MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC Vs URA FC

Saturday March 4, 2023

Uganda premier league

FUFA Technical Center

Kickoff: 4PM

The Eastern Giants host ninth placed URA at FUFA technical center in a Uganda premier league action on Saturday evening.

BUL were denied victory in the reverse fixture when George Ssenkaaba’s last gasp strike for URA cancelled out Jerome Kirya’s first half goal as the sides drew 1-1 at Nakisunga Ssaza grounds in mid-October last year.

Alex Isabirye’s men are however second on the table with 29 points from 16 matches, and they will seek to maintain their nearly faultless run at home when the tax collectors arrive in Njeru.

The two one all draws against KCCA and Blacks Power remain the only dark spots todate in BUL’s awesome showings which have produced six wins in eight home matches this season.

Their encouraging form concedes with the fact that Richard Wandyaka was on target twice against his former side when BUL defeated URA 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium the previous time the Eastern Giants played host to Sam Timbe’s men almost a year ago.

But the tax collectors have realized a leap in form since the second round started.

Having misfired in seven consecutive matches as the opening half of the season wore on, URA have flexed their muscle to win all their opening two matches of the second round, beating Onduparaka and Express 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.

The results have seen them climb to ninth on the table with 20 points after 16 games.

Team News

The trio of goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa, midfielders – Reagan Kalyowa and Pascal Ngobi missed the trip to UPDF and will continue to sit out this one because of injuries, the coach confirmed.

File photo: Manager Alex Isabirye speaking to the press

BUL were denied a win the last time the teams faced each other by a last minute goal for the tax collectors but Alex Isabirye said this time his men will use the home advantage to deliver the goods.

“It was a one all draw when we played them in the first round and since this time we are at home, we shall try to get the win although we are missing some players.”

“But we have replaced them with other players who can equally do the job.”

“Football is not easy but I see my team improving and getting better every day.”

“All the players know we need the three points and I expect we shall win.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;

“We drew 1-1 with them in the first round at Nakisunga and we are ready for the game tomorrow.”

“We need the maximum points and we expect to win.”

Kazindula is joined by Hillary Onek to celebrate a goal in a recent encounter

Head to Head

This will be the 23rd meeting between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the previous duels ending in three BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and ten draws

Last four meetings

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

October 14, 2022

URA 1-1 BUL FC

Match facts

BUL have won six and drawn twice to pick up 20 points from eight home league matches, the third best home record in the division – only behind KCCA and Vipers.

The fantastic run has stretched our unbeaten home record to 15 league matches, producing eleven wins since early February last year.

The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their past three league matches although they have won one game in their last five league outings.

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.

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

URA have won only two games, having drawn and lost three matches apiece in eight away matches.

But after not picking a win in their final seven matches of the first round, the tax collectors have returned in the second half of the season with full force, winning two games on the bounce without leaking a goal.

Match Officials

Kavuma Vicent will take charge of the match from the center. Mafumu Mustapha and Zziwa Charles to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Outeke Daniel will serve as the fourth official, while Ndawula Muhammed will be the referees assessor. 

Match Coverage:

The best way to enjoy every bit of this game is to come to FUFA technical center. Meanwhile you can also follow the action through our social media channels below with full text coverage during the game followed by a match report and highlights. 

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

JOSHUA OKIROR AND SSEKULIMA JOIN BUL FC

BUL is pleased to confirm the signing of Joshua Okiror from Proline FC and Paul Ssekulima from Mbale Heroes on a two-year contract each.

A graduate of the Proline academy, Okiror won two big league titles and a Uganda cup with the senior side in 2019.

While speaking to bulfc.co.ug, the 22-year-old midfielder said;

“I want to get onto the next level and also win the Uganda premier league.”

“BUL is that one big club that is soon winning the league as its apparently in a very good position and I think it will give me the challenge I need as a player.”

Midfield general Joshua Okiror

Pacy forward Ssekulima scored nine goals and made seven assists for Busoga United last season when they were battling relegation before he moved to Mbale Heroes in the past transfer window.

During the time he played for the Bakhebi in the Eastern regional league, the 24-year-old made a contribution of seven assists and two goals for his side.

Team manager Alex Isabirye said he was excited to add the quality of Okiror and Ssekulima to his squad and is awaiting a good job from them.

“I am still building this team and I need to have a combo of the youths and experienced players here,”

“Joshua is one of the most young, talented and disciplined midfielders in Uganda and when you look at how we play – the style and formation, I think he fits in very well.”

“I am happy he is here and I know he will do a very good job.”

Hitman Paul Ssekulima

On Ssekulima, he said:

“Paul is still young and can still do a lot in football. There are very many of his age mates here, and if I keep them together for a good time, we shall reach where we want to be.”

“His nine goals last season saved the team he was playing for from the fate of relegation. Therefore, if he can help a team avoid the drop, then he can assist our team to win a trophy or maintain the good position.”

“He is that kind of a player who can follow the instructions and he is here to improve our striking line.”

The coming of the duo will only improve the Eastern Giants who sit second on the league table, while they also beat Sparks SC on Monday to reach the round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda cup.

Okiror and Ssekulima, Welcome to BUL