Buganda, Kampala seek to stamp authority in Drum tourney
Pure passion. Rwenzori province coach Steve Pritchard celebrating one of the goals against Bunyoro. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- In the 1-0 win over Bukedi in Budaka, Kampala relied on Dan Sserunkuma, Tony Odur and Erisa Ssekisambu but they will now be joined by Simon Sserunkuma, Nelson Ssenkatuka, and Moses Waiswa.
KAMPALA. It wasn’t the kind of kickoff Buganda, the cradle of the Uganda Premier League, had anticipated when they made their bow at the Fufa Drum tournament.
The 1-0 home loss to Kigezi at Masaka Recreation Ground, three weeks ago, served them with a rude awakening that the province based tourney is not all about the names but rather one that can provide a few upsets. It gets tougher this afternoon in the second round matches as Buganda makes the voyage to Pece Stadium to face wounded Acholi, also reeling from a 2-0 opening away loss to Lango.
To abate early elimination, Buganda has embraced a managerial shake up with Alex Isabirye reportedly replacing David Mutono whereas Abraham Ndugwa and Mustapha Mujuzi, Dan Birikwalira and have beefed up the province team.
Democratic Party Nobert Mao has already thrown his weight behind his home team (Acholi); “To the players, the blood of our ancestors run in your veins, do not fear anyone because you have been shining before you can shine again. Victory belongs to the elephants,” he said.
Like Buganda, Kampala is perceived to be the haven for distinct football talent and head coach Wasswa Bbosa says anything but winning the inaugural tourney will be termed as ‘shame’.
“I have many players to choose from and that means league players will have time to rest. We are going to beat Bunyoro at Lugogo and get closer to the knockout level,” said Bbosa, also the SC Villa coach.
In the 1-0 win over Bukedi in Budaka, Kampala relied on Dan Sserunkuma, Tony Odur and Erisa Ssekisambu but they will now be joined by Simon Sserunkuma, Nelson Ssenkatuka, and Moses Waiswa.
For their latest accomplishments with Onduparaka and Paidha Black Angels, West Nile also promises to be a force to reckon with.
After their startling 1-1 draw with Karamoja in Moroto, they will be anxious to bounce back against Ankole in Zombo.
TODAY’S FIXTURES - 4PM
Sebei vs. Busoga, Kiprotich Stadium
Bugisu vs. Teso, Mbale Mun. Stadium
Acholi vs. Buganda, Pece Stad. Gulu
Kigezi vs. Lango, Kabale Mun. Stadium
Kampala vs. Bunyoro, StarTimes Stadium
