Hooray! Kitara clinch Big League championship

Kitara players celebrate winning the FUFA Big League trophy|David Ajuna image

FUFA BIG LEAGUE Hooray! Kitara clinch Big League championship

Allan Damba 16:55 - 18.05.2023

Kitara Football Club have rounded off a dominant 2022/23 FUFA Big League season with a championship, having secured promotion to the topflight last week.

Paul Mucureezi iced the cake as the Hoima-based outfit won 1-0 over Kaaro Karungi FC in the season's final game at the Kigaaya Primary School Playgrounds on Thursday.

They fended off competition from Mbarara City FC, who beat Northern Gateway SC 3-0, as the latter settled for second place but also earned promotion.

In a hugely competitive season, the Royals garnered 61 points in 30 matches, while the Ankole Lions accumulated 60 in in the season.

On a joyous evening for the oil-rich region, the hosts were in surging mode in the game's early stages, and their pressure nearly got rewarded, but Paddy Muhumuza shot inches over the bar in the fifth minute.

In the 21st and 28th minutes, forward George Ssenkaaba failed to convert for the hosts, missing the target on both occasions.

Mucureezi, in the 35th minute, stepped up to convert from the spot after Muhumuza had been brought down in the box.

The second half had everything to do with containing the excitement, as they stayed cagey and compact as they jealously protected their slim lead.

With the home crowd in full fanfare, Sam Ssimbwa's charges held on well to scoop the title and return to the Uganda Premier League in style.