FUFA has expressed satisfaction with the opening round of the Academies League, pointing to the volume of goals and early signs of attacking football as a positive indicator for the competition’s objectives.
Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba said the first matchday delivered exactly what had been planned, following months of preparation to launch the youth-focused competition.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for. This is what we’ve actually planned for, and we are indeed happy that the league has kicked off as planned,” Mutyaba said.
He credited the collective effort behind the initiative, acknowledging the role of coaches, academy directors and managers in ensuring a successful start.
“We appreciate the coaches, the academy directors, the managers, and everyone who has been part of this initiative. It is indeed great that the goals have been scored. It is one of actually our main objectives of this league: develop the players and help the teams achieve the attacking prowess that we need.”
A total of 20 goals were scored across the opening fixtures, a return Mutyaba described as a strong early statement of intent.
He linked that output to a deliberate rule designed to encourage attacking play, with teams rewarded for winning by a margin of at least two goals.
“For 20 goals, it is very good, it’s a good statement, because we also have an incentive that a team that wins with a margin of two goals and above gets a bonus point,” he said.
“So, each team that wins with a margin of two goals and above gets four points instead of the normal three points.”
Mutyaba added that the early signs suggest the league is aligned with its long-term development goals.
“So, we believe that we’re on the right track and indeed, greatness.”
