SC Villa’s assistant captain and defender Gift Fred has called upon youngsters playing in the University Premier League (UFL) to give it their best in order to showcase what they are capable of.

The former Bugema University defender said this in the aftermath of being named among the Best XI of the Decade.

“I call upon all the boys currently playing in the UFL to give it their best.” Gift said this before adding; “You never know who is watching you. But am sure it can be a start for your career as you grow in the game.” 

Gift was glad and thankful for the initiative of awarding those who played in the University league, noting it will encourage the active players to work harder and smarter.

“I am so happy to know that I have been named in the Best XI of the Decade. It’s a wonderful initiative and I believe it will encourage the upcoming stars to work smarter.” he added.

“It’s a great achievement and I thank God for bringing me this far. I thank my coach (Meddy Nyanzi) and Bugema University for giving me a chance to showcase my talent.”

“Yes we did not manage to win a trophy but I am so proud of that squad. We always played as a team and I dedicate this achievement to all of them because they always pushed me to become better.”

“Lastly, I thank the organisers and sponsors for believing in young players because they are raw, hungry to excel with immense talents,” he concluded.

The lanky defender was also a nominee in the category of Defender of the Decade which was eventually clinched by Douglas Muganga.

Pepsi University Football League Best of the Decade Awards (2012 – 2022) 

Player of the Decade: Derrick Emmanuel Were (UCU)

Goalkeeper of the Decade: Derrick Emmanuel Were (UCU)

Defender of the Decade: Douglas Muganga (Nkumba)

Midfielder of the Decade: Yasser Mugerwa (Nkumba)

Forward of the Decade: Siraje Musindo (MUST)

Coach of the Decade: Charles Ayiekoh (MUBS)

Sports Tutor of the Decade: Joseph Ssekandi (Uganda Martyrs)

Top Scorer of the Decade: Faisal Muwawu (Nkumba)

Team of the Decade: Uganda Martyrs University

Best XI of the Decade: Derrick Were Emmanuel (UCU) (GK), Gift Fred (Bugema University), Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS), Douglas Muganga (Nkumba), Geoffrey Akabwai (Kampala International University), Yasser Mugerwa (Nkumba), Kaye Kizito (UCU), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KU), Douglas Owori (UMU), Siraje Musindo (Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Moses Okot (UMU).