Interviews - BUL FC

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-0 URA FC

Alex Kitata’s solitary goal and Tom Ikara’s goalkeeping heroics secured a 1-0 win for BUL FC over URA FC at FUFA Technical Centre on Tuesday.

Kitata roofed in his fourth goal of the season and Ikara denied Emmanuel Oketch, Joseph Ssemujju, Joshua Lubwama, Sharif Kimbowa and Viane Ssekajugo to secure all three points for Abbey Kikomeko’s side and ultimately move to the summit of the league table with 18 points from six games.

It was BUL’s fourth league win over URA since November 2011 and sixth on the bounce this season.

In what was a keenly contested encounter in Njeru, the tax collectors had chances to open the scoring but their lackluster performance infront of the goal and Ikara’s strong gloves were their greatest undoing.

Wide man Emmanuel Oketch came close under five minutes when he beat his marker to the ball in our half, advanced and unleashed a rocket that would be a goal on any day but our net minder was equal to the task as he parried the ball into corner.

Ikara was forced into another sensational save to keep us level, punching away a ferocious effort from Joseph Ssemujju who had found himself in space near the area and his attempt to convert the rebound was just too high.

BUL’s first real sight of goal came midway the first half, as George Kasonko demonstrated his attacking threat when he picked out Jerome Kirya whose low drive was well held by Denis Otim in URA’s goal.

By now, the Eastern Giants had started creating openings and on 35 minutes, Kirya floated an inviting free kick into the box and it bounced off the back of Reagan Kalyowa after losing sight of the ball.

Moments later, an electrifying move involving Kasonko, Nicholas Mwere and Martin Aprem resulted in Kirya releasing a low shot but it was off target and the chance went begging.

At the other end, the visitors could and perhaps should have opened the scores following a break through the middle by Hassan Kalega. Upon receiving the pass from the midfielder, Ssemujju agonizingly again failed to beat the goalkeeper.

Two successive corners went BUL’s way on the stroke of half time but the opponents were tight enough to keep the scores even heading into the break.

BUL began the second half with much urgency and soon after the restart; the Eastern Giants went ahead on 52 minutes.

Walter Ochora’s initial pass was blocked by Najib Fesali, Fesali’s clearance then bounced off the chest of a retreating Lubwama and back into their zone, beating Hudu Mulikyi before reaching Kitata who calmly tucked in the ball with his right foot to us into the lead.

The visitors however came close to equalizing just minutes later. Lubwama delivered a dangerous free kick but it was tipped over the bar by Tom Ikara.

At this moment, URA was everywhere, creating chances but with no one to convert. Ssemujju wasted yet again another chance. Ivan Ahimbisibwe missed from close range off an assist from substitute Moses Aliro following a counter, while Kimbowa also could not turn Kalega’s flicked header into the net as the end of the game was approaching.

Goalkeeper Denis Otim denied Mwere with a strong arm before Kitata hit the woodwork for BUL.

The game’s last chance fell to Vianne Ssekajugo in the additional five minutes but Ikara was alert enough to keep the clean sheet, his fourth in five matches.

BUL’s next league match will be against UPDF FC on 9^th November in Bombo.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Reagan Kalyowa, Alex Kitata.

Substitutes;

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Samuel Ssekamatte, Lawrence Tezikya, Gerald Ogweti, Ibrahim Kazindula, Mathew Odong, Emmanuel Obua, Edrine Opaala, Douglas Muganga.

MATCH REPORT:SC VILLA 1-2 BUL FC

BUL continued their fine run of form with a fifth win on the bounce after coming out 2-1 winners away to SC Villa on Tuesday.

The victory gives BUL 15 points from five matches, which places us alone at the top of the table, three points ahead of Kitara at the time of writing.

It’s the first time the team has won all its opening five league matches, and this has generated a great aura of positivity around the club given the scintillating showings the team has shown on the pitch thus far.

The Eastern Giants carried a 2-0 lead into the tunnel, George Kasonko found his first goal of the season midway the first half at Muteesa II stadium – Wankulukuku before Ronald Otti marked his return from injury with a stooping header to double our advantage and ultimately secure all three points.

SC Villa were the first to threaten with a nice opportunity when Peter Onzima broke away at a blistering pace and then unleashed a stinging shot but Joel Mutakubwa, who was making his first start between the sticks this season, was prepared to claim the effort.

Soon after, Abbey Kikomeko’s men put their stamp on the game. From a corner, Jerome Kirya curled the ball into the box, finding Ronald Otti. Otti then homed in on goal, not on target though but his effort could only land into the path of Kasonko who poked the ball into the net on 34 minutes.

Kikomeko could not ask for a better game management from there on wards as the side did find the second goal just three minutes later.

Kirya yet again swung his crafty legs from the corner and then expertly picked out Otti who brilliantly planted his header beyond the reach of a hapless Norman Angufindru for the second.

The hosts had a moment where they wove passes around our area and eventually pulled one back after the break, through Umar Lutalo on 64 minutes but the Eastern Giants ensured they remained at bay for the remainder of the game.

Next week on Tuesday, we return to league action, hosting URA FC at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Starting XI:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK),Hillary Onek, Douglas Muganga, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochor a, Pascal Ngobi,George Kasonko, Jeromy Kirya, Martin Aprem, Reagan Kalyowa, Alex Kitata.

Substitutes:

Tom Ikara (GK), Samuel Sekamatte, Lawrence Tezikya, Gerald Ogweti, Ibrahim Kazindula, Shafiq Kwikiriza, John Okurut, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Emmanuel Obua.

MATCH PREVIEW: SC VILLA VS BUL FC

Tuesday 24^th October 2023

Uganda Premier League

SC Villa Vs BUL FC

Mutesa II Stadium

Kickoff: 4pm

It will not be sun, seas and sand on Tuesday but a ride to Mutesa II stadium awaits the perfect BUL FC nonetheless for a head on clash with SC Villa, starting 4pm.

The Eastern Giants were 3-0 winners against Maroons at home last Friday. Jacob Okao’s own goal and two from Alex Kitata were enough to put the visitors to the sword and put us on top of the pile with 12 points after four rounds.

Abbey Kikomeko’s men are enjoying a solid start to the campaign with four wins in as many matches, and they look not relenting anytime soon despite the challenge they are about to face in SC Villa.

This is becoming a common fixture however as this will be the fifth clash in all competitions between the sides in just a year. No other teams have met each other for as many times in the same period like the two.

Every side won their home league game when they met last season – fairly enough, each with a 1-0 victory. SC Villa was the last to have the last laugh in the league match played in March this calendar year.

But BUL got the delight four and a half months later following a 6-5 win on penalties over the Jogoos enroute to winning the FUFA super eight tournament in August.

For the hosts, it is one win, and as many losses and two draws for them this campaign – leaving them in eighth place with five points, seven behind BUL.

Tuesday’s encounter will be the 30^th meeting in all competitions between the two sides.

Team News

Following our recent good run, assistant coach James Magala looked ahead to Tuesday’s match and said,

“This game is not going to be easy but we have done our preparations very well, and as far as we are concerned, the boys are ready for tomorrow’s outing.”

“SC Villa will try to defend but according to our plan, I know the boys are going to do well mostly in the final third. Preparations have been okay.”

“We have had some few corrections here and there and I think tomorrow we may score more goals because we want to win the game.”

Striker Samuel Ssekamatte said,

“Looking at our previous game against SC Villa, we lost 1-0 away from home but we have put that behind ourselves because we have so much at stake this season.”

“Looking at the positive start we have had to this season, we believe that whatever we have done, whatever we have prepared can give us an opportunity to add on the points we already have.”

“I believe all the players are in good shape and in good conditions to deliver the maximum points because that is what we looking for in tomorrow’s game.”

“All fans in central and those following us from Jinja should flock in big numbers to support us. Given the way we have started the league, we believe that even tomorrow we have what it takes to take the maximum points. We are not going to disappoint them.”

Head to Head

From the 29 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced ten (10) wins for BUL, ten for SC Villa and nine draws.

Last four meetings

October 22, 2022

BUL FC 1-0 SC Villa

March 11, 2023 (UG Cup Replay)

BUL FC 1-0 SC Villa.

March 21, 2023

SC Villa 1-0 BUL FC

August 14, 2023

FT: BUL FC 1(6)- 1(5) SC Villa (Super 8 semi finals)

Match facts

BUL is one of the only two sides with a 100% record in the league so far, after winning their opening four matches to collect 12 points, same as Kitara FC.

Along the feat, the Eastern Giants have kept three clean sheets – scoring a total of seven goals and conceding one only.

They have also scored in each and every game they have played.

Out of the past 12 meetings between the sides, BUL have won seven, drawn four times and lost once – the 1-0 defeat last season in Lira.

48 goals have been scored in this fixture since 2011 and the Eastern Giants have a share of 23.

Since losing 2-1 in their opener against Kitara, SC Villa are unbeaten in their previous three matches, although they have only one win to show.

Just like BUL, the Jogoos have also scored in each and every game they have played this term.

But they have failed to keep their doors shut in all, conceding four goals across the matches.

From their four games, SC Villa have won one, drawn two and lost one to put five points to the board.

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 and match highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS MAROONS

Friday October 20, 2023

Uganda Premier League

BUL FC Vs Maroons

FUFA Technical Centre

Kickoff: 4pm

BUL Football Club welcomes Maroons to the FUFA Technical Centre on Friday as the Eastern Giants look to extend our winning run to four.

It was a breathless end to last season as the team succumbed to 14 matches without victory, but despite the disappointment, the club’s recent exploits have to be admired given the Eastern Giants are second on the table just after three matches.

Under the stewardship of new coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere, BUL did start the new season in fine fettle – defeating Bright Stars, KCCA FC and Arua Hill to gather nine points same as leaders Kitara.

It’s unfathomable to think therefore that the boys can let the foot off the gas now. They will look to go out full throttle and get three points on the board.

Maroons just like us are still unbeaten. They defeated Wakiso Giants, and then drew with SC Villa prior to pulling another master stroke against KCCA in their 2-1 victory at Lugogo. They are two points behind us in third.

The last time the sides came up against one another was on 27^th May 2023 at the Prisons ground with the match ending 0-0 but the reverse fixture had ended 5-0 in BUL’s favor.

Team News

Joel Madondo will miss the match. Joel Mutakubwa and Lawrence Tezikya have returned from the national duty. The rest of the squad are available and are all in contention.

Coach’s thoughts

“We are playing a team that has just won against KCCA. So, they are well motivated and in high gear,” coach Abbey Kikomeko said.

“They won away from home and we also won our away game. This is going to be an interesting encounter now that we are both going to fight to win to see who goes top of the table.”

“When you look at the way Maroons plays and our style of play, we almost have the same size of players and the character is almost the same. But we are prepared to get the points since we are at home. We shall put in whatever is needed to get the points from them.”

Ibrahim Kazindula

“We are coming into this game with three points on our minds. Beating them 5-0 last season is not important now. What matters is our performance this season,” he said.

“We have been winning and having a good run. That is what we are going to build on to beat Maroons. Our fans should come expecting victory.”

Head to Head

P10 W7 D1 L2

In the last seven years, the sides have clashed ten (10) times, resulting into seven BUL wins, two victories for Maroons and a draw.

Last four encounters

January 30, 2019

BUL FC 1-0 Maroons

October 30, 2018

Maroons 1-2 BUL FC

December 21, 2022

BUL FC 5-0 Maroons

May 27, 2023

Maroons 0-0 BUL FC

Match facts

BUL have collected maximum points (9) as a result of three wins from as many games this season, scoring four goals and conceding one in the process.
The Eastern Giants have not lost in four consecutive home matches since April, although they can only show one win from the run.
They have also won the last five matches when home to Maroons, a record dating back to 2016. This feat has come with 12 unanswered goals.
Of the 23 goals in the past ten games between the two teams, BUL have eighteen (18) to their account.
The previous 10 clashes produced a winner except on one occasion, the 0-0 stalemate in April last season at the Prisons grounds.
From a possible nine points, Maroons have picked seven as a result of two wins and a draw from their opening three games, and they remain one of the only six unbeaten sides this term.
With just three games played, Maroons are the highest goal scorers so far with six goals, at the same time also boasting with the leading goal scorer in Fred Amaku who has three to his name.
The Prison warders have won all their two away matches this term, beating Wakiso Giants 3-0 in September and defeating KCCA FC 2-1 at Lugogo at the start of this month.
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

Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagtram: Bulfc1

MATCH REPORT: ARUA HILL 1-2 BUL FC

Ten man BUL won 2-1 away from home at Arua Hill to join new comers Kitara FC at the top of the Uganda premier league on Sunday.

It is now three wins on the trot from as many games for the Eastern Giants, and BUL has marched to nine points, same as Kitara after both teams winning all their opening three matches.

**Goalkeeper Tom Ikara Commanding his backline**

Alex Kitata got BUL in the driving seat midway the first half, running behind the defenders before tapping in Joel Madondo’s cross to give the Eastern Giants a deserved lead on 28 minutes.

It was a team effort that was well orchestrated with skill and agility. Pascal Ngobi schemed from the midfield to thread the ball to Madondo who beat two markers on the way to finding his striking partner in the box.

Our celebrations were shortlived however, as five minutes later, the hosts drew the game level through John Rogers who pounced in a header following a corner from Gadafi Wahab to send both sides in the halftime break even.

Following an over the top long throw from towering defender Nicholas Mwere, Kitata turned provider when he flicked into the path of Lawrence Tezikya who swept home first time with seventeen minutes left on the clock to restore our lead despite being a man down at Paridi stadium in Adjumani.

**Benon Tahomera before being sent off**

Benon Tahomera had been sent off around the hour mark for a high challenge against the opponent.

BUL will next be in action against Maroons on 20th October at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko, Nicholas Mwere, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Joel Madondo, Jerome Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Alex Kitata, Benon Tahomera.

Substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula, Lawrence Tezikya, Douglas Muganga, Gerard Ogweti, Mathew Odong, Reagan Kalyowa, Shafiq Kwikiriza, Samuel Ssekamatte.

FOUR EXCITING PLAYERS COMMIT FUTURE TO BUL

BUL FC teenagers – Richard Okello, Innocent Rwothomio, Julius Baraza and Swabiru Mpasa have signed their first senior contracts with the club.

***Striker Innocent Rwothomio during a Juniors league action for BUL FC JT***

After showing outstanding performances at the juniors’ side, the quartet were drafted into the first team where they equally impressed last season, and each has now penned a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Okello scored thirteen goals in eighteen matches as the junior team qualified for the national juniors’ league championship. Rwothomio bagged twelve in thirteen games. Both featured in six and five first team games respectively.

Mpasa, who plays as midfielder, played one match with the senior team. He scored five goals in seventeen outings for the age group side, while defender Baraza made three appearances at the first team, and seventeen with the under 17 category

EDRINE OPAALA JOINS BUL

BUL Football Club can confirm the signing of Edrine Mukisa Opaala from Busoga United. The attacking midfielder has signed a two year contract with us.

A product of Jinja SS, the 19 year old arrives at the Eastern Giants with a wealth of topflight football in his legs after playing in the Uganda premier league for the past three seasons.

“Opaala is still young and has been playing well, assisting and doing so many things. We thought it was high time he joins a good team like BUL so that he can excel with his talent,” head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said.

“I know his ability, I know the kind of football he plays and the kind of passes he crafts. He will actually add creativity to our midfield.”

“He is a product of Copa Coca Cola schools tournament and majority of these players have excelled, and they have gone as far as playing professional football.”

“So we thought bringing him on board at BUL will be a better achievement for him.”

After signing for the Eastern Giants, Opaala said;

“I am excited to join the BUL family. I thank the management for the opportunity given to me, I am ready to compete.”

Opaala was named the 2019 Copa Coca Cola Most Valuable Player and won the same award in the Busoga Masaza Cup when he was playing for Buzaya County in the 2019 edition.

BUL AQUIRE MATHEW ODONG

BUL Football Club can announce the signing of Mathew Odong Tayo from Tanzania side Biashara United Mara FC.

The attacking midfielder cum striker has signed a two year contract with the Eastern Giants.

On signing the forward, head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said:

“Odong is an experienced player who can play either as an attacking midfielder or a striker. He has played locally and outside country, and he has a good work rate.”

“He is still young and I know he can still progress and get us the good results. With the depth and quality of players we have in our midfield, I expect a lot of creativity, fluidity and good goals.”

Odong came to light with Kampala University in the university football league before he joined the defunct SC Victoria University in 2014. He scored the lone goal as the university side fell out of the CAF Confederation Cup 3-1 on aggregate against DR Congo’s Don Bosco at Namboole that very year.

In Uganda, he also played for URA FC before he featured for Tusker in two stints, Kariobangi Sharks, Wazito FC and Zoo Kericho in Kenya.

KITATA ARRIVES

Alex Kitata has completed the transfer from Gaddafi FC to BUL.

The experienced striker joins the Eastern Giants on a two-year contract to bolster the forward line. He scored eight goals in 26 league appearances for the Soldier Boys last campaign, helping them avoid relegation to finish 11^th.

On becoming a BUL player, Kitata said:

“I am thrilled to join one of the best teams in the country. My primary role is to score goals and I believe if we work together as a team, we shall score lots of goals and win more games.”

Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said:

“As much as I have an experienced forward in Ssekamatte, I wanted to add on another experienced striker, and that is Kitata. I think with the help of the young lads around, and the experience of Ssekamatte and Kitata, we shall get good results.”

“I looked at his experience and the work rate, and he knows where to put the ball.”

“He scored eight goals last season, and where he is now, there are midfielders who can feed him well. And with the playing style we are going to adopt, I think he will give us good goals and I expect much from him.”

A pacey striker and proven goal scorer, Kitata brings huge pile of experience to BUL having played for The Saints, SC Villa, Kitara, UPDF (two spells) in the Uganda Premier League. He also featured for Rwandan side Kiyovu Sports Club on a short stint.

MWERE, WELCOME TO BUL FC

BUL Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of defender Nicholas Mwere.

The 22-year-old left back joins from Busoga United and has signed a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.

***Nicholas Mwere (left} has re united with coach Abbey Kikomeko***

One of the highly rated young defenders in Uganda, Mwere played for JIPRA in the secondary schools competitions and Kakira Town Council in the lower divisions of Jinja district at a tender age before he moved to Busoga United in 2021 where he played for the last two seasons in the Uganda premier league.

He is bully and a rock solid young player who often frightens strikers.

BUL FC head coach, Abbey Kikomeko Bogere, said:

“When you look at the backline of our team, we had a loophole on the left side. So, I opted for Mwere.”

“I looked at his height, and his work rate. He is a young player and a promising defender.”

“I expect him to become a better defender now that he has joined BUL.”

Nicholas Mwere said:

“I am excited to join BUL FC, the Eastern Giants.”

“BUL is a winning team, they recently won the Uganda cup and I expect to win with them more titles.”

“I will try to defend better as well as attack at the same time to help the team achieve its targets. We are going to work together and win together.”