Guinness-Powered SMACK League Returns for Eighth Season

The SMACK League, powered by Guinness, is set to kick off its eighth season this Sunday, September 28, at the IUEA Sports Grounds in Kansanga, Kampala.

All 22 league teams will be in action on opening day, marking the start of a season that organizers say will be different from any other before.

David Kawooya, one of the league’s executive members, revealed that the 2025 edition comes with a new twist. For the first time, teams have been seeded based on their graduation years. Classes from the 1980s to 2009 will compete in Pool A, while those from 2010 to 2020 make up Pool B.

According to Kawooya, the format is designed to level the competition and bring more intensity to the games.

“One of the big advantages of this new pool structure is that we’re going to see a lot more derbies. You have classes that were just a year apart in school now facing off, like when one group was in Senior One and the other in Senior Two. That familiarity adds intensity. We’re expecting more tightly contested games, more competition, and it’s something we’re really looking forward to,” he said.

Game Day One will begin at 9 AM with a full slate of fixtures from both pools. Defending champions Alks (Class of 2007) will open their title defense against Block Owners (Class of 2002) in what promises to be a heavyweight Pool A clash.

Two exciting derbies will also headline the day. Knights (2017) face Gladiators (2016), while Vikings (2014) lock horns with Cyclones (2013). In Pool B, Pirates (2012) take on Spartans (2020), with the Spartans making their league debut and eager to prove themselves against more seasoned opposition.

Fans can look forward to nonstop football, music, great vibes, and ice-cold Guinness throughout the day.

Mercy Atwongyeire, Project Manager for Premium Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited, said Guinness is proud to continue supporting the SMACK League because of its impact on community and friendship.
“Guinness believes in the power of sport to connect people and build strong communities. This partnership is about more than just playing football. It is about reconnecting old friends, sharing memories, and creating new ones that last,” she noted.

Since its inception, the SMACK League has grown into one of the most anticipated social sporting events in Kampala, delivering thrilling rivalries and unforgettable moments. With the new pool format and Guinness elevating the matchday experience, season eight is set to raise the bar even higher.