Bugema University head coach, Nyanzi Meddy has vowed his team is in a strong position to defend their East Africa University Football title at the upcoming 13th East Africa University Games (EAUG) scheduled for December 15–21, 2024, at Maseno University in Kenya.
Speaking exclusively to DailyExpress, Nyanzi revealed the team has been in intense training and is ready to overcome any challenges, particularly those brought about by recent administrative changes at the university.
“We have been training seriously. The change in administration at Bugema University has presented its own set of challenges, but we are fully prepared to defend our title as East Africa champions and to continue marketing the university through our performance,” he said.
The coach highlighted the strong team chemistry and character that has become the hallmark of Bugema’s football program. “Bugema University’s football team doesn’t just create players; we shape them. The character of our players and the chemistry within the team is what sets us apart,” Nyanzi added.
Nyanzi also shared that Bugema University’s football program is not just focused on winning titles but is dedicated to developing players who can succeed at higher levels. “We are creating a pipeline of players who can compete at national and international levels,” he affirmed
“Our goal is to give young players the experience they need to grow, and we are seeing the results on the field.”
Under Nyanzi’s guidance, Bugema University claimed the East Africa University Games football title in 2022, overcoming the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) 1-0 in a tense final at Arena Visions Stadium in Ndejje.
At the upcoming 2024 tournament, Bugema will field a squad that features a mix of experienced players and new talent.
Several key players from the 2022 title-winning squad, such as Ssenyunja Isaac, Wafula Donald, and Ssebbale Swalaf-din, have graduated and are no longer part of the team. Their places have been taken by promising new players including Bwabye Kenneth, Mulyanti Kegan, and Nyenje Abdul-Allahuman.
Additionally, the team has benefited from the experience of young players who have recently competed in Uganda’s Masaza Cup. Wafula Flex, Ssentongo Sulaiman, and Male Joseph, who played for top teams in the Masaza Cup Gomba, Bugerere, and Kyadondo, respectively bring invaluable match experience to the squad.
The 2024 East Africa University Games, which will feature over 30 universities from East Africa, promises to be a highly competitive event with teams from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan vying for supremacy.
Alongside football, the games will feature a wide range of sports, including rugby, netball, volleyball, and hockey, as well as indoor sports such as chess, badminton, and scrabble.
Ugandan universities have been particularly strong in the EAUG, with Ndejje University and Makerere University securing the top spots in previous editions.
In 2022, Ndejje University emerged as the overall champion with a total of 124 medals, including 59 golds, while Makerere University finished second with 68 medals.
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