BUL’s Uganda premier league campaign is off to a winning start as we claimed a sweet a1-0 win over Bright Stars on Friday.
Lawrence Tezikya’s goal, right midway the first half, was enough to earn us all the three points from a dominant performance at Kavumba recreation grounds.
The stylish forward – starting his first game at the club scored in the 25th minute past Hassan Matovu in Bright Stars’ goal to give the Eastern Giants a well deserved win.
We were lively from the onset, and worked through the gears with the full free flowing command from the lads creating chances although the opening period ended 1-0 up.
The tide continued after the break but the hosts sweat blood to keep the game tight.
It was a well-deserved win however on an evening when we took the home side for a tour at their own yard to record our fifth victory against them and it takes us into the second place with three points, same as early leaders Kitara FC who beat SC Villa 2-1 at Wankulukuku.
Our next task will be against KCCA on the 23rd of September at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Benon Tahomera, Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Joel Madondo 61′), Alex Kitata (Ibrahim Kazindula 89′), Lawrence Tezikya (Martin Aprem 70′).
Unused substitutes:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Samuel Ssekamatte, Edrine Opaala, Shafiq Kwikiriza
Ten man BUL won 2-1 away from home at Arua Hill to join new comers Kitara FC at the top of the Uganda premier league on Sunday.
It is now three wins on the trot from as many games for the Eastern Giants, and BUL has marched to nine points, same as Kitara after both teams winning all their opening three matches.
Goalkeeper Tom Ikara Commanding his backline
Alex Kitata got BUL in the driving seat midway the first half, running behind the defenders before tapping in Joel Madondo’s cross to give the Eastern Giants a deserved lead on 28 minutes.
It was a team effort that was well orchestrated with skill and agility. Pascal Ngobi schemed from the midfield to thread the ball to Madondo who beat two markers on the way to finding his striking partner in the box.
Madondo shields off an opponent
Our celebrations were shortlived however, as five minutes later, the hosts drew the game level through John Rogers who pounced in a header following a corner from Gadafi Wahab to send both sides in the halftime break even.
Following an over the top long throw from towering defender Nicholas Mwere, Kitata turned provider when he flicked into the path of Lawrence Tezikya who swept home first time with seventeen minutes left on the clock to restore our lead despite being a man down at Paridi stadium in Adjumani.
Benon Tahomera before being sent off
Benon Tahomera had been sent off around the hour mark for a high challenge against the opponent.
BUL will next be in action against Maroons on 20th October at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko, Nicholas Mwere, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Joel Madondo, Jerome Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Alex Kitata, Benon Tahomera.
Substitutes:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula, Lawrence Tezikya, Douglas Muganga, Gerard Ogweti, Mathew Odong, Reagan Kalyowa, Shafiq Kwikiriza, Samuel Ssekamatte.
BUL FC have been crowned the FUFA Super Eight Champions. They defeated URA FC in the final on Sunday at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
They won the game in shootouts (3-1) after ending the normal time in a goalless draw.
BUL joins Vipers SC and KCCA FC, as the only two teams that have previously won the championship in 2019 and 2018 respectively.
Meanwhile, KCCA FC defeated SC Villa in the playoff game to take the third position and secure themselves at least 10 million Shillings.
Midfielder Usama Arafat scored two goals while his colleague Ashraf Mugume added one to help the Lugogo-based team sail past the Jogoos. SC Villa’s goals were scored by David Owori and Charles Lwanga respectively.
Speaking to journalists KCCA FC Head Coach Sergio Daniel said while he is happy that they have defeated their rival SC Villa, he only takes such a game as mere preparation for their next engagements both in the league and in continental football.
“The boys are giving good answers, but the most important thing is that such games help in getting the team ready for the league, and Confederations against villa, yes it is our rival but the most important is getting the team ready for the upcoming events.” He said.
“We would like to win every single competition we are in, but URA got the victory in the last minute during the semi-final, As I said, being important for the upcoming event is more important than the preseason games.” He added.
Somdev Sen, the MTN Chief Marketing Officer said such tournaments give players the best platform to display their abilities before entering the competitive league, before adding that he hopes their sponsorship packages continue boosting the tournament.
//Cue in; “I significantly believe …
Cue out: … the beautiful game”//
After a nearly four-year hiatus courtesy of COVID-19, the FUFA Super 8 Tournament, which serves as a warm-up for StarTimes Uganda Premier League teams before the new season, was reintroduced in July 2023.
The top eight teams from last season’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League competed in two separate groups, with URA and BUL FC going through to reach the final.
The winners of the competition will receive 20 million Shillings with the runners up walking away with 12 million Shillings while the third placed team will take home 10 million Shillings.
FUFA Technical Centre plays host to an exciting Uganda premier league clash on Saturday evening as BUL FC welcome KCCA FC to Njeru.
The Eastern Giants edged past Bright Stars 1-0 in their opener for the much needed three points while
KCCA was bested 3-1 by Libyan side Abu Salem in the second preliminary round CAF Confederations game played at the Rades stadium in Tunisia last Sunday.
While we are sitting pretty well in the fourth place with three points, same as Maroons and Kitara FC who are ahead of us in positions, the visitors are slouching ninth even before kicking a ball this season.
Last week’s victory marked the beginning of a new BUL led by Abbey Kikomeko, and everyone at the club including fans, are understandably in a bouyant mood after seeing the Eastern Giants lift the Super Eight cup and starting the new campaign with a bang.
But when we rewind back however, the last face off between the sides saw KCCA beat BUL 1-0 at Lugogo in May. This will be their 22nd meeting.
Team News
Head to Head
P21 W4 D7 L10
It’s 21 meetings between the two teams, resulting into four wins for BUL, ten for KCCA and seven draws.
Last four encounters
May 16, 2023
KCCA FC 1-0 BUL FC
December 13, 2022
BUL FC 1-1 KCCA
April 20, 2022
BUL FC 1-1 KCCA
December 01, 2021
KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC
Match Facts
Counting on the previous three meetings, BUL have lost once to KCCA, drawing 1-1 in April and December 2022.
The Eastern Giants however last beat Kasasiro boys in early February 2021 in a 2-1 victory at Kyabazinga stadium.
KCCA are unbeaten in their previous five meetings with BUL, winning three and drawing two games.
Match Coverage
The game action will be live on television. Alternatively, follow our social media channels for the text commentary from the off.
BUL FC has qualified for the FUFA Super Eight final. After a one all stalemate in regular time, The Eastern Giants won 6-5 on penalties on a Monday evening at FUFA Technical Centre.
Joel Mutakubwa marked his debut with a classy and outstanding performance; he was big in between the uprights for BUL as he scored one and saved two SC Villa’s efforts to win it all for the Eastern Giants.
The game closed out the ninety minutes of regulation play with both sides tied 1-1.
The even match-up almost continued into the spot kicks, during which Douglas Muganga missed his shot as SC Villa’s Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Ssemakula saw theirs comfortably saved by Mutakubwa.
Samuel Ssekamatte was the first to plant his into the net for BUL, Benon Tahomera and Ronald Otti also converted with great composure afore to Muganga clipping his out.
Mutakubwa restored hope when he guided the ball beyond his fellow goalkeeper before Lawrence Tezikya and Ibrahim Mugulusi ensured BUL wins.
SC Villa got their goals through Umar Lutalo, Edward Masembe, Hamza Mulambuzi, Patrick Kakande and Hakim Mutebi.
The final score was 6-5
Monday’s match was BUL’s first semi final in this competition, with all the previous attempts ending prematurely.
Our goalkeeper made some big saves, including stopping Patrick Kakande’s stinging hard shot late in the second half. He had already denied Ivan Bogere and Lutalo in the opening stages of the game.
But he was beaten by former Eastern Giant Peter Onzima. The wide man picked a pass from Ivan Bogere to curl beyond his reach.
But the Jogoo’s celebrations were cut short when Ssekamatte sent Meddie Kibirige the wrong way from the penalty mark three minutes to the break after Simon Mukisa fell Reagan Kalyowa in the box.
By midway the second half, the clash became more of an end to end affair as they all looked to throw the final winning jab. Chances were created but they all struggled to finish.
Nicholas Mwere blazed a free kick over the bar, Ssekamatte then skewed another from inside the box as the game wore on.
The final will be played on 3rd September 2023 at a venue that will be communicated in the due course.
Starting XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Douglas Muganga, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 56′), George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Tezikya 72′), Martin Aprem (Joel Madondo 56′), Samuel Sekamatte, Reagan Kalyowa (Benon Tahomera 90+5′)
Unused substitutes:
Saidi Keni (GK), Alex Kitata, Vincent Zziwa, Emmanuel Obua, Shafiq Kwikiriza.
Abbey Kikomeko Bogere will be hoping to progress to his first final as BUL FC coach when we host SC Villa in Monday’s FUFA Super Eight semi-final.
The Eastern Giants made it to the last-four stage with a 1-0 victory over Vipers SC on Thursday. Samuel Ssekamatte scored from the spot to give us a perfect start to the preseason competition.
For SC Villa, they defeated Maroons 2-1 at Wankulukuku to set up this mouth watering clash.
Should BUL defeat the Jogoos at FUFA Technical Centre in this one-off tie, it would not only ensure a place in the final, but it will also stretch our dominance over SC Villa in recent times.
It’s only one win for the visitors against the Eastern Giants in past six years, and it came recently in March, in Lira.
BUL has been commanding in duels involving the sides and has also knocked them out of the Uganda cup in the previous two consecutive seasons.
From the 28 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced nine wins for BUL, ten for SC Villa and nine draws.
Team News
The Eastern Giants will miss right back cum winger Hillary Onek. The rest of the squad is available and ready to hit the ground running.
Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere is optimistic his men will pull off another big win to storm the final.
“SC Villa is one of the teams this season that have made massive changes just like us and they are well prepared just like we are,” he said.
“We won our quarter final match against Vipers, but the one against SC Villa is going to be a very different game.”
“The game approach tomorrow is going to be different from the one we had at Vipers but all in all, we are focusing on winning.”
“SC Villa is one team which almost has the same structure like ours, their playing style is also similar to ours. But nevertheless, tomorrow we’re determined and we are going to try as much as possible to see that we get the second win at home.“
Captain George Kasonko said;
“We are playing at home but being at our own backyard doesn’t mean we have already won the game.”
“Therefore, as players, we need to double our efforts. Coaches have done their part and we are now in the right conditions to play tomorrow.”
BUL FC has qualified for the semifinals of the FUFA super eight tournament. The Eastern Giants, under the new coach – Abbey Kikomeko Bogere, beat Vipers SC 1-0 on Thursday at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Striker Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte got the only but important goal of the game from the spot while exciting performances from Reagan Kalyowa and solid defending from Nicholas Mwere who was making his debut at the club added spark to the game.
The early moments of the clash saw a paltry of chances created by both sides although BUL dictated the proceedings from the onset but much of the action was happening in the midfield.
The first chance came for Martin Aprem. A pin pointing pass from the middle found its way to Aprem who generated the attack but Hillary Mukundane made up for their slackness in defense with a timely tackle on the forward and the Venoms regrouped to stave off danger from the resulting free kick.
By this time, Vipers were only playing deep with a compact defense and closing up all channels BUL’s swift wingers could use to sneak through.
Moments later, Reagan Kalyowa had a chance when he flicked to set up a one on one situation with Livingston Mulondo in the Venoms’ defense, however in trying to find a way to the goal, the referee whistled for a foul on the Vipers man.
The visitors were not without their chances though; former Eastern Giant David Bagoole found Asiwome Fumador in the box but Tom Ikara got a glove on his shot and into the corner.
Fumador was keen to impress again and he indeed put the ball in the net before halftime but it was cancelled for offside.
The two sides headed in all square at the break.
Two minutes into the restart, the breakthrough came BUL’s way. Mulondo tripped Kalyowa in the box and the referee pointed to the spot without any hesitation.
Ssekamatte took up the responsibility and dispatched a cool one past Fabien Mutombora to spark rapturous celebrations in the stands.
BUL came close again, and Mutombora was forced to pull two fine saves to deny the Eastern Giants a second. Kalyowa, the Venoms’ tormentor in chief, found his way in the area again and released a hard one which fell on the goalkeeper’s strong hand. Ssekamatte then fed on the rebound but the netminder was in the correct position to punch the ball away before Aprem’s effort went wide.
It was after the introduction of Brazilian forward Rodriguez Giancarlo and Abdul Lumala that Vipers started to show intent.
Their impact was immediately felt, Giancarlo used his unmatched height and aerial superiority to create opportunities for his teammates and their general approach to the game began to promise.
He crafted a back heel into the path of Yunus Ssentamu whose shot whistled just inches from the post. They continued to press for a leveler with Lumala also shooting wide in the process before he saw his goal disallowed in the 75th minute because he was offside by the time he found the target. And that is all they could manage on the day.
The victory means BUL have marched to the last four for the first time since the inception of the competition.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Kazindula 83’), Reagan Kalyowa (Emmanuel Obua 90+2’), Martin Aprem (Hillary Onek 68’), Samuel Ssekamatte (Alex Kitata 83’).
Unused substitutes:
Ibrahim Mugulusi, Lawrence Tezikya, Joel Madondo, Vincent Zziwa, Joel Mutakubwa.
BUL square off against Vipers SC in the quarter finals of the FUFA Super 8 tournament, a precursor for the new StarTimes Uganda premier league season, on Thursday (10th August) at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. This is the third edition of the competition.
Six other teams, who include – KCCA FC, URA, Arua Hills, Maroons, Wakiso Giants and SC Villa are also playing to complete the pack of the top eight teams from last season.
It will be BUL’s first competitive game under new coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere. They will feature in at least two more matches of the pre-season tournament after this game.
They endured a poor run of results for the entire second half of the previous term, failing to win a single match in fourteen league games.
But a lot of things have since changed and they will look to leave a good account of themselves in this one ahead of the new campaign.
In the offseason, the Eastern Giants have already defeated big league side Jinja North United and won a couple of other friendlies with ease. They will have everyone available for this clash.
Vipers, meanwhile, have also been flawless during their preseason outings, beating Kagera Sugar, Nateete select and winning 4-0 against URA FC recently.
BUL almost beat the venoms in the teams’ last faceoff in May but Karim Watambala scored from the spot in injury time to deny them the win after Samuel Ssekamatte had put the Eastern Giants in control of the game five minutes after the hour.
This will be the 26th meeting between the sides in all competitions since 2011, with BUL winning three games, Vipers running away with fifteen and drawn seven times.
Speaking about the match, the coach said this is the time to cut Vipers’ dominance short.
“We played in the previous editions of the super eight and never went through to the semifinals. But this time we are well prepared, the boys are in good conditions and I expect them to give us the good results,” coach Abbey Kikomeko said.
“Ever since we started playing Vipers, they have been so stubborn – however this is the chance to overcome them.”
“Scoring was our main challenge last season but I think we have solved that. We have worked upon it since we started the preseason training.”
“Some strikers were brought on board, competition for the forward positions is really high and I expect goals this time around.”
George Kasonko, the team captain, said the team is buzzing and ready to deliver the goods.
“History shows we have never progressed past this stage but a lot of things have really changed and as players, we are ready for the challenge this time,” Kasonko said.
“It has been long since we started preparing ourselves. One of our goals is to win trophies and the super eight is one of them.”
“We are not looking at the previous attempts in which we failed in this competition but we are aiming at playing the final and the final starts tomorrow. Every game is going to be a final for us.”
BUL FC Junior Team was crowned as the champion of the FUFA Juniors League 2022/23 season on Friday.
The young Eastern Giants reigned supreme in three of the four games they featured in the national juniors league championship held at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, winning two with big margins to earn bonus points.
A count of eleven points and a goal difference of nine was enough to win them the crown. Vipers also finished with eleven points but they had an inferior goal difference of eight.
Daniel Kabbale’s teens took Mbarara Sports Academy to school with a clean 5-0 win in their first outing before holding their nerves to leap over the fancy Prosper Soccer Academy in a 1-0 victory.
Their road to the throne somehow shrouded in mist and their chances to retain the title almost hit a dead rock when they lost to Vipers SC JT in their third game but they did what they just had to do – winning their final match against Friends of soccer academy.
Swabiru Mpasa, Umar Waiswa, Richard Okello and Yasin Masambo all scored in the 4-0 vital win to move to the top of the standings.
Forward Richard Okello came out as the best of the best
The goalless draw between Prosper and Vipers in the final act of the championship played in their favor and ultimately confirmed their triumph.
This is the second juniors league title for BUL, with the first coming in 2018/19 season when they defeated KCCA Soccer Academy 3-0 in the final.
Aziz Saleh was named the best goalkeeper
Out of the four individual awards issued out on Friday, BUL walked home with two. Richard Okello was named the most valuable player (MVP), while custodian Aziz Saleh was announced as the best goal keeper.
BUL FC teenagers – Richard Okello, Innocent Rwothomio, Julius Baraza and Swabiru Mpasa have signed their first senior contracts with the club.
Striker Innocent Rwothomio during a Juniors league action for BUL FC JT
After showing outstanding performances at the juniors’ side, the quartet were drafted into the first team where they equally impressed last season, and each has now penned a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.
Okello scored thirteen goals in eighteen matches as the junior team qualified for the national juniors’ league championship. Rwothomio bagged twelve in thirteen games. Both featured in six and five first team games respectively.
Mpasa, who plays as midfielder, played one match with the senior team. He scored five goals in seventeen outings for the age group side, while defender Baraza made three appearances at the first team, and seventeen with the under 17 category
