Wednesday, March 31
*Busoga United Vs Onduparaka (live on Sanyuka TV, 4pm)
Team News:
- Busoga United will be without goalkeeper Ali Kimera who has not been training with the team recently.
- They will also miss the services of Sharif Kimbowa who picked a knock against Wakiso Giants.
- The Caterpillars will be without captain Rashid Okocha who is out injured, Denis Andama picked his third yellow card against URA is sidelined.
- The Club welcomes back Gabriel Matata and Emmanuel Okech from injury while Najib Tusaaba returns from suspension.
Probable Lineups:
Busoga United – Rogers Omedwa, Abubaker Otwao, Kaketo Shafick, Kalyowa George, Muganga Douglas, Magero Balabala Franco, Kasonko George, Kirya Jeromy, Paul Ssekulima, Shaka Ssozi, Isma Mugulusi.
Onduparaka – Tony Kyamera, Gasper Adriko, Najib Tusaaba, Hamza Geriga, Hakim Magombe, Kabon Living, Amis Muwonge, Najib Tusaaba, Gabriel Matata, Allan Busobozi, Joel Jangeyambe.
Preview – Can Busoga United Defy The Odds?
Busoga United spent most of the entire first round campaign in the relegation zone until their late blitz that saw the side win three from as many in the last games.
They currently sit just two points above the red zone and are strong contenders for the drop this season.
Struggles in the administration greatly reflected in the team’s performance on the pitch, as the players looked disinterested and demotivated starting from their league opener against UPDF FC in Bombo which they lost 3-0.
Despite their woes, new signing Shaka Ssozi has showed signs that he can lead the team’s resurgence thanks to his four goals including the one he scored in Arua when the sides drew one-all in the reverse fixture.
Kabon Living scored from the spot in the second half to salvage a point for the Caterpillars.
Busoga face a huge mountain to climb given that they have never beaten Onduparaka in the league.
Last season, Onduparaka beat Busoga United home and away; Rajab Kakooza score the only goal of the game as Caterpillars won the road. Julius Malingumu and Rashid Okocha scored in Arua where Nelson Mandela’s strike proved a consolation in the 2-1 loss.
If Busoga United are to mount a challenge in the second half of the season, this is the test they must pass on the first day.
The visitors on the other hand, blew hot and cold in the first round.
Coach Vialli Bainomugisha abandoned the team after Match-day five, and they won five of 10 games thereafter.
Julius Mutyaba is the new man in town, and the former Lweza and Masavu FC coach will look to improve the team that was coached by Abdul Mubarak Wamboya.
The team is not in the relegation picture going into the second round and Mutyaba’s target will be earning a place inside the top six after the club finished a lowly eighth last season.
Onduparaka will bank on Living Kabon who has netted eight league goals so far but it will be a special game for left back Hakim Magombe who will be facing his former pay masters.
How To Watch – The game will be broadcast live on Sanyuka TV. No fans will be allowed inside the stadium after FUFA ban on Busoga United.
The Stats:
Busoga United
- They sit in 13th place, having won 3, drawn 5 and lost 7.
- The side closed the first round on a three-game winning run, beating MYDA, Wakiso Giants and Kitara.
- They managed to collect nine points out of a possible 24 at home in the first round.
Onduparaka FC
- The Caterpillars sit 8th with 21 points having won 6, drawn 3 and lost 6.
- They ended the first round on a two-game losing streak – falling to SC Villa and URA FC.
- Four of their six wins in the first round came on the road.
Head To Head
2020/21
*Onduparaka 1-1 Busoga United
2019/20
*Onduparaka 2-1 Busoga
*Busoga 0-1 Onduparaka
2018/19
*Onduparaka 0-0 Busoga
*Busoga 0-1 Onduparaka
2017/18
*Busoga 0-3 Onduparaka
*Onduparaka 1-0 Busoga
2016/17
*Onduparaka 1-0 Busoga
*Busoga 0-0 Onduparaka
