FTWSL: ‘Unpaid Sign-on Fee is still a problem but Makerere is not Part’, URA Ladies Send a Wake-up Signal to Bosses

By Kayiira Jackson 

URA Ladies FC put aside off-field concerns surrounding their sign-on fees to register a historic milestone on Saturday, securing their maiden Finance Trust Women Super League (FWSL) victory with a 2-0 win over She Makerere (SHE-MAK) at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The Tax Collectors, who earned promotion to Uganda’s top-flight women’s football division last season, entered the game with the players demanding their sign-on fees, an issue that had created concern within the team.

However, the financial concerns did not dampen the players’ spirits on the pitch as they responded with a composed performance to claim their first three points of the campaign.

Having lost to KCCA Women FC on Matchday One, URA Ladies were determined to bounce back and make their presence felt in the top flight.

Elizabeth Nakigozi etched her name into URA Ladies’ history books when she scored the club’s first-ever FWSL goal in the 22nd minute.

The forward reacted quickly after SHE-MAK goalkeeper spilled Shamusa Najjuma’s low effort, calmly finishing to put the Tax Collectors in front.

The goal was a significant moment for the newly promoted side as Nakigozi became the player to score URA Ladies’ first goal in the history of their FWSL campaign.

New signing Shafiga Tamisi beat the offside trap before calmly finishing to double the advantage, with Vanessa Namazzi providing the assist in 34th minute.

The two first half goals gave URA confidence and put SHE-MAK under pressure.

After the break, URA continued to control proceedings and created opportunities to extend their lead, with captain Zaina Namuleme, Najjuma and Nakigozi all coming close.

SHE-MAK searched for a way back into the game, but URA’s defence remained resolute.

Patience Nabulobi, Angle Nakanwagi, Namazzi and Rachel Nanyonga stood firm, while goalkeeper Esther Nantongo kept a clean sheet to complete a memorable afternoon for the Tax Collectors.

Namazzi was subsequently named Woman of the Match following her influential display.

URA head coach Moses Nkata credited the victory to teamwork and praised his players for maintaining their focus despite the challenges surrounding the team.

“This victory belongs to the entire team. The girls worked together and followed exactly what we had discussed before the game.”

Woman of the Match Vanessa Namazzi was equally pleased with the result, stressing the importance of unity within the squad.

“I am very happy with the victory because we fought for it together as a team. Everyone played their part, and that is what helped us get the three points.”

Elsewhere, defending champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies were held to a goalless draw by She Maroons at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

She Corporate registered their maiden victory of the season after beating newcomers Jinja United WFC 2-1, with Jesca Namanda scoring both goals.

At Phillip Omondi Stadium, KCCA Women FC and St Noa Girls shared the spoils.

URA Ladies will now turn their attention to their next assignment when they travel to Katushabe Stadium in Masindi on Saturday, October 17, to face Lady Doves, meanwhile, Makerere will face KCCA Women FC in their next league fixture.