By Isaac Akugizibwe

Striker Gerald Ndabirawo has been recognized as the Most Valuable Player of Team KIU (the Giraffes), following an outstanding 2025-2026 Pepsi University Football League season.

Ndabirawo received the accolade during the league's awards ceremony held Monday, June 8th, 2026 at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, capping off a memorable campaign in which he emerged as the driving force behind the KIU Giraffes’ resurgence.

The prolific forward contributed four goals and two assists as KIU recorded its best performance in the University Football League since 2018. He finished the season just one goal behind league top scorer Ronald Obedgiu.

For Ndabirawo, the award represents more than individual success.

"This award is not recognition of just one player; it is recognition of the entire team," he said. "It proves our work mattered, and it tells us that our sacrifice was not invisible. It counted."

The striker credited his teammates, coaches and support staff for the achievement, insisting that every member of the squad played a vital role in the team's progress throughout the season.

"The award went to a striker, but every successful team knows the truth," Ndabirawo said. "The defender who made crucial clearances, the goalkeeper who organized the team for 90 minutes and every player who stepped onto the pitch contributed to this achievement. This recognition proves that every role mattered."

Ndabirawo also applauded the KIU administration for its unwavering support, noting that the university's investment in sports continues to create opportunities for student-athletes to excel both on and off the field.

The award comes after a season that saw the KIU Giraffes demonstrate remarkable growth and competitiveness. The team finished third in Group A with seven points, behind Kampala University and Uganda Martyrs University.

Although the Giraffes narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout stages, their campaign marked the university's strongest performance in the competition this decade and signalled the continued rise of KIU football.

For Ndabirawo and the Giraffes, the recognition serves as both a reward for their efforts and motivation for greater success in the seasons ahead.

"This is not just about today," Ndabirawo said. "It's about the future. There are opportunities ahead, and we are determined to keep pushing forward."