UPL: BUL targets top spot maintenance as they host Onduparaka

BUL FC targets maintaining top spot on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table as they host Onduparaka at Fufa Technical Center for the Uganda premier league action on Wednesday.

The Eastern Giants have had a good season so far, currently sitting healthily in first place on 11 points, after winning three and drawing two games.

Last week’s 1-1 draw at Gaddafi made it two stalemates in five matches and coach Alex Isabirye is well aware that the draws in that run should not be rampant and they need to start being turned into victories.

However, they will take encouragement from the fact that they have won all their home matches, scoring four and conceding two only in two home matches.

“We drew in our last game and now we need to get a win tomorrow to remain at the top but this will not be quite easy. Onduparaka has gone three games without victory and we expect them to come all out to get a better result. Nevertheless, we are ready for them,” Isabirye said.

Onduparaka are currently in 15th position in the table, and come into this one in relatively down form, drawing three times and losing their last outing 2-1 at home to Express.

Hamuza Kalanzi’s men have one point reflecting on their account although they have picked up three this campaign in four games but the two were deducted from them as a repremand for having initiated chaos against KCCA in Arua last season.

In the four games Kalanzi has been in charge of the Carterpillars, Onduparaka have drawn three and lost one

It was a 0-0 draw on the sides’ last meeting in April, and as they prepare to face off on Wednesday, here is the pre-match news and some interesting facts before their 13th meeting.

Isabirye’s side will be without Walter Ochora due to suspension after the defender received a red card against Gaddafi, with his defense partner Ronald Otti also doubtful.

Midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi remain sidelined through injury, and forward Frank Kalanda has joined him in the sick bay.

The rest of the players are expected to be available for selection.

BUL and Onduparaka have met on 12 occasions in the past. BUL have won five contests, with the Caterpillars winning two and the sides drawing five times.