Busoga Utd put trust in newbies

The first covid-19-induced break left Busoga United ululating from an unexpected top-four finish in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2019-20 season; the second, last season, found the team dangling just three points from the chop!

The period in between the two seasons was riddled with ownership wrangles and a mini-financial crisis that saw the team sink in debts as they struggled to stay afloat.

That situation spilled over leading to an exodus of players including promising youngsters Isma Mugulusi and Ivan Wani to SC Villa and Bul for free respectively

Unceremonial farewells

Long-serving captain George Kasonko, Douglas Muganga and Jeromy Kirya also joined rivals Bul. In total, the team has lost 20 players in the transfer window! 

Their head coach Kikomeko, who has been with the club for nearly a decade sailing them through some turbulent times, is confident his new signings that blend a mixture of upcoming and experienced players will work the magic despite a lack of big names.

“The rebuilding process is on and I think we shall be good to go by the time league kicks off,” he expressed his confidence.
In all this, the loss of Mugulusi and Wani for free dealt the club a big blow but the onus is now on Kikomeko to find a perfect balance between the 13 raw players signed from third division clubs. There are another four promoted from the junior ranks.

There are also four from relegated sides Myda and Kitara and getting the best out of promising youngsters George Kalyoowa, Elvis Ng’onde, reigning schools footbal MVP Edrine Opaala and Fred Massa, a nephew to former Cranes captain Geoffrey Massa.

Management and finance
Whereas Kikomeko looks like the right pick for the tough job ahead of a seemingly torrid season, management and financial stability will be key for anything good to happen.

Even with no clear open plan to assure the stability, their stand-in chairman Hassan Mugerwa Takoowa finds solace in hope. “Last season wasn’t easy but the break has given us some time to work on some things behind the scenes but first, to see that there’s some bit of financial stability and management,” Takoowa says.

To start with, the club managed to convince Kikomeko to remain at the club together with his assistants Jimmy Jalendo, Edgar Luzige and Bright Dhaira.

Takoowa also returned Andrew Ndyabahika as the chief executive officer. He had filed a case to Fufa demanding some arrears.

He believes, with that arrangement and government easing the Covid-19 restrictions, the club will be back to normal soon.

Forging ahead

“It was a bit challenging when there’s a stadium ban on fans,” said Takoowa.

“But we are hopeful that things will start easing up after the president loosened up some restrictions like crowd gatherings, we hope that will help us in pushing forward.”

The club is yet to confirm their venue to host their games next season but Takoowa reveals that they want to return closer to their fans and thus, a return to the Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru will be their last option.

They have submitted Kakindu as the first option for home ground while Gaddafi Arena could be the other just in case the

Fufa Club Licensing passes it and the former fails. And as UPL released its first round fixtures, Busoga United were a notable absentee.

PROFILE:
Name: Busoga
United
Home ground:
Not confirmed
Founded: 2012
Colours: Red,
White & Blue
President: 
Dinah Nyago
Coach: Abbey
Bogere Kikomeko
Performances:
2019/20:  5th,
2018/19:  9th,
2017/18:  5th,
2016/17:  10th 
Prediction: 13th