In a surprising but inevitable move, Lugazi FC has parted ways with head coach Sadick Sempigi following a series of disappointing results that have left the team at the bottom of the league table. The decision comes after a winless run of five games, with the final blow being a 1-1 draw against fellow newcomers Mbale Heroes FC earlier this week and remain rooted at the bottom of the UPL table.
Lugazi FC, once the pride of Buikwe District and recently rejuvenated by a renewed spirit in Kyaggwe County, has been struggling to replicate their past success. Under Sempigi’s stewardship, the team failed to secure a victory, accumulating just two points from five matches. Their current position at the bottom of the table is a stark reminder of the uphill battle they face in the early stages of the season.
In an official statement released by the club, Lugazi FC confirmed that the decision to part ways with Sempigi was mutual. The statement read:
Lugazi FC and Head Coach Sadick Sempigi have mutually agreed to part ways. We would like to express our gratitude to Sempigi for his tireless efforts and services during the time we have been together and wish him all the very best in his future coaching endeavors.”
Sempigi, who previously had stints with Mbarara City and Jinja North, was expected to bring stability and success to the club. However, the results on the pitch have been far from what fans and management hoped for. The stalemate against Mbale Heroes proved to be the tipping point for the club’s decision-makers, leaving them with no choice but to make a change.
The new gaffer at the helm is Coach Mbekeka Oliver, who now takes over the team in a bid to revive Lugazi’s fortunes. Oliver will face a tough challenge as he looks to lift the club from the relegation zone and steer them towards better performances. Olivia Mbekeka has broken the ceiling for women coaches by becoming the first-ever female head coach in the Uganda Premier League (UPL) a milestone that is the first in Ugandan league football.
The upcoming match against Express FC at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo will serve as an early test for Coach Oliver. With the team in desperate need of a morale-boosting win, the pressure will be on Oliver to inspire his players and turn their fortunes around.
For Lugazi FC, the clock is ticking. With the season still in its early stages, there is hope that the change in leadership will spark a much-needed revival. Fans will be hoping that Oliver’s arrival will be the catalyst for a much-improved campaign as the club aims to climb the standings and avoid an early-season struggle.
