Bul ponder defence

Bul's astounding Stanbic Uganda Cup triumph over Vipers in July last year in Masindi - their first ever - by and large revolved around striker Karim Ndugwa's nine-goal heroics.

Such was Ndugwa's impeccable form and indefatigable character in their fairytale run  that he notched a brace in the 3-1 in the final game and in a short while, joined his final victims - Vipers - in the January transfer window. 

He was the focal point of Alex Isabirye's team and the Oil-makers made the most out of his experience and scoring potential. 

Put in a better context; Ndugwa had scored six goals of Bul's 24 in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League before he made the inevitable money switch to the reigning league champions.

Richard Wandyaka (four goals), Vincent Zziwa (2), Jerome Kirya (2) and Ibrahim Kazindula supplemented Ndugwa's goal scoring form as Bul rose to second on the log with 27 points from 14 matches.

Ndugwa's impact at Bul was that immense and now Isabirye is raking around the market for a potent replacement if they want to defend the Uganda Cup and also stun  third placed Vipers and current leaders KCCA in the league title race. 

With one goal contribution each this season, neither Frank Kalanda, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Walter Ochora, Martin Aprem, Ronald Otti, Ivan Wani nor Hillary Onek can claim to weigh in with an equivalent goal shift. 

That said, Isabirye, reportedly sweet talking Arua Hill's gangly forward Samuel Ssekamatte as Ndugwa's fill-in, will have less worries facing Mukono Regional side Sparks FC in the round of 64 that kicks off over the weekend. 

Ndugwa, formerly at SC Villa, URA, Wakiso Giants, Mbarara City, Victors, Horseed (Somalia) and AFC Leopards (Kenya) exemplified Isabirye's long-ball approach best and the gaffer must have been dumbfounded when he chose to join direct rivals and more so jump into a fierce slots battle at Kitende. 

Vipers also added Desire Titty (Ivory Coast), Yunus Sentamu, Robert Mwenge (DR Congo), Martin Kizza and Darcy Mbaka (DR Congo).

Slippery 

At the draws conducted at Fufa House yesterday, ten-time Uganda Cup winners KCCA will visit Kampala regional side KJT while James Odoch's Express, also on ten titles, visit Wakiso regional side Kajjansi FC. 

Nine-time winners SC Villa, enjoying a renaissance in the league, will make a short excursion to Kireka to face Kampala side Kireka United. 

Beto Bianchi's Venoms will head to Hoima to face bunjumbura FC as beleaguered URA, that unveiled Fred Muhumuza as sam Timbe's deputy last week, will seek redemption here starting with a trip to Kabarole to take on little known Uganda Pentecostal University.   

Stanbic Uganda Cup  Round of 64 Draws Pajule Lions vs. NECKajansi United  vs. Express Blue Star vs. Luweero UnitedFort Portal Boda Boda vs. Wakiso GiantsApuutun vs. PoliceKireka United vs. SC VillaKiyinda Boys vs. GaddafiKigezi Homeboyz  vs. Booma Ntinda United vs. Ndejje University SC Tawai vs. Mbarara City Budondo United vs. Calvary Busei vs. Jinja North United Bujumbura vs. Vipers Junior Eagles vs. Soroti Bushenyi Veterans vs. UPDF Bukedea Central vs. Blacks Power Paidha BA  vs. Kyetume Simba vs. Adjumani TCJLOS  vs. Busoga United Sparks  vs. BulGorilla Highlands  vs. Kataka Kisugu United vs. Maroons Free Stars vs. Kitara Admin  vs. Northern Gateway Water vs. Lugazi Uganda Pentecostal University vs. URA Mbale Heroes vs. Araka Nakapelimen vs. Soltilo Bright Stars Packwach Youngstars  vs. Onduparaka Bunyaruguru vs. Kaaro Karungi Elite vs. Arua Hill KJT  vs. KCCA  The round of 64 will be played between January 27-February 3 The final of the 49th edition will be held at Akii-Bua Memorial Stadium, Lira. Stanbic Uganda Cup prize moneyWinners - Shs50mRunner-up -Shs25mSemifinalists - Shs12.5mQuarterfinalists (4 teams) - Shs6mRound of 16 (8 teams) - Shs3mRound of 32 (16 teams) - Shs2m
Total prize money - Shs180m