The FTB Women Super League 2025/26 returns Friday with a blockbuster clash between hosts Kawempe Muslim and defending champions Kampala Queens (KQ). Both teams are expected to challenge for the title this season.
Kampala Queens face a historical challenge, as no team has defended the topflight league since it rebranded in 2021. KQ has won twice since then, making them the most successful side post-COVID-19.
Despite past coaching turbulence, KQ rarely lost matches. Only Kawempe and a few others beat them in the league since 2021. However, concerns remain over goal-scoring. Last season, KQ scored 34 goals in 22 games, half of them from Zaina Nandede and former captain Shamirah Nalugya, both now playing abroad.
Even with those stars, KQ drew seven matches and won three by a single goal. Coaches expressed concern about goal production during their domestic double attempt, including a loss to second-tier St. Noa Girls Zana. At the CAF Women’s Champions League Cecafa Qualifiers, KQ failed to score in three of four games, beating only Denden of Eritrea 7-0.
This season, KQ has stability in the dugout. Whether it will propel the players remains to be seen.
Kawempe Muslim must find form quickly. Last season, they scored more than once in only eight of 22 games. Transfers of Hadijah Nandago and Phionah Nabulime weakened their attack, costing them the league and the Fufa Women Cup, which they lost 1-0 to Amus College.
The addition of Jovia Nakagolo from Uganda Christian University improved Kawempe’s attack, but she is not yet lethal. Latifah Nakasi, who scored 25 goals in the past three seasons at UMHS, has joined and must ease the scoring burden on Agnes Nabukenya, who netted 12 of Kawempe’s 30 goals last season. Asia Nakibuuka may play forward to cover for the injured Shakirah Nyinagahirwa. New signings Aminah Nakato and Claire Kebirungi will compete for left-back duties after Jolly Kobusinge joined KQ.
Lady Doves also aim high. Team manager Godfrey Nsingwire said the squad is ready to challenge for the championship. They added Patricia Aturinda, Florence Asiimwe, Justine Birabwa, and Teopista Apino. Coach Ivan Ntambi replaced Fred Alinaitwe, and Dorcus Kwikiriza returns from injury to support top scorer Resty Kobusobozi.
Amus College, FWSL Cup winners last season, also aims to contend. Coach Frank ‘Video’ Anyau believes the squad can challenge for the title.
Makerere University enters the season aiming for more consistency. Coach Fred Ndawula said the team wants to challenge itself and improve on last season’s performance. Star player Zaina Namuleme has left for Kenya Police Bullets, but Ndawula expects other players to step up.
She Corporate begins a new era under Burundian coach Belyse Ininahazwe. Saddam Pande returns as assistant coach. The team will play at Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru. Angel Auki Kigongo may lead the team, supported by Brenda Munyana.
UMHS faces challenges after losing key players over the last three seasons. Kawempe’s signing of Nakasi is a major setback. Coach Edward Ssozi replaced Shafic Mutebi with John Ssaka, targeting a top-three finish.
Rines performed well in the first half of last season but struggled in the second, finishing 8th with 25 points. Coach Taddeo Bright Nyanzi aims for stability and safety this season.
She Maroons will take the season game by game. Assistant coach Abdi Mohammed said they aim to win every match and entertain fans, despite last season’s inconsistency.
Olila High School survived relegation thanks to Marrion Amangat. They won only five games last season and conceded 24 goals, including six from walkovers. Defending well will be key to survival this season.
St. Noa continues to build a strong topflight presence. Their quarterfinal win over KQ in the Fufa Women Cup boosted their reputation. Striker Sylvia Kabene has moved to Malta, and goalkeeper Lillian Nakirya remains in demand. Former Cranes midfielder Tonnie Mawejje leads the team as captain.
Asubo returns under Swalleh Kamya. Former captain Desire Katisi Natooro left for Kenya Police Bullets. The club added Fatumah Nakasumba but remains financially limited compared to KQ and Kawempe. Kamya said the team targets staying in the league.
The FTB Women Super League 2025/26 fixtures kick off Saturday with Asubo vs. She Maroons at Kampala Quality Kisaasi, She Corporate vs. Uganda Martyrs at FTC Njeru, and Amus College vs. St. Noa at Kachumbala. Sunday’s games feature Lady Doves vs. Olila HS at Katusabe Masindi and Makerere University vs. Rines SS at Makerere.
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