Debutants Jico 99 FC and Winter FC started with wins while Mbokya and Solida show their might as Season 2 of the Jinja College (Jico) League kicked off in style on Saturday.
Action at Volta Arena in Kyanja, Kampala, started with Collegians FC beating Scorpion Kings 3:2 while season one champions Solida FC showed that their trophy was not a fluke as they humbled rivals Mboyo FC 2:1.
Mbokya FC won all their games, the first one was 3:2 against Nvuluga FC then against LXG whom they beat 6:1. Mbuyaga FC lost 1-0 to Mboyo FC but beat Kasenge FC 2-0.
TheKampalaReport-sponsored Kaswandi FC were sent back to the soccer academy after being defeated 5-0 by newcomers and elders Winter FC, who left the College in 2002.
After the victory, Winter Team Manager Tom Magumba took to social media to mock Kaswandi.
“I know that Kaswandi noise makers have kids, wives, parents, well-wishers and girlfriends but we have no mercy. This is a competitive sport ,When we invested in international friendlies, Kaswandi were in Nyenge Nyenge [festival],” he posted.
Asked about their performance, Mr Okot Brian Wo’Omoya, the technical team manager of Kaswandi, said: “We are still grateful to you our sponsors for always believing in us. We are sorry for the poor show today.”
“Our dependable number one goal keeper and probably the league’s finest, Cliford Ochan, walked down the aisle today and as such, many of the first team players went to show solidarity. We also have another classmate, Lumonge Emmanuel, who has also tied the note today as well this explains our dismal performance today,” he added.
The moment of the day was when Jico 99 FC, the oldest cohort in the league so far, were given a guard of honour by Kasenge FC to welcome them into the League.
Jico 99 FC went ahead to confirm the adage that the while the young broom, the old broom knows all corners when they subjected the youngsters to a footballing lesson, with goals coming from Rashid Ntambi and Zeddy.
After the game, Counsel Sam Gimanga promised “fireworks” for their upcoming games.
“We warn our opponents that age is just a number; we came to the league to mean business,” he said.
Tom Menya, the Mbokya FC captain, hailed his team for a great performance.
“I think it was a good display with even many first team players away due to various commitments but we had 100% win. My players were very composed and listening to the instructions as well as the plans we set before getting on pitch. I believe with the good spirit of unity and love for the game, we shall compete this season and not to only participate,” he said.
“I want to assure both Mbokya fans and sponsors that we are at it this season. Last season was a learning stage for us and throughout the break we’ve been planning on how to execute and obtain good results at all costs. It’s upon our poor performance last season that we chose to make a difference this season to make our fans and sponsors proud for we believe and respect them,” he said.
The day’s action was crowned by Kibati’s win over rivals Collegian, with the only goal of the game scored by Kakaire Micheal.
After the games, Mr Lasuba Timothy, the league president, described Day One of Season 2 as epic.
“Seeing teams dig deep to prove that they are still formidable contenders for the title and above all else bragging rights was my key highlight,” Lasuba said.
“Solida FC came in strong and pocketed all six points to prove that they are the defending champions. Equally, Mbokya FC brought their A game to prove that they belong in the conversation about contenders,” he said.
Lasuba said the biggest highlight was seeing the now oldest cohort physically present on the pitch.
“For them to play and actually win against a cohort that wasn’t even born when they left, Jico tells a lot about the investment each cohort is making into the League. I can now actually say that there is more where this came from,” he said.
The league president further hailed the partners for making the day a success.
“Thank you, KR Media Limited, the publishers of www.thekampalareport.com; Rocket Health Uganda, Track 24, Aquafina, Galaxy TV, Kagwirawo Sport, and we do not take your belief in us for granted,” he said.
Lasuba said they will hold their Day Two of games in January 2024.
“We would like teams to enjoy their Christmas without the worry of which opponent they’ll be playing next,” he said.
“Allow me conclude by thanking all cohort representatives who mobilised the boys to turn up for the games. Let’s keep at it, and we will surely realise that for the Jico League , it’s more than just the game,” he added.
Scores from Day One
Scorpion Kings 2 Collegians 3
Mboyo1 Solida2
Mbuyaga 2 Kasenge 0
Kaswandi 0 Winter 5
Kibati 2 Kaboige2
Kasenge 01 Jico99 2
Solida 4v Scorpion Kings 0
Collegian 0 Kibati 1
Mbokya 06 LxG0