After an unprecedented campaign that saw Kampala Queens FC conquer the FUFA Women Super League last season, a new challenge awaits.
The question on everyone’s lips is whether the Queens of Soccer can be stopped from continuing their reign of excellence.
Will their rivals find the means to exploit any weaknesses, or could Kampala Queens’ formidable core of players, along with new signings, elevate them to even greater heights this season?
Here are five burning questions ahead of Kampala Queens FC’s 2023-24 season:
1 – Can Kampala Queens be stopped?
That is the question being asked in boardrooms and manager’s offices all over Uganda. How do you catch them, and how do you beat them?
After winning the league last season in a convincing way, coach Charles Ssenyange‘s team have a target on their back.
Following a disappointing CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers campaign, the coach via the club’s socials, in an interview, said that their aim is to win the league again – an ominous warning to the rest of the league.
Despite coming off the most successful campaign in Kampala Queens history, there have been a number of changes this summer. But does that mean there is an opportunity for their rivals, or could they be even stronger?
2- What Will be different this season?
Coach Hamza Lutalo who was in charge of the club as they won their maiden league title last season was replaced by Charles Ssenyange Kadidi.
The new coach will be in charge of his first league game on Sunday 15th October as the Queens play hosts to Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC.
The club entered into a partnership with KCCA FC and will consequently host their league games at MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Will an artificial turf bring out the tiki-taka football the fans have been demanding or will the team need time to acclimatise to it?
Will the marriage with KCCA FC add to the fanbase to the Queens of Soccer, enhancing the matchday experience?
Striker Resty Nanziri, who was the club’s top scorer and best player last season, won’t feature for the club this season and new signing Fazila Ikwaput is expected to fill her gap.
Last season, some Kampala Queens players had limited game time due to depth and competition in the squad, but this campaign will be even tougher as the team added 8 players.
Apart from the departure of Resty Nanziri, the formidable core of the league-winning squad remained intact.
3 – Are there problems to solve?
There is no doubt that Resty Nanziri will be a big miss. However, with arguably the best goal scorer in the country Fazila Ikwaput alongside Florence Imanizabayo and Sophie Nakinyinji available as the centre forwards, the team should be fine in the goal scoring department.
Last season’s league MVP and top scorer Shakirah Nyinagahirwa also joined the team on a 6-month loan from rivals Kawempe. Rather unfortunately, the teenager will miss the opening games of the league due to a knee injury.
Patience Nabulobi, Hadijah Nandago, Catherine Nagadya, Esther Namusoke and Samalie Nakacwa are other players who joined Kampala Queens but how will they blend in?
Team selection
Team selection could be a big problem for coach Kadidi and his assistants as was witnessed in the Zonal Qualifiers in August. Every position has two or more players with the ability to deliver.
Prima Mugide and Gloria Namakula will compete with Daisy Nakaziro who has proved to be the best goalkeeper in the league over the years.
The regular back four of Patricia Akiror, Lukiya Namubiru, Sumayah Komuntale and Asia Nakibuuka are likely to stay ahead of Samalie Nakacwa, Esther Namusoke, Patience Nabulobi, Docus Nabuufu, Jude Sanyu and Jamilah Nabulime.
In midfield, Shakirah Mutiibwa (back from injury), Shamirah Nalugya and Hasifah Nasuna will face stiff competition from Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Hadijah Nandago, Zainah Namulemeand Damalie Matama for the starting 3 positions.
The strikers will give the coach the biggest headache as Elizabeth Nakigozi, Florence Imanizabayo, Sophia Nakiyinji, Catherine Nagadya, Lillian Mutuzo, Fazila Ikwaput and Margaret Kunihira are all available for selection.
Will team selection challenges cost Kampala Queens FC or will they use the squad depth to become even stronger this season?
Yes, they have all it takes, but was Kadidi the right person to replace Hamza Lutalo, a coach who recently said that they need motivational speakers for the players and also described women footballers as difficult to deal with emotionally?
4 – Could the Queens of Soccer be even better this season?
Charles Ssenyange will know exactly what he’s getting with Imanizabayo, goals from the energetic and experienced striker, but it’s the signing of Catherine Nagadya that is most exciting.
Only 18, she’s already one of best forwards in the league, a player who can score and create chances for others.
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and Hadijah Nandago are great additions in midfield but what if they don’t stay at the club after the expiry of their short loan deals?
Patience Nabulobi is also a very good addition given that Kampala Queens FC’s defence was shaky last season, conceding several goals from avoidable mistakes.
The team will compete to retain the league title and also to win the FUFA Women’s Cup this season. With the available squad and resources, they have a good chance to make it.
5 – Who can stop them?
It was historic as Kampala Queens lifted their maiden league title last season, but the same almost happened in the 2022 when they missed out on the last day, just on goal difference.
Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC are the only team to get close to the Queens of soccer but after finishing third last season and letting three of their key players join the champions, will they have enough to challenge?
They have strengthened their main problem area in defence by adding Shakirah Nagudi, Nabirah Nakito and Sharon Kanyiginya.
The addition of Ruth Nyakato and Kizza Moureen to Latifah Nakasi, Brenda Munyana, Shamusa Najjuma and Sumayah Nalumu may fill the gap left by their former captain Catherine Nagadya in hunting for goals.
Kawempe Muslim LFC finished second to last season. They however loaned their best players Shakirah Nyanagahirwa, Hadijah Nandago and Samalie Nakacwa for the first round of the league.
They recruited Mary Kabacureezi, Yudaya Nakayenze among others to bridge the gap.
The 2023/24 FUFA Women Super League season will kick off this weekend as UCU Lady Cardinals host Lady Doves on Saturday 14th October in Mukono.
Matchday One Fixtures
Saturday 14th October
UCU Lady Cardinals FC vs Lady Doves FC- UCU Sports Ground
Sunday 15th October
Kampala Queens FC vs Uganda Martyrs Lubaga – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
Wakiso Hills WFC vs Makerere University WFC – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Asubo Gafford Ladies FC vs She Maroons FC – Kampala Quality Grounds
Rines SS WFC vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies – Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium
Courtesy Photos
