In celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Pepsi University Football League is set to recognize and award the best players and officials of the decade.

Ten years back, in September 2012, the University League was birthed and on Saturday 12, 2022 the 10th season climaxed as Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) edged St. Lawrence University 1-0 for the championship.

Peninah Kabenge, the president of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) recalls the baby steps journey.

“Ten years ago with sponsorship from Pepsi and Nile Special, we launched the University Football League with only six universities in Kampala and Wakiso,” Kabenge said at a press conference at Kati Kati Restaurant on Monday.

“Today we seat here after concluding our 10th season which involved 22 universities from across Uganda including universities in Kabale, Mbarara, Arua, Kumi, Gulu, Busitema, and Mbale.”

“It has been an exciting journey with ups and ups. We are grateful to God and excited to see that the University Football League has grown into one of the most exciting competitions in Uganda and has changed the national football landscape.”

“And so, to celebrate this milestone, we shall be recognizing the best players and officials of the decade,” Kabenge added.

Pepsi Brand Manager, Ernest Ssentongo asserted the brand’s commitment to the UFL journey.

“Football is part of Pepsi’s DNA, as you know Pepsi sponsors football and football stars around the world and so we are proud to have been and to still be a part of the Pepsi University Football League which has helped grow football in Uganda.”

There will be ten categories where players will be recognised, including the decade’s best player, goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward.

There will also be rewards for the Competition’s all time top scorer, coach, tutor, team, and the best eleven of the decade.

“To determine the winners of some of these awards, we shall be involving the media and the fans who starting this week shall be asked to nominate the players and officials they think are deserving of these awards,” said UFL Chairman Vincent Kisenyi.

The Uganda Christian University official added: A select committee will then review the nominations,” Kisenyi added.

The grand awarding ceremony will be held on December 12, at Imperial Royale Hotel.