Kitara FC win Stanbic Uganda Cup

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Cheers, joy, and thumbs-up defined the atmosphere at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku as Hoima-based club Kitara FC celebrated their victory in the 50th edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup on Saturday.

The Royals, as they are commonly known, defeated NEC Football Club 1-0 in a fiercely contested match to claim their first-ever Uganda Cup trophy and a major piece of silverware. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when second-half substitute Solomon Okwalinga scored the lone goal, helping Kitara FC overcome a resilient NEC side that dominated much of the first half.

Kitara FC has enjoyed one of their best seasons to date, finishing fourth in the domestic league and now securing the Uganda Cup. Earlier in the season, the Royals had hoped for a domestic double after spending several months at the top of the Uganda Premier League, but they eventually conceded the league title to SC Villa.

This victory is perhaps the best gift Kitara FC players can offer to their dedicated supporters, who have consistently traveled from Hoima for every match, cheering the team day in and day out. On the final day, Kitara FC fans made up at least two-thirds of the crowd that stormed Mutesa II Stadium to witness the grand finale, including several officials from the Bunyoro Kingdom.

The win also grants Kitara FC a qualification ticket to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, marking their debut in a continental championship. Kitara FC’s goalkeeper was named the most valuable player, while NEC’s Allan Mugalu, Joseph Dhata, and Gideon Ondong received accolades for best midfielder, top scorer, and best defender, respectively.

Speaking to URN on the sidelines of the stadium, Kitara FC Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo expressed his happiness for the win but acknowledged the responsibility it brings as they prepare to compete on an international level.

“We are not getting excited for now. Yes, we are happy for the win today, but we are looking at the bigger picture. We are now going to start preparing for the Confederations Cup. We are going to make some additions, like five players, so that we can compete at the top level,” Ssenyondo told URN.

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URN