Fresh from last season's heartbreak in the final, St. Lawrence University returns to the new Pepsi University Football League campaign, hoping for a better show, with glory certainly on their minds.
Despite being overwhelming favorites last season, they lost the final to Uganda Martyrs University and will thus feel this campaign is theirs to lose.
They kickstart this season against Entebbe-based Nkumba University on Wednesday at Kavule, and head coach Davis Nnono wants his team to play with guile, well-knowing each game is like a final.
"Every game in the group stage will be very important for qualification to the knockout stage, so it is not a time for experiments," Nnono told the media.
"We are drawn in a tough group with Nkumba and Gulu and even IUEA, so we don't want to take risks. We shall keep trying things but our focus is on winning," Nnono added.
He then broke down the game in a tactical analysis, providing plans on how to tame Nkumba.
"They (Nkumba) have a great physical level and are stronger than us," he asserted in an honest assessment.
15:53 - 11.09.2023
UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE Champions Uganda Martyrs still thirsty as they kickstart season
Defending champions Uganda Martyrs University will get the 2023-24 Pepsi University Football League season underway as they host Bugema University at the Nkozi campus on Tuesday.
"They play directly, with the full-backs getting involved. We'll have to limit their counter-attacking chances."
However, it will not be an easy walk in the park as Nkumba University also targets a fast start and a strong position in the group.