Category: Club News

BUL FC are into the quarter finals of the 2023/2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup after a last 16 penalty shootout win over ten time winners Express, with substitute goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa saving one and then scoring the decisive spot kick following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Lawrence Tezikya, Benon Tahomera and Ibrahim Kazindula also converted in the 4-1 victory for BUL on Sunday. The Red Eagles only managed to convert through John Asimwe.

With nearly one minute of the additional minutes left on the clock, Joel Mutakubwa was purposely thrown into the fray at FUFA technical centre, replacing his compatriot Tom Ikara between the uprights.

In full view of the Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put; Mutakubwa was up for the job as he reminded the world of his expertise at saving spot kicks by comfortably denying Marvin Oshaba.

He also made himself too big in goal to force Isa Lumu to sky his kick before he showed them how it is done by dunking beyond Abdul Kimera to activate party moods in Njeru.

Chances were however few and hard to come by as either side failed to find the back of the net before the 85 minute mark.

It was the Eastern Giants who consistently looked most likely to score in the first half, but a solid defensive display from the visitors kept the game barren at the break.

Abdul Kimera came to Express’ rescue to keep out Lawrence Tezikya’s rocket in the 27^th minute, and picked his spot well to deny Walter Ochora twelve minutes later.

On the stroke of halftime, Benon Tahomera leapt highest and nodded in off a Jerome Kirya free kick after George Kasonko was fouled at the edge of the box by Kevin Ssekimbega but the goal was cancelled for offside.

The visitors did not have a shot on target until the 52^nd minute when Dawson Mafumu made a sole significant run from his defense that forced goalkeeper Tom Ikara to float in the air quickly and glove his hard delivery into a corner. Ikara made another fine stop slightly above the 70^th minute when he tipped John Asimwe’s strong close range header over the bar to keep the Eastern Giants in the game.

At this moment, both sides looked not to fancy shootouts as the hunt for a winner was conspicuously visible given the aggressive approach from either side.

BUL drew the first blood when substitute Ibrahim Mugulusi scored in the 86^th minute to throw FUFA technical centre into frenzy but the celebrations were short-lived as Edgar Katumba pounced in the equalizer with one minute left to play following a corner situation, forcing the clash to be settled through kicks from the penalty mark.

Abbey Kikomeko and his men now turn the attention to the Uganda premier league with the visit to URA FC coming on Friday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK)(Joel Mutakubwa 90+2’), Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Benon Tahomera, George Kasonko (Ibrahim Kazindula 90+2’), Pascal  Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 45’),  Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Orit  85’), Joel Madondo (Gerald Ogweti 66’), Lawrence Tezikya.

Unused substitutes:

Amos Kirya, Emmanuel Obua, Shafik Kwikiriza, Richard Okello.

BUL football club will play host to Express FC in the round of 16 of the 2023/24 Stanbic Uganda Cup. The fixture was revealed in a draw held at the FUFA complex in Mengo on Monday, and will be played between 1^st and 7^th of March at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

We reached the last 16 with a 3-0 thrashing of Simba FC in the round of 64 before a hard fought 1-0 win in the round of 32 at Kyambura Rastas a week ago.

Our opponents won 1-0 at MYDA in the round of 64 but needed kicks from the penalty mark to beat Rwenzori Lions 8-7 on penalties following a one all draw in regulation time.

It will be the third time the teams are facing each other in this competition since 2019. The Red Eagles capitalized on a Brian Omony strike to win a semifinal battle 1-0 at Wankulukuku in March 2019 but BUL repaid them in the same currency, at the same stage two years later as the Eastern Giants also ran 1-0 victors courtesy of Owen Mukisa’s goal to reach our first ever Uganda cup final.

The exact date and time for this clash will be communicated in the process.

BUL FC drew 0-0 with Maroons in Friday’s Uganda premier league clash at Luzira play grounds. The result saw us move to 38 points after 18 games.

It was a game that went back and forth with both sides enjoying spells on top, although neither could pile enough pressure to scratch a breakthrough goal.
The game was not notable for many chances as there was almost nothing to shout about in the opening thirty five minutes.

It took until around 37 minutes for the first chance of the game to arrive, and the hosts should have registered at least a shot on target when Abraham Tusubira Kakensa went behind our defense.

Despite having acres of space available for him to work through, the forward agonizingly chose to shoot wide from the edge of the box before Lawrence Tezikya thrashed his free kick into the hands of Hannington Ssebwalunyo five minutes to the break.

After the interval, BUL began the second half the quicker side as they committed more bodies in the opposition half following the introduction of new signing Ibrahim Orit.

They began to play with purpose and precision, and nearly broke the deadlock.

A flicked searching header found an advancing Pascal Ngobi but the goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny the midfielder.

While the Eastern Giants were on top, Abbey Kikomeko’s men somehow struggled to create many chances although a few efforts were snuffed out by Maroons defenders.

On the hour mark, Ronald Otti thought he had given BUL the lead when he swerved in a hard one from inside the box but the goal was cancelled out by the referee citing a hand ball in the build up. Martin Aprem and George Kasonko’s efforts had initially been poorly cleared following a dangerous delivery by Hillary Onek from the right channel.

BUL went close again ten minutes later just that they could not beat Ssebwalunyo in Maroons goal. Substitute Orit took it on himself and split the midfield with a crafty move before playing into space for Onek to chase, however, the latter’s inviting cross was gloved away by the outstanding net minder.

As the game entered its evening stage, the hosts tried to come out of their shells but also failed to utilize their occasional raids thus the two teams settling for a point each.

The Eastern Giants will immediately begin preparations for next week’s encounter against SC Villa at FUFA technical center.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 74’), Lawrence Tezikya (Joel Madondo 90+1’), Martin Aprem (Shafiq Kwikiriza 74’), Gerald Ogweti (Ibrahim Orit 45’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Benon Tahomera, Amos Kirya.

Friday 23^rd February 2024

Uganda Premier League

Maroons Vs BUL FC

Luzira prisons ground

Kick-off: 4pm

BUL FC is on the road again, making the trip to Luzira to take on Maroons in the Uganda premier league on Friday at the Luzira prisons ground. It is the third game in succession BUL is playing out of their Njeru territories having featured in two away Uganda cup matches before this one.

The Eastern Giants come into the game off the back of a narrow 1-0 Uganda cup victory over third tier team Kyambura Rastas on Sunday where they sailed  to the last 16 stage of the competition.

They also defeated Bright Stars 2-1 in their last league appearance two weeks ago to remain four points clear at the top of the table, with the eleven wins and four draws from 17 games resulting into 37 points.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men thrashed the wardens 3-0 in the reverse fixture played in October last year and all their focus is set on completing the double over the hosts to maintain a health point gap at the summit.

Maroons currently occupy the sixth place on the log with 29 points after 17 matches.

Last time out, they secured a point in a 0-0 draw against Wakiso Giants in Luzira.

Friday’s encounter will be the 12^th meeting between the sides.

Team News

Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga will miss the trip with injuries. Nicholas Mwere will also not be available for selection as he is serving his suspension after accumulating cards, but the trio are the only absentees for Friday’s match.

Ahead of the classic encounter and against one of the best teams when at home, coach Abbey Kikomeko said BUL is eager to outsmart Maroons in Luzira and come back with all the three points.

“Maroons are a very good team and everyone at the club – including players and coaches all know that. They are stronger at home than they are away, and they have got the tools that can hurt us. So we know that they are a side that can prove dangerous as they have demonstrated it throughout the season,” he said.

“Therefore, this is going to be a tough game for us given that it has even come at a time when we are just from a hectic Uganda cup journey where we played Kyambura Rastas far away in Rubirizi.”

“But I am not saying that the Maroons game should not have come at this time because we all knew that it would be played on this Friday long time ago.”

“So, there is no room for whining, and there is no time for sympathizing with ourselves. We just have to go to Luzira, compete and show them that we are BUL FC the table leaders, and also show them the best version of ourselves and come back with all the three points.”

“We need to become champions and it’s moments like these that make a true champion.”

“I always tell my players that we must have a must win attitude in every game we play and they have always done exactly what I have wanted them to do which gives me confidence that we shall get maximum points tomorrow.”

“I believe we have had enough rest since we came back and also think we have had good preparations coming into this game. We shall approach it like we always do so, expect us to win.”

Defender Ronald Otti said;

“We are prepared for this game as players although Maroons is sometimes a tricky team especially when at home. We drew 0-0 the last time we visited them but we won 3-0 in the first meeting this season, so they are going to come with intentions to revenge but we are also ready to sweep aside every team that comes our way.”

“Fortunately, we won our last two games in Uganda cup. Although the tie that is coming next is a league match and may require different preparations, as players we know what we need to do. We shall not show any sign of complacence or fear. So, that will motivate us to keep winning going forward.”

Head to Head

P11 W8 D1 L2

Both teams have clashed eleven (11) times in the previous seasons, resulting into eight BUL wins, two victories for Maroons and a draw.

Last four encounters

October 30, 2018

Maroons 1-2 BUL FC

December 21, 2022

BUL FC 5-0 Maroons

May 27, 2023

Maroons 0-0 BUL FC

October 20, 2023

BUL FC 3-0 Maroons

Match facts

• From a possible 27, BUL have collected 17 points as a result of five wins, two draws and losses in equal shares, from nine away games. Scored 13 goals and conceded nine in the process – the best away record in the division.
• The Eastern Giants have won three of their last five games in all competitions, with the immediate last two victories coming against third division sides Simba FC and Kyambura Rastas in the Uganda cup.
• But they have won only one of their previous four away league games, drawn two and lost one. The win came against Vipers SC in December.
• In the past five away matches to Maroons, BUL won two games, drew two and lost one. The victories were however far in between; the first, which was a 4-1 triumph, came in late September 2015 before the second victory (2-1) arrived at the end of October in 2018.
• Of the 26 goals in the previous eleven games between the two teams, BUL have twenty one (21) to their account.
• The previous 11 clashes produced a winner except on one occasion, the 0-0 stalemate in April last season at the Prisons grounds.
• From a possible 24 points, Maroons have picked 13 as a result of three wins, four draws and a loss from their opening eight home games, scored 13 goals and conceded six across the games.
• Their three wins however came against struggling sides – Mbarara City, Gaddafi and UPDF FC who are tussling for their lives at the bottom end of the table.
• They have also won only one game in their last five outings in all competitions.
• On the other hand, Maroons is unbeaten in five home games since losing to NEC FC in November 2023. They have won three and drawn two fixtures in the process.
• The loss to NEC also remains the only defeat for them in their last 18 home matches dating back to late November 2022.
• It’s however only two wins for them against BUL, with the last one coming three years ago. The first was a 1-0 victory in December of 2017 courtesy of William Kiibi’s second half strike, before winning again three years later in January of 2020 when they defeated the Eastern Giants 2-0. Fred Amaku and Stephen Mukwala were the scorers.

 Match Coverage

The game action will be live on television. Alternatively, follow our social media channels for the text commentary from the off.

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BUL FC progressed to the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda cup following a hard fought 1-0 victory over Western regional league side Kyambura Rastas on Sunday.

Lawrence Tezikya came off the bench in the second half and separated the teams in the additional minutes with a priceless goal that lifted BUL to the next round.

The Eastern Giants enjoyed a lion’s share of ball possession throughout the contest at Kyambura play ground in Rubirizi district but they were denied a breakthrough by the hosts before the 90^th minute mark clocked.

All the focus now turns to the Uganda premier league with the visit to Maroons scheduled for Friday next week.

Starting XI;

Joel Mutakubwa (GK),Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Orit, Amos Kirya (Gerald Ogweti 45’), Martin Aprem (Lawrence Tezikya 45’), Alex  Kitata (Joel Madondo 32’ (Ibrahim Mugulusi 58’)).

Unused substitutes:

Tom Ikara, Benon Tahomera, Ibrahim Kazindula, Emmanuel Obua, Pascal Ngobi, John Okurut, Shafik Kwikiriza.

Sunday 18^th February 2024

Uganda Cup R32

Kyambura Rastas Vs BUL FC

Kyambura playgrounds

Kick-off: 3pm

BUL FC are back in the Uganda cup action on Sunday, visiting third division Kyambura Rastas in the round of 32 at Kyambura play grounds in Rubirizi district, Western Uganda.

The Eastern Giants reached this stage of the competition following a 3-0 triumph over Simba FC on Wednesday in Namulonge, Gayaza with Ibrahim Kazindula, Walter Ochora and Alex Kitata scoring the goals.

BUL have impressed this season, with Abbey Kikomeko’s men currently on top of the pile in the UPL, and very keen on progressing to the last sixteen as well as keeping an eye on the next league bout against Maroons four days later.

After dispatching Simba, they come up against another regional league team but this time featuring in the western league.

The opposition

Sunday’s cup tie is Kyambura Rastas’ first game in the competition this season, and their first at this stage in their life time.

They reached here without putting in an effort at the round of 64, not that they were too good but because their opponents – Onduparaka FC failed to make the trip, thus qualifying by default.

Their efforts to come out of the preliminary round Uganda cup qualifiers for western region hit a rock last campaign as they fell short against Bunyaruguru Tigers and Bunyaruguru United.

But they did their homework well and came back this season with a bang, beating Six O’clock, Bwizibwera United and Bunyaruguru United in the qualifiers.

Kyambura Rastas’s form has been pleasing for a new side in the western region league. They sit fourth on the log with 17 points after winning five, drawing two and losing four in 11 games. However, their last home fixture was a 2-1 loss to leaders Bunyaruguru United last Sunday.

Team News

BUL will have to do without Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga who didn’t travel with team because of injuries but the rest of the players are available for selection.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko’s remarks ahead of the game.

“We shall not take Kyambura Rastas for granted; we shall approach the game like we did against Simba. The boys and the coaching staff are all ready and I think we shall get the victory tomorrow,” he said.

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;

“Our mentality this season is all about winning every game we play no matter the size of the team, whether big or small, we play like we are playing defending champions. Therefore, we shall not take Kyambura Rastas for granted, we shall respect them but all in all, we want to win that game.”

BUL FC set up a round of 32 match of the Stanbic Uganda cup with Kyambura Rasters, after easily seeing off Simba FC. Ibrahim Kazindula, Walter Ochora and Alex Kitata finished off the job on Wednesday to send BUL to next stage.

The Eastern Giants looked sharp and dominant right from the onset at Namulonge play ground in Gayaza and were the superior side throughout, full of energy from the back to the front as they ensured it would be them who progress to round of 32.

By the time they took the lead with the first of the three goals, they had already gone close about three times. Ibrahim Kazindula, making his first start of the season, made BUL’s dominance count when he slotted home in the 41^st minute to fully put the Eastern Giants in the driving seat.

Before the hour mark they had made it 2-0 up. After scoring against Bright Stars in the league last time out, defender Walter Ochora was at the fore again by glancing in Jerome Kirya’s effort delivered right from the corner.

The game would see new signing Ibrahim Orit make his debut as he was part of the triple substitution in the 71^st minute where he, Lawrence Tezikya and Alex Kitata replaced Gerald Ogweti, Jerome Kirya and Martin Aprem. Amos Kirya had replaced Joel Madondo at break time.

BUL then piled more pressure on the hosts and wrapped up the game in a spectacular style as Alex Kitata tucked in a rebound to make it three after Pascal Ngobi’s initial effort was saved.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men will now play Kyambura Rasters FC on Sunday 18^th February 2024 at Kyambura play grounds in Rubirizi, 4pm.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Pascal Ngobi 83’), Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Orit 71’), Martin Aprem (Lawrence Tezikya 71’), Joel Madondo (Amos Kirya 45’), Gerald Ogweti (Alex Kitata 71’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel  Mutakubwa (GK), Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Mugulusi.

Wednesday 14^th February 2024

Stanbic Uganda Cup – R64

Simba Vs BUL FC

Namulonge grounds, Gayaza

Kick-off: 4pm.

The footballing world will turn its focus to Namulonge play ground on Wednesday evening when the Eastern Giants visit Buganda regional league side Simba FC in the round of 64 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

The encounter that had initially been scheduled for January before it was postponed, has attracted considerable portions of attention and promises to be a cracker of a game.

BUL and Simba ply trade at different levels of the league football pyramid, with the latter featuring down in the third division but their fantastic start to the season and exciting performances in their respective tiers make this meeting eye catching.

Having gone three games without victory, BUL returned to winning ways as they picked a 2-1 win over Bright Stars last time out in the Uganda premier league where they are currently on top in the standings with 37 points from 17 matches.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men have now gone three games without defeat, claiming one win and two draws since losing to Gaddafi on January 3.

Their eyes are now fully set on beginning the Uganda cup campaign on the best note and kick off their quest for the second crown with victory.

The last time BUL lost at the round of 64 was in January 2020 when they were defeated 4-2 on penalties by West Nile third division team Mvara Boys after a one all draw in regulation time.

The opposition.

Simba (Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA FC) have been in fine form in the Buganda regional league this season, with Alex Gitta’s men sitting on top of the table after 12 games with 27 points, three ahead of Kira United in the Sezibwa group.

They have won eight, drawn three and lost one only, they have also scored 28 goals and conceded twelve across the games. Their last match of the first round was a 2-1 win against Synergy which was inspired by George Masembe and Andrew Ssekayombya’s goals.

Simba’s tie against Free Stars in preliminary round one of the Buganda region qualifiers of the Uganda cup was abandoned and they qualified to round two through a boardroom decision.

Their contest in the second phase of the qualifiers ended in post-match penalties, winning 4-2 over Sparks SC after a two all draw at Kironde play ground in Mukono to reach the round of 64.

The team is coached by seasoned lawyer – Alex Gitta who is deputized by former Masavu FC coach Andrew Mugaga who recently was in charge of Buzaya county football team in the Busoga Masaza Cup.

Despite playing in third division, the team is comprised of exciting talents that can arguably feature in the top flight, including nimble footed wingers Kenneth Evans Nketiah and Isaac Ssenyunja. Energetic and athletic towering attacking midfielder George Masembe and striker Robert Ssewanyana who scored about eight goals in the first round, are the other players to keep the eye on besides experienced center back Rashid Ssemwogerere and talented goalkeeper – Hamza Lutaaya.

Team News

Pascal Ngobi was on the bench against Bright Stars. The midfielder had been on the sidelines for a couple of months and is now ready for contention.

Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga will however miss the game after feeling some discomfort.

With BUL FC leading the Uganda premier league, the Uganda cup also presents the club with the chance to compete on two fronts, and Abbey Kikomeko is not going to take the fixture lightly.

“This is our first game of the Uganda cup this campaign and I think it is not going to be easy for us since we are playing away to a team that is topping one of the Buganda regional league groups,” he said.

“We are therefore not taking them for granted, and as much as we are playing away from home, we shall fight tooth and nail to get the win from them.”

“Uganda cup is a tricky competition, small teams often intend to intimidate and frustrate big sides but I am not saying we are going to be frustrated, this time we are focusing on reaching at least the final.”

“The round of 64 is the beginning for us, so we shall put in whatever it calls for to win it because we can’t afford to lose at that level.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said that;

“We are focused on winning and we want to win every game we play. So tomorrow is not any different, we are willing to go all through to win this game as all players are ready to play.”

BUL FC rediscovered its winning touch on Wednesday, bouncing from a goal down to collect all three points from a cagy bout with Bright Stars at FUFA technical centre, both goals in the 2-1 victory coming in the second half.

Shafik Kakande shot the visitors into a halftime lead not knowing that Walter Ochora and Jerome Kirya would return after the break with full batteries to turn fortunes for BUL.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men had gone three league matches without seeing victory, with the gap between them and Kitara in second place reducing to two points but Wednesday’s result means they have at least fortified their position at the summit with a tally of 37 points from 17 rounds.

BUL was the liveliest side in the first half as they advanced the ball throughout the 45 minutes only that they failed to turn possession into goals.

The first shot at goal came courtesy of roving left back Nicholas Mwere in the second minute, chesting down Alex Kitata’s header on the left side. The resulting drilled shot was deflected for a corner  though.

Just after a while, there was a misplaced pass near the 18-yard box and it almost benefited Bright Stars. John Kokas Alou took the chance with cheers only for his effort to be claimed by goalkeeper Tom Ikara.

Alex Kitata in response looked determined to add on his eight goals this season, going behind a defender and then breaking free into box with pace before side netting.

Relentless is the word that defined BUL at this stage. Bright Stars struggled to clear their goal area; Reagan Kalyowa had them for a dinner and then invited Jerome Kirya whose shot went wide.

Things temporarily went head over heels on the other hand despite the early dominance as it was the visitors who smiled going into the break.

Three minutes to half time, and against the run of play, Nelson Ssenkatuka picked up the ball just outside the box and managed to thread a pass to Shafik Kakande, Kakande wheeled into the box and squeezed an effort through the Eastern Giants defense and into the bottom corner of Ikara’s net in the 42^nd minute.

On top of the table but on the back of three games without a win, and a goal down in this one, BUL had to look for answers and there was no better way to search for them than emerging from the interval more energetic than they were in the first half, and they were ultimately rewarded for their artistry and zeal in the second half. Coach Kikomeko replaced Amos Kirya with Lawrence Tezikya and the visitors swapped Alex Mandera for Noordin Bunjo.

With the Eastern Giants asserting dominance, workaholic center back Walter Ochora emerged exactly where BUL need him to meet Jerome Kirya’s free kick that he pounced in hard past the time wasting Hassan Matovu to draw the affairs level eight minutes into the second stanza.

Providing the assist for the equalizer, Jerome Kirya continued his quest for a goal of his own, with him robbing Isa Bugembe the ball and his long range shot from the midfield stung the gloves of Matovu before the ball looped into the net to put BUL into a well-deserved lead in the 69th minute.

The teams then started going blow for blow as BUL intensified their search for a third to kill off the game while Bright Stars thought they could still scrap a point from the duel, and it was them who forced a save from Tom Ikara through Senkatuka.

At this moment, the Eastern Giants required new legs and so they withdrew Ibrahim Mugulusi and Alex Kitata for Ibrahim Kazindula and Gerard Ogweti, with the latter almost scoring when he was found in the box by Kirya.

However, the third goal did not come, and Ochora and Kirya’s goals proved enough to win BUL the much needed and well deserved three points at FUFA technical centre.

Focus now shifts to the round of 64 Uganda cup match with Simba FC at Namulonge play ground on Wednesday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Ibrahim Kazindula 83’), Jerome Kirya, Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Joel Madondo 90+2’), Amos Kirya (Lawrence Tezikya 62’), Alex Kitata (Gerald  Ogweti 83’).

Unused substitutes:

John Okurut, Emmanuel Obua, Pascal Ngobi, Joel Mutakubwa, Benon Tahomera.