12/06/2024
WABOMBA SPORTS Eastern Regional League Bukedi Group Team of the 2023-24 Season (Formation 4-2-3-1)
The 2023-2024 Eastern Regional League curtain came down on Sunday with Bukedi Group winners Mbale Garage FC falling to Nile Group winners Busei FC 3-2 in the playoff final held at Mbale Stadium.
After thorough analysis and consideration, our Eastern Regional League Bukedi Group Best XI is decided, and some selections may spark controversy. Notably, there’s no place for either UCU FC’s Mafabi Ezekiel or IUIU SC’s Shikanga Emmanuel, despite their outstanding performances this season. We’ve also included players from teams in the bottom half of the table.
Check out our lineup below and share your thoughts in the comments section!
Wabomba Sports ERL Bukedi Group Best XI:
•GK: Paddy Ochola (Mbale Garage FC)
Mbale Garage FC conceded just 13 goals in 21 games with Paddy Ochola as their dependable goalkeeper. His efforts were crucial in their playoff qualification.
After receiving a red card in the last regular season game against Admin FC Bugisu United for handling the ball outside the box, his absence in the playoff final was heavily felt and one of the factors for their defeat to Busei. Busia Youngster FC’s Sadam Juma also deserves a special mention for his performance this season.
•RB: Namaisi Steven (UCU FC)
The league was blessed with good right backs like Abdu Anywar (Amus College FC), Kyeyune Fahad (Admin FC Bugisu United), and Muwonge Eddy Kibedi (Mbale Garage FC). However, UCU FC’s Namaisi Steven stands out.
Kataka’s double-licensed player, Steven Namaisi, was very consistent and instrumental for UCU FC throughout the season, with his long throw-ins creating many goals.
•CB: Okadapau ‘Agoggo’ Erasmus (Admin FC Bugisu United)
Known as Agoggo, Okadapau Erasmus is calm, composed, and plays mature defense. He was a key figure for Admin FC Bugisu United this season and fully deserves his spot on the Best XI.
•CB: Suleiman Majanjalo (Mbale Garage FC)
Referred to as “Coach Sula” by his teammates, Suleiman Majanjalo is a versatile and experienced defender. He had a solid season at Mbale Garage FC, guiding them to the playoffs.
•LB: Kisozi Samuel (Mbale Garage FC)
While IUIU SC’s Emmanuel Shikanga had a good season and almost made it to my Bext XI, Mbale Garage FC’s Kisozi Samuel earns the left-back spot.
His movements and transitions on the left flank were pivotal for Mbale Garage FC, he looks but played with a lot of maturity and I will not be surprised with a Uganda Premier League or Big League team takes him.
•DM: Hassan Sanya (Admin FC Bugisu United)
Hassan Sanya is a class player and one of the best in the Eastern Region League.
The soft-spoken defensive midfielder, who can also play center-back, was crucial for Bugisu United, showcasing maturity, leadership, hard tackling, and set-piece prowess. Hassan Sanya scored 5 goals and made 4 assists this season!
•DM: Bukenya ‘BK’ Julius (Mbale Garage FC)
Bukenya Julius, known as BK, played a key role in Mbale Garage’s midfield. Despite receiving a red card, his overall performance merits his inclusion. Special mentions go to UCU FC’s Derrick ‘Baros’ Marocho and IUIU SC’s Onongo Dennis for their commendable seasons.
•AM: Lomilo Peter (Northern Division FC SCORE)
Lomilo Peter was prolific this season, lighting up the league by emerging as a top scorer with 13 goals. He occupies my wide attacking midfield spot.
•AM: Imam Shafik Kawooya (IUIU SC)
IUIU SC’s captain, Imam Shafik Kawooya, earns his place with his creativity, accurate passing, and dribbling skills. Kawooya’s statistics in the league this season speak for themselves, the IUIU Guild Speaker scored 5 goals and made 7 assist this season.
Sky Sports SC Captain Wagiro 'Kante' Nassurdin, UCU FC’s assistant captain Watuwa Sam, Busia Youngster FC’s Dan Mubbale and Tiira Sporting Club’s captain Derrick Hamya didn’t make it to my Best XI but they all deserve a special mention in this position.
•AM: Ismail ‘Keita’ Ndifuna (Mbale Garage FC)
Youngster Ismail Ndifuna, known as Keita, was a key figure for Mbale Garage FC, scoring 9 goals and making 8 assists! I don’t remember the day I saw him off form this season, he will definitely occupy a spot among my 3 attacking midfielders, on the flank, behind the main striker.
•CF: Patrick Gonahasa (Busia Youngsters FC)
Patrick Gonahasa, despite being one of the oldest players in the league, but managed to net 9 goals, despite starting the league in January.
He is physic torments defenders in the Drogba-style and he also has the Namaisi-style of long throw-ins. He will lead the line in the Best XI! UCU's Mafabi Ezekiel also deserves a special mention in this position.
Individual Recognitions:
•Best Coach: Nasibu Ndita (Mbale Garage FC)
Guiding Mbale Garage FC to the Bukedi Group championship and playoff qualification, Nasibu Ndita managed to coach the entire season at Mbale Garage, an impressive feat that very few coaches have managed given the pressures and demands from fans and officials.
•Best CEO: Wilson Kavuma (Mbale Garage FC)
Kavuma Wilson deserves credit for improving Mbale Garage FC, including commendable player recruitment, minimizing negative behaviors and resource mobilization. He is a FAMACO 2 student and if I am mistaken, the obly CEO among the Bukedi Group teams that is doing it!
•Best Media Officer: Wabomba Ronnie (Admin FC Bugisu United)
Hmm it is not easy to vote yourself but this recognition goes to myself for the commendable job done to promote and market the newly acquired team Bugisu United (that bought Admin FC) through the media.
A round of applause goes my fellow media officers of clubs like Aron Okotel (IUIU SC), Jose Mukhooli (UCU FC), Milton Mushani (Sky Sports SC), Sulaiman Masejele (Mbale Garage FC) and John K Uganda (Amus SC). They surely did a good job this season, despite most of them working on voluntarily basis with “little or no appreciation” from their bosses!
•Best Photographer: Joshua Ekuma
Joshua Ekuma’s passionate coverage of games, often without pay, deserves a heartfelt "thank you" for his contributions. This man puts in even his cash to transport himself to match venues, to take photos and send to team media officers.
If you second me, we can fundraise and gift Josh a better camera lens!
•Best Referee: Buyi Jackson.
Former footballer turned referee, Buyi Jackson, handled big games fairly, making him the standout referee in the season that had many questionable refereeing decisions especially by some assistant referees. Jack Buyi will be a top referee not just in the region but in the country in the coming years “if he isn’t spoilt”.
•Best Fan: Simple Simon (Mbale Garage FC)
Simple Simon, a dedicated medical worker and passionate supporter of Mbale Garage FC, is recognized for his unwavering support.
Simon once told me he even puts in huge sums of money to support his team when there is a need!
•Fair Play Award: Sky Sports SC.
Sky Sports SC exhibited high levels of discipline, earning them the Fair Play Award.
Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments!