By Michael Ainomugisha.
With the FUFA Women’s Super League coming to an end, the UCU Lady Cardinals are in an unsafe position, currently ranked ninth in the league with only 14 points and two matches remaining. Despite recently winning the FUFA Women’s Cup, there are still worries over whether their cup success can translate into league survival.
The Lady Cardinals’ journey in the Women’s Super League has been difficult, as they have found it difficult to maintain consistent performance on the pitch, especially in the second half of the season. The Cardinals commenced the second round with a home defeat against the She Maroons, followed by draws against Kampala Queens and She Mak, and subsequent losses against Wakiso Hills, Kawempe, the Uganda Martyrs, and most recently, the Lady Doves.
With just two matches remaining, they face a daunting task against Rines at Kabaka Kyabaggu and the relegated Asubo in Mukono to secure their standing in the league and evade relegation.
However, amidst their league struggles, UCU’s commendable displays in the FUFA Women’s Cup have provided a glimmer of hope for the team and their supporters, notably triumphing in the round of 32 against Israel and Makerere. Their latest victory on the road against Lady Doves FC in the cup tournament highlighted their resilience and determination, qualities that have been somewhat lacking in the FUFA Women’s Super League.
The pressing question now is whether the UCU Lady Cardinals can capitalize on the momentum from their cup triumph and stage a resurgence in the Women’s Super League. With their backs against the wall, the team must unite and summon their strength to overcome the obstacles they face in the league.
As they gear up for their remaining league fixtures, each match presents a vital opportunity for UCU to demonstrate their capabilities and fight for their position in the Women’s Super League.
Additionally, their relegation rivals include Wakiso Hill, who are tied on 18 points with the same goal difference, facing Lady Doves in Masindi and Rines at Kabaka Kyabaggu in their final showdown.
Seventh-placed She Mak will face the Uganda Martyrs at St. Gerald’s and Lady Doves in Masindi, holding 19 points with a negative goal difference of three, while Rines appear precarious with 20 points and a negative goal difference of eight, facing relegation contenders UCU and Wakiso Hill.