By | 📝Brian Sentuuya
The journey for Kampala Queens in the first round of the 2023-24 FUFA Women Super League has been a mix of triumphs and tribulations, ultimately leading to a major shakeup in the technical team. The defending champions, under the helm of Ssenyange Kadidi Nsanziro, experienced a series of ups and downs that prompted significant changes within the club.
Their campaign kicked off with a bang on Match day one, as the Queens of Soccer secured a 2-1 victory over Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC on October 15, 2023. Shamirah Nalugya and former Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC winger Catherine Nagadya orchestrated the win, with Latifah Nakasi finding the net for the visitors.
Despite the initial success, Match day 2 proved challenging, culminating in a 2-2 draw against Makerere University WFC. Fazila Ikwaput’s double was not enough to secure a win, as Josephine Ndagire and Jemimah Twesigye responded for the university side.
Regaining their stride on Match day three, the Queens claimed a 1-0 home victory over UCU Lady Cardinals FC, thanks to Zainah Namuleme’s 45th-minute strike at the MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.Continuing their winning streak, the defending champions notched a 2-0 victory over Rines SS WFC on November 12, 2023, at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso. Fazila Ikwaput and Zainah Nandede found the net, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Amidst the echoes of a disheartening expedition in the CAF Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers and a string of inconsistent league performances, Kampala Queens FC took a decisive step on December 23, 2023. The club bid farewell to Head Coach Charles Ssenyange, signaling a new chapter in their quest for excellence and sporting glory.
The decision extended to most of the technical staff, signaling a strategic shift to achieve the club’s objectives.A new era began on December 28, 2023, with the appointment of Charles Ayiekoh Lukula as the new head coach. The former Simba Queens SC Coach signed a two-year contract, lasting until 2025, and faced his first challenge on January 3, 2024, against record champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC.
Despite the coaching change, the defending champions suffered their first loss of the season on Match day five, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC. Agnes Nabukenya’s goals in the 25th and 44th minutes secured the three points for the valley warriors.
Rebounding with resilience on Match day six, the Queens secured a 2-0 victory over Lady Doves on January 6, 2024, at Katushabe grounds in Masindi. Catherine Nagadya and Sumaya Komuntale’s goals handed Charles Ayiekoh his first win at the club.
The Queens bolstered their striking force on January 10, 2024, unveiling former She Corporate FC, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC, and Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC forward Anita Namata. This strategic move aimed to fortify their attacking lineup after the departure of former Lady Doves striker Ikwaput Fazila.
Continuing their dominance, Kampala Queens registered a commanding 5-1 victory over She Maroons on Match day seven, showcasing goals from Justine Najjuko (own goal), Hasifah Nassuna, Zainah Nandede, Catherine Nagadya, and Sumaya Komuntale.
In a hard-fought eighth match, the Queens secured a 2-1 win against newly promoted side Wakiso Hill WFC. Goals from Zainah Namuleme and Nandede Zainah secured the three points, overcoming Rashida Nankya’s strike that canceled out Namuleme’s early goal.
Despite hopes of surpassing table leaders Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, who had concluded their first-round fixtures, the Queens settled for a goalless draw with Asubo Ladies FC in their final first-round game at Kampala Quality Ground.
As the dust settles on the first round, Kampala Queens FC finds themselves in second place on the league summit with 20 points, just one point behind table leaders Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC. The defending champions maintain high hopes for a successful title defense as they gear up for the second half of the season.
- How Namuwongo Blazers Refused to Lose: Inside a Game 7 That Needed Overtime to Decide a Champion
- Entebbe UPPC Face Vipers Test with Key Players Sidelined
- Vipers Begin Title Defence Against Entebbe UPPC at Kitende
- Kawempe Muslim Set for CBE Rematch in CAFWCL Semifinal
- KCCA Leopards Crush Stormers to Secure NBL Bronze
Discover more from Sbk Sports Mail | Latest Sports News, Insights, and Features from Uganda, East Africa & Around the World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
AROUND THE SPORTING WORLD
- How Namuwongo Blazers Refused to Lose: Inside a Game 7 That Needed Overtime to Decide a Champion
Two comebacks, blown leads, tactical adjustments from both benches, and enough tension to stretch across an entire season had already been spent by the time Game 7 tipped off, and still there was more basketball left to play than either side could have wanted. - Entebbe UPPC Face Vipers Test with Key Players Sidelined
With several first-team players watching from the sidelines, Entebbe UPPC must find solutions from within their available squad. - Vipers Begin Title Defence Against Entebbe UPPC at Kitende
The encounter, scheduled for 8pm and live on Sanyuka Prime TV, brings the long-awaited return of top-flight football and immediately places the defending champions under the spotlight. For Vipers, it is an opportunity to begin their pursuit of another league crown on a positive note, while Entebbe UPPC will be eager to spoil the champions' opening night. - Kawempe Muslim Set for CBE Rematch in CAFWCL Semifinal
The semifinal will provide CBE with a chance to respond after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Kawempe Muslim during the group stage. The Valley Warriors already know they can overcome their Ethiopian opponents, but they will expect CBE to approach the rematch with greater determination and a different tactical plan. - KCCA Leopards Crush Stormers to Secure NBL Bronze
The Leopards produced an impressive display of attacking basketball and defensive discipline, building a commanding advantage early before responding strongly to a brief second-half revival from the Stormers.
