Tag: UPL

FUFA SUPER 8: BUL BEAT SC VILLA TO REACH FINAL

FT: BUL FC 1(6)- 1(5) SC Villa

BUL FC has qualified for the FUFA Super Eight final. After a one all stalemate in regular time, The Eastern Giants won 6-5 on penalties on a Monday evening at FUFA Technical Centre.

Joel Mutakubwa marked his debut with a classy and outstanding performance; he was big in between the uprights for BUL as he scored one and saved two SC Villa’s efforts to win it all for the Eastern Giants.

The game closed out the ninety minutes of regulation play with both sides tied 1-1.

The even match-up almost continued into the spot kicks, during which Douglas Muganga missed his shot as SC Villa’s Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Ssemakula saw theirs comfortably saved by Mutakubwa.

Samuel Ssekamatte was the first to plant his into the net for BUL, Benon Tahomera and Ronald Otti also converted with great composure afore to Muganga clipping his out.

Mutakubwa restored hope when he guided the ball beyond his fellow goalkeeper before Lawrence Tezikya and Ibrahim Mugulusi ensured BUL wins.

SC Villa got their goals through Umar Lutalo, Edward Masembe, Hamza Mulambuzi, Patrick Kakande and Hakim Mutebi.

The final score was 6-5

Monday’s match was BUL’s first semi final in this competition, with all the previous attempts ending prematurely.

Our goalkeeper made some big saves, including stopping Patrick Kakande’s stinging hard shot late in the second half. He had already denied Ivan Bogere and Lutalo in the opening stages of the game.

But he was beaten by former Eastern Giant Peter Onzima. The wide man picked a pass from Ivan Bogere to curl beyond his reach.

But the Jogoo’s celebrations were cut short when Ssekamatte sent Meddie Kibirige the wrong way from the penalty mark three minutes to the break after Simon Mukisa fell Reagan Kalyowa in the box.

By midway the second half, the clash became more of an end to end affair as they all looked to throw the final winning jab. Chances were created but they all struggled to finish.

Nicholas Mwere blazed a free kick over the bar, Ssekamatte then skewed another from inside the box as the game wore on. 

The final will be played on 3rd September 2023 at a venue that will be communicated in the due course.

Starting XI:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Douglas Muganga, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 56′), George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Tezikya 72′), Martin Aprem (Joel Madondo 56′), Samuel Sekamatte, Reagan Kalyowa (Benon Tahomera 90+5′)

Unused substitutes:

Saidi Keni (GK), Alex Kitata, Vincent Zziwa, Emmanuel Obua, Shafiq Kwikiriza.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS SC VILLA

Abbey Kikomeko Bogere will be hoping to progress to his first final as BUL FC coach when we host SC Villa in Monday’s FUFA Super Eight semi-final.

The Eastern Giants made it to the last-four stage with a 1-0 victory over Vipers SC on Thursday. Samuel Ssekamatte scored from the spot to give us a perfect start to the preseason competition.

For SC Villa, they defeated Maroons 2-1 at Wankulukuku to set up this mouth watering clash.

Should BUL defeat the Jogoos at FUFA Technical Centre in this one-off tie, it would not only ensure a place in the final, but it will also stretch our dominance over SC Villa in recent times.

It’s only one win for the visitors against the Eastern Giants in past six years, and it came recently in March, in Lira.

BUL has been commanding in duels involving the sides and has also knocked them out of the Uganda cup in the previous two consecutive seasons.

From the 28 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced nine wins for BUL, ten for SC Villa and nine draws.

Team News

The Eastern Giants will miss right back cum winger Hillary Onek. The rest of the squad is available and ready to hit the ground running.

Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere is optimistic his men will pull off another big win to storm the final.

“SC Villa is one of the teams this season that have made massive changes just like us and they are well prepared just like we are,” he said.

“We won our quarter final match against Vipers, but the one against SC Villa is going to be a very different game.”

“The game approach tomorrow is going to be different from the one we had at Vipers but all in all, we are focusing on winning.”

“SC Villa is one team which almost has the same structure like ours, their playing style is also similar to ours. But nevertheless, tomorrow we’re determined and we are going to try as much as possible to see that we get the second win at home.“

Captain George Kasonko said;

“We are playing at home but being at our own backyard doesn’t mean we have already won the game.”

“Therefore, as players, we need to double our efforts. Coaches have done their part and we are now in the right conditions to play tomorrow.”

The game will be live on FUFA TV

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL VS VIPERS

Thursday 10th August, 2023

FUFA Super Eight

BUL VS Vipers

FUFA Technical Centre

Kick-off: 4pm

BUL square off against Vipers SC in the quarter finals of the FUFA Super 8 tournament, a precursor for the new StarTimes Uganda premier league season, on Thursday (10th August) at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. This is the third edition of the competition.

Six other teams, who include – KCCA FC, URA, Arua Hills, Maroons, Wakiso Giants and SC Villa are also playing to complete the pack of the top eight teams from last season.

It will be BUL’s first competitive game under new coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere. They will feature in at least two more matches of the pre-season tournament after this game.

They endured a poor run of results for the entire second half of the previous term, failing to win a single match in fourteen league games.

But a lot of things have since changed and they will look to leave a good account of themselves in this one ahead of the new campaign.

In the offseason, the Eastern Giants have already defeated big league side Jinja North United and won a couple of other friendlies with ease. They will have everyone available for this clash.

Vipers, meanwhile, have also been flawless during their preseason outings, beating Kagera Sugar, Nateete select and winning 4-0 against URA FC recently.

BUL almost beat the venoms in the teams’ last faceoff in May but Karim Watambala scored from the spot in injury time to deny them the win after Samuel Ssekamatte had put the Eastern Giants in control of the game five minutes after the hour.

This will be the 26th meeting between the sides in all competitions since 2011, with BUL winning three games, Vipers running away with fifteen and drawn seven times.

Speaking about the match, the coach said this is the time to cut Vipers’ dominance short.

“We played in the previous editions of the super eight and never went through to the semifinals. But this time we are well prepared, the boys are in good conditions and I expect them to give us the good results,” coach Abbey Kikomeko said.

“Ever since we started playing Vipers, they have been so stubborn – however this is the chance to overcome them.”

“Scoring was our main challenge last season but I think we have solved that. We have worked upon it since we started the preseason training.”

“Some strikers were brought on board, competition for the forward positions is really high and I expect goals this time around.”

George Kasonko, the team captain, said the team is buzzing and ready to deliver the goods.

“History shows we have never progressed past this stage but a lot of things have really changed and as players, we are ready for the challenge this time,” Kasonko said.

“It has been long since we started preparing ourselves. One of our goals is to win trophies and the super eight is one of them.”

“We are not looking at the previous attempts in which we failed in this competition but we are aiming at playing the final and the final starts tomorrow. Every game is going to be a final for us.”

The game will be live on FUFA TV.

FOUR EXCITING PLAYERS COMMIT FUTURE TO BUL

BUL FC teenagers – Richard Okello, Innocent Rwothomio, Julius Baraza and Swabiru Mpasa have signed their first senior contracts with the club.

Striker Innocent Rwothomio during a Juniors league action for BUL FC JT

After showing outstanding performances at the juniors’ side, the quartet were drafted into the first team where they equally impressed last season, and each has now penned a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Okello scored thirteen goals in eighteen matches as the junior team qualified for the national juniors’ league championship. Rwothomio bagged twelve in thirteen games. Both featured in six and five first team games respectively.

Mpasa, who plays as midfielder, played one match with the senior team.  He scored five goals in seventeen outings for the age group side, while defender Baraza made three appearances at the first team, and seventeen with the under 17 category

EDRINE OPAALA JOINS BUL

BUL Football Club can confirm the signing of Edrine Mukisa Opaala from Busoga United. The attacking midfielder has signed a two year contract with us.

A product of Jinja SS, the 19 year old arrives at the Eastern Giants with a wealth of topflight football in his legs after playing in the Uganda premier league for the past three seasons.

“Opaala is still young and has been playing well, assisting and doing so many things. We thought it was high time he joins a good team like BUL so that he can excel with his talent,” head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said.

“I know his ability, I know the kind of football he plays and the kind of passes he crafts. He will actually add creativity to our midfield.”

“He is a product of Copa Coca Cola schools tournament and majority of these players have excelled, and they have gone as far as playing professional football.”

“So we thought bringing him on board at BUL will be a better achievement for him.”

After signing for the Eastern Giants, Opaala said;

“I am excited to join the BUL family. I thank the management for the opportunity given to me, I am ready to compete.”

Opaala was named the 2019 Copa Coca Cola Most Valuable Player and won the same award in the Busoga Masaza Cup when he was playing for Buzaya County in the 2019 edition.

KITATA ARRIVES

Alex Kitata has completed the transfer from Gaddafi FC to BUL.

The experienced striker joins the Eastern Giants on a two-year contract to bolster the forward line. He scored eight goals in 26 league appearances for the Soldier Boys last campaign, helping them avoid relegation to finish 11th.

On becoming a BUL player, Kitata said:

“I am thrilled to join one of the best teams in the country. My primary role is to score goals and I believe if we work together as a team, we shall score lots of goals and win more games.”

Head coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said:

“As much as I have an experienced forward in Ssekamatte, I wanted to add on another experienced striker, and that is Kitata. I think with the help of the young lads around, and the experience of Ssekamatte and Kitata, we shall get good results.”

“I looked at his experience and the work rate, and he knows where to put the ball.”

“He scored eight goals last season, and where he is now, there are midfielders who can feed him well. And with the playing style we are going to adopt, I think he will give us good goals and I expect much from him.”

A pacey striker and proven goal scorer, Kitata brings huge pile of experience to BUL having played for The Saints, SC Villa, Kitara, UPDF (two spells) in the Uganda Premier League. He also featured for Rwandan side Kiyovu Sports Club on a short stint.

MWERE, WELCOME TO BUL FC

BUL Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of defender Nicholas Mwere.

The 22-year-old left back joins from Busoga United and has signed a three year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Nicholas Mwere (left} has re united with coach Abbey Kikomeko

One of the highly rated young defenders in Uganda, Mwere played for JIPRA in the secondary schools competitions and Kakira Town Council in the lower divisions of Jinja district at a tender age before he moved to Busoga United in 2021 where he played for the last two seasons in the Uganda premier league.

He is bully and a rock solid young player who often frightens strikers.

 BUL FC head coach, Abbey Kikomeko Bogere, said:

“When you look at the backline of our team, we had a loophole on the left side. So, I opted for Mwere.”

“I looked at his height, and his work rate. He is a young player and a promising defender.”

“I expect him to become a better defender now that he has joined BUL.”

Nicholas Mwere said:

“I am excited to join BUL FC, the Eastern Giants.”

“BUL is a winning team, they recently won the Uganda cup and I expect to win with them more titles.”

“I will try to defend better as well as attack at the same time to help the team achieve its targets. We are going to work together and win together.”

BUL RELEASE MORE FIVE PLAYERS

BUL FC has today parted ways with five more players, including two junior team graduates.

Owen Mukisa (in red) captained BUL FC in a Uganda cup semi final against Express

Paul Ssekulima joined the Eastern Giants in January 2023 but both parties have agreed to end the contract on mutual terms.

Aggrey Madoi is another player set to leave the club. Since 2020, Madoi has been one of the vital pillars at the team, helping BUL reach the first ever Uganda cup final in 2021 before playing a key part as the Eastern Giants won the competition a year later.

Our junior team graduates – Edrine Cavan Mawerere, Herbert Onyango and Owen Mukisa have also left the club. The latter shone to fame when he became the youngest player ever to captain the Eastern Giants and also scored a 26th minute goal against Express to send BUL to the Uganda Cup final in 2021 at FUFA Technical Centre.

We highly appreciate their efforts and commitment to the club; and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

BUL COMPLETE SIGNING OF TEZIKYA

BUL FC has completed the signing of Lawrence Tezikya from Vipers SC, with the striker penning a two year contract with the Eastern Giants.

Tezikya’s career in first-team football started at Busoga United, having risen through the youth ranks at Jinja SS.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko and Lawrence Tezikya have re united at BUL

The 22 year old striker made his senior club debut in the 2018/19 season when he came on as substitute during the Uganda premier league barren draw against Maroons FC at the Mighty Arena in Jinja city. He scored five goals in eight appearances that campaign.

He then earned a move to Vipers in 2020 before he secured a loan transfer to Maroons last season.

“Tezikya is one of the strikers I have looked at. He is still young, has passion for the game and he is promising,” head coach Abbey Kikomeko said.

“He is a kind of a player who wants to prove that he can be one of the best top strikers in the country.”

“I expect so much from him and I believe he will deliver.”

“He performed well in the previous schools tournaments and he has been gradually developing and improving. So I saw that when I bring him at BUL to compete with his former teammates like Joel Madondo, the club will benefit.”

“I expect to see good goals and fantastic performances from their partnership. They have been together, they have worked together before and they know each other very well.”

Nicknamed ‘Enzo,’ Tezikya helped Jinja SS win the Copa Coca-Cola schools championship in 2017, and emerged as the competition’s top scorer in 2018 and 2019. He is also a product of the FUFA juniors league.

JOEL MADONDO IS AN EASTERN GIANT

BUL FC has completed the signing of Joel Madondo from Gaddafi FC.

The forward has signed a one year renewable contract with the Eastern Giants.

Coach Abbey Kikomeko (left) with new signing Joel Madondo (right)

Madondo arrives at BUL with a lot of experience in the Uganda premier league after featuring for Busoga United and Gaddafi where he played over two stints. He scored one goal last season.

Following extraordinally performances and excellent goal poaching prowess at Busoga United, Madondo moved to Wydad Casablanca in January 2020 but mutually left the Morocco giants seven months later to return home, before he had another short trade across the borders with Tanzania second division club Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in January 2022.

He guided Uganda Cranes to the CECAFA senior challenge cup title in 2019 when he scored an important goal in the 3-0 win over Eritrea at Lugogo.

He is also a Copa Coca Cola winner with Jinja SS in 2017.

Welcome to BUL FC, Madondo.