In a riveting climax to the FUFA Super 8 tournament, BUL FC etched their name in Ugandan football history with a historic victory. The journey began with eight teams vying for glory, and it culminated in a heart-stopping final showdown, showcasing the very essence of the beautiful game.
The FUFA Super 8 tournament marked its long-awaited return after a hiatus of nearly four years, and fans were eager to witness the resumption of this prestigious competition. The excitement was palpable as the top teams from the previous season’s Uganda Premier League (UPL) prepared to battle for supremacy.
One of the standout features of this year’s tournament was a change in the qualification criteria. Unlike previous editions, which included two newly promoted teams from the FUFA Big League, the 2023 edition featured the top eight teams from the 2022/23 UPL campaign. This alteration added an extra layer of competitiveness, as the cream of Ugandan football locked horns in the quest for silverware.
The tournament kicked off with high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint. Teams like Vipers, KCCA, SC Villa, Arua Hill, URA, Maroons, BUL, and Wakiso Giants brought their A-game to the pitch. The competition was fierce, marked by exceptional goals, remarkable saves, and thrilling moments.
As the matches unfolded, it became evident that the FUFA Super 8 was more than just a preseason tournament—it was a platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies, assess new signings, and gauge their readiness for the upcoming season. The absence of the tournament for the previous two editions had left fans craving for football action, and the return of the FUFA Super 8 was a welcome sight.
KCCA FC and Vipers SC, the previous winners of the tournament in 2018 and 2019, had their sights set on reclaiming the title. In 2019, the champions received a substantial cash prize of 20 million Ugandan Shillings, but the prize money for the 2023 edition remained undisclosed.
The semifinals brought forth intriguing clashes. SC Villa faced BUL FC, and the latter claimed a 1-0 victory. A decisive penalty converted by Samuel Ssekamate proved to be the pivotal moment. Meanwhile, URA FC locked horns with KCCA FC, and young striker Abu Mayanja stole the spotlight with a brace that secured a 2-0 win for KCCA.
With the finalists decided, BUL FC and URA FC faced off in a thrilling final. However, the regulation time couldn’t separate the two sides, leading to a penalty shootout. In an extraordinary turn of events, URA FC’s Hudu Mulikyi, Nicholas Kabonge, and Sharif Kimbowa had their penalties saved by BUL FC’s substitute goalkeeper, Joel Mutakubwa. The only successful conversion for URA came from Joshua Lubwama. Remarkably, Mutakubwa not only thwarted URA’s efforts but also boldly stepped up to score a penalty himself, clinching the championship for BUL FC.
As the final whistle blew, BUL FC celebrated their first-ever FUFA Super 8 trophy, marking a historic achievement in their football journey. The victory was a testament to their resilience and determination.
The FUFA Super 8 tournament served as a prelude to the upcoming league season and provided fans with unforgettable moments of football brilliance. It showcased the depth of talent in Ugandan football and set the stage for an action-packed season ahead.
With the conclusion of this remarkable tournament, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the start of the league.
