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Mbarara City became the only team to beat the FUFA Big League debutants at St George Arena, Ibanda, thanks to goals from Henry Kitegenyi and Jude Ssemugabi.
Mbarara City FC has returned to the Uganda Premier League after a successful campaign in the FUFA Big League, earning its promotion with a 2-0 away win over Kaaro Karungi on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mbarara City coach Sadiq Ssempigi expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance throughout the season.
"We have had a very tight season down here and as the league closed in, we have been playing each game as a final because the promotion battle has been this tight and we are happy that we have accomplished our mission very well here," Ssempigi said.
Mbarara City became the only team to beat the FUFA Big League debutants at St George Arena, Ibanda, thanks to goals from Henry Kitegenyi and Jude Ssemugabi.
Kitegenyi scored his 20th goal of the season from the spot after Seiri Arigumaho was hacked inside the box, while their skipper, Ssemugabi, put the game to bed five minutes into the second half by finishing off a pass from Jamie Kisitu.
Ssempigi praised his players for their resilience and determination throughout the season.
"We knew it would be a tough battle to secure promotion, but the players remained focused and worked hard every day in training,” he stated.
“Their hard work has paid off, and we are delighted to be back in the top flight."
The coach also spoke about the challenges his team faced during the season, including injuries to key players and a packed fixture schedule.
"We had to deal with several injuries to our players throughout the season, which made it challenging for us. But we kept pushing and worked hard to overcome those obstacles," Ssempigi stated.
Ssempigi highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and discipline during the season, which he believes was a key factor in his team's success.
"We emphasized the need for focus and discipline throughout the season, and the players took that to heart. They remained focused on the task at hand and never lost sight of their goals," he explained.
Looking ahead to the next season, Ssempigi acknowledged that the team would need to work hard to compete in the top tier.
"We know that the Uganda Premier League is a tough league, and we will need to be at our best to compete at that level,” Ssempigi said.
“We will work hard in training and do our best to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead."
"The fans have been amazing throughout the season, and we are grateful for their support.”
“Their encouragement has been crucial to our success, and we hope to continue to make them proud in the years ahead."
With 57 points, four above fourth-placed Police, Mbarara City FC is back in the Uganda Premier League alongside Kitara FC, who still tops the table with 58 points following their 3-0 win over relegated Adjumani TC.
The two will go in the search for the league title on the final day. Mbarara City hosts Nothern Gateway at Kakyeka with Kitara also at home to Kaaro Karungi in Kigaaya.
The third and final promotion slot will be battled for by National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), who have 54 points, and Police, who sit fourth on 43 points with one game left to play.
Soroti City (30), Luweero United (29), Adjumani TC (26), and Northern Gateway (19) are relegated to the third-tier league as only Kaaro Karungi and Jinja North of the FBL debutants survived the axe.
Luweero, who had been in the second tier for more than two seasons, had their relegation confirmed with a 2-0 loss away to Soroti City on Thursday.
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