FTWSL: Lady Doves Chairman Opens Up on Struggles with Gate Collections Ahead of New Season

By: Haba Plan 

Lady Doves Football Club chairman, Mr. Julius Mugisa, has voiced his frustrations over the financial strain his team faces due to dwindling matchday revenues. According to Mugisa, the club has been forced to let fans in for free after gate collections completely dried up.

Speaking during a radio interview on 102.1 FM, Mugisa pointed to the rescheduling of league fixtures as the root of the problem. “We no longer earn from our home games, and the main reason is the kick-off time. The 10 AM schedule doesn’t work for our fan base,” he lamented.

In 2022, FUFA revised the kick-off time for the Finance Trust Women’s Super League from the traditional 4 PM slot to 10 AM. The adjustment was designed to enable wider TV coverage on FUFA Television.

However, Mugisa explained that for a community-based team like Lady Doves, the timing has backfired. “Most of our supporters are farmers, and mornings are their busiest hours in the fields. When games are played at that time, they can’t make it. The few who manage to come—we can’t afford to charge them because it would only push them away. We would rather keep the stands filled than chase away the little support we have,” he noted.

Despite these challenges, Lady Doves put up a commendable fight last season, finishing third with 40 points. The Masindi-based side now has its eyes on going a step further in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

The new season kicks off on October 3rd, with Kawempe Muslim Ladies clashing with reigning champions Kampala Queens. A day later, Lady Doves will host Oilia High School in their opening fixture.