Uganda Premier League

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

• Wakiso Giants 1-3 Kitara FC

• Mbarara City 1-0 Arua Hill SC

Kitara FC fought from a goal down to beat Wakiso Giants for their fifth victory of the Uganda Premier League 2023/24 campaign.

Kitara FC registered a 3-1 victory against Wakiso Giants on Wednesday evening at Kabaka Kyabbaggu Stadium in Wakiso.

Titus Ssematimba gave the hosts the lead before Denis Omedi, Brian Aheebwa and Jude Ssemugabi gave the Pride of Bunyoro a well-deserved victory.

Sematimba gave the Purple Sharks the lead in the 28^th minute after pegging Kitara on the back foot. The agile midfielder was set up by Kenneth Kimera before he beat his marker to a cool touch before he curled the ball home to beat Kitara’s custodian Chrispas Kusiima.

Six minutes later, Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye had a glorious chance to square the game but his shot went wide after being released by Omedi.

Two minutes later, Omedi showcased his football skills sending George Kaddu to the floor before he delivered the ball in the area using a rabona. George Ssenkaaba’s final touch on the ball sent it wide away from the target.

Two minutes into the second stanza, Omedi restored parity to regain the visitors’ hope in the game. Jasper Aheebwa curled in a well-weighted free kick that was nodded home by Omendi right at the near post to level matters.

Brian Aheebwa jumped highest to nod home Jasper Aheebwa’s cross from the left flank in the 80^th minute.

Late in the game, second-half substitute Ssemugabi capitalised from Ssekagya’s mistake to bury the game.

The victory takes Kitara back to the log summit with 15 points while Wakiso Giants dropped to the 11^th with four points.

How they lined up

Wakiso Giants XI: Bashir Ssekagya (GK), Hassan Ssenyonjo, Bashir Asiku, Apollo Kagogwe, Ambrose Arinda, George Kaddu, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Mikidadi Ssenyonga, Kenneth Kimera, Marvin Nyanzi, Titus Ssematimba

Kitara FC XI: Chrispas Kusiima (GK), Maxwell Owachgiu, Ibrahim Mugandazi, Frank Tumwesigye, Jasper Aheebwa, George Senkaaba, Living Kabon, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Paddy Muhumuza, Donato Okello, Denis Omedi 

Uganda Premier League
Sunday, September 17, 2023

• Wakiso Giants 0-3 Maroons

Maroons registered a well-deserved 3-0 victory against Wakiso Giants in the Uganda Premier League at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium on Sunday.

The Purple Sharks started the 2023/24 campaign on a sad note after suffering a huge loss to the Prison Wardens at home.

Darius Ojok gave Maroons the lead two minutes into the game. The 2022/23 UPL young player of the season was cool and confident burying away Abraham Tusubira’s delivery.

Wakiso Giants came so close through George Kaddu but his freekick was blocked by Ronald Orombi.

Marvin Nyanzi witnessed his effort bounce off the frame before Patrick Bayiga nearly scored into his own net.

Ojok showed his class once again after he beat Wakiso’s backline to set up Fred Amaku but the forward failed to guide the ball into an empty net.

In the 34th Ojok extended Maroons’ lead with a delightful tap in off Tusubira’s delivery.

In the second half, the pace duly fell as none of the two sides fully took control of the game.

In the 79th minute, Tusubira looped the ball past Wakiso Giants’ custodian Kenneth Lukuya who had moved off the line.

The victory takes Maroons on top of the log since it’s the biggest winning margin among the victors on Matchday one.

Next on the menu, Maroons host SC Villa on Sunday, September 24 while Wakiso Giants will make a short trip to Kavumba to play neighbours Bright Stars on Saturday.

Wakiso Giants head coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda is worried about the low goal return during the preseason.

Wakiso Giants have scored three goals in the concluded FUFA Super 8 against Maroons FC.

And failed to find the back of the net in the other two against KCCA at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo and Kabaka Kyabaggu, Wakiso.

“We have not yet hit the back of the net in the trial games. It bothers me so much,” Ayala told Kawowo Sports.

Wakiso Giants lost 2-0 to Vipers SC in a friendly game on Wednesday, September 7, 2023.

In the game, the Purple Sharks created more chances but failed to convert any which left the gaffer, Ayala disappointed throughout the game.

With eight games to the Uganda Premier League opener, Ayala is confident that through trying now and then they will get better as a team.

“The good thing is that from the the time we started pre-season training up until now, there is progress, especially in the creation which would worry me the most if we were not.“

Last season, Wakiso Giants finished eighth on a 16-teamed log with 36 points in 28 games played.

Ahead of the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League season, teams and players continue to sharpen their tools so as to stage the required show.

During an interview with Wakiso TV, midfielder Titus Ssematimba set his target ahead of the coming season in which he anticipates glory.

“I am looking forward to next season because I want to score many goals as well as assists,” he confidently said.

“I had a fair show last season but I know this one will even be better because I feel more than ready,” added.

“As a team, we are doing well and the preparations are already underway. We only have to believe in our coaches so that we play as instructed. They have already done a good job to prepare us so our assignment is to deliver.”

Ssematimba revealed that the greatest stumbling block to his progress has been injuries which he prays for each and every other day.

“The greatest challenge I have faced is injuries that have kept me in and out thus limiting my playing time. I pray God gives me good health so that I can find my rhythm.”

Wakiso Giants finished in the eighth position last season with 36 points gathered from 28 games.

The campaign has not started on the best of notes having suffered two losses in two games played. In the ongoing FUFA Super 8, they first fell to KCCA FC before Bright Stars edged them.

Exciting forward Moses Aliro has bid farewell to Wakiso Giants FC. The former KCCA player leaves the Purple Shark camp after two years of diligent service.

Aliro’s farewell message was posted on his social media pages as he revealed his warm heartfelt thanksgiving to his former side.

“Thanks for the amazing two years shared together as the Wakiso Giants family,” the statement partly read.

“I thank the board members, fans and the president for the amazing support both on and outside the field of play. To the coaching staff and players, thanks for the guidance and love,” he concluded.

The forward failed trials at Tanzania’s giants Young Africans where he was pushing for a professional stint.

Reports indicate that Aliro is heading to URA FC after the two sides agreed on terms for a transfer deal.

On the other hand, Wakiso Giants are set to replace Aliro with Samson Kigozi who has previously been at Maroons FC.

The forward seeks to regain his spark since he made a mega move to KCCA after a thrilling show with Police FC.

Wakiso Giants FC’s anchor man Lawrence Bukenya was one of the best players of the recently concluded season.

His impressive ball sense and patroling traits have attracted a number of top sides within and outside the boundaries of the country.

Reports indicate the ‘Tax Collectors’ are leading the race and have made their interest formal as they continue to court the player’s signature.

URA FC is still hurt for a direct replacement of their former captain Shafick Kagimu who left the club midway through last season after falling out with the technical team.

Bukenya is gifted with the skill of passing the ball within different ranges, he has proven to be a smart ball-winner and is always ready to drive the team forward.

Last season he played only 23 games out of 28 match days but each time Wakiso Giants played without him it would be clear that their midfield puzzle was not complete.

He guided the Purple Sharks to the eighth position by the end of the campaign with 36 points.

For starters, he is among the nominees lined up for the accolade of the season’s best midfielder in the upcoming Uganda Premier League (UPL) awards.

A brief about Bukenya

• Name: Lawrence Bukenya
• D.O.B: March 03, 1999
• Age: 24
• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Weight: 75Kg
• Height: 1.67 m

Wakiso Giants midfielder Marvin Nyanzi has narrated the journey he went through during his maiden campaign playing in the Uganda Premier League.

The agile midfielder reveals that it’s been a walk that has faced a number of challenges but also witnessed several wins.

“I must say the campaign was at a certain point challenging though there were several lessons to take home along the exciting journey,” Nyanzi narrates.

“It was interesting that the challenges at many times made him stronger because they left me challenged to get from one level to another as I seek greater heights,” he continued.

Kicking off with the beautiful moments, Nyanzi keeps dreaming about his quick goal scored in under 20 seconds against Onduparaka FC and the fascinating assist setting up Shariph Kimbowa in the game against Vipers SC.

“Oftentimes, football is summarized in moments and for my first season playing in the top league am glad to have created some beautiful memories for the team and myself.”

“Days have passed but I can hardly forget the day I scored a goal before a minute. I wish it can be confirmed as a record because am told it’s the fastest witnessed in the league. The other beautiful moment I recall was the assist to Kimbowa.”

Coming from the Regional side, Kajjansi United, Nyanzi had scored 12 goals far from what he achieved at Wakiso but the midfielder attributes the low harvest to limited playing time.

“It’s clear that I have not scored much like it was at my previous club because I have played a few games. It’s hard to seal a place in the starting eleven because the team has a number of quality players.”

“But my teammates and coaches have pushed me to keep on track but am glad am slowly getting into the team and that will even get better next season.”

”It’s a challenge to keep on the bench but it’s normal because positions in the team are rewards for your hard work and not gifts that are given without a reason,” he concluded.

Wakiso Giants finished eighth with 36 points after playing 28 games in the UPL 2022/23 season.

• Results | Monday, May 1
• Wakiso Giants 0-0 BUL

Wakiso Giants held BUL FC to a goalless draw in the Uganda Premier League at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium on Monday.

It was a boring duel as both sides laboured to find the back of the net only to share spoils as matchday 26 got underway.

The Jinja-based side is now winless in their last 10 games registering six draws and four defeats while Wakiso Giants picked their third draw of the second round in which they have won once and lost six games.

The home side where denied a chance to enjoy their playing style due to the soggy ground that was in a trying state due to the heavy downpour in the morning.

The visitors got a chance to take the lead through Ibrahim Nsimbe but his snapshot sailed straight to Bashir Ssekagya’s gloves.

Jerome Kirya and Reagan Kalyowa also came close in the second stanza but could not get the ball past the dotted line.

The Purple Sharks also came close through Marvin Nyanzi but his effort lacked enough energy to beat Saidi Keni who palmed it away for a corner kick.

Substitute Tom Matsiko saw his free-kick sail away from the target despite being in a strategic position to hurt the visitors in the last 10 minutes of the game.

The last clear chance fell on Richard Okello’s foot through a counter-attack but his low hard effort was blocked by Rahmat Ssenfuka with a timely tackle.

The point leaves Wakiso Giants eighth with 32 points while BUL are sixth with 33.

Next on the fixture, Wakiso Giants will visit Busoga United on Saturday, May 13 while BUL FC will host Arua Hill SC on Wednesday, May 10th