Category: Interviews

Friday December 22, 2023

Uganda Premier League

Vipers SC Vs BUL FC

St.Mary’s Stadium

Kick-off: 7pm

BUL FC will aim to pull away further at the top of the Uganda premier league table when they travel to Vipers SC on Friday night.

The Eastern Giants made it two draws on the trot just about two weeks ago, registering a 1-1 stalemate against NEC. Samuel Ssekamatte came off the bench to pounce in a header to help BUL to their second draw of the campaign.

They remained at the top of the league standings with that result, counting 26 points. Second-placed Vipers also dropped points against Maroons three days later in a one all stalemate; thus, BUL can open up a five-point lead at the summit with a win in this match.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men have eight league victories to this point, suffering just one defeat in eleven rounds. They have also won two games and drawn one of their last four meetings with the venoms, and will be looking to build on that form coming into this clash.

Vipers on the other hand are also buzzing with form after recording seven wins, but they were made to dig deep against Maroons to rescue a point in their last outing.

BUL won 1-0 the last time the two teams met but it was in the FUFA super eight tournament. Friday’s encounter is going to be the 27^th battle between the sides in all competitions since 2011.

Team News

Coach Abbey Kikomeko remains without the services of midfielder Pascal Ngobi because of an injury and the suspended pair of defenders – Walter Ochora and Benon Tahomera.

But he confirmed Ronald Otti and Reagan Kalyowa are back to full fitness and ready to give Vipers headache.

It will be the first time playing under the floodlights this season for the Eastern Giants as it is a night game but the coach said, that will not be an issue and will be moving in for the kill.

“We are prepared for the 7pm match. I don’t see any difference between playing at 7pm or 4pm, much as this time it is going to be under floodlights,” he said.

“The boys are prepared and ready to give us whatever is needed to win the game. We are playing a team that’s at home, a team that knows its pitch well and plays under floodlights quite often but that is not going to be an issue to us.”

“The players we have are not juniors, so, they will come out to play and fight for the maximum points.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi said;

“It is a top of the table clash and Vipers is one of the big teams in Uganda but we have to get three points out of it.”

“As players, we are much prepared. We all know we didn’t win our previous two games and we just need to get back to our winning ways.”

Head to head

P26 W4 D7 L15

The teams have faced off on 26 occasions in all competitions since 2011, producing four wins for BUL, fifteen for Vipers and seven draws.

Last four encounters

June 12, 2022 (Uganda cup final)

Vipers SC 1-3 BUL FC

December 17, 2023

Vipers SC 2-1 BUL FC

May 23, 2023

BUL FC 1-1 Vipers SC

August 12, 2023

BUL FC 1-0 Vipers SC (Super 8 quarter finals)

Match Facts

• BUL has the best away record in the division after winning four games, drawing and losing one in equal shares from six away matches to pick 13 points from a possible 18 on the road. They have scored nine goals and conceded five in the process.
• After losing to UPDF, BUL have gone four matches unbeaten but have only managed to draw in their last two games – against Express and NEC FC.
• They have also scored in all but one game this season, the 2-0 defeat at the army side in November.
• The Eastern Giants have also kept five clean sheets in 11 matches.
• Out of the eleven league visits to Vipers, BUL have won only one game – the 1-0 victory in mid-April of 2016, in Buikwe.
• BUL’s four victories against the Venoms were far in between as the first was in February 2014 (BUL 2-1 Vipers SC), the second arrived two years later in April 2016 (Vipers SC 0-1 BUL FC) before the unforgettable triumph in Uganda cup followed six years on ( Vipers 1-3 BUL). This was trailed by a 1-0 win in the quarter finals of the FUFA super eight in August 2023.
• It is seven years since the Eastern Giants won an away league fixture against Vipers, winning 1-0 in April of 2016 in Buikwe.
• But the Eastern Giants have won two games and drawn one of their last four meetings with the venoms across all competitions.
• This fixture has produced a total of 60 goals and BUL have 20 to their name since 2011.
• Only six stalemates have come in the games involving the sides, and four were goalless.
• Vipers have the best home record so far with four wins and a draw in five matches.
• They also hold a record of 40 local games without defeat at St. Mary’s stadium, winning 33 and drawing seven. Their last loss at home was two years ago when they fell 2-0 to URA in November 2021.
• After losing to KCCA FC, the venoms have now gone four games without defeat.
• They have also kept six clean sheets in their eleven matches this season.

Match Officials

The match’s referee will be Ssali Mashood. Katenya Ronald and Musisi Brianson will run the lines as the first and second assistant referee respectively. Olemu George will be the fourth official while Mawanda Haruna will be the referee assessor.

Match Coverage

This mouthwatering clash is live on television and all our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary concurrently.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

Late second half substitute Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte scored a late equalizer to earn BUL an important point against NEC FC at FUFA technical centre in Njeru. He came on for Jerome Kirya around the 78th minute.

Trailing to a first half Rashid Okocha goal, the Eastern Giants industriousness and tenacity eventually paid off in the second half.

Ssekamatte, who had been introduced with about twelve minutes on the clock, brushed from inside the box to peg the visitors back with his first league goal this season.

The goal secured a deserved draw for BUL who remained unbeaten at home this season with 26 points at the top of the table.

The opening twenty minutes of the contest were dominated by NEC in terms of ball possession and goal mouth action – playing with precision and intent to get an early lead.

They threatened with just four minutes in when Cromwell Rwothomio found himself into acres of space to receive a pass but his effort missed by inches.

The visitors threatened once more from a Sulaiman Ssesaazi free kick delivered from a deep position on the right flank – but an alert Douglas Muganga stepped up and hooked the ball away.

Tom Ikara, who made more than five point blank saves in the game, was the first keeper properly tested with twenty five minutes played, palming away a Rashid Okocha biting shot in a one on one situation. The left back breezed into the box after dribbling past a couple of markers but Ikara spread his body well to deny him.

BUL’s first realistic chance arrived midway the half when Nicholas Mwere played a give and go with Alex Kitata. The full back picked out Jerome Kirya in the box who held the ball up and then laid for Kitata whose effort went wide.

Ibrahim Kazindula tried his luck quite often from range whenever he got the opportunity but was let down by his boots which didn’t find the much needed target.

And it was NEC who would break the deadlock to finish the first half strongly. Rashid Okocha benefited from space on the left side and guided a ferocious shot past Ikara to finally give his side a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Unlike the opening half, BUL grew with the game – playing with a high tempo and creating chances after making some changes before the restart. Gerald Ogweti and Lawrence Tezikya were brought on for Alex Kitata and Ibrahim Kazindula.

Their impact was felt immediately with Tezikya stinging the gloves of Samson Kirya direct from a corner. BUL continued to press relentlessly and a few moments later, another fantastic ball was sent into box only that Martin Aprem failed to connect with it.

Tom Ikara was however called into action by Joseph Dhata from range, the goalkeeper flexed to stop the shot but it left him needing medical attention on 54 minutes.

By this time, NEC were again fighting to stretch their lead and came close to doubling their advantage when Enock Ssebaggala went through on goal and into the box but Ikara for another time proved mister reliable for BUL with another wonderful save.

Okocha was presented with one more shooting opportunity following a poor clearance into his path. He travelled into the box, broke and teased a defender before shooting but George Kasonko was in the right place to block the ball with his knee.

It later became an Ikara show as the battle between him and Okocha continued. He was further called into action by the marauding lefter in another one on one faceoff but the netminder buoyantly refused to concede a second.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men remained optimistic for a comeback – throwing everything at the visitors with Gerald Ogweti testing Kirya with a perfect strong header before the long awaited moment arrived.

In the 84^th minute, Mwere used his energy well – whipping in a dangerous cross. With the goal in his back but knowing well where it was, Ssekamatte went airborne and twisted his neck to brush in past the onrushing goalkeeper to force the game level and ultimately rescue a point for the Eastern Giants.

The goal was turning moment for BUL. The team began to play flowing football and almost took all the three points in the additional minutes after the ninety but Ogweti’s header was tipped over the bar before Kasonko drove a long shot wide.

Next for BUL will be the nervewrecking encounter against Vipers SC at St. Mary’s Kitende on the 23^rd of December.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Lawrence Tezikya), Jerome Kirya (Samuel Ssekamatte), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Alex Kitata (Gerald Ogweti) Shafiq Kwikiriza (Reagan Kalyowa), Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Mugulusi).

Unused substitutes:

John Okuruti (GK), Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Emmanuel Obua, Mathew Odongo, Vicent Zziwa, Emmanuel Kalyowa,.

Sunday 10^th October 2023

Uganda Premier League

FUFA Technical Centre

BUL FC Vs NEC FC

Kick-off: 3pm

BUL FC is back at home after playing two uninterrupted games at rival territories, and we host NEC FC for Sunday afternoon’s tie at FUFA Technical Centre with kick off set at 3pm.

Our last appearance at the fortress occurred in the past month when we beat Kitara FC 2-1.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men are unbeaten in four home games this season but were compelled to sweat blood four days ago away from home as they played out a 1-1 draw at Express, and there can never be a better place that can oil us back to winning ways than FUFA technical centre.

Sunday’s action just provides the chance to reawaken the giant in us as we bid to relaunch our winning machinery.

Eight wins, one draw and a loss apiece have produced 25 points for the Eastern giants, two points ahead of Vipers SC in second place.

Our opponents currently sit in the third position with 19 points after winning six games, drawing one and losing three in ten matches.

They come into this one on the back of a 2-0 win over URA FC.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams.

 Team News

Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere has confirmed that apart from the suspended duo of Benon Tahomera and Walter Ochora, and the injured midfielder Pascal Ngobi, the rest of the players are available and ready to feature.

Coach’s remarks

“NEC is not a simple team despite being new in the league. They have been performing very well since the season started. They have mature players but that is not going to be a test for us,” Kikomeko said.

“We have so far played better teams than them much as we have been having some few problems here and there that we have been handling and I think now that we are at home; we shall put in whatever is needed to get the maximum points.”

Defender Ronald Otti said that even if NEC has been playing well and has experienced players, BUL will handle them the way they will come because they are well prepared.

Match Facts

• BUL have won eight of their past ten games, including all four home matches this season, scored sixteen goals (16) and conceded six in the process with a count of 25 points.
• From the ten matches, they have managed five clean sheets, against – Bright Stars, KCCA FC, Maroons, URA FC and Wakiso Giants.
• The Eastern Giants are still unbeaten and the most inform home side in the division after picking a maximum of twelve points in four games at FUFA Technical Centre with one goal conceded. They have scored seven goals during the run.
• Following their win against Kitara in November, BUL’s unbeaten streak was stretched to seven games – going back to April last season.
• They have failed to score in only one game this term – the 2-0 defeat at UPDF and it is the only time they have conceded as many goals in a game.
• NEC have won six of their ten matches this season, lost three and drawn one. In the process, they have scored fourteen goals and conceded eight.
• They have also won three games and lost two of their five away games. They lost against SC Villa (3-0) and Kitara (1-0).  They won against Mbarara City (1-0), KCCA FC (2-0) and Maroons (1-0).
• Hussein Mbalangu’s side has scored and conceded four goals in equal shares on the road.
• They have so far kept six clean sheets altogether.
• But they have failed to score in three games this campaign – against SC Villa, Gaddafi FC and Kitara. They lost all of them.

Match Officials

Referee Olemu George will take charge of the match from the centre. Oriada Hakim and Kateregga Ashiraf will deputize him as the first and second assistant referee respectively. Atuhairwe Joyce will be the fourth official while Kizito Rahuman will serve as the referee assessor.

Match Coverage:

Although the game will be televised, our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary during play time. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

BUL received three red cards in an eventful and mischievous game on Tuesday but came back with a point following a show of resilience and defiance against Express. It is now 25 points for the Eastern Giants who continue to swing their legs from the top of the table after ten matches.

Defensive stalwarts – Benon Tahomera and Walter Ochora, and assistant coach Simeon Masaba all saw red in the space of eleven minutes at the rain soaked and soggy Wankulukuku. The trio were dismissed by professional referee Ssemeere Asaduh in the second half.

The game was delayed by twenty minutes and did not kick off at 4pm prompt as scheduled due to the heavy down pour in Kampala.

But when it began, BUL immediately went on the front foot and drew the first blood as a result of a free kick near the area. Nicholas Mwere was able to poke the ball through the legs of the wall seven minutes in. Goalkeeper Abdul Kimera had a hand on his effort but it was too weak to stop the ball from finding the back of the net.

BUL sustained the pressure, and came close to scoring a second midway the first half. Alex Kitata was just unlucky to rattle the underside of the bar from close range off an inviting cross from Jerome Kirya.

Express however managed to briefly get some breathing space and used the chance to fly in a long ball into the visitors’ box as the game progressed. It was initially cleared but not far, Mwere reacted swiftly to arrest the danger but was adjudged to have fouled Wasswa in the process and the referee gave a penalty to the hosts on the stroke of halftime.

Isaac Wagoina kept his cool and calmly curled the ball low and beyond Tom Ikara’s reach to force the game level into the break.

With the Eastern Giants in complete control after the restart, the game was thrown into shambles when Benon Tahomera was brandished a second yellow card and then sent off for a not intentional miscellaneous touch on Timothy Senfuma three minutes off the hour mark.

BUL’s rearguard stood firm but they suffered another blow when Walter Ochora was also given his marching orders for a second booking, leaving the team with nine men on the pitch. Coach Masaba followed suit on 74 minutes.

Despite holding two players advantage, the red eagles remained feather weight as they failed to beat a makeshift defense and Ikara in goal. Instead it was Gerald Ogweti who almost won it all for Kikomeko’s men with fourteen minutes left to play.

He left his marker floored and stung the gloves of Kimera with a scorcher but Mbazira cleared their lines before the striker arrived for the spills.

BUL will host NEC in their next league action on 10^th December at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara(GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Benon Tahomera,George Kasonko, Douglas Muganga, Jerome Kirya, Shafiq Kwikiriza (Gerald Ogweti 45’), Alex Kitata (Emmanuel Obua), Martin Aprem (Lawrence Tezikya 58’)

Unused substitutes:

John Okuruti(GK),Edrine Opaala, Allan Kigundu, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Vicent Zziwa, Richard Ayiko, Mathew Odong, Reagan Kalyowa, Samuel Ssekamatte.

Tuesday 5^th December 2023

Uganda Premier League

Express FC Vs BUL FC

Wankulukuku

Kickoff: 4pm

The Eastern Giants are on the road again this Tuesday for a second away match in succession, making the trip to face Express FC at Mutesa II stadium – Wankulukuku in an intriguing Uganda premier league encounter.

BUL FC is coming into this soon after an exciting 3-0 away win over Wakiso Giants.

A second half double from Martin Aprem and another strike from Alex Kitata sealed BUL’s victory last Friday and stretched our grip at the top.

At present, we sit pretty well at the top of the pile with 24 points after nine games.

Express lie in 8^th position, seven places and 12 points behind the Eastern Giants. They fell to a 2-1 defeat at Mehta sports stadium last time out against URA.

Now they come up against Abbey Kikomeko’s men who are apparently unforgiving and taking no prisoners.

But clashes between the sides are never easy, with the immediate last ending in a 2-1 triumph for the Red Eagles in April at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Tuesday presents the 22^nd meeting between the two teams in all competitions.

Team News

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula missed the Wakiso Giants trip and will continue to sit out even this one due to suspension. Fellow midfielder Pascal Ngobi is also out because of an injury while Joel Madondo is still continuing with rehabilitation.

Forward Lawrence Tezikya has fully recovered from Malaria, and he will be in contention with the rest of the squad for a place against Express.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko spoke about the encounter with optimism but warned that it might be a tough and challenging match.

“Express beat us last season home and away, and we are finding them this time when they are wounded after losing their last game against URA,” he said.

“So, this is going to be a tough game but we are prepared, the boys are in a high gear and ready for the game.”

“Even though Express is at home, we shall put in whatever is needed to get the maximum points from Wankulukuku.”

Striker Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte said;

“We are not looking at the results we had against Express last season. What we are focusing on is how we are going to approach this game.”

“There is so much at stake but we as players agreed to take every game at a time. With the training we have had in preparation for this match, we are going for maximum points.”

Head to Head

P21 W8 D5 L8

This fixture has provided us with 21 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, eight Express FC victories and five draws.

Last four meetings

April 08, 2023

BUL FC 1-2 Express

November 9, 2022

Express 1-0 BUL

May 7, 2022

Express 2-1 BUL

October 26, 2021

BUL FC 0-1 Express

Match Facts

• BUL FC’s 24 points are the most in the division having won eight games and lost one in nine matches.
• During the run, BUL have kept five clean sheets.
• They are also the most inform side in rival territory, with their four wins in five trips producing 12 points.
• The Eastern Giants have also scored eight goals and conceded four on the road.
• But in their last six visits to Express, BUL have won one game and scored two goals only.
• Akin to the above, they have won three league games only in nine trips to the Red Eagles since 2012, drawn two and lost four.
• Their last league win away at Express was seven years ago when the Eastern Giants won 1-0 in mid-September of 2016.
• It’s also four years since BUL last beat their hosts in a league action – the 1-0 victory in August of 2019 courtesy of Deogracious Ojok’s first half strike in Njeru.
• But they have lost one game only this season.
• Express to this day have won and drawn three games apiece, and lost two in eight matches.
• They have kept four clean sheets in the process.
• At Wankulukuku, the Red Eagles have won, drawn and lost one in equal shares.
• They have conceded one goal and kept two clean sheets in three home matches.
• James Odoch’s men have won the past five league games against BUL.
• They have also won three of their last four home games against the Eastern Giants.
• They have however lost their last two games – against Maroons (1-0) and URA FC (2-1).

Match Officials

The referee will be Ssemere Asaduh. He will be assisted by Okudra Emmanuel and Zziwa Charles as the assistant referee number one and two. The fourth official is Kavuma Vicent.

Match Coverage

The game will be live on TV but our social media channels will as well provide a good account of the action with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

A second half master class meant BUL FC came away from Wakiso with all the three points. It was all about Martin Aprem and Alex Kitata after the break as they combined to give the Eastern Giants a precious 3-0 win over Wakiso Giants on Saturday.

The hosts were fairly competitive in the first half given the fact that they restricted BUL to only one chance worthy of note. Shafiq Kwikiriza justified the coach’s decision to hand him his first start this season when he went through on goal only that his effort whistled slightly wide.

The Eastern Giants could come close again twenty minutes later but a corner from Jerome Kirya was not met by any yellow shirt in the box as both sides went into the break level.

However, the resistance was broken by two quick fire goals at the start of the second half.

Aprem opened the scoring before Alex Kitata doubled the advantage to take his goal count to seven; both goals came in the 47^th minute.

BUL then put the result to bed twelve minutes to the final whistle when Aprem completed his brace.

This was our eighth win in nine games and the result buttressed our position at the top. We now have 24 points, seven ahead of second placed Vipers who will be in action on Sunday.

We play again on Tuesday next week against Express at Wankulukuku.

Starting XI

Tom Ikara(GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Benon Tahomera, George Kasonko, Douglas Muganga, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Tezikya 63’), Alex Kitata (Samuel Ssekamatte 83’), Shafik Kwikiriza (Vicent Zziwa 83’), Martin Aprem (Gerald Ogweti 89’)

Unused substitutes:

John Okurut (GK), Richard Ayiko, Allan Kigundu, Ibrahim Mugulusi,Edrine Opaala, Mathew Odong Tayo, Emmanuel Obua, Reagan Kalyowa.

Friday 1^st December 2023
Uganda Premier League
Wakiso Giants Vs BUL FC
Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium
Kick-off: 4PM

Following a return to winning ways four days ago, BUL FC is excited to begin the new month with a trip to Kabaka Kyabaggu to face Wakiso Giants in the battle of the giants on Friday.

Sunday’s win over Kitara re-ignited the ebullience around the team and fortified BUL’s place at the summit of the table – now counting 21 points, four better of Vipers SC in second place.

We boast with an impressive record of seven wins in eight rounds of play, and the glitch in our last appearance on the road notwithstanding, coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere and his men are longing to shoot on sight in Wakiso.

The Purple Sharks are precisely two points high up the red area following their recent two draws against Express and NEC. Prior to that, they had lost three games on the trot.

They come into the fixture on the back of a one all draw at NEC. Their last home game was also a draw, and a tally of six points is all they can show for their one loss, three draws and four defeats in eight matches.

Similarly, the last encounter between BUL and Wakiso Giants also ended in a 0-0 stalemate in May. This will be their ninth meeting.

Team News

Only Pascal Ngobi is out with an injury. Meaning the coach has almost a full squad at his disposal to choose from.

Speaking ahead of the match, Coach James Magala said the players have been filed to the level required to win the game.

“We have prepared our boys technically well. Everyone is good, everyone is okay and everyone is in good conditions.”

“We are going to Wakiso to perform well. But we have to do things at the right time to see that we comeback with the win.”

Captain George Kasonko said;

“Away matches often have many different things.  We don’t expect the game to be a walk in the park, and as players, we have to double our efforts.”

“If it means dying a little, we have to do so in double digits. If it means doing right things at the right time, we have to follow the same script of doubling our efforts. So, we have to prepare in time and do the things we want to do in time. We need to win tomorrow’s game.”

Head to Head

P8 W3 D2 L3

It is three wins for each side, and they have drawn two times in eight matches since 2019.

Last four encounters

January 04, 2022

Wakiso Giants 4-3 BUL FC

February 12, 2022

BUL FC 2-0 Wakiso Giants

December 02, 2022

BUL FC 2-1 Wakiso Giants

May 01, 2023

Wakiso Giants 0-0 BUL FC

Match Facts

• BUL have won seven games and lost one, with 21 points collected in eight matches.
• Along the run, Kikomeko’s side has scored 12 goals, conceded five, and kept four clean sheets.
• It is also three wins and a loss for the Eastern Giants in four away matches, representing nine (9) points from a possible 12 on the road.
• In their four trips, they have scored five goals, leaked four, and kept one clean sheet (1-0 win over Bright Stars in mid-September).
• BUL’s away loss was against UPDF FC (2-0) at the beginning of this month and it is the only time they have failed to score this term.
• Out of the four visits to the Purple Sharks, BUL have won one game, drawn one and lost two. The 1-0 victory came in September 2019 courtesy of Ibrahim Kiyemba’s own goal on the stroke of halftime.
• The Eastern Giants are however unbeaten in their previous three meetings with Wakiso Giants, actually they won two of them; 2-0 in February and 2-1 in December of 2022, while they drew 0-0 in May 2023.
• The goalless draws of January 2020 and May 2023 stand to this day as the only games between the sides not to have a goal scored.
• This fixture has also produced 17 goals altogether, with BUL scoring nine times against the Purple Sharks.
• It has also produced a winner in six games of the eight they have played.
• Wakiso Giants have won one game, drawn three and lost four of their eight matches, tallying six points from a possible 25.
• They are yet to win a game at home. They lost 3-0 at Maroons, 3-1 against Kitara and drew against Bright Stars (1-1) and Express (0-0).
• Their goal return at Kabaka Kyabaggu stands at two goals, and seven conceded.
• After losing three consecutive games, Wakiso Giants are unbeaten in their past two matches – drew against Express (0-0) and NEC (1-1).
• All that said however, they have failed to score in two of their four home games – at Maroons (they lost 3-0) and Express.

Match Officials

Kavuma Vicent has been selected to take charge of this clash as the center referee. He will be assisted by Ijaga Muamiru and Magoola Ashraf. Kimayo Stephen will be the fourth official while Tomusange Ali will serve as the referee assessor.

Match Coverage

It’s not a TV game but the proceedings will be shared across all our social media channels throughout.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: BUL Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

Ten men BUL withstood a late Kitara charge to return to winning ways at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru

A first half brace from Alex Kitata inspired the Eastern Giants to a 2-1 win on a rainy evening, Sunday.

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula was sent off midway the second half before Denis Omedi pulled one back in the 80th minute for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough to deny BUL of all three points – a result that consolidates us at the top of the table with 21 points, four better of Vipers SC in second place.

It was a fantastic showing from the Eastern Giants— they were excellent throughout; alert in defense, artistic in the middle and instinctive in the attack.

They started the game on the front foot, creating the first chance of the match just three minutes in.

Jerome Kirya crafted his way through the middle and picked out Lawrence Tezikya whose ferocious low effort from inside the box rattled the foot of the post.

Four minutes later, the Eastern Giants opened the scoring. Nicholas Mwere drove forward, on reaching the edge of the box, he noticed Kitata’s run and placed the ball there that the forward fired home from close range. Chrispus Kusiima in Kitara’s goal had no chance on the shot – it went up rising and hit the roof of the net.

In a blink of an eye, another chance came BUL’s way.Martin Aprem ignited a counter on the right, wove from his half and left his markers wailing before shooting. The goalkeeper spilled but Kitata was just seconds late as Kusiima sprung up quickly to palm the ball into corner.

His save left him needing medical attention after sustaining an injury in the process and he was thus replaced by Farouk Yawe.

On the 19th minute mark, BUL doubled the advantage through Kitata, again. Mwere ghosted from the left side to the goal mouth and sent a life threatening thunderous shot that the substitute goalkeeper placed in Kitata’s way. The forward made no mistake but to score his sixth goal of the season with untold calm.

After the interval, the game was punctuated and halted by a heavy downpour for almost an hour with just two minutes played in the second half but play finally resumed when it was safe to do so.

BUL remained the better side even after the restart but this time they were unlucky as the various chances that they created were not converted.

The visitors made four changes in response and immediately started to cause some sort of havoc for us.

By the 75^th minute, the Eastern Giants were  down to ten men after Ibrahim Kazindula was shown a red card for a second bookable offense when he fouled Solomon Okwalinga .

Kitara laid camp in our half as a result. Jude Ssemugabi ran the lines on the left as Denis Omedi tried to force things through the middle but our backline comprising of Benon Tahomera, Walter Ochora and Hillary Onek policed well at most of the times and quelled their intentions.

However, the Royals at last found a breakthrough when Omedi capitalized on a goal melee in our box to pull one back for his side in the 80th minute.

But BUL held on from this point to secure an excellent win despite being a man less.

This was our seventh win this season in eight matches. The next outing will be against Wakiso Giants on 1st December 2023 at Kabaka Kyabagu stadium in Wakiso.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara, Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Benon Tahomera, Douglas Muganga, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Lawrence Tezikya, Alex Kitata.

Substitutes:

John Okurut, Gerald Ogweti, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Shafiq Kwikiriza, Edrine Opaala, Mathew Odongo, Samuel Sekamatte, Emmanuel Obua, Vincent Zziwa, Richard Ayiko.

Forward Alex Kitata has been named the Pilsner Uganda premier league’s player of the month for September/October during the awarding function held at Kati Kati restaurant in Kampala on Wednesday evening.

BUL FC’s talisman receives the award for the first time in his career having scored three goals in four games which kept the Eastern Giants joint top on the table with 15 points then.

Kitata scored one goal in the 2-1 win at Arua Hill and then delivered a brace in the 3-0 sweet win over Maroons.

He was also on target as BUL beat URA FC 1-0 at the end of the month of October but this came after the nominations

“I am excited that I have won the player of the month award. It is a big achievement and it motivates me to continue working hard,” Kitata said after his victory was announced.

“Winning this award creates a bigger challenge – maintaining the standards, being on top of the game all the time but I will try so that I can win more.”

“Although they have awarded only me, I know we have won it as a team – right from the management, coaches, players and fans.  It has been a collective effort basing on how we have been working and playing on the pitch.”

To win the award, Kitata had to beat competition from Kitara’s Denis Omedi and Fred Amaku of Maroons.

He becomes the third BUL FC player to win the prize since the award was initiated, following in the footsteps of former Eastern Giants Simon Peter Oketch and Richard Wandyaka who won it in March and October 2022 respectively.