Champions begin tittle defence at Nakivubo

Back-to-back winners BUL FC will kick off the defence of their Fufa Super 8 trophy with a first-leg clash against Maroons FC at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, this Thursday. The Jinja-based side will be aiming to establish an early advantage in the two-legged tie against the Prisons side, who now have Umar Abdallah Loi at the helm, although long-serving tactician Muhammad Ssenfuma is also expected to have a role on the bench.

BUL, however, will be without suspended head coach Abbey Kikomeko, leaving assistant coach Simeon Masaba in charge of the touchline duties. “We are ready and want to defend this trophy,” Masaba said. “Some of the new players will feature, though others are not yet at the required fitness level.”

NEC vs Express FC – 7pm: Confederation Cup side faces rebuilding Red Eagles

In the evening clash, NEC FC, who will represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, takes on Express FC at 7pm in what promises to be a test of ambition versus transition. Coach Hussein Mbalangu’s charges will head into the tie as favourites, especially after replacing league champions Vipers SC in the competition.

The side is keen to build momentum ahead of their continental campaign. Meanwhile, the Red Eagles, seven-time league champions, come into the encounter after losing several key players during the transfer window. Fans should expect a new-look Express side with fresh faces making their competitive debut under pressure.