We can confirm the capture of Emmanuel Kalyowa from Kyetume FC, with the experienced midfielder signing a two year contract with the Eastern Giants.
Kalyowa has been a regular for the Slaughters, scoring six goals and making seven assists in the past one and a half seasons he has been with the big league side.
Manager Alex with Ema Kalyowa
Team manager Alex Isabirye said;
“Kalyowa is among those players in the country who can work out chances, so we have brought him to help increase our creativity upfront.
In the first round, we were not efficient and effective at creating goal scoring opportunities, some times failing to win and even drawing some games because goals were not coming.”
“So, if he fits into our philosophy well, he will be so useful in that area and this will help us reach our destiny.”
After signing his contract, the midfielder said;
Midfielder Ema Kalyowa
“BUL is a strong and competitive team with great ambitions, and if I blend in well, we shall achieve our goals.“
Despite the fact that he is only 26 years old, Kalyowa comes with significant experience in top flight football after playing for Vipers SC, Express, Tooro United and SC Villa.
Holders BUL FC have been tasked to play third tier team Sparks Soccer Club at the round of 64 in the Stanbic Uganda cup.
The draw for the 49th edition of the second most prestigious competition in Ugandan football was conducted on Tuesday at FUFA house in Mengo.
BUL FC squad that won Stanbic Uganda cup last season.
BUL will travel to Mukono to play the regional league side between January 28th and February 6th, 2023.
Team manager Alex Isabirye has reacted on the draw and he said Sparks may not be a cup of tea despite trading in the lower division as compared to the Eastern Giants.
“I don’t think the draw with Sparks is an easy one,” he said.
“Every team that participates in Uganda cup can win the trophy, and BUL FC has ever failed to progress from the round of 64 at the hands of a team from Mukono – that was against Seeta United about five years ago.”
But he will brilliantly organize and perfectly attune BUL to nullify every possible threat Sparks may pose when his side travel.
“We know little about that team but we shall try to research and know what they can do and what they can’t do.”
“Qualifying for the next round is our prime target in this tie and this will need us to do all what’s possible to achieve that.“
“Although it’s always had to defend the Uganda cup with one team, I will try with the help of God to do it with BUL and I believe we can win it for the second consecutive time.”
The Eastern Giants are the current cup holders after beating Vipers 3-1 in the final held in Masindi last season and they are currently second on the Uganda premier league table with 27 points while Sparks compete in the Sezibwa group of the Buganda regional league.
Wednesday December 21 Uganda Premier League FUFA Technical Center Kick off: 4pm
BUL host Maroons in our ultimate match of the first round on Wednesday, as we look to bounce back from our defeat to Vipers three days ago.
Two games without victory is something Alex Isabirye is not taking lightly, therefore as we move ahead to the match, BUL will aim to rediscover our winning touch at home after our faultless home record was halted by KCCA a week back.
The Eastern Giants are five points behind leaders KCCA, winning seven of our 13 league encounters and netting 19 goals in the process. Generally, we have been excellent to watch so far and we thus sit fourth on the table with 24 points.
Maroons come into this one off the back of a dramatic one all draw at Express, and their away record has not been all that fancy as they have failed to record even a single win on the road this campaign – leaving them 10th on the log with 15 points.
Should BUL secure all the three points, we will be just two points from the league summit, and into the third place.
Team News
Defender Walter Ochora sustained an injury in the defeat to Vipers and will have to sit out this one, joining Denis Mwemezi on the sidelines.
Ronald Otti missed out last time due to injury but he is back in contention.
Thoughts about the game.
Alex Isabirye said, “We want to move at least a position up and therefore, we need to get the three points.”
Vicent Zziwa:
“This is a very crucial game. It’s not going to be easy but we need to win this one given that we lost our previous match,” he said.
“It’s very clear we have never lost at home and we need to maintain that run. Generally, every player is in the right condition for the match and we expect to win.”
Defender Walter Ochora
Head to Head
In the last seven years, the sides have clashed eight times, resulting into six BUL wins and two for Maroons.
Last four encounters
January 18, 2020
Maroons 2-0 BUL FC
October 1, 2019
BUL FC 2-0 Maroons
January 30, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Maroons
October 30, 2018
Maroons 1-2 BUL FC
Match facts
BUL have the third best home record in the league after winning five and drawing one to gather 16 points from a possible 18 in six home matches.
The Eastern Giants have also scored ten goals at home and conceded only three, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Of the 18 goals in the last eight games between the two teams, BUL have thirteen (13) to their account.
Maroons have lost their last four visits to BUL, and without scoring a goal – 2-0 (2016), 2-0 (2018), 1-0 (2019), and 2-0 (2019).
They are one of the worst travellers this campaign, having collected only three points from a possible 18 as a result of their three losses and three draws in six away engagements.
Match Coverage:
Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.
Our last away match of the first round served up a bitter evening when a BUL lead was overturned by Vipers to subject us to a third defeat of the season.
The early moments of the first half were going well when Karim Ndugwa scored his sixth goal of the season while other chances were also being created, with the mesmerizing Vicent Zziwa the archetect of the fancy play at that stage.
BUL FC start list against Vipers.
But by half-time, it was the hosts who were infront as Milton Kalisa tucked in a rebound to level matters after Bright Anukani’s initial effort was saved by Saidi Keni in BUL’s goal, before Cromwell Rwothomio scored what turned out to be the match winner for his side, three minutes off the half hour.
Alex Isabirye looked for a quick response after the break and tweaked his side as early as the 46th minute with Ivan Wani replacing Walter Ochora, however, the equalizer avoided the Eastern Giants.
Instead, it was the Venoms who almost stretched their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute.
Douglas Muganga was judged responsible for Karisa’s falling in the box and the referee pointed to spot but Keni saved Anukani’s kick from there to keep the margin tight.
Isabirye’s men continued to push and push for an equalizer but it was not to come.
BUL FC players celebrating Ndugwa’s goal.
BUL remains third on table despite the result but only on goal difference as they count the tally of 24 points individually with Wakiso Giants and SC Villa.
Maroons are our next opponents come Wednesday next week as we wind up the first round.
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (G.K), Walter Ochora (Ivan Wani 46′), Douglas Muganga, Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Kazindula 80′), Hillary Onek, Vicent Zziwa (Richard Wandyaka 60′), Martin Aprem, Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe (Frank Kalanda 60′)
Saturday December 17 Uganda Premier League St .Mary’s Stadium Kick off: 2PM
BUL play away to Vipers SC on Saturday afternoon looking to keep pace with the leading lot in the Uganda Premier League.
The Eastern Giants make the trip to St. Mary’s sitting third and tied on 24 points with their second placed opponents in the standings.
Defender Hillary Onek
There is only a further five points to the top spot for both teams who are separated by a goal difference of only four at the time of writing – highlighting the narrow margins that are involved in the battle for this season’s title.
Having won only two games from six away matches, Alex Isabirye can not accept any more lapse from his side at the moment.
BUL produced a much-needed improved display in Arua to win 1-0 at Arua Hill after going four games without victory off the Fufa Technical Center, before they registered a 1-1 draw with pace setters KCCA at home last time out.
Isabirye’s side now have some confidence coming into this encounter having thrown the poor run to the bin, and their frying of Vipers in June’s Uganda cup final provides encouragement to the Eastern Giants who will approach Saturday’s clash with faith.
However, the venoms have put together a respectable run at home, going for 20 games in more than a year without defeat at St Mary’s stadium.
Team News
BUL are boosted by the return of centre back Walter Ochora to training but he will have to be assessed for match fitness before being considered.
The Eastern Giants will however be without Ronald Otti, play maker Ibrahim Mugulusi and former venom – Denis Mwemezi due to injuries.
Before the contest, which some have dubbed as a grudge match, manager Alex Isabirye was optimistic and even said we have to beat teams like them if we are to remain on the table of men.
“It is not going to be easy but we expect to win as we are going to give all we can to get all the three points,” he said.
“They are a strong team who we believe want to retain their title but we also want to be counted among the strong ones, thus we have to play teams like them and even get points off them.”
“The target is to remain in the top positions although Vipers match is going to be really tough.“
Captain Saidi Keni said;
“Everyone wants to play that game. It’s really big and everyone wants to be part of it. We are prepared and everyone is set to give in everything possible to win against the defending champions.”
Head to head
The teams have faced off on 23 occasions in all competitions since 2011, producing three wins for BUL, fourteen for Vipers and six draws.
Last four encounters
September 26, 2021 – (Uganda cup final)
Vipers SC 8-1 BUL FC
January 08, 2022
Vipers SC 1-1 BUL FC
February 09, 2022
BUL FC 1-3 Vipers SC
June 12, 2022 (Uganda cup final)
Vipers SC 1-3 BUL FC
Match Facts
From six away matches, BUL have won two games, drawn twice and lost two matches to pick up eight points from a possible 18.
Isabirye’s side has won one game in their past five trips, scoring three goals, which totals to eight goals in the six matches on the road with five conceded along the course.
BUL’s three victories against the Venoms were far in between as the first was in February 2014 (BUL 2-1 Vipers SC), the second arrived two years later in April 2016 (Vipers SC 0-1 BUL FC) before the unforgettable triumph in Uganda cup followed six years on ( Vipers 1-3 BUL).
This fixture has produced a total of 54 goals and BUL have 17 to their name since 2011.
Only six stalemates have come in the games involving the sides, and four were goalless.
Vipers have the best home record so far in the league after winning five games and drawing one to gather 16 points from a possible 18, same tally as KCCA and the Eastern Giants but the Venoms have not leaked a goal in six home matches this season.
They are 20 consecutive games unbeaten at St. Mary’s stadium in all competitions, that is a period of more than a year since they were last beaten Infront of their own fans by URA in November 2021.
The Venoms have also kept 13 consecutive clean sheets in their past thirteen outings at St. Mary’s stadium.
Oliveira’s side has won this tie fourteen times, with eight coming at home.
They also have the best defense so far in the division as they have conceded three goals only in twelve matches.
Match Coverage:
This mouthwatering meeting is live on television and all our social media channels will relay a minute to minute text commentary concurrently.
Vincent Zziwa’s first-half goal was cancelled out in the second half by Julius Poloto as we had to settle for a draw against KCCA at FUFA Technical Center.
The stylish midfielder netted his second goal of the season, sweetly connecting with a deflection off Brian Majwega, to give us an early lead in the eleventh minute.
But we failed to build on the advantage going forward and the away side forced the game level when Allan Okello slotted in a teasing ball for Poloto to head in barely a minute after the break.
It ended our five-game home winning run and was also our third stalemate in twelve matches, leaving us third on the table with 24 points and only behind Vipers on goal difference.
BUL to say the least enjoyed early attacking pressure against the Kasasiro Boys and went close inside only seven minutes through Zziwa’s curling freekick which caused havoc in KCCA’s defense before Jerome Kirya tested Benjamin Ochan.
And even after falling behind, Morley Byekwaso’s side continued to be a subject of untold threats from Zziwa’s deliveries from set pieces, calling Ochan to action quite often.
BUL FC players celebrating Zziwa’s goal
The Eastern Giants almost doubled their lead on twenty minutes played when the goalkeeper’s poor clearance following a Zziwa corner fell in the path of Kirya but the midfielder couldn’t keep his effort below the bar.
KCCA’s first genuine chance of the afternoon fell to Kagawa Ssenoga when he met Brian Majwega’s pass through the middle, however, his shot from inside the box was easily held by Emmanuel Kalyowa in BUL’s goal.
Kasasiro Boys were starting to enjoy a share of the possession although there was little in the way of end product.
They again came close to scoring the equalizer three minutes to halftime as Majwega swerved a cross into the box and onto the head of Poloto before the Eastern Giants cleared their lines.
Finally their efforts paid off just seconds into the second half when they got BUL off guard after a quick restart.
Martin Aprem in action
Following a fast break, Okello burst on the right wing and his boot found Poloto who fired in a header past Kalyowa to restore parity for his side
BUL then geared up to seek a winner; Martin Aprem cut into box and freed Karim Ndugwa who lost his balance for the ball to roll out with the goal at his mercy.
Shortly, Kirya flipped to beat Filbert Obenchan on his slide to lay for the unmarked Richard Wandyaka whose attempt from range sailed wide before KCCA’s Rogers Mato clipped the upright although Kalyowa was already beaten.
There were some nervy moments but not enough to worry Alex Isabirye’s men as the visitors surged forward and BUL had Douglas Muganga to thank in the 77th minute when he cleared substitute Tshisungu Kankode’s effort off the line to deny KCCA a second goal.
KCCA endured a difficult ending to the game as BUL threatened with an onslaught, but the Eastern Giants could not find a late winner, and both sides were forced to settle for a point.
BUL are back in the league action on Saturday when they travel to St. Mary’s stadium for a meeting with Vipers.
BUL FC starting line up against KCCA
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Hillary Onek, Douglas Muganga, Aggrey Madoi, Jerome Kirya (Reagan Kalyowa 82′),George Kasonko, Martin Aprem, Vicent Zziwa (Richard Wandyaka 59′), Ivan Wani (Frank Kalanda 82′), Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe.
Substitutes:
Saidi Keni (GK), Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Kazindula,
Tuesday December 13 Uganda Premier League FUFA Technical Center Kick Off: 2PM
BUL play host to KCCA on Tuesday in a lunchtime kick off, looking for the win which could move the club into the second place at least, and that is if Vipers also win. Otherwise, there is a possibility of bossing the table again with victory against the Kasasiro Boys.
Last week’s fantastic away win at Arua Hill sent the club back to the top of the pack temporarily before they were displaced by Vipers the following day who also suffered similarly when KCCA won their game against Express a day later.
Isabirye’s men have had a fine first half of the season, having won all their five home games so far which has left them third on the table with 23 points, and sitting just two points behind the visitors, it adds color and pressure into the contest as defeat to either side could see them drop down the table.
Meaning BUL will be hesitant to give up on their perfect home run, the best in the division and they will be encouraged to push for a third consecutive positive result altogether since slipping away to Express.
In a similar fashion, the visitors cannot afford a defeat either as while they are first on the table, there is only one point between them and the fourth – promising a blockbuster of a game.
The clash has come at a time when the Kasasiro Boys have only suffered two defeats on the road, proving that they have no problem with taking the game to a team while being the visitors. But that good form of theirs will face a stern test at BUL.
Defender Walter Ochora
Team News
The head coach has confirmed four players – Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Mugulusi and Denis Mwemezi will miss the game due to injuries but he is confident other players will fill the void left behind very well.
Ahead of the game, Alex Isabirye spoke out his thoughts about the clash and also reiterated the need to improve on last season’s finish.
“We need to win! we need the three points,” he said.
“Fourth is the position in which we finished last season and we need to improve on that and finish a bit higher this time.”
“We are ready for the game, and we expect to win it despite having around four players sidelined.”
“But KCCA is also on form and leading the table. they’re one of the most organised teams with top notch coaches who can make tomorrow’s game a bit hard.”
Ibrahim Kazindula revealed the team is backing on the win against Arua Hill for a better performance tomorrow against the pace setters.
“We have a good record this season of not losing a single point at home, and the win at Arua Hill last Tuesday imparts confidence into the squad heading into this game,” Kazindula said.
Head to Head
P19 W4 D6 L9
This fixture has produced 19 meetings between the two teams, resulting into four wins for BUL, nine for KCCA and six draws.
Last four encounters
April 20, 2022
BUL FC 1-1 KCCA
December 01, 2021
KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC
April 02, 2021
KCCA FC 3-0 BUL FC
Februry 12, 2021
BUL FC 2-1 KCCA FC
BUL F starting line up against Arua Hill
Match facts
BUL have won all their five home matches this campaign, scoring nine goals and conceding two only within that time.
The run has widened their unbeaten home record to 12 league matches, producing ten wins along the course that dates back to early February this year.
Isabirye’s men have won their past two outings – beating Wakiso Giants and Arua Hill 2-1 and 1-0 in that order.
And they have also won two of their last three home battles against KCCA – winning 2-1 and 3-0 in February of 2021 and October of 2019 respectively before drawing 1-1 in April 2022.
All KCCA’s two defeats this season were met away from home, the Kasasiro Boys lost 3-1 and 1-0 in October to Arua Hill and Maroons respectively.
But Morley Byekwaso’s side has since won three games on the road consecutively and without leaking a goal.
Altogether, their away trips have brought them nine points from a possible 15, scoring seven goals and conceding five.
Counting from their loss at Maroons, KCCA have win six times since and drawn once in seven matches.
Match Coverage:
Fans should flock to Fufa Technical Center and give support to the team.If not possible, follow the action live on television. Alternatively, follow our social media channels for the text commentary.
BUL returned to the top of the Uganda premier league standings as Ibra Nsimbe’s close-range header gave us victory away to Arua Hill SC at Barifa grounds.
Nsimbe leaped to glance in the ball for his first goal this campaign after the hosts failed to deal with Aggrey Madoi’s well weighted cross from the left wing, to earn the Eastern a deserved lead.
BUL FC starting line up against Arua Hill
Alex Isabirye made three changes to the Starting XI that was at the end of a 2-1 home win against Wakiso Giants, with Saidi Keni featuring for the first time in place of Emmanuel Kalyowa in goal, and Douglas Muganga coming in for the injured Ronald Otti at the heart of our defense. For his fabulous turn up last time, Vincent Zziwa was also rewarded with his first start of the season, as a replacement for the injured Ibrahim Mugulusi.
It was a bright start for both sides although it was the hosts who drew the first goal mouth action in the first half with Jacob Kamwesiga, Allan Mugalu and Rashid Toha getting efforts away that missed the target.
But their evening became nightmarish after the interval as the Eastern Giants hit the lead at the hour mark.
Just before BUL’s opener, Mugalu declined two chances to score for his side, and even when they went behind, Kamwesiga couldn’t navigate beyond Keni in BUL’s goal as the goalkeeper comfortably stopped his shot from inside the box on 76 minutes.
Goal scorer Ibra Nsimbe
Going forward, the Eastern Giants played cautiously and held on for their seventh win. BUL host KCCA the coming week at Fufa Technical Center in our next fixture.
Starting XI: Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora (Ivan Wani 46′), Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Vicent Ziwa (Anthony Mayanja 59′), Ibrahim Nsimbe, Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Kazindula 77′), Martin Aprem (Benon Tahomera 90+), Hillary Onek.
Tuesday December 6 Uganda Premier League Barifa Grounds Kick Off: 4PM
We are back in action this Tuesday as we travel to West Nile to face Arua Hill at Barifa.
BUL won against Wakiso Giants last time out but they were quiet in their past four away fixtures, stressing the want to put an ear splitting performance come Tuesday to turnaround the off-putting run.
Just two points gathered since defeating Blacks Power at the beginning of October shows how wins have been elusive for Alex Isabirye’s side on the road, but they are encouraged by last season’s tally of four points from their 2021/22 meetings with Arua Hill.
After ten matches, the Eastern Giants currently occupy fourth place in the league with 20 points, Arua Hill are four points down in sixth.
However, the Leopards seem to have found groove after stringing two wins on the bounce as a response to their awful performance before the victories.
This gives them a sense of renaissance ahead of their third meeting with BUL.
Team News
Defender Ronald Otti and Ibrahim Mugulusi join Denis Mwemezi on the sidelines because of injuries but Alex Isabirye still have plenty of options to fill the void.
In his pre match briefing, the coach said he anticipates a tough challenge from The Leopards.
“Arua Hill recently won away to Express and they are generally in good form, making tomorrow ‘s encounter a hard one,” Isabirye said.
George Kasonko also sees the Arua team as a strong force but BUL is set to throw the strongest jab in the contest.
“We are ready to fight for the three points given that we are in good conditions. We arrived safely and we are prepared to take on Arua Hill who we believe are strong despite their new status in the league,” Kasonko said.
Head to Head
P2 W1 D1 L0
The sides have flexed twice, and BUL have won one and drawn one.
Last two encounters
December 28, 2021
BUL FC 4-0 Arua Hill
February 16, 2022
Arua Hill 2-2 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL have won one, drawn and lost two apiece in five away matches this season.
They have lost their past two away matches without scoring a goal, 1-0 to Express and 2-0 at Bright Stars.
Last time out, the Eastern Giants beat Wakiso Giants 2-1 but have not won two consecutive matches since mid October.
Isabirye’s men have scored six goals of the eight involved in their previous contests with the Arua side.
After losing four games in succession, Arua Hill have won their past two games – 2-1 against Onduparaka and 1-0 over Express.
Since December 2021, they have won 13 games and drawn three in 17 home league matches, with the 1-0 defeat to SC Villa in November 2022 the only dark spot in their good home run.
Altogether, the Leopards have lost two games only in 20 home league matches in their close to one and a half seasons in the topflight.
Match Coverage:
Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.
