BUL FC - BUL FC

BUL AIMING FOR THE GOOD

September 10th witnessed the Eastern Giants wag their tails in a continental competition for the first time in our fifteen years spell.

This was the ultimate prize for winning the Uganda cup, which as well, was the first silverware for the club.

Sound of the final whistle at St. Mary’s stadium – Kitende came when the contest between BUL and Future FC was still even, meaning the task has to be accomplished from Egypt, with the second leg slated for this Saturday at Cairo International stadium.

**Leader of delegation Rogers Mulindwa**

Alex Isabirye’s travelling party, consisting of twenty players is at this time already in the Egyptian capital after reaching there in the wee hours of Wednesday, three days to the match and ready to go for the kill.

Part of the BUL team on mission is the club chairman – Ronald Barente. The chairman has been behind the backing of the Eastern Giants and so instrumental in the success of the team since he came, and to this cause , he sent an advanced team to the Arab country before the squad arrived there.

“We moved so early to get better preparations because the journey from Uganda to Egypt is too long and if we didn’t give it enough time, we would suffer from fatigue. This we think will allow players to get enough rest so that Saturday comes when they’re in a better condition,” the chairman said of the timely arrival.

Of course that comes with huge costs but the supremo opened up; this was keenly planned for, not just a wonder.

“This match did not get us by surprise. BUL runs a budget and we planned for all this when budgeting for the club.”

The Eastern Giants are riding on the ambition of reaching the group stage of the confederations cup this campaign and this has overwhelmingly inspired the club’s big investments. However, the club is ready for whatever is meant to be.

“There are profits and losses in business but we invest expecting to gain, for this time qualifying to the group stage is the target but if it fails, it will be God’s will. But we greatly believe the team will progress to the next level, and by God’s grace, we shall win the game. Everyone in Uganda should pray for us, we shall get the victory together,” Mr. Barente said.

Another big wig in Egypt and ready to witness history being made is Rogers Mulindwa, the Fufa executive committee member and our leader of delegation.

Mr. Mulindwa is convinced the Eastern Giants can deliver the goods.

“BUL promises a bright future given this is their first time of involvement in a CAF competition. The players are calm and organized, and exhibiting a strong working relationship with the technical team and the administrators,” he said.

“Most players out there have sheer arrogance but haven’t seen that in BUL players. This shows they know what they want and they follow instructions in place.”

“I therefore call upon all football fans regardless of the club you support domestically – whether you support SC Villa, Express, KCCA, Vipers SC, URA, Busoga United or Gaddafi, our new team now is BUL FC because they’re the ones hoisting the Uganda flag in CAF confederations cup.”

“Let us rally behind the Eastern Giants and render the team all sorts of support because they’re not representing themselves but representing all of us as a country. In Cairo, people are not seeing them as BUL but as Uganda.”

Saturday’s return match is to be played at 10PM (EAT), and the winner on aggregate will meet the overall winner between Buffles du Borgou and Kallon FC.

TUNISIAN REFEREES TO OVERSEE FUTURE-BUL MATCH.

The confederation of African football has assigned Tunisian referees to handle our return leg with Future fc. The match will be played on saturday at Cairo international stadium.

The game will be handled by Mahrez Melki as the man in the center, and will be assisted by Yamen Malloulchi and Wael Hannachi as the first and second assistant referees respectively.

Amir Loucif also from Tunusia will be the fourth official while Mamoun Bushara Nasir will the match commissioner from Sudan.

The Eastern Giants still believe that we can overcome the Egyptians at their own park and keen on sealing a qualification spot to the next round. Both teams are tied on 0-0 aggregate after last week’s draw at st mary’s stadium in Kampala.

The winner after the saturday night clash will progress to round one of CAF Confederation cup and will meet the overall winner between Buffles du Borgou and Kallon fc.

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-0 FUTURE FC

BUL football club gave real account of themselves on their first ever appearance in a CAF competition.

With both sides making their debut in the CAF confederations cup, the Eastern Giants held firm to record a 0-0 draw against Egyptians Future FC on a historic evening at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende.

**BUL FC starting line up against Future**

Ibrahim Kazindula came closest for BUL with several efforts from free kicks, Simon Peter Oketch saw his attempt fly wild, as Karim Ndugwa’s header was gloved out for a corner while goalkeeper Saidi Keni had to be alert to deny Ahmed Atef Mohamed in the first half.

Alex Isabirye’s side knew a clean sheet and a positive result altogether would be a good start on this new journey and they kept their defensive discipline throughout.

They might even have won it, had Ndugwa connected well with Hillary Onek’s cross at the hour mark before he saw his effort inside the box superbly saved by away goalkeeper – Mahmoud Abdelrehim Ahmed in the additional minutes after the normal play time.

However, the visitors dominated the possession, and it was Atef who had the first effort on goal but the forward headed straight at Keni.

Atef again gave the Eastern Giants a worry on 22 minutes when his fiercely struck shot whistled over bar.

BUL’s first attempt came seventeen minutes into the game when Oketch was found in the box but his overhead kick was deflected for a corner.

They began the second period with more purpose after the introduction of teenager Reagan Kalyowa, but three minutes after the interval, Atef came close to giving Future FC the goal they craved for after he was set clean on goal by Ahmed Elsayed Reffat but Keni made a well timed race off his line in a one on one situation to keep the status quo.

Future simply had to keep on pressing and that opened spaces for BUL going forward, with Ibrahim Mugulusi, Martin Aprem and Kalyowa having a go at goal although their efforts did not yield.

The threat never went away for the visitors with the scores deadlocked, Kalyowa was fouled close to the area and Samir Saad put up a block when Kazindula struck from 25 yards

A huge chance for BUL to seal the game came and went in the extra four minutes when Ndugwa rose highest from Ayiko’s delivery, but Mahmoud Abdelrehim showed incredible reflexes to repel his header.

The two sides will convene again the next weekend (Saturday September 17) in Cairo, Egypt for the second leg of the preliminary round of the confederations cup.

Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Emmanuel Obua (Reagan Kalyowa 46′), Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Kazindula, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Frank Kalanda 68′), Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Pascal Ngobi, Karim Ndugwa, Hillary Onek (Martin Aprem 63′), Simon Peter Oketch (Anthony Mayanja 80′)

Unused ubstitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa,Jerome Kirya,Tom Ikara,Ibrahim Nsimbe, Benon Tahomera.

GOFERE SPORTSWEAR COMPANY TO MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY BUL FC KITS FOR THE NEXT TWO SEASONS.

**BUL FC chairman Ronald Barente with CEO of Gofere Hassan**

We are pleased to announce a new partner Gofere Sportswear company as our new kits sponsor for the next two seasons.

Gofere will manufacture and supply BUL Football Club with training, playing and travel kits for both players and technical team.

The club’s partnership with Gofere is effective immediately and will run until 2024.

Club Chairman Ronald Barente was happy and welcomed on board the new partners.

**Chairman Ronald Barente signing the contract on behalf of BULFC.**

” Today we had a very good sponsorship signing with Gofere Sports company based in Addis Ababa- Ethiopia, Gofere is a young and growing company based on Pan-Africanism- the spirit of Africa, I chose to work with them, because they have the same attributes as BUL FC. We want to grow together, work together improve each other’s brand as we go forward, we have started with a two year partnership. And hopefully in the future we shall sign more years continue work together, grow together. The quality of the kits is unquestionable if you compare with other kits across China and Dubai we have been getting and we hope we will have a very good representation of Gofere in Uganda and East Africa and on the continent when we play in the CAF Confederation cup.” Barente concluded

Mr Hassan the founder and co-owner of Gofere was delighted with the deal partnering with another growing brand speaking to this website.

“ Today is a special day we signed a historical deal with BUL FC. We are about five years old, Gofere was started by two young guys and it is an African brand dedicated not only to change the sports market in Africa but also to contribute to all sports fields, sports problems and giving solutions.”

” This is special because BUL FC was one of our targets to showcase our products in East African markets. After doing some research we found out that BUL was a club worth working with and that’s why we decided to sponsor them. For the future of BUL FC and Gofere we are very hopeful to continue this deal with BUL and also work togather surply minimal kits, we believe we can build strong co-brand that represent this big and energetic football club.” Mr Hassan stated.

**Chairman Barente posing with the CEO of Gofere Hassan.**

Gofere is an international sportswear company located in Adis Ababa Ethiopia and the leading manufacturer of sports wear for both professional and amateur clubs with in Ethiopia and East Africa at large.

MAWERERE RETURN TO BUL

BUL football club can confirm the signing of forward Edrine Mawerere on a three year deal.

**Manager Alex with Edrine Cavani Mawerere**

The 19 year old is returning to the Eastern Giants after five years since he left our junior team in 2017.

“It’s exciting to join the senior team, I am overjoyed. It has not been easy though but this has been possible through commitment and hard work,” he said.

“Owen Mukisa who was our captain in the junior team marched to the senior ranks and his progress encouraged me to work even more harder.“

“I now see this as a chance to further my career, win trophies, make history here and become a professional player as well.“

BUL’s team manager Alex Isabirye said,

“He is a young player who I believe will be one of the best players in Uganda in a few years to come because he has a lot of potential.“

“Now he joins several young players at the senior side, with all indicators showing he will play well but I will not demand a lot from him because he is not yet there.”

“We simply need him to continue learning and build his career just like the rest. This serves our ambition of building a strong team, and our philosophy and strategy of promoting from with in.”

Mawerere is one of the exciting prospects in Uganda’s football with unbeatable skills, game intelligence as well as good movement on and off the ball.

He started his youth career with Amerigo soccer academy before catching the eye of BUL junior team and JIPRA SS for which he features in the secondary schools competitions. Mawerere become 8th signing for the Eastern Giants this season.

WINGER DENIS MWEMEZI JOINS BUL FC .

We can officially confirm Forward Dennis Mwemezi has joined the club on a two year deal from Vipers sports club.

**Manager Alex poses with winger Denis Mwemezi**

The contract will keep the former Venom at BUL Football Club till 2024.

The speedy winger officially becomes the 7th signing in this transfer window.

Manager Alex Isabirye is delighted bringing in a young star willing to learn more.

“ Mwemezi is a young player nurtured by one of the best clubs in the country, he gives in 100%, his ready to learn and i think he will help the club achieve it’s objectives.” Isabirye stated

After putting pen to paper Mwemezi said ” Am super excited to join one of the best and big clubs in the country, it’s the club that I think will help me grow and advance in my footballing career

“My target is to play and help the team achieve more success, trophies and at least take the club into CAF confederation cup group stages.”

The speedy winger is a product of Buganda Masaza tournament where he emerged as the top scorer in 2019 while featuring for Sese Ssaza.

The trickery winger signed for Vipers SC after an impressive season with Ssese and has spent 3 seasons, registered 8 goals and assisted 10 times for the venoms.

Mwemezi become our 7th signing and joins experienced striker Frank Kalanda, defender Ronald Otti Ocitti, Emmanuel Obua, goalkeeper Tom Ikara, forward Athony Mayanja and defender Benon Tahomera.

Welcome to the Eastern Giants Denis Mwemezi

SAIDI KENI PROLONGS STAY AT BUL

Glove man – Saidi Keni to stay put at the Eastern Giants up to 2025 at the minimum after signing a two year contract extension with the club.

His current deal was due to expire in June next year.

“BUL have showed love and trust in me since I joined the club. This good gesture surely shows they appreciate my services,” Keni said.

“The future of both parties is now secured.”

Keni’s bright start at the Eastern Giants was halted by a niggling knee injury that compelled him to sit out for much of the second round of the past term but he is currently back in training with the rest of the squad preparing for next season.

“I believe we shall do wonders domestically and at the content.”

“We are preparing well and we expect to have a better season.”

As one of the team skippers, his leadership in the past campaign arguably oiled BUL to great performances with the club finishing fourth in the league for the first time in our history, as well as winning the Uganda cup crown.

The goalkeeper put on board seven clean sheets in 19 matches across all competitions last season.

EASTERN GIANTS BOOST DEFENSE WITH TAHOMERA SIGNING

BUL football club have signed Benon Tahomera from Kyetume.

The center back has signed a contract that runs until June 2024.

After putting the pen on his contract, he said,

“I feel BUL is the right club I should play for. It’s one of the biggest in the country and always competitive on all fronts.“

“Playing for it is an honor for me. Now I want to win the league, defend the Uganda cup as well as put up a good performance in the confederations cup.”

Tahomera guided MYDA FC to the Eastern regional play offs in 2018, scoring eight goals for the Malaba side before seeking pastures new at Kyetume the following season.

He played there for two seasons, leading the slaughters to the topflight league in 2019, with him scoring in their 4-1 demolition of Kansai Plascon in the promotional play off final at Lugogo.

Manager Alex Isabirye believes the new defender will offer the right balance to our defense.

“Tahomera can defend as well as score goals. He still has a lot to learn but he is a young player who can play football and has a lot of potential.”

“Last season we faced difficulties in defending and conceded a lot because we did not have the luxury to rotate, and that is why we are bringing in players like him who can defend very well.”

“Our team is now having a right mix of young and experienced players, and if we blend them together well, we shall get what we want.“

Tahomera is known for his superior aerial abilities, calmness on the ball and neat passing, and without doubt, he will improve our defense.

BUL FC SIGNS MAYANJA ANTHONY

Mayanja Anthony is the fifth player to join BUL football club in this transfer window.

**Anthony Mayanja donning on BUL FC jersey**

The stylish and strong midfielder arrives from Busoga United and has signed a two year renewable contract with the Eastern Giants.

“I am excited to join the winning team,” he said.

“BUL won the Uganda cup last season and I come to provide more efforts so that we can win more trophies in the coming seasons.”

“I am ready for the task at hand especially in the CAF confederation cup, even if the competition is not easy, we are going there to compete, not to participate.”

Mayanja is a big character with attributes of a natural leader.

And with all the vast experience he possess, he will surely improve our midfield.

Welcome to the Eastern Giants Ma Ya nJA.

GOALKEEPER TOM IKARA IS AN EASTERN GIANT

Goalkeeper Tom Ikara has joined BUL Football Club on a two – year contract.

Ikara joins from Police, and he will add strength to our goalkeeping area.

On signing his contract, he said he was excited to be part of the Eastern Giants and promised excellent performances and clean sheets.

The gloves man rose through BB Soda academy and Blacksmith Football Club in the lower divisions afore to joining Busoga United where he spent more than five years, featuring for the club since their regional league days, and through to the Uganda premier league, and has also represented the Uganda Cranes at different levels.

He won the best goalkeeper award of the Fufa big league (2015/16) after making 13 clean sheets, guiding Busoga to promotion to the UPL, as well as winning the Big league title in his first season in the competition.

Ikara made another 13 clean sheets on his first time in the topflight (2016/17) despite Busoga facing the threat of relegation having spent the season largely in the red zone.

His fine showings in goal secured him a move to KCCA FC in January of 2018 and won a couple of honors there, including the league title, before he was transferred to Mbarara City on loan in 2019.