Kawempe Muslim sweep November FWSL awards

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC’s flawless run in the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL) during November has earned the club double recognition, with head coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi and captain Agnes Nabukenya named Coach and Player of the Month respectively by league sponsors Finance Trust Bank.

The pair received their accolades and a cash prize of Sh500,000 each during a ceremony held on Tuesday at Finance Trust Bank’s main branch on Lumumba Avenue, Kampala.

The awards were presented by the bank’s Chief Operations Officer, Sarah Gwokyalya who challenged Nabukenya and other players to aim higher than playing in the FSWL alone.

“I tried to google statistics around women football leagues and I was quite impressed to find that women football is growing so fast in the world. Our players, you should aim at playing beyond Uganda, we want to see you playing in UEFA and CAF matches rubbing shoulders with the best players in the world,” said Gwokyalya.  

Kiyingi beat Kampala Queens’ head coach Asefa Firew Hailegebreal to the monthly honour, thanks to Kawempe’s dominant form in the four league fixtures considered in November. While Kawempe produced four straight wins, Kampala Queens endured a difficult month, managing only two victories and suffering two consecutive defeats.

Skipper Nabukenya, meanwhile, stood out for her leadership and clinical finishing. She scored four goals in four matches, guiding her side through an unbeaten month. She edged out teammate Saidat Namwanje, who kept four clean sheets, and Kampala Queens midfielder Catherine Nagadya, who also scored four goals.

Speaking after receiving her award, Nabukenya attributed her impressive form to her ambition this season.

“My target is to win the league as captain, and personally, I want to finish as top scorer and MVP,” she said.

Coach Kiyingi reiterated his commitment to building a team that plays attractive football while maintaining a winning edge. He, however, cautioned his players against complacency despite their strong start to the season. Kawempe lead the table with 25 points, five ahead of second-placed She Corporate, after eight wins and one draw in nine matches.

“We still have a long way to go. The first round isn’t done, and the second round will be even tougher. The players must remain focused; the job is not yet finished,” he warned.

Kawempe Muslim are eyeing a return to the summit of women’s football, having last lifted the league title in the 2023/2024 season. Their current form makes them strong contenders to dethrone struggling defending champions Kampala Queens.