Week One UPL Results: Police 3 – 0 Rweshama SC Villa 1 – 0 Soana URA 1 – 1 Bright Stars Bul 1 – 1 Sadolin Express 0 – 2 Kira Young Entebbe 0 – 1 Simba Lweza 0 – 1 SCVU The Uganda Premier League (UPL) got underway with week one action where 7 fixtures were played, 12 goals scored to just 2 conceded and one own goal. (from Rogers Aloro). There were 5 victories recorded, all of which were clean sheets with two draws registered. 5 of these games were held on the opening match day one (Friday) and two matches held the following day (Saturday). Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye presents those players whose overall contribution in the fixtures held slightly outshone the rest 1- Ashadu Bugembe (Kira Young): It was very difficult to pick Kira Young goalie, Ashadu Bugembe ahead of Police’s, Benjamin Ochan (SCVU), Ali Kimera (SC Villa) and Simba’s goal custodian. All kept a clean sheet for their respective teams. Bugembe thwarted the most goal bound opportunities and was playing away at the usually intimidating Wankulukuku Stadium. His command at the back, aerial prowess and quick reaction in restarting play are his daily meal. 2- Denis Okot (Victoria University): Nicknamed the ‘machine’, Okot is a workaholic who appropriately apportions a great working budget for his defensive and offensive roles while at the right back. He had a decent day at office. 3- Fred Nkata (SC Villa): Every glimpse on the SC Villa captain, Nkata at left back against Soana in Mityana Ssaza grounds affirmed my conclusion; Uganda is blessed with the best left backs in the entire CECAFA region. He was confident to build play from the back, inter-pass with teammates; intercept passes as well execute those odd runs upfront. He is such a darling to watch in the frame of Vipers’ Dan Birikiriwa, Cranes’ Godfrey ‘Jjaja Walu’ Walusimbi, Sporting Colviha’s Alex Kakuba, Rwenshama’s Jamada Katabi, Police’s Rogers Kalyango, Entebbe f.c’s Sunday Mukiibi, SCVU’s Isaac Muleme, Bright Stars’ Abubaker Tabula, just to mention but a few. 4- Musa Doca (SC Villa): Where his central defensive partner, Fahad Kawooya looked out of place, Doca was in the right place to offer the cover. Looked to have run of steam especially in final 10 minutes, but Doca worked tirelessly with the rest of his teammates to ensure a clean sheet. 5- Timothy Musinguzi (Soana): No single Sports Club Villa player managed to successfully beat this rock solid Soana defender. Musinguzi, also the team captain made 14 timely ball interceptions against Steven Bengo, Justus Anena, Elias Ssekisambu and Karim Ndugwa. Musinguzi executed timely tackles and all his 50 – 50 challenges on ground and in air. Despite playing under very harsh conditions, characterized by strong winds and rains, he stood tall to clear any threat and was unlucky to end on the losing side. 6- Ronald Lukungu (Sadolin f.c): The former Masaka Local Council captain is a known calm footballer, comfortable with all playing positions on a football arena apart from the goal keeping department. He was excellent at game reading and number of successful passes executed. His presence on the league’s best 11 ahead of Hassan Wasswa (SC Villa) and Kakooza Kachanga (Bright Stars) and Kira Young’s Allan Ssembatya. 7- Andrew Basooma (Sadolin f.c): Jinja based side, Sadolin made the best signing in Andrew Basooma. Recruited from Police f.c, Basooma had a great match against Bul football club with perfect successful dribbles and crosses. He opened Sadolin’s season goal account before Ivan Lubaale made amends for Bul f.c in the Eastern derby. 8- Muzamiru Mutyaba (Victoria University): Blessed with an excellent first touch on the ball, Mutyaba has the patience and quick vision to unlock even the meanest defenses with eye catching defence splitters. 9- Umar Kasumba(Police): Kasumba has perfected his direct version of football as he injects pace to his side. He was the only player on who notched a brace on the opening day Uganda Premier league fixtures. A fox in the box player who does not need hundreds of chances to enscript his name on the score sheet. 10- Brian Nkuubi (Kira Young): The team chemistry between Brian Nkuubi and Baker Lukooya at Kira Young is heaven made. The two combined to torment Express and give coach Paul ‘Latest’ Nkata a winning start for his new side. Nkuubi’s overall contribution to help Kira Young grab the entire 3 points from Wankulukuku Stadium can never be underestimated. Nkuubi’s positional sense and efficient use of the ball compensates his diminutive structure. 11- Meddie Kakeeto (Bright Stars): Kakeeto’s talent has never been in question though the player himself has never realized that he is ‘sitting on a gold mine’. His well taken goal after just four minutes into the URA – Bright Stars’ game was just another bonus to his overall contribution. Commended: Other players who contributed immensely to their team’s overall performance are SC Villa’ s goalie, Ali Kimera, Mathew Odongo (SCVU), Karim Ndugwa (SC Villa), Baker Lukooya (Kira Young), Robert Sentongo (Uganda Revenue Authority), Ivan Lubaale (Bul Bidco), Hassan Wasswa (SC Villa), Farouq Katongole (Entebbe football club), Allan Ssembatya (KiraYoung),Mathias Kigoonya (Bright Stars) and Sunday Mukiibi (Entebbe football club).
