Police Football Club have emerged victorious in the 2023/24 betPawa FUFA Big League, securing their first-ever league title.
The final matchday, played on Sunday, June 2nd, saw Police needing just a point to be crowned champions, and they delivered in style, edging out Kataka FC 1-0 thanks to a solitary strike from Isaac Ogwang in the 45th minute.
Ogwang, who won the accolade of the FUFA Big League Netbuster of the Season with 14 goals, broke the deadlock with a well-taken shot after a headed pass from his teammate Denis Kalanzi, a decisive moment that ultimately sealed Police’s triumph.
It has been an impressive campaign for the Cops, who registered 16 wins, 8 draws, and just 3 losses in their 27 league matches. Their consistent performances throughout the season saw them finish at the top of the table, leaving their closest rivals Lugazi FC in second place.
Lugazi secured a 2-0 victory over relegated Jinja North on the final day, but their win was not enough to overtake Police and claim the title. Lugazi went into final day needing to win and hoping for Police to lose in order to be crowned champions.
Police’s success story is a remarkable one, given that they were relegated from the Uganda Premier League last season.
Dennis Kalanzi of Police, who scored 6 goals and provided 11 assists, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season, further highlighting the team’s impressive team efforts.
With this triumph, Police FC have become the 12th side to win the FUFA Big League since its inception in the 2009/10 season. They join the likes of Maroons, who are the record winners with 3 titles, and last season’s winners Kitara.
Police, alongside Lugazi and Mbale Heroes, have secured promotion to the prestigious StarTimes Uganda Premier League for the upcoming season, while Kyetume, Young Elephants, Jinja North and Ndejje University were relegated to the Regional Leagues.
