Uganda Premier League - BUL FC

MATCH PREVIEW: GADDAFI VS BUL FC

Tuesday October 25
Uganda Premier League
Gaddafi FC Vs BUL FC
Kick off: 4pm

Following our hard fought 1-0 win over SC Villa last Friday, we now move across the City for the first Jinja derby this term against locals – Gaddafi at Kakindu.

The Eastern Giants have three wins from four going into the clash and currently boss the league standings with 10 points.

With ten goals scored, the Eastern Giants boast the best attack so far after four matches.

**Goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa in action**

Recent form has seen Alex Isabirye’s side thrash Blacks Power and UPDF, as well as beating the Jogoos and drawing at URA. Victory at Kakindu will give them the fourth win and extend their unbeaten run to five – a record not achieved before by BUL at the start of a new season.

As for their previous trip to Gaddafi, that came in April 2022, Hillary Onek and Jerome Kirya scored as the Eastern Giants came out 2-0 winners at Gaddafi Arena.

The Soldier Boys are 12th on the table ahead of the tie following two draws and a defeat at SC Villa.

They came from behind through Brian Kalumba to draw 1-1 away to Express last time out after Ibrahim Kayiwa had put the Red Eagles in the lead, but their fighting spirit will be put to the test once again when they face the unforgiving BUL.

Team News

Ibrahim Mugulusi is still recovering from an injury as well as Saidi Keni, while Aggrey Madoi is also down with fever. A couple of youngsters will also miss the game because they are sitting their final exams.

Assistant coach Richard Kasule Bakabulindi and defender Ronald Otti moved to share their thoughts before the clash, with all sounding confident and optimistic.

Richard Kasule:

“There is neither a weak team nor a strong one between BUL and Gaddafi – we are equally at the same level,” Kasule said.

“But we are not on top by chance, it’s by hard work. we think day and night, and put in a lot of efforts to bring a difference in what we do.“

“And we are ready to play.“

“Many people term this match as a derby and I concur with them because we share the same fans and we hail from the same area but this match is just like any other, so, our approach will not be any different.”

Ronald Otti:

“Our preparations have not been bad, and we have been put in the right shape to take on Gaddafi. Everyone should expect us to win because we are not leading the table by mistake, but because we are winning our games.”

Head to Head

In the two competitive meetings between BUL and Gaddafi, there has been one BUL win and a draw.

Previous Meetings

November 28, 2021
BUL 1-1 Gaddafi

April 04, 2022
Gaddafi 0-2 BUL

Match Facts

BUL is unbeaten in two clashes with their hosts – with one win and a draw.

Of the four goals scored in this fixture, the Eastern Giants have three.

Isabirye’s men have won three games and drawn once, scoring ten goals across the run.

Gaddafi is still winless after three matches, drawing twice and losing once.

Games involving them have seen four goals, but the Soldier Boys count one only to their name.

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.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-0 SC VILLA

Richard Wandyaka scored a pearler as BUL remained atop of the Uganda premier league with a narrow win over SC Villa at the Fufa Technical Center.

**BUL FC starting line up against sc villa**

After a goalless first half, the winner came in the second period after Walter Ochora combined with substitute Ibrahim Kazindula from a throw in on the left side and the midfielder picked out Ibrahim Nsimbe whose chested effort at the edge of the box found Wandyaka in space, and the forward struck a volley well past the time wasting Martin Elungati in SC Villa’s goal.

It was BUL’s third win from four games and the result leaves Alex Isabirye’s side three points clear at the top of the log.

**BUL FC players celebrating Richard Wandyaka’s goal**

SC Villa came into the game unbleached from their previous three matches and they approached the match with resilient defending with the first half ending all square.

But instead of taking the game to the Eastern Giants in the second half, the visitors seemed to be content with a point, fronting time wasting antics and attempting to kill the flow of the game.

Aprem Martin, Karim Ndugwa, Jerome Kirya and Wandyaka had a bit of BUL’s opportunities in the first half but their scoring boots seemed not tightened enough and the performance of Gift Fred and Kenneth Ssemakula in the Jogoos defence snuffed out any chance of a way through.

Wandyaka saw two efforts superbly cleared while his volley on the stroke of halftime from inside the box narrowly missed on the right post.

Kirya then picked up a rebound when Wandyaka’s shot off a goal ward header from Ochora was repelled but his attempt was tamed by Ssemakula.

On the 38th minute, Ndugwa thought he had put BUL in the lead with a low drive from inside the box but the flag had already gone up for offside in the build up.

BUL’s impressive performance continued after the break, with the coming of Nsimbe and Kazindula coloring it even more.

Elungati denied Nsimbe at two minutes to the hour mark before the energetic Wandyaka had another header slightly over the bar.

But he finally met the target with a moment of magic in the 88th minute to grant BUL a precious win. This means the Eastern Giants continue to dominate the standings with 10 points. The next task is against Gaddafi FC on Tuesday next week at Kakindu.

Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga (Ibrahim Kazindula 66′), George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Owen Mukisa (Ibrahim Nsimbe 46′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem (Frank Kalanda 85′), Richard Wandyaka, Karim Ndugwa (Pascal Ngobi 90+3′)

Tom Ikara (GK), Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL Vs SC VILLA

Friday October 21, 2022
Uganda Premier League
BUL Vs SC Villa
FUFA Technical Center
Kick off: 2PM

First meet second this Friday as BUL set sight at returning to winning ways against SC Villa in the top of the table contest at Fufa Technical Center.

BUL were compelled to accept a point after a one all draw with URA last time out, while the Jogoos swung to a 2-0 win over Express.

Having seen his side’s perfect start to the season cut, Alex Isabirye target to shift his side back to the winning rails to steer clear of their visitors who count seven points, same as the Eastern Giants after three matches each.

To reach this tally, BUL roughed up Blacks Power and UPDF before drawing with URA whereas SC Villa took care of Gaddafi and Express either side of the barren stalemate at Onduparaka.

The Eastern Giants were unmatched in all the three clashes with the Jogoos last term – sowing untold confidence and a great feeling of wanting to keep SC Villa at bay henceforth.

However, being amongst the only four teams yet to concede a goal this campaign is a bold statement for SC Villa but in BUL, they face the most clinical side that has struck eight goals – the most in the division at the moment.

It is always a cracker when the two face-off, and Friday is likely to provide the same aura when the sides convene for their 26th meeting.

Team News

After missing the trip to URA, Richard Ayiko remain sidelined due to illness. Another to sit out tomorrow’s clash is Ibrahim Mugulusi but rest of the players will be available for the showdown.

Both sides are in fine form and manager Alex Isabirye foresees a top class show from all sides but remain optimistic his side will be insurmountable.

“This match is going to be like a final with both teams fighting for the top position. We are currently tied on seven points with SC Villa and this makes it a hard one,” Alex Isabirye said.

“They are winning their games and they have gone three without conceding but we are prepared and expecting to win.“

“We are leading the table; that implies we are good but it doesn’t mean we are going to be there all time – we have to be very cautious.“

“It’s too early and there is a lot of competition although we have the ability to consolidate our grip on that top rank.”

Forward Frank Kalanda also spoke out after the last training.

“The drills we have gone through have prepared us well for this seeming to be difficult encounter but we are determined and ready to win,” he said.

Head to Head

From the 25 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced seven wins for BUL, nine for SC Villa and nine draws.

Last four meetings

April 27, 2021
SC Villa 1-1 BUL FC

November 23, 2021
SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC

April 24, 2022 (Uganda cup)
SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC (AET)

May 22, 2022
BUL 1-0 SC Villa

Match facts

BUL have won seven times in this fixture with four victories coming away from home.

To add on that, the Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their last ten meetings with the Jogoos.

43 goals have been scored in this fixture since 2011 and Isabirye’s men have a share of 20.

It’s close to five years since SC Villa last beat BUL in the league, and that was the 1-0 victory in November 2017.

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.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: URA 1-1 BUL

It ended all square at Nakisunga Saza ground after BUL and URA settled for a one all draw on Friday. Jeromy Kirya scored his second goal of the season as BUL matched to an early lead before George Ssenkaaba snatched a late equalizer for the home side

But despite the points being shared, BUL will feel that it is two points dropped rather than one gained after leading the game for close to 90 minutes.

The Eastern Giants started with real intensity and imposed on URA quickly. They capitalized with just two minutes played when Kirya beat Arionzi Nafian in URA’s goal with an awesome finish to put BUL Infront.

As the first half wore on, the hosts started to push for an equalizer, and they had a George Ssenkaaba volley cleared off the lines.

The second half walked a similar pattern, URA piling on pressure, however, they declined to benefit from Douglas Muganga’s hand ball at the edge of the box with Ibrahim Dada squandering the free kick.

Kalyowa then stood too big in goal to deny Dada from the spot before Vincent Ziwa’s well taken free kick was saved by Nafian at the other end.

It looked like the Eastern Giants were trotting away with all the points as the 90 minutes collapsed with Alex Isabirye’s side 1-0 up but Ssenkaaba had other ideas. The forward struck a last minute goal for his side in the additional minutes to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

**BUL FC players celebrating Jeromy kirya goal.**

BUL have remained on top of the log after the result but level on seven points with SC Villa who took Express to the trench with a 2-0 beating at Wankulukuku.

The Eastern Giants are next in action against the Jogoos at Fufa Technical Center next Friday before a huge match on the road against Gaddafi FC four days later.

Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (G.K), Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Douglas Muganga, Ibrahim Kazindula (Vincent Zziwa 58′), Jerome Kirya, Emmanuel Obua (Martin Aprem 58′),Hillary Onek (Ivan Wani 68′), Karim Ndugwa (Frank Kalanda 82′),Richard Wandyaka (Ibra Nsimbe 82′), George Kasonko.

Unused substitutes:
Tom Ikara (GK), Denis Mwemezi.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL VISIT URA IN NAKISUNGA

Friday October 14, 2022
Uganda Premier League
URA Vs BUL
Nakisunga Saza ground
Kick off: 4PM.

After two sweet consecutive league victories, BUL go horns out against URA on Friday.

The Eastern Giants made it two wins from two in the Uganda premier league last Friday when they swept aside UPDF 3-1 at Fufa Technical Center.

Prior to that, Alex Isabirye’s men claimed a 5-0 victory over Blacks Power on October 1 to start the season on the right footing.

This means the Eastern Giants have picked up every point there is to pick to lead the table standings with six points, one ahead of second placed Maroons.

Now with some strong league form steaming in the team, a trip to Nakisunga Saza ground has come at the right time having won the last meeting between the sides at Kyabazinga stadium and will fancy their chances of picking up back-to-back wins for the first time off the Tax collectors who are still winless this campaign .

URA were held to a draw by Onduparaka on the opening weekend before falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Express last time out.

This slow start to the campaign has left them placed 13th in the standings with one point ahead of our 23rd meeting in the league.

Team News

**Defender Richard Ayiko in action against UPDF**

After featuring in most of the matches last season, and playing every minute this campaign, Richard Ayiko is the only player to sit out tomorrow’s encounter. He has been given time off to cool down. But the rest of the players remain in contention as there is a clean bill of health at the club and the squad is suspension free.

The clash between BUL and URA is always a big act in Ugandan football and before the showdown unfolds, team manager Alex Isabirye and midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula let out their expectations and opinions about tomorrow’s contest.

Alex Isabirye:

“Everyone knows what it means to get three points when away to URA,” he said.

“And It is good we won our first two games and we want to go into this match with all that confidence.“

“I know they have struggled a bit after going two games without a goal but we all know they are a good side with a third place finish last season, and they have good coaches who I believe are doing everything to win tomorrow but we are ready for them.”

Speaking about confidence, Ibrahim Kazindula was just full of it to the bream towards the match.

“This promises not be an easy game but our target is to get maximum points in each game we play. And on the outlook, URA is a good team but we are better now therefore expect everything to be alright,” he said.

Head to Head

Both sides have met 22 times in the league since November 2011, resulting in three BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and nine draws

Last four meetings

December 15, 2020

BUL FC 0-2 URA FC

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

Match facts

It is two wins for BUL from as many games, producing eight goals, the highest in the division.

The last four visits to the Tax Collectors ended in three draws and one loss for the Eastern Giants.

Of the nine stalemates in this fixture, five were one all draws. two were goalless, while the other two were two all draws.

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.

URA are yet to score a goal this campaign but they have conceded only once.

Match Officials

Ali Sabilla will over see the match from the center. Mafumu Mustapha and Lulenzi Sharif to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Wasswa Alex will serve as the fourth official, while Ssonko Mark will be the referee assessor. The match coordinator for this game will be Waiswa Ajab.

Match Coverage:

The game is not on television but you can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report.

Kiira fm radio 88.6

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 3-1 UPDF

BUL matched on top of the Uganda premier league table with a 3-1 win over UPDF FC on Friday.

After a goalless first half at Fufa Technical Center, clinical strikes from Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka and Frank Kalanda set the Eastern Giants on course for victory.

BUL showed a confident approach right from the opening stages of the action.

Indeed, Emmanuel Obua fired the first warning to the visitors with a tempting cross field ball in the goal mouth as early as the fourth minute.

Simon Mabuya in UPDF’s goal then stopped Ndugwa’s spinning header from inside the area after a move involving Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek and Wandyaka.

The next threat however came from the visitors as an attack through the middle put Ezekiel Katende in a one on one situation with Emmanuel Kalyowa in BUL’s goal but he lacked the composure to skip the goalkeeper.

On the half hour, Ochora carried the ball from his defense to launch a counter-attack of exhilarating precision as Jeromy Kirya’s pin pointing pass was met by Obua before finding Ndugwa whose shot sailed over the bar.

It was a similar story for the visitors perse. Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Katende got in better positions to shoot their side into the lead but their efforts were prevented by Kalyowa.

It was after the break that the game sparked to life with openings following the introduction of Vicent Ziwa with the substitute stinging Mabuya’s gloves direct from a corner three minutes after his coming.

**Striker Frank Kalanda after scoring BUL FC’s third goal**

Ziwa’s fine touches and neat passing proved thorny to the visitors as he linked well with Ndugwa and Wandyaka to grind UPDF.

With UPDF now not able to move out of their own half with ease, BUL’s opening goal soon arrived.

Wandyaka left his marker in the box tumbling to play in the unmarked Ndugwa and the forward made no mistake to burry his low drive into the net on 59 minutes for his third goal of the season.

And four minutes later, Ndugwa’s provider doubled our lead with a sublime finish, his third for this campaign as well.

Frank Kalanda put the game beyond UPDF’s reach when he made it 3-0 up for BUL as the final whistle neared with a grass cutting shot from the edge of the box.

The visitors then grabbed a consolation through Ibrahim Magandazi from the spot on 79 minutes to reduce the deficit.

The result moved Alex Isabirye’s side back to the summit of the table with six points just after two games. BUL’s next league engagement is away to URA at Nakisunga Saza ground next Friday

Starting XI:

Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Ronald Otti, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya, Emmanuel Obua, Hillary Onek, Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka.

Unused substitutes:
Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga,

MATCH REPORT: BLACKS POWER 0-5 BUL FC

BUL produced a master class of football in their opening game of the season as they romped to a 5-0 victory over Blacks Power on Saturday afternoon.

On a day of acute humiliation for the hosts, the Eastern Giants emphasised the huge gulf between the sides in a cruel fashion.

Ever green forward Karim Ndugwa as well as Richard Wandyaka scored a brace each, with Jerome Kirya joining the scoring party as Blacks Power crumbled at Akibua Memorial stadium in Lira.

**BUL FC starting line up against Blacks power**

Ndugwa got his first just after nine minutes with ferocious shot on the turn off his right boot. Kirya then put the Eastern Giants 2-0 up shortly with a clever finish when Hillary Onek’s cross was deflected in his path.

The floodgates were well and truly open and BUL added a third and a fourth before the break.

Wandyaka scored two goals on the quick fire in a space of just four minutes. He tucked in a rebound after Blacks Power failed to deal well with Ndugwa’s header on 25 minutes, before he stretched BUL’s lead to four, four minutes later.

Ndugwa peeled off the pack at the back post to complete his brace after the interval when Ronald Otti flicked the ball into the box following a conor situation. With the score 5-0, BUL utilized most of the remaining time just to control the proceedings and enjoy the game after Blacks Power had coiled their tails.

The result has set the Eastern Giants at the top of table alongside Maroons with three points. The team will return to FUFA Technical Center for the second match at UPDF next weekend.

Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (G.K), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko (Douglas Muganga 73′), George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Nsimbe 73), Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 83′), Hillary Onek (Emmanuel Obua 83′),Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka .

Unused substitutes:
Saidi Keni (G.K), Ibrahim Kazindula.

INS AND OUTS: BUL TRANSFER ROUND UP

BUL made proper use of the transfer market, revamping and strengthening the squad in the conscious of the new season that is just a day shy.

Several key additions were made to blend the squad that is already rich of quality.

The Eastern Giants closed the transfer window by signing ten new players, and accordingly sanctioned departures equal to the arrivals in number after expiration of their contracts while some left on loan.

New Signings

Despite John Okurut, Emmanuel Kalyowa and Saidi Keni’s brilliance as goalkeepers, Alex Isabirye wasted no time signing Tom Ikara from Police FC to make the area more stiff.

The defence is among the positions where BUL was strong before the transfer window started. Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga and Richard Ayiko formed a formidable trio that was the bedrock of the team’s backline last campaign. But there was need to heap depth in the area. So the club added Benon Tahomera and Ronald Otti from Kyetume and Mbarara City respectively.

Left full back – Emmanuel Obua was also brought from the Slaughters.

Isabirye had to rely on George Kasonko and Pascal Ngobi only as the chief defensive midfield pivot. At times, the team unbalanced when one suffered a misfortune. This is why the club added Anthony Mayanja from Busoga to provide more options. Teenager Shafik Kwikiriza was signed to boost the attacking side of the midfield.

**Defender Herbert Onyango who went on loan at Busoga United**

Of the ten (10) signings conducted, four were forwards. Proven and tested striker Frank Kalanda was acquired from Police, Denis Mwemezi joined from Vipers SC, while Vicent Ziwa crossed from neighbors – Busoga United. Former BUL junior team striker – Edrine Cavan Mawerere returned to the Eastern Giants as well.

However, Lawrence Kasadha, Godfrey Akol, former captain Fredson Gwoto and Umar Mukobe were part of the legion released, while promising center back Herbert Onyango moved back to Busoga United to continue his development from there on a season long loan.

**Emmanuel Obua one of the new signings**

Ins:

Frank Kalanda (Police), Ronald Otti (Mbarara City), Emmanuel Obua (Kyetume), Tom Ikara (Police), Anthony Mayanja (Busoga), Benon Tahomera (Kyetume) Edrine Cavani Mawerere (JIPRA), Shafiq Kwikiriza (JIPRA), Vicent Ziwa (Busoga), Denis Mwemezi (Vipers SC).

**Ambrose Kirya** ***one of the outgoing***

Outs: Umar Mukobe, Joel Abaliwano, William Isabirye, Dickson Niwamanya, Godfrey Akol, Thomas Kabale, Ambrose Kirya, Fredson Gwotto, Lawrence Kasadha and Herbert Onyango (Busoga United – loan).

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL VISIT FUTURE

Saturday September 17

CAF Confederations Cup (Preliminary round – second leg)

Future FC Vs BUL FC

Cairo International Stadium

Kick off: 10PM (EAT)

BUL has taken the fight to Cairo, Egypt. It’s all or nothing for the Eastern Giants as we confront Future FC this Saturday in the second leg of the preliminary round of the confederations cup at Cairo International Stadium.

Our minimum target at the continent this season is to reach the group phase of the competition. Therefore, this makes it a must win encounter for BUL because the reverse fixture played a week back in Wakiso ended in a barren draw.

**BUL FC starting line up against Future in Kitende.**

It’s a make or break tie which will either boost or ruin our continental ambitions, thus, it needs to be taken care of since a loss will outrightly blow out our burning hope.

In Future, we meet one of Egypt’s budding football clubs. They were crowned as 2022 league cup champions with a handful of topflight football, and thereafter pulled up a master stroke with a fifth place finish in the league.

Last week’s meeting with us happened to be the only game Ali Maher’s side failed to score a goal in the run of eight matches.

This is going to be a big one!

Team News

All players are in good and healthy conditions, and they are ready to hit the ground.

Thoughts on the game.

The team manager and team captain shared their expectations from tomorrow’s clash after yesternight ‘s last training
Manager Alex Isabirye

“We created chances in the first leg and we didn’t use them well but I think we were just unlucky not score,”

“This time the players know what it means to score and what is needed to progress, and I believe we shall do all we can to qualify to the next round.”

“We have had three night trainings here in Cairo given that we had never played at night before and this has helped us to get used to the floodlights. Therefore, we expect to perform well.”

Captain Saidi Keni

“We learnt a lot from the first meeting. we saw their weaknesses and all the mistakes they made, and we also realized the areas that we need to improve in as a team,”

“Most of those areas have been addressed in training. Scoring has been one of our concerns but much focus has been put on it and we hope our forwards will score lots of goals come the game.”

“And we know what’s on stake and I believe we shall be the better team on Saturday.”

Match officials

Tunisian referee Mahrez Melki has been appointed by CAF to officiate this crunch tie. He will be assisted by compatriots Yamen Malloulchi and Wael Hannachi as the first and second assistant referees respectively.

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

Players available in Egypt

Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Saidi Keni (G.K),Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Emmanuel Obua, Benon Tahomera, Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Ibrahim Kazindula, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Reagan Kalyowa, Martin Aprem, Jerome Kirya, Frank Kalanda, Simon Peter Oketch, Anthony Mayanja.

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.