By Victor Turinawe
The 2025-26 Pepsi University Football League resumes this weekend, and the UCU Cardinals have strengthened their attack with two new forwards as they push for a place in the knockout phase.
The additions are striker Levi Kaboole and winger Murushid Wandera, both from UCU Mbale Campus. The pair impressed during the 2025 Association of Uganda University Sports Games.
UCU started the season slowly in Group E, losing 1-0 to Ndejje University, then beating King Ceasor University 6-1 before drawing 1-1 with Kumi University. With two group games left, the Cardinals are determined to finish top.
Fresh off their AUUS football title, the Cardinals head into a crucial phase and will face Makerere University’s team, The Impis, on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Head coach Jimmy Kintu confirmed the squad updates.
“We have added only two players, Kaboole and Wandera. They were vital for us during the AUUS championship we won in December. They play in the FUFA Eastern Regional League, and their experience will help us in the coming games,” Kintu said.
He added that the team aims to carry their AUUS form into the league.
“We have been inactive for a while, but the attitude of the boys shows hunger. We know what is at stake. We have to win our two games.”
Team captain Patrick Ogola said the group has prepared well.
“This is our third week of preparation. We know the opponents are tough. We are all students, so we have few disruptions. We are managing ourselves well physically, mentally and emotionally. We have no worrying injuries,” Ogola said.
