Nature Waste Management (NWM) football team were crowned champions of the first edition of ESA Park premier league on Saturday after defeating Corporate Brotherhood Investment Club Entebbe (CBICE).
On the final day of the season, the champions put the icing on the cake with a 7-3 humiliation of CBICE, having already won the title on Match day 8.
NWM, won the title unbeaten with 23 points as they managed 7 wins and 2 draws.
Public Beach, Touch Sound and Kayinja finished 2nd, 3rd and forth with 19, 18 and 16 points respectively.
The last game of the season was spiced up with a battle for the golden boot, where NWM hitman Emmanuel Wasswa needed a hat-trick to beat Isma Kabugu for the golden boot. Wasswa finished with 13 goals one more than Touch Sound’s Kabugu.
The EPPL Chief Executive officer Grace Kintu was happy with the success registered and pointed at a few challages to be worked upon the coming season and upcoming tournaments.
” I must submit that the legaue was successful being the inaugural league at the ESA park, we had no yardstick from which measurements could be taken, but we indulged ourselves fully to accomplish the task that was ahead of us selflessly although it looked like a try and error basis. We believe it was a success because unlike other leagues that have been played around, we registered no single walkovers. All fixtures were honored and played to the last minute. Amidst all challenges most notably officiation, the league managed to earn respect from all teams and maintain an organized a big fan base for it’s clubs. Also to note, ESA park had become a weekend spot for Entebbe soccer lovers an achievement we don’t take litely. Public beach has become so popular in Entebbe because of the EPPL.” Kintu noted.
Speaking about the what to improve, Kintu stated;
” All said, we also had challenges that left worthy lessons, first was with officiation and this was the biggest challenge among others we registered and we strongly believe it will be the 1st issue to tackle in the next edition. We also faced a challenge of teams trying to beat the tournament manuals which was the most and only guiding body. It was also a challenge securing a league sponsor and it was because we had little preparation before the start. Another lesson we got to benchmark for season 2. Once this is done in time, the second edition will be 80% successfully even before kickoff.” He added.
” Lastly to our fans, let them wait for the upcoming tournament dubbed ’35 and above’ it is going to be a tournament played by players above 35 years old. Then after that tournament, we shall have the ‘ESA park championship’ that will be aimed at identifying 2 teams that will be promoted to the EPPL. Briefly that Is what is in stalk for the EPPL fraternity.”
In some of his conclusive remarks, he was greatful to the league sponsors.
” We also thank our different sponsors that helped the EPPL become a model league in Entebbe. Their efforts and kind hearts were well appreciated.
” On a closing note, i (behalf of the EPPL commitee, congratulate NWM upon winning the inaugural EPPL. And also congratulate all teams that participated in the league. It was a breathtaking experience worth telling as a tale.”
ESA Park director Miph Mugabi was greatful to God for the big brand built in just a few weeks.
” EPPL is a very hot new brand on our markets, personally, I only thank GOD allowing this league to happen and give it this platform and love.”
Unique metal Craft general manager Kaweesi Rashid who doubled as champions NWM goal keeper, was happy sponsoring a very successful tournament.
” Am so happy being a football person, I had to join my friend Miph Mugabi and I love seeing people get together happy, it started as a joke and never knew it will end big like this, there alot of priceless moments in the concluded league so i request Miph and team to continue organising such tournaments, am so happy with what I have seen.” He concluded.
Veteran Martin Seruwagu scored a hat-trick in the last game of the season to win the Skynet Stores man of the match.
Skynet Stores manager who also doubles as a FIFA Licensed Agent Benjamin Ongwech pointed at the good relationship with ESA and Football development in the area as to why they came on board to sponsor.
” We have had a good working relationship with ESA over the years through our agency, Skynet East Africa Football Management Agency.” He stated.
” The idea of having the EPPL was welcomed by our team at Skynet Stores which is part of the Skynet Group to give our e-commerce platform mileage in this digital era and also create brand awareness and as well create positive public relations.”
” The sponsorship was also part of our continuous cooperation with ESA and our commitment to developing football in Entebbe and other parts of the country.” He concluded.
The EPPL was sponsored by Nile Special, Magala Beach Kigungu, Skynet Stores, Team Zamu and Everight Real Estates, among others.
The bottom two sides; ESA FC and Guda that finished with 5 and 4 points, were relagated to the ESA Park Championship.
