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MATCH PREVIEW: KCCA FC VS BUL FC

Tuesday May 16, 2023

Uganda Premier League

KCCA Vs BUL FC

Lugogo

Kick-off: 4pm

On Tuesday, BUL will travel to the capital to face title chasing KCCA in the penultimate away game of the Uganda premier league campaign.

The Eastern Giants come into the showdown on the back of a 0-0 draw at Arua Hill, while the hosts also fired blanks away to Express two days ago.

In the reverse fixture, BUL were denied the victory at FUFA technical centre by Julius Poloto’s late strike which cancelled out Vicent Zziwa’s first half goal for the Eastern Giants as the sides settled for a 1-1 draw in December.

They now meet at a moment where there is still everything to play for on both sides.

BUL is nolonger in the title discussion and still not in the battle for survival but a run of 11 games without a win is worth not a celebration.

It’s arguably a concern that Coach Simeon Masaba will try to arrest in a blink of an eye from this moment, and jostle to pick the first league win before the season ends.

For KCCA, it’s 46 points for them, same as leaders Vipers and third placed SC Villa after 25 rounds and all are left with three games to fight for the crown.

Meaning they need to pick up every point there is to pick to remain in the already tight title race that is even more hotter than ever.

Team News

Aggrey Madoi will not recover in time for this clash, the coach confirmed but there still remains a wide pool of players to select from.

With just hours to the game, the Eastern Giants are brimming in confidence, saying that the time to win again has come and that the stakes are high that we shall.

“We have prepared the boys very well to see that we can have a good game and possibly win it,” coach Simeon Masaba said.

“The boys are in good spirits and they have been training well.”

“We haven’t won any matches in the second round but we still have three matches to go.”

“So we can still win starting tomorrow. It’s possible and I believe we are going to win.”

“We expect to win this game,” Vicent Zziwa said.

“Basing on the training sessions we have got, every player is in good shape and set to play.”

“We haven’t won a game since the second round began but our heads are still up. We expect and believe we shall win tomorrow’s game.”

Head to Head

P20 W4 D7 L9

It’s 20 meetings between the two teams, resulting into four wins for BUL, nine for KCCA and seven draws.

Last four encounters

December 13, 2022

BUL FC 1-1 KCCA

April 20, 2022

BUL FC 1-1 KCCA

December 01, 2021

KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC

April 02, 2021

KCCA FC 3-0 BUL FC

Match Facts

BUL have collected eleven points from 12 away matches as a result of two wins and five draws as well as losses, scoring eleven goals and conceding twelve in the process.

Although the Eastern Giants have gone 11 games without a win, they are unbeaten in their previous four matches – keeping clean sheets in two.

They are also unbeaten in their past two meetings with KCCA, drawing 1-1 in April and December 2022.

However, they last beat KCCA in early February 2021 in a 2-1 victory at Kyabazinga stadium.

KCCA have won eight and drawn four games out of their 12 home matches this campaign, the second best home record in the division.

On that course, they have scored 27 goals and leaked 13, earning 28 points in return.

They are also unbeaten in their previous four meetings with BUL, winning and drawing two games apiece.

But the Kasasiro boys have however not won in their past three outings, drawing two and losing one.

Match Coverage

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

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-0 ARUA HILL

BUL FC and Arua Hill played out a stalemate in a Uganda premier league action at FUFA technical centre.

Despite much probing for an opening by BUL, the affair was unable to produce a winner as the game ended 0-0 by the sound of the final whistle, the first goalless draw between the teams.

The Eastern Giants had the better of the play and chances in the first half, but a breakthrough was hard to come by.

Much of BUL’s attacking play was directed down the right as Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek and Martin Aprem combined to good effect, and a cross from Onek threatened to create the breakthrough on thirteen minutes, but Ibrahim Nsimbe was just unable to get clean contact on the inviting cross.

There was then a chance for Jerome Kirya as he was picked up when near the edge of the area but his deflected effort was easily collected by goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa.

Fine margins went against Simeon Masaba’s men once more when Ibrahim Kazindula’s pass off the outside of his boot found Nsimbe before Omedwa came out live again.

After the break, Onek went the closest to breaking the deadlock on 50 minutes, meeting Reagan Kalyowa’s lofted pass into the box with his header missing inches past the post.

There were efforts from distance by Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Kazindula and Anthony Mayanja which sailed over the bar while Nsimbe saw another two chances evaporate.

Arua Hill’s sole realistic chance in the game arrived nineteen minutes to the final whistle through substitute Jacob Kamwesiga who weaved into the box before sending his shot out.

A goal ultimately proved elusive for both sides, and the teams were forced to settle for a point each.

BUL, who remained 8th on the log with 34 points, will hit the road next week for a face off with KCCA FC on Tuesday.

BUL FC XI:

Saidi Keni (GK),Douglas Muganga,Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 61′), Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 61′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem, Ibra Nsimbe (Vicent Zziwa 76′)

Unused substitutes:

Emmanuel Kalyowa, Emmanuel Obua, Pascal Ngobi, Paul Sekulima.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS ARUA HILL

Wednesday May 10, 2023

Uganda Premier League

BUL FC VS ARUA HILL

FUFA Technical Centre

Kick-off: 4PM

After eight days of preparations, the Eastern Giants return to action and will hope to return to winning ways following a run of three back to back draws.

Simeon Masaba’s men look to seek a strong finish to the season, with just four games to go, which starts this Wednesday at Arua Hill.

They can be found in position seven on the table with a count of 33 points, four behind their visitors who sit in fourth, and they come into this one after a 0-0 draw at Wakiso Giants, and they are searching for their first win in eleven league matches.

Arua Hill make the trip to FUFA technical centre without victory in any of the three previous meetings between the two teams – with the last fixture coming in December where a goal from Ibrahim Nsimbe was enough to see out a 1-0 win for BUL at Barifa grounds.

But their most recent league outing was a big win, thrashing Express 4-1 in Arua.

Team News

BUL will have to work around the absence of midfielder Emmanuel Kalyowa for this clash due to Malaria, and to this day is the only injured player with the rest of the squad available for selection and ready to compete.

Coach Simeon Masaba said;

“We have prepared our team well and we are ready to play and see that we can get good results against Arua Hill.”

“Some positives were picked from our previous match against Wakiso Giants where we kept a clean sheet. We didn’t score but did not concede either.”

“So we are going to capitalize on that to see that we defend very well and as well score.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi said;

“No win for us in the second round so far but we are looking to getting one since we are playing at home.”

“The confidence is high, the goal scoring challenge has been rectified and very soon we shall score in the coming matches. Therefore, fans should come and give us the support.”

Head to Head

P3 W2 D1 L0

The sides have met three times, and BUL have won two and drawn one game.

Last three encounters

December 28, 2021

BUL FC 4-0 Arua Hill

February 16, 2022

Arua Hill 2-2 BUL FC

December 06, 2023

Arua Hill 0-1 BUL FC

Match Facts

It’s 22 points for BUL from a possible 36, as a result of six wins and four draws in twelve home matches.

Since the start of the season, they have lost two games only at home – against URA FC (0-1) and Express (1-2) in March and April respectively.

The games have seen the Eastern Giants score 19 goals at FUFA technical centre with nine leaked.

Still out of the 12 home matches, Masaba’s men have kept five clean sheets

They have scored in almost all but two home matches – against URA (0-1) and Gaddafi FC (0-0).

BUL’s last league victory was however in mid-December against Maroons, and it is now 139 days without a win.

In their past ten matches, they have fetched six draws and four losses but they are unbeaten in their immediate last three games.

They have scored seven goals of the nine involved in their previous three contests with the Arua side.

Arua Hill have registered six losses in their 12 trips this season, winning three only with the other three also ending in draws.

But the Leopards have lost once in their latest six matches where they have recorded three triumphs and two stalemates.

In their last five, goals on their side have failed to come in one only – when they lost 1-0 to Vipers in April.

They have also had a return of six goals in their last two outings – against Onduparaka (2-2) and 4-0 against Express.

Match Coverage

It is live on television; nevertheless, one can follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-1 URA

BUL’s unbeaten run at home in the league has been stopped by URA in a Uganda premier game at FUFA technical center in Njeru.

The Eastern Giants have been nearly invisible – winning eleven games out of fifteen (15) league matches at home before today, with the run stretching back to February 2022 when we lost to Vipers SC at Kyabazinga stadium.

But Ibrahim Dada scored the only goal in the game for the tax collectors as BUL lost on Saturday infront of our own fans to break the record.

***Striker Ibrahim Nsimbe sending a life threatening thunderbolt from range***

It was arguably a game of two halves and with high intensity which saw the first half ending with the teams going in the break on level terms.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession in the early moments, URA failed to find a way past BUL goalkeeper Saidi Keni.

Their first chance arrived when Derrick Ndahiro appeared to have been tripped by Hillary Onek near the box with the referee awarding them a free kick which Joshua Lubwama managed to float into the area but Alfred Leku was flagged offside before he could pose any threat.

Midway the half, another chance fell to Leku when he beat Douglas Muganga to the ball after a fierce battle on the right side but an extra heavy touch by him was comfortably claimed by Keni before the lanky forward failed to anticipate James Begisa’s low cross moments later.

It took the Eastern Giants until the 18th minute to threaten URA’s goal area as Nafian Alionzi was forced to come off his line to parry away Onek’s cross, while Ibrahim Nsimbe’s yellow card on the stroke of half time was the only other highlight for Isabirye’s side.

BUL however emerged from the break fully charged, dominating proceedings while creating chances but it looked like they had forgotten their scoring boots in the dressing room.

***Emmanuel Kalyowa running the show in the midfield as URA’s Saidi Kyeyune looks on in awe***

After coach Alex Isabirye called the changes, introducing Emmanuel Kalyowa, Richard Okello, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Innocent Rwothomio and Paul Ssekulima, BUL contained the visitors in their own half for large spells of the second half only that hard luck befell them in the final minutes.

Okello and Kalyowa gave the team rythm while on the front foot as Onek and Obua pulled the strings from the wide areas.

It was not too long until Ibrahim Nsimbe thought he had finally put BUL infront on 51 minutes with a low drive from inside the box off Obua’s delivery but his effort was cancelled for offside.

The striker then hit the side net twice midway the second half while BUL’s penalty claims when the forward was floored inside the area disinterested the referee.

***Youthful wing back Hillary Onek takes Saidi Kyeyune on a tour around the turf***

Ibrahim Kazindula rattled the bar from range as the Eastern Giants continued to look for a break through which was never to come.

URA meanwhile looked dangerous on the counter with the first warning coming when Keni was forced to spill infront of Saidi Kyeyune but the goalkeeper sprung up swiftly to reclaim the ball from the midfielder’s boots.

The tax collectors eventually bleached BUL’s defense five minutes from time through Ibrahim Dada who scored in an empty net as Keni was beaten following a fast break from Sam Timbe’s men.

This was the first defeat at home for Isabirye’s team in a period of twelve months since February last year.

Focus now turn to the Uganda cup replay with SC Villa the coming weekend at FUFA technical center.

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya, Hillary Onek, Richard Wandyaka, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Samuel Ssekamatte.

Tom Ikara (GK), Paul Ssekulima, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Innocent Rwothomio, Richard Okello, Shafik Kwikiriza.

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.”

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.”

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

BUL FC CONTINUE TO ENGAGE FANS, KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED.

BUL football club routine fans engagement continued on Sunday January 15 at Bugembe stadium. This was the first meeting since 2023 started.

Chief executive officer Joseph Mutaka said growing the fan base rank high on his list of core issues to handle at the club since the first day he came into office.

I know it’s not an easy task to handle but I am destined to do bigger things. Handling fans has been a challenging area for my predecessors here since the inception of the club but routine engagement has seen their mindset change on how to approach things. I have outsourced some experts to speak to them and also help to build a better structure for their group. BUL fans group should be a lead example in Uganda Premier League that fans can be more than supporters during match days.

In line with making the fans’ groups flourish, a lot of ideas were put forward during the meeting – including new fan registration plan, formulation of fans Sacco, activation of fans sub committees but at first in Busoga sub region.

Researcher Muhammad Kizito who is also a keen follower of Ugandan football, heaped praise on the CEO’s move to often engage fans.

I follow football clubs in Uganda a lot but BUL FC is among the few clubs that engage fans on routine and to me it’s the best practice for any developing club,” Kizito said while addressing the fans. I want to commend CEO Joseph Mutaka for the job well done because he has maintained the pace with fans. Every club needs them since they are the blood in every club system to live. He invited me to share with you on how to grow the numbers and how to structure everything, and trust me BUL have initiated an important move today.

BUL fans chairman Bashir Omar Bagga was also in attendance together with other prominent supporters. It was the first brainstorming and fan engagement meeting of the many more to come in 2023.

UGANDA CUP: ISABIRYE HIGHLY RATING BUNDIMASOLI

***Alex Isabirye congratulates Owen Mukisa after scoring against Kigezi Home Boys***

The Eastern Giants will face Bundibugyo fourth division side Bundimasoli United FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 64, the draw at FUFA house on Monday revealed.

The game will be played away in Bundibugyo between January 18-20.

Other than 2014/15 and last season, highlights point out that opponents from the lower echelons of Ugandan football have knocked out BUL from the contest, such an off-putting history team manager Alex Isabirye is conscious of and does not want his current combatants to fall victim.

He said they will use a cautious mindset in Bundibugyo as the Eastern Giants aim to deliver another statement of their ambitions this season.

Lower sides are hard to play against because of their unknown style of play, approach to the game, character and behavior. Therefore, we have to be very careful with Bundimasoli United.
They seem to be a strong club because there is no weak team that can win more than three games consecutively.
Teams from the lower tiers of football sometimes knockout bigger sides from Uganda cup and I give them more respect than ones in the topflight because sometimes we lack knowledge about their players. Bundimasoli may not be an easy team but we are going to prepare very well because we need to win that game

***Isabirye after a game at Kyabazinga stadium***

BUL FC were finalists in this competition last season and Isabirye will again choose taking each game at a time this campaign.

We had a different team with different players, and our approach to the game then was also different. I don’t want to say that we are going or not going to reach the final this time.
But I can only promise that we are going to handle game per game because we are going to face different teams, and sometimes players get suspensions and injuries yet the fixture is congested.

***Starting XI against Express last season***

The Eastern Giants stroll in at this round by virtue of being a Uganda premier league club where as the Buyo boys meandered through the qualification course of this 48th edition, and emerged as one of the four teams to represent Kitara region.

GOALLESS DRAW IS NOT BAD – ISABIRYE.

**Team manager Alex Isabirye speaking to press**

BUL Football Club is in third place on the Uganda Premier League table at the time of writing following their barren stalemate with Bright Stars on Friday.

This was their third draw this campaign after winning six times and losing twice, meaning they have 21 points to their name after eleven rounds.

Richard Wandyaka missed the chance to win the game for the Eastern Giants in the first half when he failed to score past Simon Tamale from the penalty spot, and thereafter, chances were had to create because their visitors set their defensive unit deep.

Speaking after the game, team manager Alex Isabirye said he was happy with the result and the spirited character exhibited by his players in the clash with Bright Stars.

I think we tried because a goalless draw is not bad. We are trying to learn to compete this season and I can now see the character of a competitor in my players, I am happy because of that.

The Eastern Giants have put forward 19 goals this term and striker Ibrahim Nsimbe has a contribution in seven of them, scoring five goals and assisting two, with four of his strikes coming in his last two appearances. However, he missed Friday’s meeting with Bright Stars because of illness and Isabirye believes he was the missing piece in his team.

We missed Nsimbe who has been scoring for us of recent. We missed his presence on the team but I hope we shall win our next game.

***Striker Ibrahim Nsimbe*** ***after scoring a goal***

Friday’s draw was the sixth between the two sides in 17 encounters since 2013. Meanwhile, Isabirye’s men will next be in action away to UPDF FC on December 22.

MANAGEMENT TO MEET FANS

Club chairman – Mr. Ronald Barente and the Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Joseph Mutaka will have a chat with BUL FC fans on Sunday December 19 (tomorrow) at Kyabazinga stadium starting 10am prompt.

This meeting is intended to bridge any existing gaps between the club and its supporters, alongside serving as a pulpit to exchange views with the club fanatics on how the fan base and its welfare can be improved in the best interest of both parties.

Therefore, every fan of the Eastern Giants is implored to attend for a better fan experience in the future.

One Team! One Dream! One BUL FC