Club News - BUL FC

MATCH REPORT: GADDAFI FC 1-1 BUL FC

Hard nosed BUL picked up a vital point to remain top of the Uganda premier league pack following a one all draw at Gaddafi.

Ibrahim Kazindula’s first-half goal was cancelled out in the second half as we had to settle for a stalemate at Kakindu.

The midfielder scored his first goal of the season from the spot, sending Joel Mutakubwa in Gaddafi’s goal the wrong way to give us a deserved early lead.

**BUL FC starting line up against Gaddafi fc**

The Eastern Giants failed to build on the advantage though, and the home side forced the game even through a Bakali Magumba goal after the break.

Isabirye’s men started well, playing with the confidence of a side coming into the fixture as a pace setter in the league.

And as early as the 12th minute, Emmanuel Obua swerved in a tempting cross from the left to force a hand ball from Shafik Bakaki, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Kazindula stepped up and powered a low shot past Mutakubwa, which was the club’s 11th league goal in five matches this season.

Moments later, the hosts missed a chance to equalize when Andrew Wasswa’s lob from a free kick was tipped over the bar by Emmanuel Kalyowa after Ronald Otti fouled Alex Kitata at the edge of the area.

BUL kept up the intensity and Kazindula’s shot clipped the post and slowly rolled out.

At the other end, Kitata and Johnson Odong continued to pose a threat, and a one move led to Kitata hitting the foot of the post before Kalyowa fumbled on it. While on the stroke of halftime, the goalkeeper denied Odong with a routine catch.

However, the second half did not produce any fruit, and Ronald Otti, Richard Ayiko as well as Walter Ochora had to deal with threats from set pieces.

Isabirye sent on Martin Aprem and Ibrahim Nsimbe in an attempt to inject a spark into the side but instead the home equalized.

Magumba hit a bouncing header from close range past Kalyowa to restore parity for his side one minute off the hour after a free kick situation.

They almost grabbed all the three points when Simon Sserunkuma had the goalkeeper at his mercy but he chose to guide his volley over the bar with eight minutes left on the clock.

**BUL FC playing celebrating Ibrahim Kazindula ‘s goal.**

Ochora had been sent off in the 69th minute for involvement in a fracas between players of the sides inside the box

Despite the result, BUL remained on top of the table with 11 points. They will next play again on second next month against Onduparaka at Fufa Technical Center.

Starting XI :
Emmanuel Kalyowa (G.K), Richard Ayiko, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Richard Wandyaka, Karim Ndugwa, Frank Kalanda, Ibrahim Kazindula, Emmanuel Obua.

Substitutes:
Tom Ikara (GK), Ibrahim Nsimbe, Martin Aprem, Pascal Ngobi, Benon Tahomera, Owen Mukisa, Anthony Mayanja.

MATCH PREVIEW: GADDAFI VS BUL FC

Tuesday October 25
Uganda Premier League
Gaddafi FC Vs BUL FC
Kick off: 4pm

Following our hard fought 1-0 win over SC Villa last Friday, we now move across the City for the first Jinja derby this term against locals – Gaddafi at Kakindu.

The Eastern Giants have three wins from four going into the clash and currently boss the league standings with 10 points.

With ten goals scored, the Eastern Giants boast the best attack so far after four matches.

**Goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa in action**

Recent form has seen Alex Isabirye’s side thrash Blacks Power and UPDF, as well as beating the Jogoos and drawing at URA. Victory at Kakindu will give them the fourth win and extend their unbeaten run to five – a record not achieved before by BUL at the start of a new season.

As for their previous trip to Gaddafi, that came in April 2022, Hillary Onek and Jerome Kirya scored as the Eastern Giants came out 2-0 winners at Gaddafi Arena.

The Soldier Boys are 12th on the table ahead of the tie following two draws and a defeat at SC Villa.

They came from behind through Brian Kalumba to draw 1-1 away to Express last time out after Ibrahim Kayiwa had put the Red Eagles in the lead, but their fighting spirit will be put to the test once again when they face the unforgiving BUL.

Team News

Ibrahim Mugulusi is still recovering from an injury as well as Saidi Keni, while Aggrey Madoi is also down with fever. A couple of youngsters will also miss the game because they are sitting their final exams.

Assistant coach Richard Kasule Bakabulindi and defender Ronald Otti moved to share their thoughts before the clash, with all sounding confident and optimistic.

Richard Kasule:

“There is neither a weak team nor a strong one between BUL and Gaddafi – we are equally at the same level,” Kasule said.

“But we are not on top by chance, it’s by hard work. we think day and night, and put in a lot of efforts to bring a difference in what we do.“

“And we are ready to play.“

“Many people term this match as a derby and I concur with them because we share the same fans and we hail from the same area but this match is just like any other, so, our approach will not be any different.”

Ronald Otti:

“Our preparations have not been bad, and we have been put in the right shape to take on Gaddafi. Everyone should expect us to win because we are not leading the table by mistake, but because we are winning our games.”

Head to Head

In the two competitive meetings between BUL and Gaddafi, there has been one BUL win and a draw.

Previous Meetings

November 28, 2021
BUL 1-1 Gaddafi

April 04, 2022
Gaddafi 0-2 BUL

Match Facts

BUL is unbeaten in two clashes with their hosts – with one win and a draw.

Of the four goals scored in this fixture, the Eastern Giants have three.

Isabirye’s men have won three games and drawn once, scoring ten goals across the run.

Gaddafi is still winless after three matches, drawing twice and losing once.

Games involving them have seen four goals, but the Soldier Boys count one only to their name.

Match Coverage:

The game will be live on television but you can also follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-0 SC VILLA

Richard Wandyaka scored a pearler as BUL remained atop of the Uganda premier league with a narrow win over SC Villa at the Fufa Technical Center.

**BUL FC starting line up against sc villa**

After a goalless first half, the winner came in the second period after Walter Ochora combined with substitute Ibrahim Kazindula from a throw in on the left side and the midfielder picked out Ibrahim Nsimbe whose chested effort at the edge of the box found Wandyaka in space, and the forward struck a volley well past the time wasting Martin Elungati in SC Villa’s goal.

It was BUL’s third win from four games and the result leaves Alex Isabirye’s side three points clear at the top of the log.

**BUL FC players celebrating Richard Wandyaka’s goal**

SC Villa came into the game unbleached from their previous three matches and they approached the match with resilient defending with the first half ending all square.

But instead of taking the game to the Eastern Giants in the second half, the visitors seemed to be content with a point, fronting time wasting antics and attempting to kill the flow of the game.

Aprem Martin, Karim Ndugwa, Jerome Kirya and Wandyaka had a bit of BUL’s opportunities in the first half but their scoring boots seemed not tightened enough and the performance of Gift Fred and Kenneth Ssemakula in the Jogoos defence snuffed out any chance of a way through.

Wandyaka saw two efforts superbly cleared while his volley on the stroke of halftime from inside the box narrowly missed on the right post.

Kirya then picked up a rebound when Wandyaka’s shot off a goal ward header from Ochora was repelled but his attempt was tamed by Ssemakula.

On the 38th minute, Ndugwa thought he had put BUL in the lead with a low drive from inside the box but the flag had already gone up for offside in the build up.

BUL’s impressive performance continued after the break, with the coming of Nsimbe and Kazindula coloring it even more.

Elungati denied Nsimbe at two minutes to the hour mark before the energetic Wandyaka had another header slightly over the bar.

But he finally met the target with a moment of magic in the 88th minute to grant BUL a precious win. This means the Eastern Giants continue to dominate the standings with 10 points. The next task is against Gaddafi FC on Tuesday next week at Kakindu.

Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga (Ibrahim Kazindula 66′), George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Owen Mukisa (Ibrahim Nsimbe 46′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem (Frank Kalanda 85′), Richard Wandyaka, Karim Ndugwa (Pascal Ngobi 90+3′)

Tom Ikara (GK), Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL Vs SC VILLA

Friday October 21, 2022
Uganda Premier League
BUL Vs SC Villa
FUFA Technical Center
Kick off: 2PM

First meet second this Friday as BUL set sight at returning to winning ways against SC Villa in the top of the table contest at Fufa Technical Center.

BUL were compelled to accept a point after a one all draw with URA last time out, while the Jogoos swung to a 2-0 win over Express.

Having seen his side’s perfect start to the season cut, Alex Isabirye target to shift his side back to the winning rails to steer clear of their visitors who count seven points, same as the Eastern Giants after three matches each.

To reach this tally, BUL roughed up Blacks Power and UPDF before drawing with URA whereas SC Villa took care of Gaddafi and Express either side of the barren stalemate at Onduparaka.

The Eastern Giants were unmatched in all the three clashes with the Jogoos last term – sowing untold confidence and a great feeling of wanting to keep SC Villa at bay henceforth.

However, being amongst the only four teams yet to concede a goal this campaign is a bold statement for SC Villa but in BUL, they face the most clinical side that has struck eight goals – the most in the division at the moment.

It is always a cracker when the two face-off, and Friday is likely to provide the same aura when the sides convene for their 26th meeting.

Team News

After missing the trip to URA, Richard Ayiko remain sidelined due to illness. Another to sit out tomorrow’s clash is Ibrahim Mugulusi but rest of the players will be available for the showdown.

Both sides are in fine form and manager Alex Isabirye foresees a top class show from all sides but remain optimistic his side will be insurmountable.

“This match is going to be like a final with both teams fighting for the top position. We are currently tied on seven points with SC Villa and this makes it a hard one,” Alex Isabirye said.

“They are winning their games and they have gone three without conceding but we are prepared and expecting to win.“

“We are leading the table; that implies we are good but it doesn’t mean we are going to be there all time – we have to be very cautious.“

“It’s too early and there is a lot of competition although we have the ability to consolidate our grip on that top rank.”

Forward Frank Kalanda also spoke out after the last training.

“The drills we have gone through have prepared us well for this seeming to be difficult encounter but we are determined and ready to win,” he said.

Head to Head

From the 25 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced seven wins for BUL, nine for SC Villa and nine draws.

Last four meetings

April 27, 2021
SC Villa 1-1 BUL FC

November 23, 2021
SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC

April 24, 2022 (Uganda cup)
SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC (AET)

May 22, 2022
BUL 1-0 SC Villa

Match facts

BUL have won seven times in this fixture with four victories coming away from home.

To add on that, the Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their last ten meetings with the Jogoos.

43 goals have been scored in this fixture since 2011 and Isabirye’s men have a share of 20.

It’s close to five years since SC Villa last beat BUL in the league, and that was the 1-0 victory in November 2017.

Match Coverage:

The game will be live on television but you can also follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: URA 1-1 BUL

It ended all square at Nakisunga Saza ground after BUL and URA settled for a one all draw on Friday. Jeromy Kirya scored his second goal of the season as BUL matched to an early lead before George Ssenkaaba snatched a late equalizer for the home side

But despite the points being shared, BUL will feel that it is two points dropped rather than one gained after leading the game for close to 90 minutes.

The Eastern Giants started with real intensity and imposed on URA quickly. They capitalized with just two minutes played when Kirya beat Arionzi Nafian in URA’s goal with an awesome finish to put BUL Infront.

As the first half wore on, the hosts started to push for an equalizer, and they had a George Ssenkaaba volley cleared off the lines.

The second half walked a similar pattern, URA piling on pressure, however, they declined to benefit from Douglas Muganga’s hand ball at the edge of the box with Ibrahim Dada squandering the free kick.

Kalyowa then stood too big in goal to deny Dada from the spot before Vincent Ziwa’s well taken free kick was saved by Nafian at the other end.

It looked like the Eastern Giants were trotting away with all the points as the 90 minutes collapsed with Alex Isabirye’s side 1-0 up but Ssenkaaba had other ideas. The forward struck a last minute goal for his side in the additional minutes to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

**BUL FC players celebrating Jeromy kirya goal.**

BUL have remained on top of the log after the result but level on seven points with SC Villa who took Express to the trench with a 2-0 beating at Wankulukuku.

The Eastern Giants are next in action against the Jogoos at Fufa Technical Center next Friday before a huge match on the road against Gaddafi FC four days later.

Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (G.K), Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Douglas Muganga, Ibrahim Kazindula (Vincent Zziwa 58′), Jerome Kirya, Emmanuel Obua (Martin Aprem 58′),Hillary Onek (Ivan Wani 68′), Karim Ndugwa (Frank Kalanda 82′),Richard Wandyaka (Ibra Nsimbe 82′), George Kasonko.

Unused substitutes:
Tom Ikara (GK), Denis Mwemezi.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL VISIT URA IN NAKISUNGA

Friday October 14, 2022
Uganda Premier League
URA Vs BUL
Nakisunga Saza ground
Kick off: 4PM.

After two sweet consecutive league victories, BUL go horns out against URA on Friday.

The Eastern Giants made it two wins from two in the Uganda premier league last Friday when they swept aside UPDF 3-1 at Fufa Technical Center.

Prior to that, Alex Isabirye’s men claimed a 5-0 victory over Blacks Power on October 1 to start the season on the right footing.

This means the Eastern Giants have picked up every point there is to pick to lead the table standings with six points, one ahead of second placed Maroons.

Now with some strong league form steaming in the team, a trip to Nakisunga Saza ground has come at the right time having won the last meeting between the sides at Kyabazinga stadium and will fancy their chances of picking up back-to-back wins for the first time off the Tax collectors who are still winless this campaign .

URA were held to a draw by Onduparaka on the opening weekend before falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Express last time out.

This slow start to the campaign has left them placed 13th in the standings with one point ahead of our 23rd meeting in the league.

Team News

**Defender Richard Ayiko in action against UPDF**

After featuring in most of the matches last season, and playing every minute this campaign, Richard Ayiko is the only player to sit out tomorrow’s encounter. He has been given time off to cool down. But the rest of the players remain in contention as there is a clean bill of health at the club and the squad is suspension free.

The clash between BUL and URA is always a big act in Ugandan football and before the showdown unfolds, team manager Alex Isabirye and midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula let out their expectations and opinions about tomorrow’s contest.

Alex Isabirye:

“Everyone knows what it means to get three points when away to URA,” he said.

“And It is good we won our first two games and we want to go into this match with all that confidence.“

“I know they have struggled a bit after going two games without a goal but we all know they are a good side with a third place finish last season, and they have good coaches who I believe are doing everything to win tomorrow but we are ready for them.”

Speaking about confidence, Ibrahim Kazindula was just full of it to the bream towards the match.

“This promises not be an easy game but our target is to get maximum points in each game we play. And on the outlook, URA is a good team but we are better now therefore expect everything to be alright,” he said.

Head to Head

Both sides have met 22 times in the league since November 2011, resulting in three BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and nine draws

Last four meetings

December 15, 2020

BUL FC 0-2 URA FC

April 16, 2021

URA FC 3-1 BUL FC

November 20, 2021

URA 2-2 BUL FC

April 04, 2022

BUL FC 2-0 URA FC

Match facts

It is two wins for BUL from as many games, producing eight goals, the highest in the division.

The last four visits to the Tax Collectors ended in three draws and one loss for the Eastern Giants.

Of the nine stalemates in this fixture, five were one all draws. two were goalless, while the other two were two all draws.

BUL’s three wins off URA arrived with clean sheets, the similar scores of 1-0 in April of 2016 and February 2018, and the 2-0 victory in April 2022.

URA are yet to score a goal this campaign but they have conceded only once.

Match Officials

Ali Sabilla will over see the match from the center. Mafumu Mustapha and Lulenzi Sharif to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Wasswa Alex will serve as the fourth official, while Ssonko Mark will be the referee assessor. The match coordinator for this game will be Waiswa Ajab.

Match Coverage:

The game is not on television but you can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.

Kiira fm radio 88.6

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 3-1 UPDF

BUL matched on top of the Uganda premier league table with a 3-1 win over UPDF FC on Friday.

After a goalless first half at Fufa Technical Center, clinical strikes from Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka and Frank Kalanda set the Eastern Giants on course for victory.

BUL showed a confident approach right from the opening stages of the action.

Indeed, Emmanuel Obua fired the first warning to the visitors with a tempting cross field ball in the goal mouth as early as the fourth minute.

Simon Mabuya in UPDF’s goal then stopped Ndugwa’s spinning header from inside the area after a move involving Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek and Wandyaka.

The next threat however came from the visitors as an attack through the middle put Ezekiel Katende in a one on one situation with Emmanuel Kalyowa in BUL’s goal but he lacked the composure to skip the goalkeeper.

On the half hour, Ochora carried the ball from his defense to launch a counter-attack of exhilarating precision as Jeromy Kirya’s pin pointing pass was met by Obua before finding Ndugwa whose shot sailed over the bar.

It was a similar story for the visitors perse. Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Katende got in better positions to shoot their side into the lead but their efforts were prevented by Kalyowa.

It was after the break that the game sparked to life with openings following the introduction of Vicent Ziwa with the substitute stinging Mabuya’s gloves direct from a corner three minutes after his coming.

**Striker Frank Kalanda after scoring BUL FC’s third goal**

Ziwa’s fine touches and neat passing proved thorny to the visitors as he linked well with Ndugwa and Wandyaka to grind UPDF.

With UPDF now not able to move out of their own half with ease, BUL’s opening goal soon arrived.

Wandyaka left his marker in the box tumbling to play in the unmarked Ndugwa and the forward made no mistake to burry his low drive into the net on 59 minutes for his third goal of the season.

And four minutes later, Ndugwa’s provider doubled our lead with a sublime finish, his third for this campaign as well.

Frank Kalanda put the game beyond UPDF’s reach when he made it 3-0 up for BUL as the final whistle neared with a grass cutting shot from the edge of the box.

The visitors then grabbed a consolation through Ibrahim Magandazi from the spot on 79 minutes to reduce the deficit.

The result moved Alex Isabirye’s side back to the summit of the table with six points just after two games. BUL’s next league engagement is away to URA at Nakisunga Saza ground next Friday

Starting XI:

Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya, Emmanuel Obua, Hillary Onek, Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka.

Unused substitutes:
Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga,

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL HOST UPDF FC

Saturday October 08

Uganda premier league

FUFA Technical Center

Kick off: 4PM

BUL host UPDF FC in our first home league fixture at Fufa Technical Center this Saturday at 4PM.

*BUL FC start list that won against Blacks Power last saturday*

It was a flying start for the Eastern Giants, thrashing Blacks Power 5-0 in the opener last weekend, which has left them in second spot on the table with three points, one behind early leaders – Maroons.

This is the kind of showings they want to carry into their second game of the season to set tone for the show down with URA coming six days later, and look to make it two on the bounce against the army side.

A positive result will begin to continue last season’s formidable home form which helped the Eastern Giants finish fourth last campaign.

As for UPDF, they have started the season fairly picking up a point off Express in the opening match but their winless streak stretched to three going back to last season.

Team News:

All players are in good health and ready for selection.

Assistant coach Richard Kasule Bakabulindi spoke ahead of the match and said the team is in the best conditions to win the game.

“UPDF is a strong team and it has been here for long. They have good coaches and we respect them. But despite them having all that, we expect to get all the three points tomorrow.”

That is the same line captain George Kasonko moved along, saying the 5-0 victory in the first match present much encouragement to win every game.

“They are well experienced but we have also prepared well for them. We won our first game and it gave us the real picture of what we want to achieve this season, and that’s winning every match that comes across.”

Head to Head

P10 W5 D1 L4

Ten matches have occurred between the Eastern Giants and the army side, producing five wins for BUL, four for UPDF and one draw since 2015.

Previous four encounters

December 12, 2020

UPDF FC 2-1 BUL FC

April 20, 2021

BUL FC 4-3 UPDF FC

December 23, 2021

UPDF FC 1-1 BUL FC

March 01, 2022

BUL 5-1 UPDF FC

Match Facts

This fixture has produced a winner in nine of the ten (10) meetings, and 32 goals have been scored across those games, with BUL FC having a lion share of 19.

BUL is also unbeaten in their last three meetings with UPDF

MATCH REPORT: BLACKS POWER 0-5 BUL FC

BUL produced a master class of football in their opening game of the season as they romped to a 5-0 victory over Blacks Power on Saturday afternoon.

On a day of acute humiliation for the hosts, the Eastern Giants emphasised the huge gulf between the sides in a cruel fashion.

Ever green forward Karim Ndugwa as well as Richard Wandyaka scored a brace each, with Jerome Kirya joining the scoring party as Blacks Power crumbled at Akibua Memorial stadium in Lira.

**BUL FC starting line up against Blacks power**

Ndugwa got his first just after nine minutes with ferocious shot on the turn off his right boot. Kirya then put the Eastern Giants 2-0 up shortly with a clever finish when Hillary Onek’s cross was deflected in his path.

The floodgates were well and truly open and BUL added a third and a fourth before the break.

Wandyaka scored two goals on the quick fire in a space of just four minutes. He tucked in a rebound after Blacks Power failed to deal well with Ndugwa’s header on 25 minutes, before he stretched BUL’s lead to four, four minutes later.

Ndugwa peeled off the pack at the back post to complete his brace after the interval when Ronald Otti flicked the ball into the box following a conor situation. With the score 5-0, BUL utilized most of the remaining time just to control the proceedings and enjoy the game after Blacks Power had coiled their tails.

The result has set the Eastern Giants at the top of table alongside Maroons with three points. The team will return to FUFA Technical Center for the second match at UPDF next weekend.

Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (G.K), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko (Douglas Muganga 73′), George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Nsimbe 73), Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 83′), Hillary Onek (Emmanuel Obua 83′),Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka .

Unused substitutes:
Saidi Keni (G.K), Ibrahim Kazindula.

MATCH PREVIEW: BLACKS POWER VS BUL FC

Saturday October 01, 2022

Uganda Premier League

Akibua Memorial Stadium

Kick off: 2PM

After a feel of continental football and a pre season tournament in Ethiopia, BUL start the Uganda premier league action with a Saturday afternoon clash in Lira.

This will be the first of the five matches in a hectic October as they take on newly promoted side Blacks Power at Akibua Memorial stadium, 2PM before clashes with UPDF, URA, SC Villa and Gaddafi later in the month.

Coming off the back of a fruitful pre season that saw ten new faces through the door, several build up wins and 18 goals scored in the latest four practice matches, the players are hungry to make an impression in the league at the first time of asking, and it remains to be seen how the hosts will approach the super charged Eastern Giants – who are looking well organized than before, and red hot.

In Blacks Power, BUL meet former coaches – Peter Onen and David Kiwanuka, and former defender Mike Kawooya. Blacks Power also retained Mike Siwu and goalkeeper Emmanuel Odong, and fleshened up their squad with the addition of experienced Faisal Muwawu and Baden Mujahid.

Without doubt they may want to pose a threat to the Eastern Giants but this is the game Alex Isabirye’s men want to use as a spring board for a better season, meaning they will be intolerant to anything less than a win.

**Team manager Alex Isabirye with part of his technical team**

However, the hosts are expected to be keen on letting everyone know that the top tier is where they belong, after not only gaining promotion but winning the Big League last season.

And it being the first of the season for each of the teams, so much will be put on the table, which then promises a cracker of a match and the nation will be focused upon us and Onen’s side to see how the game between the Uganda cup winners and the Big League champions goes.

Team News

Isabirye has a fully-fit squad to choose from this weekend with all players available and in the right shape to engage Blacks Power.

He and the captain shared their thoughts about the contest and they all believe the Eastern Giants can come out tomorrow as victors.

Manager Alex Isabirye:

“It’s the first game of the season and I expect it to be a tag of war,” he said.

“We dearly want those three points but we need to work for them gallantly if we are to compete this season, at least finishing in the top four positions again.”

“Only that we have taken some time without playing in the country but I think the players are ready and they know how much we want the three points.”

“We are just from the continent however I won’t say we have now got a lot of experience because the confederations cup and the Uganda premier league are different competitions.”

“Meanwhile, it may not be easy. Blacks Power is new in the league and want to start the campaign with three points at home but I think we can win and we kindly ask God to give us a good day.”

Captain George Kasonko:

“Blacks Power is new in the league but the players are not,” he said.

“They have been around and have been in the league for a quite a long time.“

“It being our first match this season, it means a lot to us because we have bigger goals than last season’s.“

“Therefore starting from tomorrow, every game is very important to us.”

“We are prepared, and the coaches have put us in the right conditions for the game.“

“And playing some matches out side the country has helped us improve. We gained some experiences there and this will help us improve the more going forward.”

Previous Meetings

Blacks Power has been an enjoyable opponent to play for BUL, in May 2021, the Eastern Giants ran out 5-1 winners on aggregate at the round of 32 in the Uganda cup, courtesy of a 2-0 win at the Emokori grounds in the first leg before a 3-1 triumph at Bugembe. Simon Peter Oketch was on the score sheet twice while other goals came from Deogracious Ojok, Joseph Ssemujju and Robert Mukongotya. Mike Siwu scored from the spot to atleast give Blacks Power a consolation to cry on after the thrashing.

Match Officials

Kimbowa Richard will take charge of this fixture. He will be assisted by Mafumu Mustapha and Aweko Kevin with Outeke Daniel on fourth official duty. Rwamuyamba Rose will be the referee assessor and Eron Alal the match general coordinator.