Tooro Queens: First Round Review – A Challenging Return to Topflight Football and the Fight for Survival | Sbk Sports Mail

BY

Brian Sentuuya

Tooro Queens, a club with a rich legacy in Ugandan women’s football, has long been a symbol of talent and resilience, having produced exceptional players like Joanita Ainembabazi, Jolly Kobusingye of Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and Sumayah Komuntale of Kampala Queens, among others. Their promotion to the 2024/2025 Finance Trust Bank Women’s Super League marked a long-awaited return to topflight football—a moment of celebration for the team, its supporters, and the broader football community. This promotion brought high expectations, with hopes that Tooro Queens would re-establish themselves as a dominant force in Ugandan football, continuing their history of nurturing young talent and competing at the highest level. However, as the season has unfolded, the team has faced numerous challenges, making their transition back to top-tier football more difficult than anticipated. The season’s first round has been a mix of struggles, fleeting brilliance, and harsh realities.

Having completed 11 matches in the opening round, Tooro Queens’ performance has been marked by a blend of individual moments of brilliance and frustrating inconsistencies. Their record, with just one win, two draws, and eight losses, accumulating only five points, presents a stark picture of their uphill battle in regaining their competitive edge. With only seven goals scored and 16 conceded, it is clear that the team has struggled to find balance. Their attacking unit has struggled to convert chances, while their defense has often been exposed under pressure. Despite this tough start, Tooro Queens’ resilience remains evident. The team continues to battle through adversity, aiming to build on the positives and correct their shortcomings as they look to improve in the second round.

The season began with a glimmer of hope, as Tooro Queens secured a 1-1 draw against Lady Doves WFC in an away fixture. Lady Doves took the lead early with Resty Kobusobozi’s 7th-minute goal, but Tooro Queens responded with remarkable determination. Imelda Kasemire’s late equalizer in the 85th minute showcased the team’s fighting spirit and ability to bounce back from adversity. While the draw was not a victory, it demonstrated the potential within the squad and gave fans hope that Tooro Queens could compete at the highest level. However, this initial optimism was quickly tempered by disappointing results that revealed the immense challenges of re-establishing themselves in a league teeming with experienced teams.

The team’s first loss came on matchday two, when they were narrowly defeated 1-0 at home by Makerere University WFC. Jemimah Twesigye’s lone goal proved decisive, as Tooro Queens struggled to break down their opponents despite enjoying home advantage. The inability to score and create clear-cut chances became a recurring theme in the following matches, leaving the team questioning their attacking strategies. On matchday three, they suffered another 1-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC, with Auki Kigongo’s 41st-minute strike proving the difference. The defeat highlighted the team’s inability to convert possession into goals, adding to their growing frustrations.

Tooro Queens’ lack of clinical finishing remained a central issue, as evidenced on matchday four when they hosted Rines SS WFC at home. Phiona Arach’s 65th-minute goal handed Rines all three points in a 1-0 win. Despite being at home, Tooro Queens could not break down their opponent’s defense, and their attacking struggles overshadowed moments of defensive resilience. The frustration was palpable as the team struggled to create clear opportunities and failed to execute the fundamentals required for success. This inability to convert chances began to define their season, and the growing sense of unease was hard to ignore.

The Queens’ struggles deepened on matchday five, as they suffered another 1-0 home loss, this time to She Maroons FC. Lillian Kasuubo’s goal in the 73rd minute sealed the victory for the visitors, leaving Tooro Queens still searching for their first win of the season. Once again, the team failed to find the back of the net, despite glimpses of promise in possession and defensive organization. The lack of attacking dynamism was becoming more evident, and the team’s struggle to maintain offensive momentum was a key factor in their underwhelming performances. However, this loss served as a stark reminder that significant improvement was needed in both the attacking and defensive departments for Tooro Queens to survive in the topflight.

On matchday six, the Queens were humbled in a 3-1 defeat by Olila HS WFC in Soroti. Olila’s dominance throughout the match was clear, with goals from Lotyang Mary, Sharon Achen, and Marrion Amangat putting the game beyond Tooro Queens’ reach. Sharon Nabbowa’s lone goal for the Queens was little more than a consolation. This crushing defeat underscored the gap in quality between Tooro Queens and some of the league’s more established teams. The defense was exposed under relentless pressure from Olila’s attackers, and the Queens’ inability to cope with the pace and intensity of the game left them with much to ponder. The match highlighted the urgent need for improvement in both defensive organization and attacking sharpness if Tooro Queens are to avoid relegation.

Despite mounting losses, Tooro Queens found some respite on matchday seven, when they held She Corporate FC to a goalless draw at home. Although the result was far from ideal, the clean sheet was a much-needed confidence booster, especially after a series of disappointing defeats. The team’s defensive resolve was commendable, offering a glimpse of what could be achieved if they find consistency at both ends of the pitch. However, their offensive struggles persisted, and the team was still searching for their first victory of the season—a reminder of the challenges they faced in translating defensive stability into attacking success.

The long-awaited victory finally arrived on matchday nine, when Tooro Queens triumphed 2-0 over Wakiso Hill WFC. Goals from Evelyn Katusiime and Imelda Kasemire sealed the win, providing the team with a much-needed boost. The victory not only ended their winless streak but also offered a glimmer of hope for the future. It was a moment of celebration for both the players and supporters, as the team demonstrated their potential to overcome earlier struggles. The win reinforced the belief that Tooro Queens have the talent and determination to compete at the highest level, but consistency would remain the key to their survival.

However, this optimism was short-lived, as the Queens were defeated 2-1 by Kampala Queens on matchday 10. Despite a valiant effort, which saw Atuhaire Mastulah’s goal briefly spark hope, Tooro Queens were unable to prevent Shamirah Nalugya and Zainah Nandede from scoring for Kampala. The defeat served as a painful reminder of the Queens’ ongoing inconsistency, as they struggled to perform when it mattered most. The inability to build on the momentum from their earlier victory highlighted the team’s fragile psyche and the immense pressure they faced in the remaining matches.

The Queens’ fortunes did not improve on matchday 11 when they were again defeated 3-1 by Amus College WFC. Shayline Opisa’s brace, along with Edinah Wandera’s goal, sealed the win for Amus, with Winnie Kabugho’s strike for Tooro Queens serving only as a mere consolation. The performance was lackluster, and the Queens struggled to regain composure after falling behind. This result further cemented their place near the relegation zone and emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in both mindset and performance.

The first round concluded with a rescheduled match against defending champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, where Tooro Queens suffered another defeat, this time by a 3-1 scoreline. Despite Sharon Nabbowa’s late goal, the Queens were undone by a series of defensive errors, with Samalie Nakachwa, Agnes Nabukenya, and Hadijah Nandago all finding the back of the net for Kawempe. This defeat left Tooro Queens firmly in 11th place in the relegation zone, tied on 5 points with 10th-place Olila HS WFC, who still have a game in hand and also boast a better head-to-head record than Tooro. They are just one place above bottom-placed Wakiso Hill WFC, who also share the same points, but Tooro is ahead due to a superior head-to-head record. This situation underscores the challenges Tooro Queens face in competing with the league’s top teams. The first round has proven to be a tough learning curve, with the team struggling to find the right balance between offense and defense.

Looking ahead, Tooro Queens must address their issues in both attack and defense to avoid relegation and improve their standing in the league. Reinforcements are needed, particularly in key areas like goalkeeping, where costly errors have been recurring. The January transfer window presents an opportunity for the team to strengthen their squad, and they must act decisively to secure reinforcements that will help them climb away from the relegation zone. Additionally, the team must continue to nurture the development of players like Imelda Kasemire and Sharon Nabowa, who have shown flashes of brilliance. With the right mindset, focus, and reinforcements, Tooro Queens can still salvage their season and make a strong push for survival in the second half of the 2024/2025 season.

Despite a challenging start, Tooro Queens’ head coach Rogers Ayesiga remains optimistic about the team’s future. Acknowledging the challenges posed by their late promotion, Coach Ayesiga highlights the team’s reliance on younger players, which has added complexity to their preparations. He also notes that several key players were preoccupied with their UNEB exams, further affecting the team’s readiness for the season. Nevertheless, Coach Ayesiga’s unwavering optimism reflects his belief in the potential of his squad to overcome these early setbacks and achieve greater success.

“We received the news of our promotion to the league at a late stage, and as a result, had to rely heavily on the young players who had been part of last season’s Elite League. This meant we were at a disadvantage, as our squad lacked the experience needed to fully cope with the high standards of this level. Compounding this challenge, several key players were focused on their UNEB exams, limiting our preparations. Despite these setbacks, we maintained a positive outlook, understanding that growth takes time. We have seen improvement in our players’ attitude and resilience, and as we approach the second round, we are more attuned to the demands of the league. We are confident that we will continue to improve and are actively working to address our weaknesses and refine our strengths. With renewed focus and determination, we are ready to make a strong push in the second half of the season and demonstrate Tooro Queens’ true potential.” — Tooro Queens’ coach, Rogers Ayesiga, commented on his team’s performance in the first round.

The second round of the 2024/2025 season holds immense significance for Tooro Queens as they look to reverse the challenges faced in the first half of the campaign. With the addition of reinforcements and a renewed sense of resolve, the team possesses the potential to turn their season around and escape the relegation zone. However, this turnaround will require a focused and collective effort. The Queens must dig deep, drawing on their resilience and the individual brilliance shown by players like Imelda Kasemire and Sharon Nabbowa. By building on their strengths, correcting deficiencies, and making key adjustments, the team can regain their competitive edge and aim for higher placements in the league.

Despite the daunting challenge that lies ahead, Tooro Queens can rise to the occasion with a renewed mindset and an unwavering commitment to improvement. The fight for survival is not an easy one, but the team’s spirit and determination have been evident throughout the season. With the right reinforcements in place, particularly in areas like goalkeeping and offensive play, Tooro Queens can bolster their squad and enhance their performance. The road to success will be tough, but with a collective push from both players and coaching staff, the Queens have the opportunity to prove their worth, demonstrate their true potential, and secure their place in the top-flight.

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