BUL football club beat Busoga United 3-0 to progress to the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
BUL FC players celebrating Karim Ndugwa’s goal.
Karim Ndugwa’s halftime brace and a Walter Ochora strike on the stroke of full-time handed BUL FC the win at Kakindu stadium on Friday.
Busoga United came close to getting a shock lead on ten minutes when Edrin Opaala picked up a pass near the box but his efforts whistled far away from the right post.
Alex Isabirye’s side became more ambitious, creating several chances in front of goal but Ibrahim Mugulusi was denied twice, first by Micheal Nantamu in United’s goal before his free kick on 21 minutes was deflected for a corner.
At the other end, Busoga continued to battle as well as they looked for a goal against the Eastern Giants.
Richard Wandyaka in action
Shaka Sozzi made an attempt with a long range right footed shot before Saidi Keni denied Opaala on 34 minutes.
The Eastern Giants started to dominate possession from there on as they increased their onslaughts and were rewarded with a breakthrough in the 23rd minute thanks to Ndugwa’s brilliant flicked header off Richard Ayiko’s free kick near the box.
They stretched their lead thirteen minutes later after referee Richard Kimbowa awarded them a penalty following a handball in the area.
Ndugwa stepped up and sent Nantamu the wrong way from the spot to score his third goal for BUL in four games since joining us in January.
After the recess, Pascal Ngobi was shown the yellow card for a shove on Opaala.
BUL FC starting line up against Busoga United
Saidi Keni closed down Paul Sekulima after the winger had escaped and all clear on goal on the 58th minutes before the defence marshaled by Douglas Muganga cleared far for safety.
But the Eastern Giants remained desperate and continued their search for more goals.
Ndugwa had another header from inside the box following a teasing delivery from Umar Mukobe on the right flank but it flew wide four minutes after the hour.
Pascal Ngobi then latched onto the ball from the middle of the park but his hard shot could not find the target.
The final defining moment came in the three additional minutes after the regular 90 minutes.
Walter Ochora’s header clipped on the bar before the ball rolled in his way and the defender made no mistake to drive it past Nantamu to seal the win.
BUL FC’s next task will be against UPDF FC next week in the league at Kyabazinga stadium.
Starting XI Vs Busoga United
Saidi Keni Walter Ochora Douglas Muganga Richard Ayiko George Kasonko Pascal Ngobi (Ambrose Kirya 87′) Ibrahim Mugulusi (Ibrahim Nsimbe 58′) Martin Aprem (Simon Peter Oketch 60′) Umar Mukobe Karim Ndugwa Richard Wandyaka
Unused Substitutes:
John Okurut Lawrence Kasadha Ibrahim Kazindula Reagan Kalyowa
The Stanbic Uganda cup returns presenting BUL football club with a short trip to the city center this Friday afternoon.
BUL FC players posing for a line up photo in the finals of Uganda cup last season
Busoga United lie in wait at Kakindu stadium in the round of 32.
BUL will be welcomed to their former home ground in what will be the 12th competitive fixture between the two clubs. With the previous games coming in Uganda premier league, this will be the first meeting between the two sides in Uganda Cup.
Alex Isabirye’s side are chasing what could be another good run in Uganda cup following last season’s heroics where they lost two games only in the competition, reaching the first ever final where they lost to Vipers SC.
BUL FC players on finals of last edition.
They progressed to this stage at the expense of Bundimasoli United after the fourth division team failed to show up for the round of 64 fixture in Bundibugyo.
It is a promising season for BUL FC at the time of writing, as they sit with respect in fourth place in the league with 30 points as a result of their eight wins, six draws and four losses from 18 matches this term.
The Eastern Giants come off a competitive two all draw with Arua Hill SC last time out in the league, thanks to Simon Peter Oketch who scored a penalty late on to force a draw.
Busoga United are currently entangled in a survival battle with three other teams, they are just a point above the red zone in 13th position with 17 points.
From 18 matches, our Friday hosts have won four times only and lost a whopping ten.
But they have won two games and lost once since making the switch to Kakindu, and avoided conceding any goals in the two victories.
To reach this stage, they bundled out Kisugu FC with a 4-1 scoreline in the round of 64.
The last fixture between BUL FC and Busoga came in December last year in UPL with the Eastern Giants running out as 5-0 winners at Kyabazinga stadium, and their last visit to Busoga United also saw them come out 3-1 winners in December of 2020 at Fufa technical center.
Team manager Alex Isabirye
Team News
Isabirye this time has no suspension to contend with besides the duo of Jerome Kirya and Hillary Onek who are still nursing injuries. The rest of the players are available for selection.
What they said
Team manager Alex Isabirye:
Busoga United has improved so much because they have won twice from three games of the second round, including a 1-0 victory over defending champions Express, a side that we lost to by the same margin.
And there is no weak team in Uganda Cup, therefore, I think tomorrow’s game will be a different one even though we beat them 5-0 in the league.
Their morale is now up after beating Express in their last game but we shall handle them as one of the biggest teams as we try to win game by game and I believe we shall get good results.
Saidi Keni in action.
Saidi Keni:
We expect to win tomorrow’s game against Busoga United because the coaches have corrected our mistakes we made in Arua and we are now well prepared. I pray we make a clean sheet because I want to win this season’s golden glove.
Head to Head
Historically, BUL have had a relatively balanced head-to-head record with Busoga. 11 meetings between the sides since 2016 have provided three BUL FC wins, three Busoga wins and five draws.
The fixture has produced 25 goals, and BUL has a lion share of 14.
Match Coverage
The game will not be available on televisions but our fans world wide will be able to follow the game through our social media channels:
BUL football club have drawn 2-2 with Arua Hill SC at Barifa stadium in a game that saw Karim Ndugwa score his first goal for the Eastern Giants in just three matches since his arrival in January.
BUL FC starting line up Arua Hills fc
Ndugwa’s strike arrived at just 16 minutes of play before it was cancelled out by Samuel Ssekamatte’s free kick. Gaddafi Wahab’s finish in the additional minutes swung the game to the Kongolos way before the break. But Simon Peter Oketch came off the bench to force a draw.
BUL FC player and coaches thanking fans after the game
Both teams made a bright start to the game with Arua Hill SC getting two successive corners in the early stages of the contest but it was BUL FC that took the lead on16 minutes.
Martin Aprem’s shot was saved by Eric Kibowa in Arua Hill’s goal but he could not keep out Karim Ndugwa’s tap in off a loose ball in the box
In an early response, the hosts pressed for an equaliser.
Saidi Keni fumbled with the ball on 27 minutes following a hard shot from Gaddafi Wahab but our defense was awake to clear far before Samuel Ssekamatte thumped in a free kick from the edge of the box to equalise for the Leopards four minutes later
Arua Hill continued to recycle the ball around our area and on the stroke of halftime, their efforts paid off when Wahab scored to give them a 2-1 lead before the break.
The second period was a half of few chances and far in between on both ends.
On 51 minutes, Kibowa denied Richard Wandyaka to keep the scores at 2-1. Stephen Kabuye was then chanced to extend his side’s lead four minutes after the hour but he lacked the composure to slot past Saidi Keni.
Manager Alex Isabirye called the first change on 70 minutes. Ibrahim Nsimbe came on for Ibrahim Mugulusi to add fire power upfront and indeed the move paid off.
Team manager Alex during post match interview
BUL looked rejuvenated and attacked with intent, caging the Leopards in their own den and on the 87th minute, Rashid Toha pulled Ndugwa in the forbidden area and the referee pointed to the spot.
Merely seconds after coming on in place of Pascal Ngobi, substitute Oketch scored the penalty to win a point for the Eastern Giants three minutes to the regular 90.
Isabirye’s side remains in fourth place on the table with 30 points after 18 matches.
Focus now returns to Uganda cup. The Eastern Giants will travel to the city center for a clash with neighbors – Busoga United on Friday February 25 at Kakindu stadium in the round of 32 of the competition before playing UPDF FC in the league on March 01.
Starting XI Vs Arua Hill SC
Saidi Keni Richard Ayiko Douglas Muganga Aggrey Madoi George Kasonko Pascal Ngobi (Simon Peter Oketch 87′) Ibrahim Mugulusi (Ibrahim Nsimbe 70′) Umar Mukobe Richard Wandyaka Karim Ndugwa Martin Aprem
Unused Substitutes
John Okurut Lawrence Kasadha Owen Mukisa Reagan Kalyowa Ibrahim Kazindula
The young goalkeeper made the senior bench on Wednesday against Vipers SC.
Goalkeeper John Okurut was included in the senior match day squad for the Vipers game on Wednesday to deputise Emmanuel Kalyowa who had replaced the suspended Saidi Keni in goal.
Young star John Okurut smiling after training
Manager Alex Isabirye handed Okurut a three year contract in January this year and promoted him to the senior side after a good showing in training.
He joined BUL FC’s junior team in the 2019/20 season that was halted by COVID 19.
The young shot-stopper admitted that he couldn’t even believe that he was being called up to the first-team picture for this season.
“I feel like I want to burst! I want to shout loudest. I don’t know when I will be on the pitch but it’s an advantage for me to be on the senior team.”
“I didn’t expect it because I had even not passed through all our junior teams but from U-17 to the senior side is wow.”
“For real, I am excited at the moment and i believe my hard work has led me to this.”
Okurut is now training with one of the national team goalkeepers – Saidi Keni and the experienced Emmanuel Kalyowa.
“These guys are friendly and they’re helping me to improve during training by telling me what to do as a goal keeper and that is giving me courage.”
“I am no longer the junior team goalkeeper I was before. I feel so previlaged that I can now perform.”
He continued, “I look up to them for whatever they do on and off the pitch because they are professional goalkeepers.”
John Okurut after his unveiling
There are several junior team players that have recently signed their first contracts at BUL FC and then promoted to the senior side, including Owen Mukisa , Allan Kiggundu, Reagan Kalyowa, and now Okurut, one of the biggest propects at Kyabazinga stadium has joined that circle.
BUL football club beat Wakiso Giants 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium on Tuesday.
BUL FC starting line up against Wakiso Giants
Richard Wandyaka and Simon Peter Oketch goals ensured Alex Isabirye’s side bounced back to winning ways after going three games without victory.
The match was played in a live atmosphere amidst roars from fans as the two teams shown intent to win the game with end to end display.
Wakiso Giants were the first to get an opening in the game when Sharif Kimbowa saw his shot go wide after an exchange with Frank Ssebuufu in the opening minutes.
Ssebuufu then had a go in the six yard box just a few moments later but his effort did not trouble Saidi Keni in BUL FC’s goal.
At the other end, Ibrahim Mugulusi swiftly swung a cornor into the box but Umar Mukobe’s tame header was an easy catch for Samson Kirya.
BUL continued to press Wakiso Giants in their own half and in the 9th minute, Mugulusi was played into the box by Wandyaka before Grant Matsiko cleared for a corner.
Eventually, the Purple Sharks cracked and Wandyaka opened the scoring with a header on 18 minutes.
Richard Wandyaka in action.
Frank Ssebuufu often made Richard Ayiko busy but his artistry didn’t yield any clear cut chance as the steely Walter Ochora and workaholic Douglas Muganga kept BUL’s rearguard tight
On the 36th minutes, the Eastern Giants had the chance to double the lead with Karim Ndugwa shooting slightly above the bar.
In a bid to limit the damage, Wakiso Giant’s Alex Gitta called for an early change. Rahmat Senfuka replaced Ibrahim Kasule four minutes to the end of the first half.
BUL picked from where they had stopped in the second half but couldn’t register another goal before the 90th minute though.
BUL FC player celebrating Simon Peter Oketch goal.
The Eastern Giants had a rare chance in the 55 minute, Wandyaka picked up Ndugwa in the box but the later missed by an inch.
Alex Isabirye thereafter made some tweaks to the team. He brought on Simon Peter Oketch in the place of Martin Aprem on the 78th minute, and Owen Mukisa for Mugulusi as Ibrahim Nsimbe took up the place for Ndugwa
Wakiso Giants got the opportunity to equalize in the 80th minute but Rahmat Senfuka saw his shot saved by Keni.
BUL FC finally got their second goal in the 90th minute with substitute Oketch scoring a wonder from the midfield to ensure the Eastern Giants carry the day.
Simon Peter Oketch celebrating his goal with teammates.
The team has now reclaimed the 4th place on the table with 29 points after 17 matches. The next game is a trip to Arua Hill SC on Wednesday.
Starting XI Vs Wakiso Giants
Saidi Keni (G.K)
Douglas Muganga Richard Ayiko Walter Ochora George Kasonko Pascal Ngobi Richard Wandyaka Ibrahim Mugulusi (Owen Mukisa) Umar Mukobe Martin Aprem (Simon Peter Oketch 78′) Karim Ndugwa (Ibrahim Ndugwa)
Unused Substitutes:
John Okurut (G.K) Lawrence Kasadha Reagan Kalyowa Aggrey Madoi
BUL football club is back at home this saturday as they take on Wakiso Giants in the Uganda premier league.
The Eastern Giants are in action at Kyabazinga stadium at 4PM Kick-Off – and will be looking to pick up a big three points after losing to Vipers on Wednesday.
BUL FC players posing for a photo before kickoff
They are eager to get back to winning ways having lost two of the last three matches.
Alex Isabirye’s side is currently 7th on the UPL log, and their 26 points tally is a result of seven wins, five draws and four losses this campaign after 16 matches.
Wakiso Giants, meanwhile, recorded an impressive 4-1 win against Gaddafi FC last time out and they arrive at Kyabazinga stadium sat in 6th with 27 points.
Overall, they have won eight, drawn three and lost five times from their 16 matches.
Team manager Alex Isabirye talking to players during a league game.
The Purple sharks won 4-3 the last time the two teams locked horns at Kabaka Kyabagu stadium in early January, and this Saturday’s fixture is the sixth ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Team News
The Eastern Giants will be without Hillary Onek and Jerome Kirya who suffered fractures in our previous match. But the rest of the players are available for selection.
What they said:
Team manager Alex Isabirye:
“We shall do our best to win because we need to get the three points in every game we play. The players are ready and I hope we shall get them tomorrow.”
Simon Peter Oketch:
“Even though we lost our opening game of the second round to Vipers, we expect to win tomorrow’s game because we are well prepared.”
Simon Peter Oketch in action.
Last time out
February 09, 2022
BUL FC 1-3 Vipers SC
Things did not work out as planned at the onset of the second round. The Eastern Giants lost home to Vipers 1-3 on Wednesday.
Walter Ochora opened the deadlock for BUL FC just after 21 minutes but Najib Yiga drew the game level for the Venoms three minutes later. He then scored a second for his side on 33 minutes.
Yunus Sentamu wrapped up their victory on the 89th minute with a close range header past Emmanuel Kalyowa.
Head to Head
This fixture has produced five league meetings, resulting into one win for BUL FC, three wins for Wakiso Giants and one draw.
Previous Meeting
January 04, 2022
Wakiso Giants 4-3 BUL FC
BUL FC scored three times through the Ibrahims – Kazindula and Nsimbe but the three goals were not enough for the Eastern Giants as Moses Aliro’s brace and a goal each from Tom Masiko and Ivan Bogere helped Wakiso Giants to win 4-3.
Kazindula put us in front on 17 minutes from a free kick but Aliro equalised for the Purple Sharks on the 36th minute.
The hosts then took the lead for the first time four minutes from the break via Bogere’s strike from the penalty mark after Saidi Keni fouled him in the box.
Nsimbe equalised for the Eastern Giants four minutes off the hour before Kazindula scored a penalty to put us back into the lead on the 75th minute.
But Wakiso Giants reacted swiftly and Aliro equalised again for his side before Masiko won it for them from 12 yards after Douglas Muganga handled Bogere’s cross in the forbidden area.
Last four encounters
January 29, 2020
BUL FC 0-0 Wakiso Giants
March 06, 2021
BUL FC 0-1 Wakiso Giants
May 18, 2021
Wakiso Giants 2-1 BUL FC
January 04, 2022
Wakiso Giants 4-3 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL FC have won four, drawn and lost two games a piece in eight home matches.
The Eastern Giants have therefore collected 14 points from a possible 24, scored 14 goals and conceded only six across the eight outings.
They have lost twice in their previous three matches, conceded eight goals and scored five.
But BUL haven’t lost two consecutive games this campaign.
This fixture has borne 12 goals, with the Eastern Giants scoring five while Wakiso Giants have netted 7
Wakiso Giants have won our last three consecutive meetings.
Meanwhile, they have not won on their last five travels in the league as they have drawn three times and lost twice.
And they have only gathered nine points from their eight trips this season so far.
Their goal return away from home stands at only six yet they have conceded 10 goals.
But the Purple sharks have put forward eight goals and conceded five in their previous three games.
Match Coverage
We shall provide our usual text coverage of the game across our social media channels:
BUL football club started the second round of the Uganda premier league with a defeat at home as goals from Najib Yiga and Yunus Sentamu inflicted a second Kyabazinga stadium loss on the Eastern Giants since the season began.
BUL FC starting line up against Vipers
Walter Ochora netted the goal for BUL FC.
Vipers started the match on a high with Cesar Manzoki, Milton Karisa and Bright Anukan all keeping BUL FC defenders busy. But the Eastern Giants kept themselves in the game with good defending and few attacks upfront.
Ibrahim Nsimbe shot whistled across the goal mouth before debutant Karim Ndugwa was flagged offside on the 18th minute.
After 21 minutes, Ochora gave BUL FC the lead when he capitalized on a well placed Ibrahim Kazindula corner to head past the Venom’s goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora.
BUL FC players celebrating Walter ochora’s goal
But our celebration was cut short just after three minutes as the visitors equalised. Najib Yiga drew the game level with a low drive beyond Emmanuel Kalyowa to the bottom right corner of the net from range.
The Venoms continued to push forward as the Eastern Giants also tried to close out their attacks.
On the 35th minute, Yiga put his side in front with a tap in from the box following a coordinated move from Manzoki off a Bright Anukan conor from the left.
Defender Aggrey Madoi was then shown a yellow card for foul play on Karisa near the box as team manager Alex Isabirye was cautioned as well by referee Asadu Semere a few moments later.
Isabirye introduced Martin Aprem and Joram Kirya in places of Ibrahim Kazindula and Pascal Ngobi six minutes to the end of the first half.
After the interval, the Eastern Giants went on the front foot in search of goals, their efforts meanwhile did not pay off when Simon Peter Oketch played into the path of substitute Reagan Kalyowa as Paul Willa reacted too fast to clear before the youngster could get a leg onto the ball.
Oketch was then on the receiving end of a pass into the box but missed by an inch from close range.
Walter Ochora in action.
Isabirye made another double substitution, withdrawing Ibrahim Nsimbe and the injured Joram Kirya for Ibrahim Mugulusi and Richard Wandyaka respectively on the 80th minute after Reagan Kalyowa had replaced the injured Hillary Onek four minutes off the hour,
Goalkeeper Kalyowa blocked a side footed volley from Manzoki on the 85th minute but Yunus Sentamu sealed the win for the venoms one minute from the regular 90 minutes with a header following a delivery from substitute Denis Mwemezi.
The result has left BUL FC in the 7th place with 26 points after 16 games, and next in line is a match with Wakiso Giants on Saturday February 12 at Kyabazinga stadium at 4PM
Starting XI Vs Vipers SC
Emmanuel Kalyowa Aggrey Madoi Douglas Muganga Walter Ochora George Kasonko Pascal Ngobi (Joram Kirya 39′) ( Ibrahim Mugulusi 80′) Hillary Onek (Reagan Kalyowa 64′) Ibrahim Kazindula (Martin Aprem 39′) Simon Peter Oketch Karim Ndugwa Ibrahim Nsimbe (Richard Wandyaka 80′)
The Eastern Giants return to league action on Wednesday when table leaders Vipers SC visit Kyabazinga stadium for a Uganda premier clash set at 2PM kick off.
BUL FC starting x1 against Vipers
Although BUL FC shipped out eight players, including the club’s top scorer Musa Esenu during the january transfer window, they will seek to start the second round on a good note as well as make an immediate return to winning ways in the UPL after going two games without victory.
The Eastern Giants still have plenty of quality in stock considering the players available, including the new arrivals in experienced defender – Lawrence Kasadha and evergreen forward – Karim Ndugwa.
The 1-0 defeat to Express in October last year still remains the only loss for Alex Isabirye’s side at Kyabazinga stadium.
Simon Peter Oketch celebrating with teammates after scoring against Vipers
BUL could only claim a 1-1 draw when they paid a visit to St. Mary’s stadium in early January, which is also the last time the Eastern Giants played a competitive game, but the team counts 26 points as a result of the seven wins, five draws and three losses to sit seventh on table after 15 games.
Vipers won their last UPL fixture 3-0 at home to SC Villa last week but it is their only drop of a win in their last three league matches, and they fell 1-0 to Arua Hill on their latest travel in the league.
But Roberto Oliveira’s side has been one of the most lethal teams before tomorrow’s encounter to say the least. The Venoms have put forward 34 goals, five more than any side in the division, and their two losses ranks them among the few teams with the least defeats this term.
The visitors have racked up 10 wins and three draws to collect 33 points and sit atop of the league table after the first round.
Wednesday’s clash will be the 22nd between the two teams since 2011, and in case results go BUL’s way, the Eastern Giants will move up to at least fourth on the log.
Team News
Captain Saidi Keni (goalkeeper) and center back Richard Ayiko are the two biggest absentees for tomorrow’s clash due to suspension. The rest of the squad are available and Isabirye has a huge pool of players to choose from.
What they said:
Team manager Alex Isabirye during a league match at Kyabazinga stadium Bugembe.
Team manager Alex Isabirye:
We expect to win but I don’t expect it to be an easy game. Vipers is a good team with good coachesas wellbut we have prepared our players to match them in all aspects.”
“We have gone close to a month with out playing and that may have affected us in one way or the other but I am confident the players know what to do to get the three points tomorrow.”
“We lost Musa Esenu who had scored for us eight goals in the first round but we have got a very good replacement for him. I expect the new catch to match his scoring prowess or even play better than him.”
Captain George Kasonko:
“We have had enough time to prepare for this game. The coaches have sparingly used it to prepare us well and we now have ninety minutes to show what we have been training.”
“There are targets that we set as a team and we can not meet them without winning.“
“Vipers has often given us hard times but we are now more determined to give our allto win the game because tomorrow is the only opportunity we have to move nearer to our set objectives.”
Head to head
This fixture has produced 21 matches since 2011, with BUL FC winning two and Vipers SC 13. Six games have been draws.
Previous meeting
January 08, 2022
Vipers SC 1-1 BUL FC
The Eastern Giants came from behind to draw with Vipers SC in a cagey affair at St. Mary’s stadium.
Simon Peter Oketch came off the bench to cancel out Walter Ochora’s 47th minute own goal in the one all draw.
Oketch capitalized on a Allan Kayiwa’s poor clearance to score in the 90th minute of the contest.
This was also the last time BUL featured in a competitive fixture given that Bundimasoli United failed to turn up for our Uganda Cup match.
Last four encounters
February 09, 2020
BUL FC 2-3 Vipers SC
February 23, 2021
Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC
September 26, 2021
(Uganda cup final)
Vipers SC 8-1 BUL FC
January 08, 2022
Vipers SC 1-1 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL FC have lost just once in our last five games, winning one game and drawing three times.
Isabirye’s men have picked up 14 points at home as a result of four victories, two draws and one loss from our seven home matches.
The seven home games have seen a return of 13 goals, and only three conceded.
This fixture has produced a total of 46 goals and BUL FC has contributed 13 since 2011.
It’s six years since the Eastern Giants last won against Vipers SC. Yunus Sibira’s last minute header was the decider in our 1-0 win at Buikwe play ground in April 2016.
Only six stalemates have been registered in games involving the two teams, but four were goalless.
Vipers SC have recorded thirteen victories from this tie with eight coming at their home.
Oliveira’s men have lost and drawn one each in their last seven games.
They have collected 16 points from a possible 21 after winning five, drawing and losing one respectively from their seven away games this term.
The venoms have also scored 17 goals and conceded only five across those games
Vipers have the second best defense in the league after conceding only 13 goals in 15 outings, only KCCA FC have conceded fewer (10)
Tickets
The prices for purchasing tickets at Kyabazinga stadium are as follows.
Ordinary – 5,000/=
V.I.P – 10,000/=
Match Coverage
The game will be live on Sanyuka television, but fans can follow our text updates of the game as well via our social media platforms.
Cheers and screams marked the election of new leaders of BUL football club fans at Kyabazinga stadium on Sunday.
BUL FC club CEO posing with the new elected fans executive.
One had to be a registered fan of BUL FC to vote and/or to be voted for.
By the end of the democratic process, six candidates had been nominated and passed unopposed because of their unmatched credentials and popularity amongst the electorate.
THE NEW FANS CHAIRPERSON MR, BASHIR BAGGA OMAR
The fans who flocked the stadium agreed in unison to elect misters – Bashir Bagga Omar, Julius Musoke, John Ssenyonjo, Mande Batambuze and Joel Abaize as their chairperson, vice chairperson, general secretary, treasurer and as welfare officer respectively for the next two years without any opposition.
Some of BUL FC fans monitoring the elections
Mrs. Sumin Nangobi as well was elected unopposed as the woman representative to the fans executive committee.
In the same vein, Ronald Namye after the vote count, was announced as the officer in charge of defence.Bashir Tenywa was voted as the fans transport manager, Samil Azaliya emerged as winner of the entertainment officer contest while Umar Naika beat five others to position of fans coordinator.
After more than one and a half years, Ambrose Kirya is smiling again on the training field.
Kirya hasn’t played in a competitive match since the midfield schemer suffered an Anterior Cruciate ligament [ ACL] tear in his left knee in the summer of 2020 while in a preseason training at Kyabazinga stadium.
Ambrose Kirya in an exclusive interview with BUL FC media team
He missed last season and the first round of this campaign, but he has been training with teammates and he has received clearance to kick the ball in a competitive match again after recovering fully and returning to full fitness.
The team is set to benefit from his experience and our fans should not wait anymore to catch a glimpse of a player that never ceases to mesmerize.
We sat him down for a brief about his road to recovery and the attacking midfielder opened up about the unforgiving fate and life after darkness and grief struck him.
Ambrose kirya in training
“It took me a month to believe and accept that I was severely injured,” he said.
“At first, I thought it was a minor injury that could heal in just one or two weeks, but then I realized it was severe after the scan.”
“I felt so bad but I didn’t have anything to do about it. I just had to go through the healing process so that I come back stronger.”
Most if not all players curse injuries and not being able to play the game, and Kirya is not any different from them as playing football is like a way of life to him. He said it tormented him especially in the first days but he eventually accepted the reality and followed the health experts’ therapy.
“I accepted that I was injured, then I settled down and took my time to heal. My doctors helped me a lot. They always encouraged me to do certain drills that helped me to recover.“
He is poised to wear the BUL FC shirt for the first time since his arrival very soon with the aim of repeating the heroics he showed at his previous clubs before the unfortunate occurrence barred him from featuring for the Eastern Giants.
“Everyone should expect the best from me, ranging from beautiful passing to creating and scoring goals. We have trained well as a team, therefore, I am prepared for the season and ready to go.“
The riddim master as he is known in most circles, was so thankful to the coaches, teammates and fans of BUL FC. He was equally grateful to the club chairman.
“I want to thank the BUL FC family – teammates and coaches for being there for me in what I should call a trying moment. They have been very supportive and patient.”
“In a special way, I thank chairman Ronald Barente for believing in my talent. He let me remain on the team despite being injured and he has done a great job to see me better andalso get back on the field.”
Ambrose Kirya training with teammates
Now back and fit, the knee injury is now in the rear-view mirror. He is going to re enforce our attacking midfield that is already well stocked with exciting talents.
He is that kind of player who breaks down opponents with ease with his precise line breaking passes, one that can manufacture a goal scoring opportunity out of nothing in addition to allowing teammates the freedom to play according to the laid down plan.
