure consistent wins in the topflight league. Currently sitting in 4th place with only six points, they are five points behind KQ, indicating that their performance has not met expectations.
Despite these challenges, there have been some exciting developments in the Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super League (FTBFWSL). Burundian coach Belyse Ininahazwe has made a significant impact since joining She Corporate. Her transition to a new country, club, league, and set of players has proven to be a successful combination. In her first five games, she has led She Corporate to the top of the league table with 13 points, showcasing her ability to adapt quickly and inspire her team.
She Corporate will face Kawempe Muslim this Sunday at the Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru. This match is more than just a regular game; it is a grudge match with historical significance. The two clubs have a long-standing rivalry, and both teams have high ambitions for the game. Ininahazwe emphasized that the goal for every match is to win, highlighting the importance of this encounter.
There are several subplots surrounding this match. Amina Nakato, a right back from Kawempe, joined She Corporate and is eager to prove that she is in a better team. On the other hand, Viola Namuddu and Rebecca Nakato, who have won various competitions for Kawempe’s school and club teams, are also keen to show their abilities. They join a long list of Kawempe alumni who have successfully moved on to other teams and continued to excel.
She Corporate also has a history with Kawempe, as the latter held them to a draw that relegated them from the 2022/23 league to the second tier for the 2023/24 season. Earlier this year, Kawempe denied She Corporate a chance to play in the Fufa Women Cup semifinals. The two sides were tied at the end of regulation time over two legs, and although extra time was expected, the referees opted for a shootout. After losing the shootout, Kawempe petitioned Fufa, leading to a replay where they eventually won but lost the Cup to Amus College.
Kawempe coach Ayub Khalifa acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating that they anticipate a tough match against an unbeaten side known for scoring late goals and strong defense. He emphasized the need for thorough preparation and a solid plan to secure victory.
In another match on Sunday, Amus College will host Lady Doves at Kachumbala. Both teams have struggled to maintain the tenacity they showed last season, but it is still early days in the campaign. Lady Doves are currently in 10th place with three points, while Amus are in 5th with three more points.
Just below Amus are She Maroons, who are tied on five points with their Sunday visitors, Makerere University. Meanwhile, Mawejje will host Kampala Queens (KQ) at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, which is expected to be a key attraction on Sunday.
St. Noa, despite their struggles, have a new coach in Tony Mawejje, who previously served as an assistant coach at KQ before leaving quietly last season. His return to the team may bring fresh energy and strategies, and fans are eager to see if he can demonstrate what KQ might be missing.
Other matches on Saturday include Asubo hosting Olila High School at Kampala Quality Grounds, and Uganda Martyrs HS traveling to Rines SS at St. Gerald Ground Lubaga. On Sunday, She Maroons will face Makerere University at Luzira Prisons, and Asubo will host Olila HS at Kampala Quality Grounds.
Fixtures for the Weekend
Saturday–Asubo vs. Olila HS, Kampala Quality Grounds-St. Noa Girls vs. Kampala Queens, Muteesa II Wankulukuku-Uganda Martyrs HS vs. Rines SS, St. Gerald Ground Lubaga
Sunday–She Maroons vs. Makerere University, Luzira Prisons-She-Corporate vs. Kawempe Muslim, FTC Njeru-Amus College vs. Lady Doves, Kachumbala