SPORT | Oliver Mbekeka hit the technical area of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) with a bang yesterday. A historic win on a debut for a woman coach, and the first to manage the men's topflight league at that.
Under the floodlights in the Nakivubo Stadium, Mbekeka's Lugazi outwitted traditional giants Express with a prized 1-0 win, their first ever in the topflight.
It was truly a night of historic feats and shattering of glass ceilings like many a woman would want to see out there and for the UPL, there couldn't have been a better advert than on Tuesday night.
Sam Ssemugugu’s 26th-minute header sealed the win for the Najjembe-based side, marking their first-ever victory in the topflight league.
This crucial win lifts Lugazi off the bottom of the table, moving them to 13th position with five points from six games.
Mbekeka’s debut victory has brought new hope to the newly promoted team, which had struggled at the start of the season.
Express, despite the loss, remain in fifth position with eight points from their six matches.
Mbekeka, who was initially appointed as an assistant coach, was promoted to interim head coach after the dismissal of Sadiq Ssempigi.
With the victory, speculation continues to swirl around the future of Lugazi’s head coach position, with Uganda Cranes legend David Obua rumoured to be in talks with the club for a permanent role.
For now, all eyes are on Mbekeka and her remarkable debut, as she writes a new chapter in the history of Ugandan football.
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