The SMACK League, powered by Guinness, served up more than just football on Sunday as Matchday Three turned into a full-day festival of sport, charity, and entertainment at the IUEA Sports Ground in Kansanga.
In partnership with the Kuliva Foundation, the league organized a charity drive encouraging fans and players to donate pre-loved clothes. The collected items will be sorted and distributed to vulnerable communities in the coming weeks, extending the league’s impact beyond the pitch.
SMACK League Chief Marketing Officer David Kawooya said the initiative reflected the league’s wider purpose.
“Football brings people together, and when we pair that with giving back, it becomes something bigger. Our partnership with the Kuliva Foundation gave everyone here a chance to make a difference,” he said.
On the field, it was another action-packed matchday. The Knights grabbed their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Vikings, courtesy of goals from Asea Jordan and Katamba Edgar.
Bushmen maintained their good run by beating Zuluz 2-1, while Elite edged defending champions Alks 2-1 in one of the day’s standout fixtures. Zimbaz beat Window 1-0 in a battle of former champions.
BlockOwners finally got off the mark with a 3-1 win over Devils, with Osman Mayanja and Timothy Kyagulanyi on target.
Pirates kept their perfect record alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Phantomz, a game briefly interrupted by heavy rain. Gladiators also extended their unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win against Vulcanz, while Lycans edged Spartans 1-0 thanks to a long-range strike from Mbonimpa Brian. Outkasts beat Mama Teo Legends 2-1 after a late winner from Lutalo Solomon.
Off the pitch, the event lived up to its Carnival theme. Fans came out in floral shirts, danced to sets by DJ LB and DJ Ashaba, and enjoyed side attractions including e-sports racing, boxing, and ludo.
Mercy Atwongyeire, Project Manager for Premium Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited, said Guinness was proud to be part of the event.
“Moments like the one we had today are why we partner with Old Boys leagues like SMACK. We want to bring people together and also be a force for change, helping make our communities better. Matchday Three was a meaningful step in that direction,” she said.
The SMACK League returns on November 9 for Matchday Four of the regular season.
