By Michael Ainomugisha,
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Cardinals’ campaign in the 2024/2025 University Football League (UFL) came to a disappointing end, failing to make it past the group stages—a sharp contrast to their impressive finals run last season. Their early exit wasn’t just a case of bad luck. It was the product of a mix of defensive lapses, underwhelming attacking efforts, transitional challenges, and tactical missteps.
Grouped in Group C alongside St Lawrence University (SLAU), Kabale University, and YMCA Comprehensive Institute, UCU faced a tough path to qualification. Unlike last season, where they displayed resilience and ambition despite falling short in the final against Nkumba University, this season’s performances were inconsistent at best.
A narrow win over YMCA, a dominant victory against Kabale, and two draws were overshadowed by key losses to Kabale University (1-0) and SLAU (2-1). That determination and cohesion from last year seemed to be missing when it mattered most.
The team’s defensive struggles were glaring throughout. Captain Elton Mwidu came under fire for repeated difficulties handling aerial balls—a weakness opponents exploited, including SLAU’s winning goal in the decisive group match.
Centre-backs Praise Wambuga and Sharif Sewanyana struggled with positioning, leaving gaps for opponents to capitalise on, such as Kabale University’s lone goal in their defeat of UCU. The departure of defensive standout Godfrey Arijole left a void in leadership and composure that the team couldn’t fill. These lapses left the Cardinals vulnerable time and again.
Offensively, things weren’t much better. The loss of attacking stars Geoffrey Gagganga and Isaac Offoyirwoth created a void that replacements like Harry Abiti and Oyaka Geoffrey couldn’t consistently fill. Even in the 0-0 draw against YMCA, where UCU dominated possession, the team struggled to finish opportunities.
On top of that, questionable tactical choices—like substituting key midfielder Peter Kyomuhendo in a crucial clash against SLAU—left the midfield exposed and the team out of balance.
Coach Jimmy Kintu’s candid acknowledgment of the team’s transitional phase adds important context to their struggles. With younger, less experienced players stepping into vital roles, lapses in game management were inevitable.
Players like Ivan Kisembo and Bananywa Najib showed promise but fell short in high-stakes moments. Najib’s intercepted pass that led to SLAU’s decisive second goal summed up the challenges of relying on youth under pressure.
While Kintu’s long-term vision for rebuilding the team is valid, the UFL demands quick results, and fans accustomed to success are unlikely to wait patiently.
Looking ahead, UCU has work to do to restore their place among the league’s contenders. Defensive organisation, better communication, and stronger positioning need to be top priorities. Offensively, they need consistency—whether by refining tactics or nurturing talent.
Younger players must step up as leaders, learning to handle pressure and guide the team forward. For Coach Kintu, improving match strategies and tactical adaptability will be key, especially in high-pressure games.
The Cardinals’ premature group-stage exit should be a wake-up call. For a team with UCU’s pedigree, the path back to the top demands introspection and decisive action. It won’t be easy, but with focused changes, the Cardinals can rise again and make their community proud.
Michael Ainomugisha is a sports writer who covers various sporting activities at Uganda Christian University (UCU). He writes about teams such as the UCU Lady Cardinals, Cardinals (football), UCU Canons (basketball), UCU Lady Canons (basketball), and other sports like volleyball UCU Lady Doves, Doves, and athletics. His work includes match reports, player profiles, and in-depth coverage of tournaments such as the FUFA Women’s Super League, the National Basketball League, and the University Football League.
