Opinion: Title Contenders, Relegation Battlers as Women Super League Returns
The FUFA Women’s Super League for the season 2022/23 commences this weekend with four games at different Grounds.
Ofcourse it’s one trophy, the ten clubs are contesting to win, and two teams to be relegated to Elite League at the end of the season.
For starters, this would be the maiden full season for Super League since it was Introduced in 2019/20 season, Covid halted the season halfway and the next season was more of a tournament hosted at Njeru Technical Center, the Tournament was won by Lady Doves FC after beating UCU Lady Cardinals 2-1 on final held last year.
Since the country is out of lockdown, the normal format of play returned and the season commences on Sunday 06th, February 2022.
Ten teams in the race but according to Kayiira Jackson, the ardent follower of Women football in the country has outlined five clubs he believes can put a strong competition fo the title and those be expects to battle not to be relegated.
True each club prepare for a season, either to win the trophy or to stay in top flight league.
However, five clubs are expected to win the title depending on pedigree, preparations and squad quality among other factors.
Lady Doves FC
None who follows women football in the country that can sidelines Lady Doves FC out of the title contenders, since they came in the league of ‘big girls’, they have been putting up a strong challenge and in their maiden season in Elite in 2018, the Masindi based side finished second after losing to UCU Lady Cardinals.
Lady Doves are the reigning champions, they tested the waters in the region in CAF CECAFA Women’s Champions League zonal Qualifiers, like any focused side they would like to get back for another trial.
Despite the fact that they lost the region’s best custodian in Daisy Nakaziro to Uganda Martyrs High School WFC, their squad remained intact, with last season top scorer, Fazila Ikwaput, Riticia Nabbosa still on team, they can torment any side in the league. Even staying with Rajab Buyinza as their Associated coach is a big plus to the team. And it will be very hard for any visiting team to collect a point from Katushabe Stadium in Masindi.
UCU Lady Cardinals
These are the 2019 Champions, yes they won that title for Late Coach Peter Ssebulime who died in the middle of the season, the players decided to play their hearts out to win it for their fallen hero.
Last season, they had challenges with covid and poor preparations but managed to win a silver medal.
Most of the players at UCU are in their last years and others gave a bonus to the university as a sign of appreciation so they would want to leave with another gold medal. They maintained their squad of last season, added experience of Bridget Nabisaalu from She Corporate, other new faces and the return of coach Christian Magoba is a big plus to the side, he is one of the youthful coaches who are very smart with game tactics.
However, they have a challenge of scoring goals, which might affect their targets.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
These are the face of Women football in Uganda, one might fail to mention women football, but at least he/she can mention Kawempe Muslim, they don’t have many experienced players due to schools policy but trust me and player they Introduce on pitch can make a difference. Despite the fact they lost Shamirah Nalugya to Kampala Queens, they still have a number players who can prove their worth. Actually this is the season, Hadija Nandago, Shakira Nyinagahirwa Samalie Nakacwa, Nantongo Aisha to prove the whole that they can. But they don’t have a national level goalie.
Uganda Martyrs High School WFC
Last season they put up a strong challenge and they finished third, it’s among the clubs that returned for preseason very early. After losing U20 first choice custodian in Daphine Nyayenga, they recruited Daisy Nakaziro who is far better than Daphine between the sticks. Yes they also lost Gloria Namugerwa in defense but still they can compete, and their coach in Rogers Nkugwa, is one of the best in managing women football games.
Kampala Queens FC
We are to enjoy they combination of Shamirah Nalugya and Fauzia Najjemba, they also signed Zaitun Namaganda, brought in a new coach in Hamza Lutalo, appointed new Chairperson who wants to prove his boss in Eng. Moses Magogo that he can, so we expect KQ to put up challenge but this will depend on how the players will quickly adapt the coach’s tactics who has never been in girls football.
Two teams to be relegated at the end of the season basing on the final log standing
None would like to be relegated but it’s a sports rule.
Yes, they are prepared, and any coach you ask, his reply is, we are prepared to win but according to experience, squad depth, and quality of players.
Olila High School WFC
Olila High School WFC likely to be the first side to book a place in elite league, season 2023/24, they might be hard to beat at home but for the past years, they have been a poor travellers and this time we are in a very competitive league compared to previous ones.
Tooro Queens FC
They lost only one serious player in Ainembabazi Joanita who was recruited by newcomers, Rines SS WFC. They maintained their team of last season but it’s average and this is their first serious season in Super League and Ayesiga Rogers has to work hard to see that he make the Country Queens stay in the league.
She Maroons FC
The one force girls need to prove that they are on government payroll, Sida Alex has a well balanced team, good players but reluctancy of the girls and low conversion rate might force them to fight for a position in next season’s league.
How the Table is expected at the end of the season:
1. UCU Lady Cardinals.
2. Lady Doves FC
3. Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
4. Uganda Martyrs High School WFC
5. Kampala Queens FC
6. She Corporates FC
7. Rines SS WFC
8. Tooro Queens FC
9. She Maroons FC
10. Olila High School WFC.