PRE-MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS Mbarara City FC

Matchday 4, Startimes Uganda Premier League

Date: Wednesday, 2nd October 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Venue: Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe

Our fourth match this season sees BUL FC hosting Mbarara City on Wednesday (tomorrow) at the Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe, with kick-off fixed at 4pm.

The opening three games of the campaign have produced two draws and a defeat for BUL. Similarly, the visitors have also had the same run in as many games.

Current Standings:

BUL sits 13th on the table, Mbarara City occupies the 15th position – with two points each.

Team News:

Coach Abbey Kikomeko confirmed Ibrahim Orit will be the only player to miss the game. The rest of the squad is available for selection.

Kikomeko’s remarks:

“After losing our previous game, we desperately need to get the three points now against Mbarara City who denied us the trophy last season, but we’re focused on the present,” he said.

We’ve worked on our scoring challenges and will score goals tomorrow, Inshallah.

Striker Dickson Mataama’s remarks:

The coaches identified our mistakes, corrected them and we’re now ready for tomorrow’s game. We’ve worked on our scoring and promise to deliver goals, starting tomorrow. We urge our fans to support us in numbers.”

Head-to-Head:

P12 W3 D6 L3

In the 12 meetings between the two teams, BUL has won 3, drawn 6 and lost 3 against Mbarara City FC.

Last Four Meetings:

– 14/5/2024: Mbarara City 0-0 BUL FC (SUPL)

– 6/1/2024: BUL 1-1 Mbarara City (SUPL)

– 28/3/2022: Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC (SUPL)

– 2/11/2021: BUL 1-0 Mbarara City (SUPL)

Match Facts:

– BUL FC is winless this season (3 games, 2 draws, 1 loss).
– BUL FC is unbeaten at home this season.
– BUL is unbeaten in the last four meetings against Mbarara City.
– BUL’s biggest win against Mbarara City was 3-0 on 9/11/2019.
– BUL last lost to Mbarara City in February 2020 away at Kakyeka stadium.

-19 goals are registered in all meetings between both side and BUL has a share of 11.

Mbarara city last won an away league game in june 2021 against Kyetume ( Kyetume 1-3 Mbarara city )⁠

Match Coverage:

The game will be televised by Sanyuka TV, with timely updates on our social media platforms:

X: @bulfc1
Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja
Instagram: @bulfc
YouTube: BUL FC TV

A full match report and highlights will follow on BUL FC TV.

Let’s go, Eastern Giants!

MATCH REPORT: Police 0-0 BUL FC

BUL FC kicked off their Uganda premier league season 2024/25 with 0-0 draw against Police FC on Monday.

The game saw few clear-cut chances in the opening twenty minutes with both sides holding it tight at the back.

Midfielder Ramz Kawooya in action

BUL however crafted the first chance of the contest at Kavumba Recreation Centre when Ramz Kawooya had a shot on goal in the 23rd minute.

Three minutes later, Police came close and almost took the lead through Gerald Ogweti but the forward was denied by goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa’s double save.

Ibrahim Orit in action

The hosts were then reduced to ten men midway the first half after Ogweti was sent off for fouling Walter Ochora.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko turned to his bench for fresh legs in the second half, Ibrahim Orit was subbed off for Lawrence Tezikya who added more fire power upfront.

But against the run of play, Police threatened through Denis Kalanzi who pounced a dangerous header wide off Allan Bukenya’s free kick into the area – in the 53rd minute.

BUL continued to push for a breakthrough given their numerical advantage, but yet again, Edward Kasibante in Police’s goal denied Ramz Kawooya at the hour mark.

At this point, the Eastern Giants were in total control of the game. However, the much  needed goal hadn’t come, so, the coach called for more changes.

Ibrahim Mugulusi and Amos Kirya replaced George Kasonko and Reagan Kalyowa one minute after the hour.

But despite dominating possession, BUL couldn’t find the breakthrough as they were forced to settle for a point in their opening game of the campaign.

BUL FC starting line up against Police

Starting XI:

Joel Mutakubwa, Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Najib Fesali, George Kasonko (Ibrahim Mugulusi), Ramz Kawooya, Isaac Wagoina (Martin Aprem), Ibrahim Orit (Lawrence Tezikya), Reagan Kalyowa (Amos Kirya), Dickson Mataama (Yafeesi Mubiru)

Unused Substitutes:

John Okurut (GK), Adrian Isabirye (GK), Sowedi Lwenda, Benon Tahomera, Julius Barasa, Innocent Rwothomiyo, Swabir Mpasa

STRIKER ANWARU MUSTAFA NTEGE JOINS BUL

Forward Anwaru Ntege has re-signed for BUL on a two-year contract from Vision FC of Rwanda, the club can announce.

Ntege, 29, featured for the Eastern Giants during 2020-2021 season.

He played a crucial role in Vision FC’s promotion to the Rwanda Premier League last season, lest we forget he also guided Ndejje University to the Uganda Premier League in 2017.

Ntege’s impressive football journey has now seen him play for several clubs including ; Ndejje University (2015-2019), URA FC (2019-2020), Busoga United (2021-2022), Express FC (2022-2023), and Vision FC (2023-2024).

We are delighted to welcome Anwar back to BUL FC, his goal-scoring ability and experience will be invaluable to our team. We look forward to seeing him make a significant impact on the pitch,” said coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere.

Anwar Ntege expressed his excitement upon re-joining the Eastern Giants, saying;

I’m happy to be back home and eager to contribute to the team’s success. I’ve grown as a player and now ready to score goals, and help BUL FC achieve its goals.

His return has strengthened our attacking line and fans can expect an exciting season ahead.

Welcome back, Ntege!

UGANDAN MIDFIELD MAESTRO RAMZ KAWOOYA JOINS BUL FC

BUL FC is delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Ramz Kawooya on a two-year contract. Kawooya makes the switch from Express FC, where he spent the 2023-2024 season.

Midfielder Ramz Kawooya

The skilled midfielder boasts an impressive career, having played for several Swedish clubs, including Vaxjo United (2012-2016), Almeboda IF Inneryd (2017-2019), FK Karlskrona (2019-2021), and IF Nybro (2022-2023).

Kawooya’s outstanding form with IF Nybro earned him the prestigious Player of the Season award for 2022-2023. He has also received two call-ups to the Uganda national team, featuring against Guinea and Somalia.

I’m thrilled to join BUL FC and already feeling at home. I’m impressed with the team’s ambitions, and I believe BUL FC is a team to watch. My move here will undoubtedly boost my career, and I’m eager to help the team achieve its goals. I promise to bring my expertise and leadership to the table, and I’m confident that together, we can achieve great things,” said Kawooya.

BUL FC’s management is ecstatic to have Kawooya on board, citing his leadership and skill as invaluable assets to the team. “Ramz is a fantastic addition to our squad. His experience and expertise will be crucial in our quest for success. He fits perfectly into our style of play, and we’ve been missing a player of his caliber,” said head coach Abbey Kikomeko.

With Kawooya’s signing, BUL FC is poised for a strong season. His presence is expected to bring stability and creativity to the midfield, and fans are eagerly anticipating his debut.

RONALD BARENTE RE-ELECTED AS BUL FC CHAIRMAN

The man who first won the chairmanship of the club in 2019, has once again won the trust of all the club members and will now serve his second term of four years as the club chairman after being re-elected unopposed on Thursday.

This milestone marks a significant endorsement of his leadership and vision for the club ever since he succeeded Alias Silver in that office.

Over the past four years, he has worked tirelessly to transform the Eastern Giants into a formidable force in Ugandan football.

BUL has achieved remarkable success under his stewardship – winning the Stanbic Uganda Cup in 2021, FUFA Juniors League (Eastern Region 2023), FUFA Juniors League National Championship and FUFA Super 8 in 2023.

His dedication, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence have also earned him the respect and admiration of the club members, players and fans alike.

I am thrilled for having been voted into office for another term of four years.Over the years, we have had tremendous success sportingly but challenges have also been here and there,” Mr. Barente said after being re-elected.

We have however picked up valuable lessons from the challenges which will mark our progress going forward. For the success we have achieved, this will be the benchmark for what we want to achieve in the next four years.

With God on our side and together with all the stakeholders, we will propel this club to greater heights.

Only Ugandans holding managerial positions as heads of department in BIDCO Uganda Limited, the sole sponsors of BUL FC, can contest for the position of club chairman. They also hold the rights to vote exclusively.

Mr. Barente is one of the longest serving employees of the company having worked for the edible oil manufacturers for more than 16 years now.

He is currently the company’s Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) manager overseeing operations in all the East African countries, Nigeria and Ghana.

As he begins his second term, the club looks forward to an exciting future, built on the foundations of hard work, teamwork, and a shared passion for football.

Congratulations, Chairman!

PRE-MATCH PREVIEW: KITARA VS BUL

FUFA Super 8 Semi-Final

Saturday, August 10th, 2024

MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo | 8:00 PM

BUL FC is set for an electrifying encounter against Kitara FC in the semi-finals of the FUFA Super 8 tournament at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

The Eastern Giants advanced to the semi-finals after a convincing 4-1 aggregate win over Maroons, drawing 1-1 in the first leg and securing a dominant 3-0 victory in the return leg. Isaac Wagoina’s brace and Dickson Mataama’s goal sealed BUL FC’s spot in the semi-finals.

Kitara FC reached the semi-finals after securing a 4-3 aggregate win over KCCA FC, winning the first leg 1-0 and drawing the second leg 3-3.

TEAM NEWS

Coach Abbey Bogere confirms that Anthony Mayanja ( rehabilitation ), Douglas Muganga (rehabilitation ) and Bakali Magumda (Malaria ) will be out of tomorrow’s action.

COACH ABBEY BOGERE’S REMARKS

We are looking forward to a tough match against Kitara FC, but we are prepared and focused on reaching the finals.”

ISAAC WAGOINA’S REMARKS

We have worked hard to get to this stage, and we are determined to make it to the finals. We urge our fans to come out and support us in big numbers.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Watch the match live on FUFA  TV, and stay updated with timely textual updates on our social media handles. Post-match reports and match highlights will be available after the game.

POST MATCH: BUL 3-0 Maroons

BUL FC secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Maroons at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, to advance to the semi-finals of the FUFA Super 8 tournament.

Isaac Wagoina was the star of the day with a brace, scoring in the 30th and 53rd minutes, while Dickson Mataama added the second goal in the 33rd minute. Wagoina’s penalty kick in the 30th minute gave BUL FC the lead, and Mataama capitalized on a Maroons defense error just three minutes later.

Forward Isaac Wagoina in action

Maroons struggled to find their footing in the first half, with only one attempt on goal through Brian Omirembe. BUL FC dominated possession, with Benon Tahomera and Orit Ibrahim coming close to scoring in the early stages.

In the second half, Wagoina sealed his brace with a stunning goal in the 53rd minute. Coach Abbey Bogere introduced fresh legs, bringing on Swabir Mpasa, Aprem Martin, and Fredrick Ngalo, who made his BUL FC debut.

BUL FC Starting XI:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Hillary Onek (Fredrick Ngalo), Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Benon Tahomera (Amos Kirya), George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jeromy Kirya (Swabir Mpasa), Orit Ibrahim (Martin Aprem), Isaac Wagoina (Lawrence Tezikya), Dickson Mataama (Innocent Rwothomio)

BUL FC starting line up against Maroons

Unused Substitutes:

Ibrahim Mugulusi, Thomas Ochungo, Sowedi Lwenda, John Okurut

NEXT FIXTURE

BUL FC will face Kitara in the semi-finals of the FUFA Super 8 tournament, on Sunday 11th August 2024 at MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo at exactly 8pm.

OCHUNGO TRANSFER TO BUL CONFIRMED

Thomas Ochungo has today become an Eastern Giant with the left back signing a two-year contract.

Ochungo posing with head coach Abbey Bogere

The roving fullback joins us from Gaddafi FC, the team that brought him to the limelight.

Ochungo is one of the most promising fullbacks in the Uganda premier league with alot of potential.

He is a product of the FUFA juniors league having featured for Jinja Municipal Hippos in the first edition of the competition before his stellar performances earned him promotion to the senior side in 2017.

Ochungo first joined Gaddafi FC in 2020 when they were still in the Eastern regional league and guided them to the big league and then to the topflight, before he switched his allegiance to Busoga United in 2022.

Ochungo penning down at BUL

He re-united with the Soldier boys in 2023, scoring two goals and recording one assist last season.

MATCH REPORT; KCCA 0-0 BUL FC

BUL FC starting line up against KCCA

BUL FC’s opening game of the second round against KCCA ended 0-0 with both sides somehow failing to find the back of the net on Friday.

This meant BUL stretched their lead at the summit to 34 points from 16 rounds of play.

The Eastern Giants may however feel undone by three injuries that savaged the team as early as the 10th minute.

Martin Aprem was the first casualty as he was forced off ten minutes in, paving way for Amos Kirya to make his debut .

As if that was not enough, Douglas Muganga also got injured and unable to continue with play ten minutes to the break. Coach Abbey Kikomeko turned to his bench and picked Ibrahim Mugulusi to take charge of the midfield affairs at Lugogo.

Then the team would be hit more as Jerome Kirya also felt unwell and was withdrawn before the restart, with Ibrahim Kazindula taking up his place in the middle of the park.

Left back Nicholas Mwere in action

Both sides occasionally threatened and enjoyed brief spells of dominance but neither could find an all important break through.

Against the run of play, KCCA got the first offensive moment with Muhammad Shaban heading wide nonetheless before Tom Ikara saved Emmanuel Loki’s effort midway the first half.

The second half also failed to ignite and became a bit scrappy. Lawrence Tezikya latched on a rebound in the box following a well swung in corner by Ibrahim Mugulusi however his shot was miles away from the goal posts.

In the closing moments, the hosts crafted an opportunity when Joao Gabriel made a darting run and passed into the area, Katenga was somehow late and the ball went out begging.

BUL will now return to FUFA technical for the match against Bright Stars on Wednesday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Douglas Muganga (Ibrahim Mugulusi 35′), George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Kazindula 45′), Martin Aprem (Amos Kirya 10′), Lawrence Tezikya (Gerald Ogweti 80′), Alex Kitata.

Unused Substitutes:
Joel Mutakubwa, Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua, Reagan Kalyowa, Joel Madondo.