After bagging the Kampala Region 3rd Division league title, Blackstars FC will host Buganda Region champions Buwambo United at Muteesa II Wankulukuku Stadium on Saturday June 13 in the first leg of the promotion playoff to the FUFA Big League.
Blackstars FC enjoyed a strong league campaign, collecting 54 points from 35 matches. They won 22 games, drew five, scored 61 goals and conceded 36 in a season that underlined their attacking strength.
On the other hand, Buwambo United topped their league race with 67 points from 29 matches. They registered 21 wins, four draws, scored 41 goals and conceded only 14, showing a more defensive and disciplined approach throughout their campaign.
Buwambo go into this fixture missing centre half Ayman Twaha, who opted to represent Buwekula in the Airtel Masaza Cup on the same day. His absence is a major blow to their defensive stability.
In response, head coach Patrick Kimuli is expected to recall Benon Viany Kigenda to partner Augustus Lubega at centre-back, while captain Alex Kiyaga and Ivan Nyombi maintain their wide defensive roles.
However, Buwambo United received a boost after captain Alex Kiyaga, top scorer Enock Ssekatawa, and winger Alex Mutebi all chose to stay with the club instead of featuring for Kyadondo Ssaza team.
For the hosts, Blackstars FC are set to field their strongest squad, with only Ivan Kanda Agamire expected to miss out. Key players such as Benon Lutaaya, goalkeeper Siraje Masembe, Alex Ssenkyanzi, experienced midfielder Samuel Ssekitto, overlapping left-back Akram Katende, and creative midfielder Peter Kaye are all available.
Blackstars will also rely heavily on Benon Lutaaya, who scored 21 goals and finished the regular season as the team’s standout performer, alongside goalkeeper Siraje Masembe.
On the Buwambo United side, goalkeeper Keveni Ssenabulya, defensive midfielder Innocent Ongurucho Mensor, Alex Kiyaga, Abubakar Kalungi, Alex Mutebi, and top scorer Enock Ssekatawa who has nine goals are all expected to play key roles.
Blackstars FC will aim to take advantage at home before traveling to Buwambo for the return leg on June 20, a fixture that will ultimately decide which side earns promotion to the FUFA Big League.
