BULFC players who featured on the finals of Stanbic Uganda cup last season
BUL football club begin their Uganda cup campaign this season on Tuesday afternoon when they take on Bundimasoli United FC (a fourth division team that has never played league football) at Christ King grounds – Nyahuka in Bundibugyo at 3PM in the round of 64.
This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides and the Eastern Giants will be hoping for progression through to the next round.
Alex Isabirye’s men lost two games only in this competition last season and they have made a solid start to the 2021/22 Uganda premier league campaign as they sit fourth with 26 points after the first round.
Team manager Alex Isabirye during training
But the same can not be said of the Buyo boys, the club registered for the yet to kick off 2021/22 fourth division league of Bundibugyo district with out going through the fifth division.
However, they have played a series of friendlies and tournaments including the district challenge cup where they won the trophy after beating Bundibugyo United 3-1 in the finals.
Bundimasoli – coached by Bwambale Mugume, also successfully cruised through the qualification phase of Uganda cup in Kitara region, dispatching Friends of soccer, Rwenzori Lions, Bumate and Foto on their way to the final, losing 2-0 to Busekere but qualified to the round of 64 as mere finalists.
Lower divisions teams sometimes create a hostile atmosphere whenever a team from a higher league arrives in their territories but assistant coach Daniel Kabbale said the Eastern Giants have been set and equipped to ultimately come out as winners on Tuesday in a brief with bulfc.co.ug.
“We want to prove that it was not a mistake reaching the final last season. We play Bundimasoli United, a team we know little about but it is a time to prove to them we are a super league club. We just send a message to the fans that we are in Bundibugyo for a win.”
BULFC players in training
BUL FC have laid a camp in Bundibugyo and the players said they are ready to seize the moment.
Mid fielder Pascal Ngobi during a league game
“As players, we are ready, focused and determined. The coaches have done their role to make sure we do what we are meant to do in tomorrow’s game, and we also promise that we are going to win the game,” midfielder Pascal Ngobi said.
The Eastern Giants have never actually won Uganda cup, but they made the semi finals in 2015, and last term, the club reached the finals of the competition before losing to Vipers SC at Fufa technical center
Alex Isabirye congratulates Owen Mukisa after scoring against Kigezi Home Boys
The Eastern Giants will face Bundibugyo fourth division side Bundimasoli United FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 64, the draw at FUFA house on Monday revealed.
The game will be played away in Bundibugyo between January 18-20.
Other than 2014/15 and last season, highlights point out that opponents from the lower echelons of Ugandan football have knocked out BUL from the contest, such an off-putting history team manager Alex Isabirye is conscious of and does not want his current combatants to fall victim.
He said they will use a cautious mindset in Bundibugyo as the Eastern Giants aim to deliver another statement of their ambitions this season.
Lower sides are hard to play against because of their unknown style of play, approach to the game, character and behavior. Therefore, we have to be very careful with Bundimasoli United.
They seem to be a strong club because there is no weak team that can win more than three games consecutively.
Teams from the lower tiers of football sometimes knockout bigger sides from Uganda cup and I give them more respect than ones in the topflight because sometimes we lack knowledge about their players. Bundimasoli may not be an easy team but we are going to prepare very well because we need to win that game
Isabirye after a game at Kyabazinga stadium
BUL FC were finalists in this competition last season and Isabirye will again choose taking each game at a time this campaign.
We had a different team with different players, and our approach to the game then was also different. I don’t want to say that we are going or not going to reach the final this time.
But I can only promise that we are going to handle game per game because we are going to face different teams, and sometimes players get suspensions and injuries yet the fixture is congested.
Starting XI against Express last season
The Eastern Giants stroll in at this round by virtue of being a Uganda premier league club where as the Buyo boys meandered through the qualification course of this 48th edition, and emerged as one of the four teams to represent Kitara region.
BUL football club picked up a hard-fought point against Vipers SC in a close encounter at St. Mary’s stadium.
Simon Peter Oketch came off the bench to cancel out Walter Ochora’s 47th minute own goal in the 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The result sees the Eastern Giants end the first round in 4th with 26 points, 5 behind leaders KCCA who still have a game in hand.
Simon celebrating the late equaliser with team mates
Richard Ayiko put in an important block when Paul Willa tried a dangerous low cross in the opening moments of the game before he and Umar Mukobe were later cautioned for foul play on Milton Karisa and Aziz Kayondo respectively.
Saidi Keni then spread his body wide enough to deny Yunus Sentamu in a one on one situation following Cesar Manzoki’s quick counter attack ahead of Karim Watambala’s yellow card on the stroke of halftime for a poor advance on Mukobe.
The hosts were the first to score, taking the lead just two minutes after the interval when Ochora knocked Karisa’s ball underneath his goalkeeper.
BUL however remained on the front foot and our most important moment finally docked on the third minute of added time after the regular 90 as Allan Kayiwa errored to allow Oketch to equalize. Our first fixture of the second round will be against the same opponent at Kyabazinga stadium on February 09.
BUL FC Starting XI:
BUL FC starting line up against Vipers
Saidi Keni, Hillary Onek, Richard Ayiko, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi (Martin Aprem 58′), Ibrahim Kazindula (Simon Peter Oketch 71′), Umar Mukobe, Reagan Kalyowa, Musa Esenu, Ibrahim Nsimbe (Richard Wandyaka 62′)
Unused Substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Fredson Gwoto, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Dickson Niwamanya.
After a frustrating outing against Wakiso Giants last Tuesday, BUL football club will aim to defy history at St. Mary’s stadium on Saturday afternoon.
BUL will seek to avoid a successive loss this season against another wounded side – Vipers SC who they have won only twice in 20 meetings.
The action will unfold from the horrid St. Mary’s stadium where the Eastern Giants have never won from but Alex Isabirye’s men have shown their ability to be competitive this campaign, picking up seven victories, four draws and three losses in their 14 games played so far to sit 4th on the table with 25 points.
BULFC players listening to instructions from Coach Dan in training.
In their last fixture they lost 4-3 to the purple sharks, but they have picked up three victories in their last six matches and also thrashed Arua Hill SC 4-0 ten days ago.
For the venoms, Roberto Oliveira will also be hoping his side can bounce back from a disappointing trip to Arua Hill SC last time out.
But putting the 1-0 defeat to the Leopards aside, the hosts have also been full of life in the Uganda premier league this season, proving to be real title challengers, sitting in second place, just two points behind leaders KCCA FC.
They have won nine, drawn and lost two games separately to collect 29 points from their 13 games.
Meanwhile victory for BUL FC will see the points gap from the top reduced to three in case results don’t go KCCA’s way in their face off with URA.
Saturday’s clash will be the 21 match between the Eastern Giants and Vipers SC since 2011.
Team News
What they said
Coach Kasule Richard
We are expecting a tough battle with Vipers tomorrow but we have prepared very well, we lost points against Wakiso Giants but now its time to recover the lost points. Our team is ok we have no injuries, we have only one suspended player that is Douglas Muganga but still we have his replacement and we are good to go.
Coach Kasule Richard arriving for a game
Last time out
January 04, 2022
Wakiso Giants 4-3 BUL FC
The Eastern Giants were edged in a seven goal thriller that saw three penalties at Kabaka Kyabagu stadium. Ibrahim Kazindula struck a brace while Ibrahim Nsimbe also scored.
Moses Aliro found the net twice, Tom Masiko as well as Ivan Bogere scored for the home side.
Kazindula threw us in the lead in the 17th minute with a scotching free kick but Aliro equalised for the hosts nineteen minutes later. Bogere scored a penalty to give the purple sharks a 2-1 lead into the break.
But BUL levelled the game through Nsimbe four minutes off the hour and regained the lead on the 75th minute after Kazindula beat Emmanuel Emukule from the spot.
Aliro restored parity for the hosts and then Masiko won it for them later on from 12 yards.
Head to head
20 games have been played between the two teams since 2011, with BUL FC winning two and Vipers SC 13. Five games have ended in a draw.
Previous meeting
Our last encounter with Vipers SC came in the Uganda cup final, with our depleted side losing to them 8-1 at Fufa Technical Center in September last year.
Livingstone Mulondo put Vipers in front as early as the third minute. Yunus Sentamu doubled their lead in the 26th minute before Ceaser Manzoki made it three with just 36 minutes off the clock.
Manzoki swept home two minutes later as the scoreboard read 4-0 for Roberto Oliveira’s men at halftime.
Sentamu scored after the recess before he completed his hat trick on the 54th minute. Milton Karisa also joined the scoring party for Vipers’ 7th goal and then Sentamu struck their 8th with 23 minutes left to play.
Substitute Hamis Tibita scored for us the consolation goal in the 73rd minute as we lost our first ever Uganda cup final.
Last four encounters
October 22, 2019
Vipers SC 2-1 BUL FC
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
Match Facts
BUL FC have lost just once in our last six games, winning three times and drawing twice.
Isabirye’s men have gathered 11 points on the road as a result of three victories, two draws and losses alike from our seven trips.
The seven trips have seen a return of 14 goals, while 12 were conceded.
This fixture has produced a total of 44 goals and BUL FC has contributed 12 since 2011.
It’s six years since the Eastern Giants last won away to Vipers SC. Yunus Sibira’s last gasp header was the decider in our 1-0 win at Buikwe play ground in April 2016.
The first meeting between these sides ended in a two all draw at Kakindu stadium in November 2011, and it is the only time the match involving these two teams ended all square with at least a goal scored.
Five stalemates have been registered between the two teams, but four were goalless.
Vipers SC have recorded thirteen victories from this tie with eight coming at home.
Oliveira’s men have lost and drawn one each in their last seven games.
They have collected 13 points from a possible 18 after winning four, drawing and losing one respectively from their six home games this term.
The venoms have also scored 16 goals and conceded only 6 across those games.
Match Coverage
Fans can follow our text updates of the game via our social media platforms.
Ibrahim Kazindula scored a brace as BUL football club came up short in a seven goal thriller with Wakiso Giants on Tuesday.
The midfielder opened the scoring through a sumptuous free kick to give the Eastern Giants the lead on 17 minutes but a goal from Moses Aliro and Ivan Bogere’s kick from the penalty mark put Wakiso Giants 2-1 into the break.
Ibrahim Kazindula celebrating with teammates after scoring a brace
Two goals in the space of eleven minutes in the second half, from first Ibrahim Nsimbe four minutes after the hour and then a well struck penalty from Kazindula fifteen minutes to the final whistle turned the game back around in BUL’s favour though but the purple sharks roared back to win it late on.
Aliro also completed his brace to make it 3-3 in the 80th minute and Tom Matsiko got Wakiso all the three points three minutes later from the spot.
This was our third loss this term after earlier defeats to Express and KCCA FC, and it saw us drop to fourth place on the table with 25 points after 14 rounds. Our next league match is a trip to St Mary’s stadium Kitende on January 08.
BULFC starting x1 against Wakiso Giants
BUL FC Starting XI:
Saidi Keni, Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Kazindula (Simon Peter Oketch 88′) , George Kasonko (Martin Aprem 88′), Ibrahim Mugulusi (Richard Wandyaka 54′), Reagan Kalyowa, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Musa Esenu.
Unused Substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Umar Mukobe, Dickson Niwamanya, Pascal Ngobi
BUL football club will be looking to stay in touch with the leading pack when they continue their 2021-22 campaign away to Wakiso Giants on Tuesday afternoon before another trip to Vipers SC three days later.
The Eastern Giants saw off Arua Hill SC 4-0 last Tuesday, whereas Wakiso Giants’ encounter with URA ended in a one all draw. Four points and two positions separate the two teams
The home side are currently 6th in the table, having picked up 21 points from their opening 13 matches of the season.
Hillary onek in action
BUL, meanwhile, are enjoying a four game unbeaten run. Alex Isabirye’s men have also won seven, drawn four and lost two from their 13 matches to sit third with 25 points. However, they are three and four points behind KCCA and Vipers respectively who have each played a game less.
Wakiso Giants have been victorious in our last two ties, including a 2-1 win when the two teams last locked horns back in may, while they also triumphed 1-0 at Kyabazinga stadium last term. This will be the 5th meeting between the two sides .
what they said;
Coach Kasule Richard :
As we going for 14th game of the seasonvisitng Wakiso Giants knowing that last season we lost home and away to them but this time around its a new season and we are well prepared. Wakiso has a good coaching staff but we are prepared to put up a good show and come back with the 3 points.
Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating with teammates.
Martin Aprem
We are coming into this game expecting 3 points because we have prepared well and i call upon all our fans to come support us and we promise to win the game and give you a smile.
Last time out
December 28, 2021
BUL FC 4-0 Arua Hill SC
Musa Esenu scored a brace as BUL FC humbled Arua Hill SC 4-0 at Kyabazinga stadium in the last days of December last year.
The Eastern Giants took the lead when Esenu calmly controlled the ball in the box and slotted it into the net on 18 minutes. He then completed his brace barely a minute after the break with a sublime finish before Ibrahim Nsimbe made it 3-0 ten minutes later.
Ibrahim Kazindula put the icing on the cake with a spectecular free kick ten minutes from full-time to seal our 7th win of the season.
Heat to Head
This fixture has produced four league meetings, resulting into one win for BUL FC, two wins for Wakiso Giants and one draw.
Previous Meeting
May 18, 2021
Wakiso Giants 2-1 BUL FC
Goalkeeper Abdul Kimera scored at the wrong end when he guided a Frank Ssebuffu low cross into his own net as Wakiso Giants FC completed a double over BUL FC with a 2-1 win at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso.
Joseph Semujju blazed a one-on-one chance above the crossbar before Vianne Ssekajugo curled at the far post to extend his side’s lead. Ssemujju however made amends in the 77th minute as he slotted past Samson Kirya after receiving a pass from Jimmy Kulaba but it was not enough to complete a comeback.
Last four encounters
September 14, 2019
Wakiso Giants 0-1 BUL FC
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
Match Facts
BUL FC have the third best away record this season after winning three games, drawing two and losing once..
And they have scored 11 goals and conceded only eight times across those matches
Their 11 points tally on the road can only be bettered by the top two teams, KCCA (12) and Vipers SC (16).
Isabirye’s men have also made five clean sheets this season, with one shout out coming away from home – (a 2-0 win over Onduparaka FC in late October).
Wakiso Giants have not won in their last three games, drawing twice and losing the other.
They have lost two home games this term – 2-1 to Arua Hill SC in December and 3-0 to KCCA in October last year but won four consecutive home outings between the two losses.
Those six games have seen 10 goals scored and seven conceded, and three clean sheets for the home side.
They have gathered 12 points from a possible 18.
Match Coverage
The game will not be live on television but our fans can follow our text updates of the game through our social media platforms. The match report will be available on our website and the match highlights will be uploaded on our YouTube channel later.
BUL Football Club returned to winning ways in style, putting Arua Hill SC to the sword with a 4-0 win at Kyabazinga stadium on Tuesday.
Musa Esenu’s first half header put Alex Isabirye’s men in the driving seat before he completed his brace a few seconds into the second half for the Eastern Giants to lead 2-0. Ibrahim Nsimbe noded home a third before Ibrahim Kazindula wrapped the game up with a stunning free kick ten minutes from the final whistle.
The result means BUL FC remains in third place on the Uganda premier league log with 25 points, four behind league leaders SC Vipers after 13 matches.
BUL FC were the first to show intent and were rampant before the cheerful faithfuls.
Musa Esenu in action
At first, Esenu’s goal in the second minute was cancelled for offside before Ibrahim Magandazi blocked a scorching goal bound hard shot from Kazindula.
Arua Hill’s Richard Matovu was then shown a yellow card in the 9th minute for blocking midfield schemer Ibrahim Mugulusi near the center arc before Gadafi Gadinho skied a free kick from 30 yards after Kazindula pulled Samuel Sekamatte.
Esenu showed him how to score at the other end when he struck the opener on 19 minutes. The forward was at the receiving end of a brushed header from Ibrahim Nsimbe, he then flicked the ball to the level of his height, spun around a defender before he pulled a half volley into the roof top.
The visitors were looking neat enough on the ball, stringing together nice passes and they came close on 20 minutes.
Matovu sneaked through on the left but Saidi Keni rushed out from his goal to deflect his efforts for a corner.
Their style of play could not curtail BUL from finding the front foot whenever they regained possession and there were screams from Isabirye’s men 13 minutes from the break when Mugulusi appeared to be brought down in the box, but the referee was unmoved.
After a show of pace and skill, Mugulusi picked Hillary Onek wide on the right, the roving wingback played the ball across the goal and Esenu stretched a leg to drive home a second immediately after the restart.
Nsimbe celebrates after scoring a goal.
His striking partner – Nsimbe would make it 3-0 on 55 minutes with a header at the near post after he was found by Walter Ochora inside the box following a corner swung in by Kazindula from the right.
This was an opportunity for Reagan Kalyowa to dazzle in front of BUL FC fans and he was obviously relishing the attention and adulation being doled out to him, taking on opponents at will before he tried out a shot a few moments after Nsimbe’s strike but his efforts by the right foot was weak to trouble Rogers Omedwa in the away goal.
But there was still chance for celebration as the youngster menaced Geriga Atendele again and the referee awarded a free kick near the edge of the box on the 80th minute, chancing Kazindula to score as the midfielder whipped an unstoppable strike beyond a hapless Omedwa to score his second goal this season.
Enough is enough maybe the goalkeeper said as he used every inch of his imposing frame to block Dickson Niwamanya’s shot in the additional minutes.
So BUL FC will enter the new year with a record of seven wins, four draws and two defeats from 13 games.
BUL FC Starting XI
Saidi Keni Douglas Muganga Richard Ayiko Walter Ochora Hillary Onek Ibrahim Kazindula Pascal Ngobi Ibrahim Mugulusi (Simon Peter Oketch 85′) Reagan Kalyowa (Martin Aprem 85′) Ibrahim Nsimbe (Dickson Niwamanya 73′) Musa Esenu
BUL FC players posing for a line up photo before the game
BUL Football Club, who have lost just one home game this season, welcome Arua Hill SC to Kyabazinga stadium for what promises to be an incredibly entertaining tuesday afternoon clash.
This is a clash between the third and the fourth with the duo separated by a single point.
Alex Isabirye’s side are enjoying a four -game unbeaten run in the league, drawing their last two games though.
The Eastern Giants have won 6 games, drawn four and lost two of their 12 outings this campaign to sit third on the table after collecting 22 points.
Breathing in their neck is the in-form Kongolos who are looking to stretch their unbeaten run to seven. Livingston Mbabazi’s leopards have won four of their last six games, with their last loss coming home to KCCA FC in late November.
Overall, they have won six games, drawn and lost three apiece to gather 21 points.
The Kongolos have the fourth best away record in the league having only been beaten twice on the road.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
Team News
This game has come to soon for Ambrose Kirya and Hamis Tibita who are still in the treatment room because of injuries. Isabirye therefore does not have any fresh injuries in his team and almost has a full squad to select from.
What they said
Team manager Alex Isabirye:
Coaches giving instructions to players
“The players are ready and I believe we have the potential to win this game. We count 22 points and they have 21, and each team wants the three points. Fortunately we are at home and I think we shall win. I therefore urge the fans to come and support us because were are incomplete without them.”
Ibrahim Nsimbe:
Ibrahim Nsimbe holding man of the match accolade
“We expect to win tomorrow’s game because every player is in good conditions and we have got enough preparations. And for that reason, our fans should come and support us in big numbers.”
Match Facts
BUL FC have picked 11 points from a possible 18 after winning three, drawing two and losing once in six home matches.
They have won and drawn two apiece in their last four games, scoring nine goals and conceding two across them. Altogether, the Eastern Giants have made a return of 20 goals and conceded 11 in 12 matches.
Isabirye’s men are unbeaten in four home games since losing to Express in October.
Meanwhile, Arua Hill SC have collected 10 points after winning three games, drawing once and losing two times away from home.
Mbabazi’s team last lost on their travels in November (to Gaddafi FC) and they have gone three trips unbeaten since.
They have also scored six goals and conceded four on the road this term
Match Officials
Muzamiru has been appointed as the center referee for this match. Katenya Ronald and Nakitto Marex are his first and second assistant respectively. Nantataya Godwin will be the fourth official and Semambo Aisha the referee assessor.
Match Coverage
The game will not be live on television but our fans can follow our text updates of the game through our social media platforms. The match report will be available on our website and the match highlights will be uploaded on our YouTube channel later.
BUL football club were forced to settle for a point against UPDF FC in the Uganda premier league on Wednesday after conceding late in the second half.
Musa Esenu gave the Eastern Giants the lead on twelve minutes before Ivan Ahimbisibwe grabbed a point for the hosts with eleven minutes left to play.
BUL were 1-0 up at the time and were good value for the win, having controlled much of the match, but the coaches and their players were left equally frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw.
Musa Esenu in action
“We started well and the game was good until the 79th minute when we conceded the equaliser. We lacked some concentration and we conceded, however, we are still on course and we are planning to build on that point. It’s bad that we conceded but that is football. We wish to comeback and we are planning to comeback stronger in our next game,” head coach Richard Bakabulindi said in post match interview.
After a disappointing goalless stalemate with Bright Stars last Friday, there was no time to whine over past results and BUL FC’s starting line-up showed four changes for the trip to Bombo military grounds.
Pascal Ngobi joined captain George Kasonko in the four men midfield, as Fredson Gwoto returned to occupy the left wingback position.
There were also recalls for Ibrahim Mugulusi and Joseph Semujju who slotted into attacking midfield and the attack respectively, with the trio of Simon Peter Oketch, Richard Wandyaka and Dickson Nuwamanya switching to the bench. Ibrahim Kazindula missed because of suspension after accumulating cards.
BUL’s attacking unit started brightly, creating a couple of chances in the opening 12 minutes. The first saw Semujju head wide before Esenu scored twelve minutes into the game following magnificent play from Mugulusi.
BUL FC players celebrating after scoring
Two changes were made in a double substitution in the second period with Mugulusi and Hillary Onek giving room to Oketch and Umar Mukobe respectively six minutes off the hour.
Thirteen minutes later, UPDF equalized through Ahimbisibwe for the two teams to match away with a point each.
BUL FC now tally 22 points from their 12 outings, and remained in the third place after the stalemate. The next match will see them play home to Arua Hill SC on December 28.
BUL FC Starting XI
Saidi Keni Douglas Muganga Richard Ayiko Walter Ochora Hillary Onek George Kasonko Pascal Ngobi Ibrahim Mugulusi Fredson Gwoto Joseph Semujju Musa Esenu
Substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa Umar Mukobe Simon Peter Oketch Reagan Kalyowa Owen Mukisa Richard Wandyaka Dickson Niwamanya
BUL Football Club is in third place on the Uganda Premier League table at the time of writing following their barren stalemate with Bright Stars on Friday.
This was their third draw this campaign after winning six times and losing twice, meaning they have 21 points to their name after eleven rounds.
Richard Wandyaka missed the chance to win the game for the Eastern Giants in the first half when he failed to score past Simon Tamale from the penalty spot, and thereafter, chances were had to create because their visitors set their defensive unit deep.
Speaking after the game, team manager Alex Isabirye said he was happy with the result and the spirited character exhibited by his players in the clash with Bright Stars.
I think we tried because a goalless draw is not bad. We are trying to learn to compete this season and I can now see the character of a competitor in my players, I am happy because of that.
The Eastern Giants have put forward 19 goals this term and striker Ibrahim Nsimbe has a contribution in seven of them, scoring five goals and assisting two, with four of his strikes coming in his last two appearances. However, he missed Friday’s meeting with Bright Stars because of illness and Isabirye believes he was the missing piece in his team.
We missed Nsimbe who has been scoring for us of recent. We missed his presence on the team but I hope we shall win our next game.
Striker Ibrahim Nsimbe after scoring a goal
Friday’s draw was the sixth between the two sides in 17 encounters since 2013. Meanwhile, Isabirye’s men will next be in action away to UPDF FC on December 22.
