The battle between Buganda Regional League champions Buwambo United and Kampala Regional League champions Blackstars FC is set for a decisive chapter when the two sides meet in the return leg of their promotional playoff on Saturday, June 21.
The first leg ended 1-1, leaving everything to play for as both teams continue their pursuit of a place in the FUFA Big League.
However, preparations for the return leg have not been straightforward for Buwambo United, who have faced uncertainty over a suitable venue after concerns were raised by the FUFA Competitions Committee, headed by Shoun Mubira.
On June 15, the committee informed Buwambo United that their Home of Talents Ground in Buwambo was unfit to host a match of such magnitude at the second-division level.
The club initially pleaded for permission to upgrade the facility and was granted time to do so. However, the committee later, through Buganda Region Football Association technical official Abu Zikusooka Ssenabulya, advised the club to propose an alternative venue.
In response, Buwambo officials turned to Mwererwe Solid Source Ground and reportedly agreed to pay Shs700,000 for the facility. Sources indicate that the venue management later increased the charge to Shs2 million, making the arrangement difficult to sustain.
With the situation proving unmanageable, Buwambo United management reversed the decision and switched to YMCA Ground in Buwambo, where the match is now expected to take place. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm.
Despite the off-field inconveniences, Buwambo United, under coach Patrick Kimuli, have remained focused on their Big League mission. The team is set to welcome back Ayman Twaha, who missed the first leg while featuring for Buwekula in the Airtel Masaza Cup.
The hosts will also rely on key players including Alex Mutebi, Bernardo Kateregga, Enock Ssekatawa, Innocent Ongurucho and Abubakar Kalungi, all of whom are in good shape ahead of the encounter.
On the other hand, Blackstars FC will once again look to influential forward Benon Lutaaya, who was arguably the standout performer in the first leg and is expected to pose a major threat to the home side.
Lutaaya will be supported by a strong cast that includes Peter Kaye, Alex Ssekyanzi, Sam Ssekitto and Ivan Agamire as Blackstars seek to complete the job away from home.
In the first leg played at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, Lutaaya gave Blackstars the lead before Ongurucho Mensor rescued Buwambo United with a crucial equaliser.
Should the aggregate score remain level after 90 minutes of the return leg, the away-goals rule will first be applied. If the tie remains unresolved, the winner will be determined through a penalty shootout.
