Uganda Premier League - BUL FC

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-3 VIPERS SC.

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.

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′)

Unused Substitutes:

John Okurut (G.K)

Lawrence Kasadha

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC FACE OFF WITH VIPERS SC AT KYABAZINGA STADIUM

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.

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:

We expect to win but I don’t expect it to be an easy game. Vipers is a good team with good coaches as well but 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 all to 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.

Facebook -Bul Football Club-Jinja

Instagram -bulfc1

Twitter – @bulfc1

CHEERS AS FANS ELECT LEADERS

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.

Fans Executive Committee 2022-2024

Chairperson – Bashir Bagga Omar

Vice Chairperson – Julius Musoke

General Secretary – John Senyonjo

Treasurer – Batambuze Mande

Defence – Ronald Namye

Welfare officer – Joel Abaize

Transport manager – Bashir Tenywa

Fans condinator – Umar Naika

Entertainment officer – Samil Azaliya

Woman representative – Sumin Nangobi.

AMBROSE KIRYA: BACK ON THE FIELD AND READY FOR ACTION

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.

“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 and also 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.

May the second round begin!

JANUARY TRANSFER BUSINESS ROUND UP

The mid season transfer window has now closed but it allowed BUL football club to set up two permanent incoming signings, four permanent departures and corresponding outgoing loan deals.

Anchor man Godfrey Akol clinched an important temporally switch to Busoga United, a side he helped gain promotion in 2016.The midfielder links up with his former boss Abby Kikomeko Bogere and will look to gain regular first-team football at Kakindu stadium until the end of the season

**Dickson Niwamanya warming up for a game**

Defender Herbert Onyango and winger Thomas Kabaale, as well as striker Dickson Niwamanya followed his footsteps to the same club for the rest of the season.

Forward Musa Esenu, who had scored eight goals for us in the first round, completed his permanent move to Rayon Sport of Rwanda.

Joseph Semujju has also left the club, the lively winger joined Mbeya City of Tanzania as the Eastern Giants also let defender Najib Tusaba Gwaido and goalkeeper Sanon Mulabi leave.

But there were also arrivals at the club, Lawrence Kasadah signed on a short term deal from Gaddafi FC and his invaluable experience will be so vital in our defensive area. Karim Ndugwa is another popular signing at the club and he has already showcased his goal scoring prowess in most of our practice matches.

**Team manager unveiling Lawrence Kasadha**

The junior team’s conveyor delivered yet another exciting prospect in John Okurut. Okurut was promoted to the senior side to beef up the goal keeping department.

Out going players:

1 – Godfrey Akol – Busoga United (loan)

2 -Herbert Onyango – Busoga United (loan)

3 – Dickson Niwamanya – Busoga United (loan)
4 – Thomas Kabaale – Busoga United (loan)

5 – Musa Esenu – Rayon Sport (Rwanda)

6 -Joseph Ssemujju – Mbeya City (Tanzania)

7 – Najib Tusaba Gwaido – Mbarara City.

8 – Sanon Mulabi – Contract expired

Incoming players:

1 – Lawrence Kasadha – Gaddafi FC

2 – Karim Ndugwa – Wakiso Giants

3 – John Okurut – Promoted from junior team.

BUL FC HOLD RETREAT ON YOUTH FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

BUL football club has got out of the youths football doldrums, setting off with a retreat on academy management and licensing in preparation for the Fufa Juniors League that is set to return in July of 2022.

**BUL FC executive and technical members pose with instructor Bashir Mutyaba after the retreat**

The club management, including members of the coaching staff and Fufa instructor – Bashir Mutyaba who also serves as the youths football project manager at the federation convened at BIDCO Uganda Limited boardroom in Jinja city on Tuesday to chat a proper youth football work plan at the club going forward.

Juniors league reforms, nurturing of juvenile players, and their management was at the center of discussion, and the Eastern Giants resolved to field different age groups in this decentralized juniors competition ranging from Under 13 to 17.

“BUL FC is looking forward to becoming a model club in the country,” chief executive officer – Joseph Mutaka said.

**Club CEO Mr, Joseph Mutaka in attendance**

“We are looking at promoting and nurturing our own talent because that is the baseline of the club. Therefore, we felt it wise to call upon this instructor to come and teach us on how best we can realise our objectives and goals.”

“By having such capacity building retreats, we feel we are empowering our human resource and teaching them exactly what should be done to achieve our goals. Indeed, we have not left these premises the same.“

BUL’s junior team won the title the last time this competition was played in 2019, and has seen more than seven players join the senior side since 2015, with youngsters such as Martin Aprem, Reagan Kalyowa, Owen Mukisa and Simon Peter Oketch establishing themselves as mainstays in Alex Isabirye’s team.

BUL FC CONFIRM TWO PLAYER DEPARTURES

BUL football club can confirm defender – Najib Tusaba Gwaido and winger – Joseph Ssemujju have officially been released. Both players leave on a mutual consent.

Semujju leaves after scoring 18 goals in his two years of service at the club

He found the net four times in his first season at the Eastern Giants, adding 13 last term and by this time, he had scored once this season.

Gwaido did not feature for the club in any official competition.

BUL wishes to thank all the departing players for their contribution throughout their time at the Club.

BUL FC SIGN KARIM NDUGWA

BUL football club is delighted to announce the signing of striker Karim Nddugwa.

The experienced forward has signed a contract that will keep him at Kyabazinga stadium until January 2023.

Ndugwa said:

“I feel good after joining BUL FC.”

“I am glad that my coach who helped me trade in Somalia has given me another opportunity to work with him again so that we can meet the objectives of this great club. The coach trusts me and I won’t let him down.”

**Team manager Alex Isabirye unveiling Karim**

He has played for various clubs across different countries such as AFC Leopards in Kenya and Horseed SC in Somalia.

Clubs such as Victors SC, SC Villa, Onduparaka, Mbarara City, Express, URA and Wakiso Giants are some of the teams he has featured for in Uganda.

UGANDA CUP: BUL FC STROLL TO ROUND OF 32.

BUL football club has automatically qualified to the round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda cup 2021/22 season, the Fufa competitions disciplinary committee has communicated.

**Team manager Alex Isabirye arriving for Bundimasoli game**

The Eastern Giants were supposed to play Bundimasoli United FC in the round of 64 of the competition on January 18, 2022 at Christ The King grounds in Bundibugyo but the hosts didn’t show up for the match at the said venue.

**BUL FC players being inspected outside of Christ The King play grounds**

Because of missing the fixture, Bundimasoli have accordingly lost the game by forfeiture, the disciplinary panel said in a ruling sent to them and copied in to BUL FC.

**Match day officials locked outside of Christ The King play grounds**.

Here under is an excerpt of the ruling.

“In the circumstances, you wrote to the Competitions department on 15th January requesting for change of venue from Christ school playground to St. Mary’s Simbya.“

“We would like to notify you that, subject to your letter requesting for change of venue before a response has been issued by the Organising committee, the fixture is maintained on the same venue, time and date as was initially fixed and communicated.“

“According to the file in our possession there is no response granting permission to Bundimasoli Football club to change the venue initially fixed and communicated by the Organising committee.“

“The letter and or communication from Bundimasoli FC is not sufficient to change the venue until the TOC expressly responds to the request allowing the change of venue.”

“There was therefore no basis for the club to change the venue from Christ school playground to St. Mary’s S.S Simbya before the TOC pronounces itself on the matter.”

“In view of the above, the consequences of missing a fixture is losing the game by forfeiture and
this being a knock out format means that BUL FC automatically goes to the next round.”

MUSA ESENU LEAVES CLUB

BUL football club can confirm the release of Musa Esenu to Rayon sports club of Rwanda.

Esenu has been a key player in our team since joining us in 2019. He helped the Eastern Giants reach the first ever Uganda cup final last season, in which he also served as a makeshift goalkeeper after Sanon Mulabi withdrew because of injury.

He leaves the club after scoring eight goals in just 13 games this campaign.

**Musa Esenu left celebrating a goal with teammates**

In his farewell to the team, the forward said:

“BUL FC has been home and will always be. There is no any club in Uganda that gave me peace like the Eastern Giants. We went through the thick and thin but you never gave up on me. I am now going for a new adventure but BUL will always be my home.”

“I want to thank the fans and the executive of the club for standing with me. I also thank coach Alex Isabirye. He made me what I am to day, and I am here because of him. Lastly, I encourage my now former teammates to stay focused and believe in yourselves, I wish you success in the second round. You will be victors.”

BUL football club wishes Esenu well as we also say a fond goodbye.