After a heartbreaking exit in the semi-finals of the Higher Education and Samia Cup, the Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT) football team is shifting its focus to the third-place playoff against St. Joseph, set for May 10 at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.
KIUT bowed out of the competition after a tense match ended 1-1 in regular time, forcing a penalty shootout where their opponents edged them out. Despite the setback, Head Coach Erius Marius remains optimistic and is determined to lead his team to a strong finish.
“We played a good game and were the first to score,” said Marius. “Unfortunately, we failed to maintain our lead, and that lapse cost us. But now, all our energy is focused on the next match we are going back to training to fix our mistakes and come back stronger.”
Coach Marius added that the match provided valuable lessons, particularly in game management and defence.
“The players gave their all, but we’ll be working on maintaining composure under pressure,” he emphasized.
Team captain Pablo Mpagale echoed his coach’s sentiments, acknowledging the difficulty of the match.
“It wasn’t easy. We followed the coach’s instructions, but luck just wasn’t on our side,” Mpagale said. “Even though we didn’t reach the final, we gained exposure, showcased our talents, and grew as a team.”
KIUT Student Government President, Daud Masunga, pointed out that the pressure of the semi-final clash was intense on both sides.
“It was a tight match, and going into penalties made it even tougher,” he said. “We want to reassure our supporters that the journey is not over we are regrouping and coming back for that third-place spot.”
Peter Mboma, KIUT’s Director of Marketing and Public Communications, emphasized the broader purpose behind their investment in sports.
“Football, like any sport, is about learning through competition. We accept the result and use it as motivation to do better,” said Mboma. “Our goal is to support talented students by offering up to 50% scholarships in sports like football, basketball, volleyball, and kabaddi. We believe in nurturing both education and talent.”
As KIUT prepares for the third-place match, the team remains confident in its ability to end the tournament on a high note, determined to make their supporters proud.
Source:
Author: Victoria Godfrey
Media: The Respondent Online
Date: Monday – 5th May 2025
