FUFA TV Cup 2025 round of 32 kicks off

CAPTION: Some of the represntatives of beneficeries schools after being handed jasseys at the FUFA Complex in Mengo Thursday 24th July. (Courtsey photo).

MENGO – The stage is officially set for the knockout phase of the FUFA TV Cup 2025, with the Round of 32 kicking off this weekend Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July 2025 across various host schools in the country.

Ten matches will be played on Saturday, followed by six more fixtures on Sunday, as 32 top-performing secondary schools battle for a place in the Round of 16.

Ahead of the big weekend, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has once again walked the talk by fulfilling its promise made at the start of this edition to support schools with essential competition gear.

On Thursday 24th July, the federation officially handed over two sets of jerseys to each of the schools that qualified for the Round of 32. The handover ceremony, held at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, was graced by members of the tournament’s organizing committee led by Chairman Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Vice Chairperson Mr. Mugerwa Jeremiah.

Representatives from ten participating schools including games teachers and players were in attendance to receive jerseys in their chosen colors—an important logistical and motivational boost just before matchday.

‘Receiving two sets will solve the challenge of home and away kits, especially when teams have similar colors,’ noted Rhashid Dembe, Football Patron at Kibuli Secondary School.

Sewaya Ismail, Games Teacher at Kiira College Butiki, praised the quality of the kits, describing them as better than usual and a big motivation for the players.

‘We are ready for Jinja College. They’re technically sound, but our focus is on progressing to the Round of 16,’ he added.

All eyes will be on defending champions Nabumali High School as they open their title defense against Dr. Obolo College Boroboro.

Last year’s quarterfinalists Mengo SS have their work cut out as they clash with football giants Namilyango College in what promises to be a thriller.

Kiira College Butiki vs Jinja College is another much-anticipated showdown, with both tournament pioneers setting their sights on a deep run in this year’s tournament, one will have to stay and the other soars.

From the players, the energy is unmistakable.

Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio of Namilyango College expressed his confidence ahead of their fixture.

‘We play Mengo SS next. This is the genesis of our story, and we hope to eliminate them.’

Former champions St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) will take on St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria, a rematch of last year’s Round of 64 fixture, which SMACK surprisingly lost. Can they rewrite the script this time?

‘Being inaugural champions, expectations are high, We want to prove that we are the true champions and that we had all it takes to win St Balikuddembe in the previous edition if we had played both legs.’ said Ronald Malcolm Mugalu, SMACK’s Games Teacher.

‘We had to fight through spotkicks against Ndejje SSS in the qualifiers, but we are here to prove ourselves. That wasn’t our full potential,’ he added

Meanwhile, Kibuli SS, who are yet to concede a goal this edition, aim to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their FUFA TV Cup history. Their hurdle? A tough Kololo SSS side also hungry for glory.

‘Kibuli SS is a strong side, but we are up to the task. We’ll deliver a solid performance,’ promised Kisakye Ambrose, Assistant Captain of Kololo SSS.