Two-time champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) clash with two-time runners-up St. Lawrence University (SLAU) in the grand finale of the 12th Pepsi University Football League at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Victory would see UMU become the first team to win three titles, while SLAU is chasing their historic maiden crown.
For SLAU, coach Davis Ssozi, it’s a personal redemption mission, having lost two previous finals, including to UMU in 2022.
UMU aims to silence critics who branded their 2022 win “lucky” and cap off an unbeaten season — a feat never achieved before (seven wins, three draws). Head coach Eric Kisuze, once an assistant during their 2017 triumph, could join an elite group of two-time title-winning coaches.
The final promises a fierce Golden Boot race: SLAU captain Ronnie Ziraba (4 goals, 3 assists) faces off against UMU captain Joseph Kayondo and SLAU’s Arafat Kembo (both on 5 goals).
It will be a battle between SLAU’s fearsome attack and UMU’s rock-solid defence (just four goals conceded in 10 games). However, SLAU’s shaky backline — only two clean sheets and no away wins this season — remains a concern.
Key matchups include:
UMU right back Kayondo vs SLAU winger Innocent Matege
UMU’s Ivan Agamire vs SLAU’s right back Derrick Kato
UMU center-backs Mutebi and Masumbuko vs SLAU’s Kembo and Kalanda
Midfield duel between Jjonga/Sseruwuge (UMU) and Ziraba/Mutebi (SLAU)
UMU’s preparations are slightly dampened by injury doubts over Emmanuel Ogwang, Emmanuel Francis, Cheng PerJek, and Calvin Peter Emayo.
Before the final, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) faces Bugema University in the third-place playoff. Bugema won bronze in 2019, while IUIU is debuting at this stage.
