Mpiima: Stallions target Uganda Cup, Independence Cup

Kampala Hockey Club Stallions served a resounding reminder of their title ambitions on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a dominant 9-1 victory over the Makerere Stingers in the Uganda Hockey National League at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds.

Yet, even as the echoes of the nine-goal rout faded, Stallions captain Jordan Michael Mpiima wasted no time pivoting away from the comfortable win, immediately training his sights on the looming Uganda Cup semi-finals and an upcoming title defence in Mbarara.

Reflecting on the afternoon’s proceedings, Mpiima admitted that the fixture lacked its usual friction as his side continued its fierce pursuit of league leaders Wananchi.

“We played our 17th game of the league today against Makerere Stingers. We were able to win 9 goals to 1. It was not really tough, being that Makerere Stingers is not a tough opponent,” Mpiima said after the emphatic victory.

Title chase and tight margins

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Stallions remain acutely aware that the broader league war leaves zero room for error. Wananchi continues to hold the upper hand in the championship race.

Having suffered a defeat to the league leaders earlier in the campaign, the Stallions sit second on the table, just a point behind Wananchi. With only three matches remaining in the second round, the title race is entering a razor-thin decisive stage.

“So, that left us still in the second position, having lost to Wananchi earlier in the season. So, we are still below Wananchi by a few points,” Mpiima added.

Uganda Cup semifinals

Temporarily pressing pause on their league pursuit, the Stallions are shifting their immediate preparations toward the knockout stage. The team has secured qualification for the Uganda Cup semi-finals, where a formidable showdown against Rockets awaits.

Mpiima emphasised that the squad’s entire training regimen and tactical focus are now anchored on navigating the semi-finals and securing a coveted spot in the ultimate match.

“So, we still maintain our position in second. We are looking forward to the Uganda Cup semi-finals. We are qualified for the semi-final games,” he noted, adding, “So, our focus currently is on the semi-finals. So, everything we are doing in training and the coming games, that’s where our focus is.”

Defending territory in Mbarara

Beyond the Uganda Cup, the Stallions’ packed domestic calendar features a journey out west to Mbarara for the Independence Cup next weekend.

As reigning champions who lifted the trophy last year, coupled with their Memorial Shield triumph last season, the club carries a proud winning tradition into western Uganda. Mpiima made it clear that the squad’s mission is strict retention, not mere participation.

“And as well, the Independence Cup that’s coming the next weekend (11th and 12th October). It’s going to take place in Mbarara. We won last year. So, we want to go back and defend our title in Mbarara,” he stated.

Offensive firepower and the road ahead

The Stallions’ pursuit across multiple fronts is heavily fueled by a potent attack. Leading scorers Gilbert Bayule and captain Mpiima share a matching tally of 20 goals apiece, with stellar offensive contributions from Alfred Agaba and Stuart Kavuma keeping the pressure on opponents.

Guiding both the Stallions and their sister side, the Kampala Hockey Swans, is head coach Makhtum Shafic Muziransa. He faces a demanding stretch of fixtures as the club attempts to balance knockout dreams, tournament defences and a late-season charge to unseat Wananchi at the league summit.

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