CHAAPA LEAGUE SEASON 5 MATCH DAY THREE ANALYSIS
CHAAPA LEAGUE SEASON 5 MATCH DAY THREE ANALYSIS:
“Whet my appetite, mix my milkshake, fry my noddles and let thy throat rejoice!” Rejoice my critics, beam my faithfuls! Across the rivers of Babylon, beyond the oceans of the Pacific, a hero is born, a genius is crafted, a finisher of the finishers….chief Pundit Allanmerlin introduces himself to the highest table of Men!
Yobo Yobo FC finally breathe Nitrogen Oxide as a lethal display wins them six points. Burdizo’s winning run was put to a stop while Rugabo’s new signing Clinton lays a marker, a seal and a stamp! Chwezi puts 14 past 5 man Bulls 96 FC while Kataara picked their first win.
Today, you need a comfortable sofa loveseat to read this…..and here we go!
ALLANMERLIN MAGIC AS YOBO YOBO FC RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS!
It’s a new narrative! Boom!!
There is faith which moves mountains! The same faith can be applied everywhere. It’s possibility thinking. Chief Pundit Allanmerlin Kaganzi prophesied and he saw his prophesy come through!
Yobo Yobo FC were out to prove doubters wrong after a lucklustre display on match day two saw them pick a single point. Their first hurdle was the stubborn Fun FC, who in the previous meetings have proved to be rocky, losing narrowly on those occasions. Yobo Yobo needed an inspiration to come up with a heavy win that would lay a foundation of their season. Team sheets were out early and Adwin stood between the goalposts of Fun FC, marshalling a defence of Campo, Didah, Jo and later Bozera. Timon, Omuhooza,Katic and Allan were part of the side too.
Yobo Yobo came out of the dugout to do their prematch warm ups and what surprised many, perhaps Noyangaki’s Ham and Dynamos’ Dhean was the appearance of Chief Pundit Allanmerlin Kaganzi. Clad in a clean jersey that was looking to make a debut, his warm up drew fans to the camp, cheering on every run he took and every jump he made. If these were to ridicule him, he was on a mission possible! The starting line up had Muzoora returning to the goalposts to replace Talent Brian who sustained an ankle injury during the week. Twes Eliot took over the captain’s armband as Sonswi, Owen and Sharif joined in the attack. Gallas and Madongo were tasked with the rearguard as Yassin sat close. It was Kennedy, Muzamil and Allanmerlin on the “Entebbe Road”(read bench). The first half was soon underway and Fun FC threatened early on with long balls that troubled Yobo Yobo’s defence. Fun were resolute in defence, giving Yobo Yobo attackers no chance to sniff at Adwin’s goal. Didah and his colleagues were doing clearing and forwarding business and they managed to frustrate Yobo Yobo with the half time score 0-0!
The second period saw an improved Yobo Yobo, playing with speed and urgency. It was a matter of time for Fun FC to finally let the taps loose. Sharif received a loose ball just afew metres from the center arc and planted a shot to the hands of Adwin. The shot had phosphate and Calcium bicarbonate and all nutrients manufactured from the laboratories of Kyamuhunga tea factory. Adwin could not handle the weight of that shot as he fumbled it past the line to give Yobo Yobo a 1-0 lead! It was a goal that saw the camp breathe air of relief as Fun FC was finally broken. With Fun choosing to be adventurous, they were caught yet again as the impressive Sharif sent another screamer and this time, Adwin could do little or possibly nothing! The ball kissed the net for a sizeable 2-0 lead! Yobo Yobo were sailing on a floating raft, and bringing the sheaves home! And this is when history was made:
In the aftermath of that goal, playmaker Sonswi stepped out of the pitch and he was replaced by Allanmerlin for the remaining minutes of the game! The Chaapa League commentator and pundit had promised the Chaapa League fraternity that indeed he was going to score a goal on match day three! Somehow, afew believed in him. Noyangaki’s Ham and Sikukuru’s Mbaga both doubted if the guy had some guts to kick the ball across the last line of defence. Some had to swear never to see such a thing happen. But, boy, the guy is made of cast iron and stainless steel (capture the combination). He definitely knew that whoever was in him was greater than he that is in this world.
Every run he made drew cheers from the crowd and when he picked the ball for his first touch, and passed to Sharif, some saw it as the best achievement he could do on the pitch. However, some had branded him Solskjaer, Xavier Hernandez and Philip Inzhagi! Why? His poaching instincts could be felt. After missing a lay off from Sharif, he picked himself up and continued to find space to hurt Fun FC.
And magic ensued!!! He stood behind Bozera, run away to Jo and evaded them in a flash to put himself in a position that only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was familiar with. Skipper Eliot read his move and crossed a sweet ball, served with ice cream and Allanmerlin sent a composed, exquisite, brilliant and magnificent finish into the top corner, wrong footing Adwin to extend Yobo Yobo’s lead to 3-0! What a goal it was and what a finish!! As he stormed away to celebrate, the pitch was flooded with jubilant fans as the raucous crowd were thrown in a frenzy! The birds could have chanted sweet melodies, the squirrels of Kyambogo could have smiled with joy. A sliding celebration was befitting to the goal and how he calculated his slide not to fall over to the bush was and is still a mystery! He was mobbed by Yobo Yobo players and fans and the crowd that was present, some stood in shock yet to believe their eyes. The striker who denied his services to Hezibola- who wanted to use him as a goalie, he was signed by Yobo Yobo as a striker and great, he delivered on his debut. Excitement was killing him and as he cupped his ears in response to Ham and his critics, it was a message that never doubt he who believes!
The re-start from the centre saw Allanmerlin depart from the pitch, putting an end to his seven minute debut! And as it stands, he went into the Chaapa League books of history. This was his second goal in Chaapa League history with the first coming against the Galacticos of See Far fc. He has managed to score both goals in a combined 50 minutes, averaging one goal per 25 minutes. This record isn’t beaten by anyone in Chaapa League. This season alone, he scores once every after seven minutes! Time to take a bow for the new king of records? You may be too late!
Full time whistle went too early with celebrations still ongoing.
Yobo Yobo vs Club 95 fc
The Rubber bullets had another stern test to pass and this was Club 95. They set out unchanged for this encounter against a team that has always given them hard time to beat and a goalkeeper(Kabagambe Ivan) who won the accolade of player of match day the last time they met. Eng. Muts, Collins, Mark, Bishe, Ssentongo, Richard, Siraj were among those available to take on Yobo Yobo.
It proved a tough encounter for the rubber bullets who were showing signs of sloppiness and fatigue. However, Club 95 could not capitalize on this and when Sharif was denied with a dramatic acrobatic save from Kabagambe, the match was destined for a draw! It took the magic of Oyesigye Owen to break the deadlock late on! He skipped a couple of challenges, squirming past Muts and Collins before seeing the sight of goal. Filled with power, pace, skill and accuracy, he beat Kabagambe with a thunderbolt to win the points for Yobo Yobo, laying a foundation to their season.
The Rubber bullets finally introduced themselves in high definition as they sang their anthem! Six points out of six available, the Rubber bullets are back in business and with four clean sheets in six games, it finally looks like business as usual! They suddenly could look unstoppable as the winning mentality creeps in!
BURDIZO’S WINNING RUN HALTED AS DYNAMOS FINALLY AVOID DEFEAT
Season 5 breakaway leaders Burdizo came into match day three knowing that two wins from as many games would strengthen their grip on top of the table as they look to win the crown they last wore in season one. They were the only team with maximum record and no blemish. Who was gonna stop their winning run? Welcome X-Convicts!
The former prisoners of X-Convicts had previously won a tag of cult heroes and sworn enemies when a 2-1 demolition of Burdizo last season saw the castrators lose grip on the would be champions of Karasande FC. It was a result that hurt them most and how Burdizo lay an ambush in revenge, it was sweet to watch! X-Convicts had a tactical switch that saw first choice shot stopper Lauben sit in the attacking wing as legendary X-Convicts man Cyrus returned to the goal posts for his first appearance of the season. Moze continued to look isolated in defence without partner Ronnie as Dalton, Kodil, Jim and Abraham set out to stop Burdizo.
The castrators had Timo in goals, guarded by Lexi and the impressive Christian and Ian Wright. Team captain Allan Kikuru led the team that had Rwabwisho, Solomon and Vanon in attack!
It was barely ten minutes into the match when season four MVP Jim sent a free kick far off and wide of the pitch. Miscommunication between Timo and his defender cost Burdizo a goal. The goalie and his defender both failed to manage a tame effort that looked easy to grab as they saw it agonisingly creep in to give X-Convicts an undeserved lead! Jim had scored his third goal against Burdizo and only against Dingiswayo (4) has he scored more against a single opponent.
Burdizo needed a quick response and an inspiration! After sloppy defending from Dalton, Vanon exquisitely held the defender off, wrong footed him before comfortably finishing past Cyrus to level the scores. Burdizo were recharged and re-energized. The next attack yielded results. Kikuru laid the ball invitingly for Christian and this boy is as dangerous as the hammer and chisel, the gauge and the anvil! You definitely expect him to “thunder” the ball. The proprietor of Tian Woodworks buried the shot in the roof, Xabi Alonso and John Arne Riise would be envious.
Burdizo kept in the hunt and it was befitting that the next move involved the impressive Rwabwisho. May be Burdizo needs to audit this lad! Am I the only one who over rates him? He has the potential of being a contender of best midfielder but the way he turns out in some matches, one is left wondering who exactly he is. That marvelous, skilful and defence splitting assist to Solomon proved what he can do best. Solo slotted home to safeguard the points and condemn X-Convicts to a defeat!
Dynamos rise? Burdizo pocketed:
Burdizo took on the depleted yellow submarines of 99 Dynamos for their second encounter well knowing that three more points meant more bragging rights. The Dynamos who came to this match having seen their four starters suspended tried to patch up the ailing team. Skipper Mark van Basto and Alex were back to the side that missed Juuko, Obadiah, Dhean and Mark. Tabaaro and Masyu continued in the starting line up.
The Yellow submarines, who came into match day three without a single point to their name managed to pick one from Sikukuru FC. A thunderous long range finish from chairman Mark gave Dynamos the lead but it was chalked off when Polly equalised for the Turn boys!
Burdizo was a tougher test! However, they took the game to the castrators, playing it Scrappy and denying Burdizo attackers any chance to reach Eddie Cole in goals. Mark Van Basto did what Ander Herrera did to Hazard – man marking. He pocketed Vanon the entire game, denying him any sniff at the goals. Tabaaro was by far the man of the match as he intercepted passes in the midfield and caused an array of a nuisance in the middle of the park. Kikuru and Rwabwisho looked for the ball, controlled it and saw their passes cut short. Supply was cut off and as scorched Earth policy would have it, you kill supply of basic needs and starve the opponents! Denying Burdizo a pass to their lead striker Vanon is as dangerous as Shaka Zulu’s tactics!
The yellow submarines held on to take home a point from the giants of Burdizo, consequently becoming the only team as it stands to deny Burdizo passage and put a halt to it’s winning run. You can be sure that Msamiati and Chogm were laughing under their arteries.
May be there is need to congratulate 99 Dynamos for better achievements. It was the second time in six matches that they avoided defeat having played four prior to match day three, picking no point. Such a response must point to great days ahead and if they receive some of their stars from suspension like striker Dhean, may be their goal scoring prowess could return. They have scored only two goals in six games. It’s a sickening statistic to lament about!
MUTAKOHA LIGHT SPARKS FRUSTRATED AS MATU HOLDS TIGHT:
If there was any match eagerly anticipated, it was the encounter between the long eared Bulls of Matu and the dazzling light sparks of Mutakoha FC. Mind games were played for two weeks as Matu did best to get beyond the plasma and platelets of Mutakoha. The return of lethal attacker Atamba to the Mutakoha side cast disaster on the opponents who were yet to face Mutakoha. The attacking quartet of Atamba, Salim, Nahason and Jacob was looking dangerous to terrorise Matu. Fun FC skipper Jo had sponsored Mutakoha a full kit and these lads were looking smart and if they were to turn it into goals, one would fear for the safety of Matu FC.
Matu had a game plan and a strategy and if it was set to stop a huge damage, it yielded results and nearly gave them a result that had the final whistle gone after 33 minutes, what a win that would have been. It would have ranked close to the day Noyangaki humbled the then defending champions of Chogm FC.
Luke Hunter led the attack, Dede took the rearguard, Jarc saw his defensive partner Alvin go to the goalposts and it was this move that changed the game to it’s tide! Alvin’s huge presence in the goals was just enough to frustrate Mutakoha. Oscar, Jarc and co. worked overtime, and they looked dangerous on the break. Mutakoha goalkeeper Jotham was called into action to save his team’s blushes with pin point saves and good game reading. Mutakoha resorted to long range shots and if somehow we arranged games at Makerere Rugby grounds, I can assure you that Salim would have scored 8, Atamba 6, Nazil 4 and each and everyone would have registered his name on the scoresheet. They could not hit the target. Whatever came closing to breaching Matu’s hard work, Alvin was brilliant and equal to it. Sikukuru players took position on the side of the pitch and cheered on Matu with zeal and passion. Am quite convinced that if Atamba reads this line, he could score in dozens against the Sikukuru drivers.
Matu were rewarded for their hard work and composure when a goal mouth scramble and partition saw Jotham make a low save before Luke Hunter buried the ball into the nets from a rebound as Mutakoha failed to clear their lines. Celebrations were as noisy as those at San Mames and Kabagarame!! Mutakoha were looking for their friends and sympathisers but it seemed no one was present. They picked themselves to the center for a restart and with the clock ticking down to less than seven minutes, Matu finally gave way, much to the disappointment of it’s fans and great relief to the Mutakoha camp. You never would have imagined how Anthony, Emma, and Rolland were looking before that moment. And as Salim’s lightning shot found its way in Matu’s nets, the lads returned to life. However, there was no time left to grab a winner for either sides as the fans and players settled for a memorable draw! It was a result Mutakoha never expected and one Matu never anticipated. They had to jubilate at full time.
Mutakoha will learn to be patient and wear out teams rather than attack to kill which consequently exposes them at the back! Can Matu turn out to be giant killers and title deciders? Hezibola’s crown may be taken over if this defensive discipline is to be maintained playing the bigger sides of the league.
Matu were however hammered later on when Kataara FC got to winning ways , 3-0 was the final score!
Mutakoha vs See Far fc
Nothing but a win and only a win was what Mutakoha had to pick from their second encounter at See Far in order to do their motivation a certain justice. See Far were from a dismal display against Rugabo fc (Read the next chapter and see how Clinton defined football). A win was what they could crave for and having heard about Matu heroics in the earlier 1-1 draw, See Far had some solace to pick the first points of the day. They picked zero from day one, six from day two and coming into this match, they had picked nothing. If the sequence was to be followed, they were to pick zero from day three!
Deno, Izo, Jude and Becks were among the See Far players looking to see beyond the “myopic” Mutakoha lads.
Mutakoha had Nazil replaced by Zamba in the midfield as he and Jacob did the hard work. See Far fc had been worn out already from a 3-1 loss to Rugabo and may be the same could be said about Mutakoha who used energy in Kilojoules to draw at Matu. But, the lads had bubbling synovials and their magnetic disks are as effective as the hard drives!
See Far was stubborn!. Mutakoha still never expected this to happen. Ezra was alert in goals to deny the light sparks from breaching him. Mutakoha were forced into a change when first choice shot stopper Jotham rushed away for a test only to be replaced by Emma. Seeing the former dazzling lad in goals, i personally feared for Mutakoha. However, he was out to prove me wrong and show Mutakoha that they have what it takes to succeed in all areas. That save from Becks at 0-0 was the turning point for Mutakoha FC. How he kept the ball out, at full stretch with Mutakoha players looking worried blew me off into a huge cheer. Emma was looking natural in goals and if he can have more time reading the movement of the ball, he could prove something in time of need!
Who was to deliver a silver lining? Looking to the mountains, from whence was the help coming from? Zechariah could not talk but he was used by God. He was humble! And God chose to use Atamba to provide the spark. The FC Minneapolis striker Nathaniel skipped past three challenges and put himself in a position that made See Far defence vulnerable. Such was the individual brilliance lacking in the first match. He shook the net with a sublime finish to give Mutakoha the three much needed points. From this point for the last 6 minutes, Kajungu and Ismail controlled matters at the back and saw out the game.
Four points wasn’t a bad haul though it’s not what they anticipated. If coach Bannet learns to coach with an accomodating style and smile, may be he will tactically coach his side to use patience.
RUGABO MASTERCLASS, CLINTON’S RAP-SONG:
In the footballing world, there are players that need no introduction. Their names sound like a necessity and their achievements are as visible as the bald head of Kasenene. Likewise, in Chaapa League, there is a lad that needs no introduction whatsoever. His talent and skill can never be doubted. Birds sing his name, the sound waves populate his magic. Clinton – the riverbank that overflows! The flying mantis, the king in the mezzanine, the pirate of the dummies and the architect of the California king-bed!
The attacking midfielder whose magical skills saw Karasande crowned season four champions, agreed to a move to neighbors Rugabo fc. He is a player who can fit in any team whatsoever but eyebrows were raised on how he was gonna connect with a patch-less Rugabo side whose vapor cools quickly at the sight of the trophy. Is Clinton the missing part in their jigsaw? Or, he missed playing for a team that is ‘average’ and he continues to prove that he is the next MVP? Whichever case it is, this boy knows and loves the ball! In his first four games, it was evident luck was not on his side after picking one goal and seeing his new colleagues miss clear cut chances that he had created. However, nothing seems to faze him out. He needed to just connect his spark plug and let the fire burn. To him, when it burns, it’s a furnace. He never knows of candle or bush-fire! He dazzles and leaves opponents watching in awe, and fans thrown in a frenzy!
He is fouled more times than any other player in the league but, he just comes up from the ground stronger and it’s no doubt that before he is fouled, he waits to throw fire canisters! Am sure you now know when he rips teams apart!
Welcome See Far fc! Season four champion Clinton was the pivot and the peak of mount Everest! He held the steering wheel and packed Julian, Wilth, Festo, and Ex Nihilo in the passenger seats and put on the ignition! The engine was ready to roar. How sweet it roared thunder courtesy of Clinton! Need I say that he scored a hatrick in a 3-1 demolition of See Far fc? He could have picked four or more and had it not been profligacy and wastefulness of his colleagues in attack, may be he would have picked three more assists. That’s his game, that his stage. He has conquered all partitioned and undivided territories and he is soon claiming the most notable crown! Beware of his touch, skill and vision. He is like a Golgi body and his sheen has cellulose cell wall. Adding goals to his great displays is so orgasmically beautiful. You just forget to pick on your pancake while watching him.
Rugabo vs Noyangaki
If there is a ship that could be on its way to the bedrock, it could be Noyangaki’s. (More on this in the next chapter).
Rugabo were lethal facing early season table toppers! Once again, it was Clinton the central figure. Cameras were back to his feet and the rest were centered in two spots. Some were at Askago’s goal to keep counting the goals while others were on Ex Nihilo. Why Ex Nihilo? Since Noyangaki’s debut in season two, the Rugabo striker has scored in each and every meeting. It was shocking when his name was read on the starting line up facing his elder brother Patson in the Noyangaki defence. Why didn’t he send him to the village to check on his errands so that he puts a halt to his scoring record? A mistake made and Ex Nihilo capitalized by extending his scoring streak, 5 goals in four consecutive games against Noyangaki, assisting more 4. He’s been involved in 9 goals in just five games. How sweet he loves Noyangaki!
The rest of the show was left to Clinton yet again. He bagged a brace to take his tally to 5 goals in just two games and 6 for the campaign, climbing to the top scoring charts! Despite Ronald pulling one goal back for his first career goal, Rugabo was too good and too sweet for their two opponents of the day!
Unbeaten in six, back into the close places of the trophy hunt…will their candle keep burning? Will Clinton take them to the promised land where he took the Tusaasanya boys of Karasande? He’s got the tools, he’s got the skill, he’s got the acumen and raging passion to succeed. “He laid a marker, a stamp and a seal!”, Chief Pundit quotes!
NOYANGAKI’S SINKING CURVE AND HEZIBOLA’S BITTER SWEET DAY:
We all remember after game week one when Noyangaki picked six points out of six to sit on top of the table. Bragging rights were won, screenshots were taken, frames were purchased and the noise threw monkeys off their patch and birds out of their nests. They truly deserved the praise.
Welcome match day two, their curve fell dramatically from six to one point out of six! What went wrong? They couldn’t win but managed a 3-3 draw after a dramatic comeback at X-Convicts. Coming into match day three, they were out to stop further drop as Hezibola and Rugabo provided competition. They had finally sorted their attacking force but this came at the expense of the defense that was left ailing. Rogers Bwambara acquired a feeling that it’s possible to score in Chaapa League. Ronald, and Abel think the same too. Ham still hunts for his first goal from open play and with nine goals scored by the team, may be they thought they could hit a dozen mark.
Noyangaki had seen Fun FC pull a dramatic win against Hezibola on day one and they knew that a quick and blistering start was the only way to go.
Hezibola on the other hand were out to stop Noyangaki from beating them for a second consecutive time , a feat Noyangaki has not achieved in it’s Chaapa League history. Bakash continued in goals with Douglas, Adrian, Benson, Patel, Winston and Kanyonyi completing the line up.
We were yet to take our seats with my colleague Beglin in the director’s box to do our commentary when Noyangaki struck the first blow. It was new recruit Van. He netted barely 12 seconds into the game for the second quickest ever goal in Chaapa League history after Burdizo’s Dziz screamer in 6 seconds in season one.
Hezibola were looking rusty and truth be told, they never did prematch warm up. They were trailing early on and needed composure to hit back. That hope seemed to be extinguished in the 5th minute when Rogers Bwambara claimed his first ever competitive goal in Chaapa League, finding way past Bakash. Surely, he’s been waiting for this day! Scoring infront of a packed packet of fans was befitting for such a strike. He added his name to the list on Chaapa League top scorers with one goal!
It finally dawned on Hezibola that Noyangaki were serious! They pushed bodies upfront and Patel’s hard work was on show to spearhead a come back. If Noyangaki could do it against X-Convicts while at 3-0 down, why not Hezibola that has fresh bones compared to their counterparts?
Kanyonyi planted a calculated header past Askago to halve the deficit before Douglas scored his first career goal for Hezibola to equalise. Ham and co. were caught in unfamiliar positions and when a long ball was launched, the defence was split and the goalkeeper beaten!
There was no hope for a draw from this moment. Hezibola took the game by it’s scruff and soon they were jubilating. Another long ball saw Adrian apply a silky brush to guide the ball into the back of the net. Hezibola were in dreamworld. Their sun was shining at midnight while their moon was broad at midday. Noyangaki were forced to surrender and taste the harsh feeling of losing a comfortable lead that Chwezi and X-Convicts have tasted this season!
With Noyangaki thrashed at Rugabo later on (3-1) after a Clinton masterclass, the elders picked no point for their labours. From six, to one, to zero, is the ship sinking hard?
Hezibola vs X-Convicts:
Hezibola were soon to be tested by a more quicker side and X-Convicts provided competition in this derby encounter!.
The former prisoners set out with skipper Myco returning to the starting line up and Shabz leading the line. Losing at Burdizo earlier on meant that X-Convicts had to do all it took to pick three points. Nevertheless, compared to their opponents Hezibola, they had used less efforts in the 3-1 loss against Burdizo. Their sloppy play meant they kept some charged batteries.
For Hezibola, the fire had been extinguished! They burned out after that memorable comeback and X-Convicts surely put them to a sword, emerging winners by a 2-0 scoreline.
Two things to note in this win on the X-Convicts side. Shabz scored his first ever Chaapa League goal! Boom, it’s true! Hezibola will not love to be in the news that they conceded from Shabz but it’s true! Him, together with Bwire Bruno are the Chaapa League strikers to have played more than 35 games without finding the back of the net! Allanmerlin made his debut and scored in less than seven minutes. Why does someone take over 35 games? In this drought, Shabz had missed empty net tap ins, squandered clear chances, hit the post from point blank range and attempted sickening acrobatic kicks. Finally it dawned on him that Hezibola was the side he would score his first goal against. Congratulations comrade. That was sweet to watch.
The second highlight came from the X-Convicts captain Myco. In my whole life, am yet to meet a jolly person like Myco. This is truth in black and white. Against Hezibola, he was out clean on goal and what he had to do was to concertrate and bury the ball into the net. You wanna know what he did? He smiled and broke into laughter! It was shocking but comic to watch. He missed the goal and came back running very happy. Whatever came to his head, he will disclose soon.
Hezibola and X-Convicts grabbed 3 points each for the day and they will need to add more grit to grind good results.
KARASANDE’S MIXED DAY, CHOGM’S HEAT AND KATAARA’S RESURRECTION:
Season four champions Karasande have so far not found title defence a bed of roses. They have had to dig deep in matches to take home results. A hard fought 1-0 win on opening day was followed by a hard earned 2-2 draw against Kyangabukama and a crunchy and teeth grilling comeback against Chwezi to win 4-2 having fallen 2-0 behind and consequently a 2-1 loss to Chogm had been Karasande’s title defence. Truth be told they have been depleted in numbers but not in passion. Zizou was missing in defence, while first choice goalkeeper Arnold went AWOL! This meant that Chris had to step in to save the situation.
Fixtures were not coming easy as Msamiati lay in ambush to slay the Tusaasanya boys who lack depth! Their much disjointed display was exploited by the dazzling Feti and Legend whose goals handed Msamiati a deserved 2-0 win. Karasande could not get a way past Taata Kemi who is surely proving to be the best shot stopper in the league.
Dejected and devastated, Karasande set a trap for Fun FC. Fun were from a 3-0 humbling at Yobo Yobo where Allanmerlin made them look average and facing a wounded Karasande was not the ideal match to play after such a demolition.
It was Emma who put the Tusaasanya boys ahead with a wonderful finish before Elgio found the target for his first of the season. Emma bagged a brace to make it 3-0 before Campo sent a long range clearance that fooled Chris in goals to pull a goal back for Fun FC who lost Adwin to a hand injury. Elgio should have scored his second but he saw Emma bundle into the ball and agonisingly send it off target when he should have scored from point blank range. Nevertheless, it was a result that did Karasande justice having struggled to beat Fun FC in the recent past. They finally made a routine win to stay in contention with the best in business!
Chogm stops Kogs and dismantles Bulls 96 FC
Another casualty in the emergency ward is Kogs FC. (I should discuss them in the next bulletin)
Chogm entertained Kogs FC with both sides harbouring different ambitions. Chogm is surely shaping up for a title challenge and with season two top scorer Don recalled to the starting line up, there was a certain air breathed in their camp. Midfield maestro Derrick, Byron, Twino, Adam and Ignie have something under their sleeves. Against Kogs FC, they were just frustrated and denied chance to hit hard. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate much to the joy of Kogs and disappointment to the King Powers of Chogm.
Time for redemption was against Bulls 96 FC who were from an embarrassing 14-0 record setting loss against Chwezi FC. Here, Bulls 96 put up a stern test to cover spaces and could only limit Chogm to only 5 goals. Bulls 96 FC managed to score in this game, going through Asaph who took his tally to 3 for the season. Chogm’s goals came through Byron, Adam and Ignie, with the latter bagging a hatrick. With his treble, Ignie made history.! He has scored at least one hatrick in all five Chaapa League seasons, a streak that deserves great recognition. He is the first ever player to score a hatrick in Chaapa League history and his 5 sets of hatricks could underline his claim as the Greatest Of All Time.(G.O.A.T). If he leads Chogm to another title, hats shall go off our heads and we shall bow to the King!
Kataara finally resurrects!
Valentine Kings Kataara fc, call them the candle lights were back to hunt for their first points of the season to steer clear of relegation zone that had seen them rub shoulders with Dynamos. Former Karasande link man and champion John Bruce was recalled to the line up alongside Ezra, Paddy, Joshua, Chris, Sekyanzi and Saddam.
The candle lights took on Club 95 fc for their opener, and despite being physically challenged compared to their elders, they coped up well. They were less clinical and could have done better on a good day to breach Kabagambe and his defence marshalled by Muts , Collins and Bishe! Club 95 had chances of their own but Ssentongo couldn’t convert any. The match ended as it started with both teams satisfied with a draw.
Kataara were presented with a glorious opportunity to play Matu FC who had been overworked in their 1-1 draw with mighty Mutakoha. Kataara completely run them over, tearing them apart and holding them by their long ears. 3-0 was the scoreline with Sekyanzi, Emma and Chris the goal scorers. What must have motivated Kataara was seeing their team finally score more than once in a league match since match day 14 of season three!(we are in season 5 remember). Two clean sheets shall serve to improve their confidence and they could soon turn the tide around! Welcome aboard, the candle lights of Kataara. The candles are now having flames of hope!
KYANGABUKAMA FEASTS ON DINGISWAYO & SIKUKURU, MSAMIATI FLOORS KOGS:
Season three champions Kyangabukama came into match day three on the back of a good run that included two wins and two draws but a 1-1 draw in a dismal display against Bulls 96 had come to test their ability to challenge for the trophy. The Rakutens usually struggle with weaker teams having in the recent past found it hard to beat Noyangaki and Fun FC. They welcomed Sikukuru – a side that falls in that category and true to say, they came out late in that game. They won 1-0 to ensure that Sikukuru picked one single point out of the available six. With the table shaping up steadily, the Drivers of Sikukuru are running through to the mines and it’s much anticipated that they could soon discover oil at the bottom of the table.
Kyangabukama had another hurdle to negotiate and this was Dingiswayo. The Zulu warriors seem to be in their own world too. When they turn up, they run the show and when they don’t, it’s awful. Against Kyangabukama, they were as awful as the word awful is described in the dictionary. Abel, Shadrach, Ernest, Ronnie McVex were all left panting for breath as Kyangabukama turned thunderous on them. Stoichkov got on the scoresheet before the impressive Gideon and Allan made the result safe. Shadrach had the consolation goal for the Zulu warriors who picked nothing from their two outings. Kyangabukama’s six points throw them into the cat’s bag for a title challenge. They have experience and their passion can’t he doubted. With Otunnu adding grit to the side, Albert and Kamya holding forte, they only need to beg Ernest to at least shoot on target. If Muzafaru is to be a regular starter for the Rakutens, there is magic in that boy’s foot.
Msamiati floors Kogs:
If Sikukuru and Noyangaki are looking to mine oil at the bottom of the table, Kogs is looking for phosphates or may be sulphuric acid. (who knows their core values?) May be they are looking for relegation and trying out the impossible. They are looking at their once dissed colleagues of Fun FC rubbing shoulders with the best in the league. Kogs is rubbing theirs with Sikukuru and 99 Dynamos. What went wrong? Only Campo left their goalposts and joined Fun FC who gave him a new challenge as a centre back. Is it the reason why Kogs is struggling? The Daga services guru should testify soon.
Having earlier drawn with Chogm, facing Msamiati meant that we asked alot from the elders in blue. Skipper SST has shown little flashes of consistency while the much feared Kenno seems to have lost his midas touch. Kopite, Bruce, Bampa and Bashir all look isolated in the matches they have appeared in. Only Totti is the bean in the soup.
Msamiati on the other hand is on a different riverbank. Inspired by the dazzling Feti, you can never go wrong to say they want the trophy. (Nibakyenda). Kanywani was back with his Vasco Da Gama boots in this millennial derby encounter. Gattuso, Bazak and Taata Kemi all look hungry for victories.
The match was just underway before Msamiati struck the first blow. Kogs was asking for life support before Msamiati doubled the lead. Some Kogs’ sympathisers were asking the referee to prematurely end the match but to no avail. By full time, Kogs had lost 3-1 to Msamiati with Leko and Feti the architects of the goals. Kogs had to go through Totti for the consolation goal because if he doesn’t score, who else will save Kogs from bondage?
The talk of the street is on Clinton but, that’s normal for him to perform on such a level. Come on, it’s normal for Messi to be in the headlines. Here, much talk is on Msamiati’s Feti. Boyz this guy is as fast as lightning. He dreams football and sweats passion. He is made of steel! Kataara’s Ezra and Paddy have a testimony. It is a touching one! And if Msamiati is to win this season’s silverware, Feti could be central as the medulla Oblongata of the mabogo warriors!
CHWEZI AND BULLS 96 IN A CAT-RACE
Does anyone remember fossils? What were they? How about inselbergs and lagoons? Are they found in water bodies? Do glaciers melt? Is it the nephron which has the glomerulus, distal and proximal convulated tubules and the loops of Henle?
But why am I meandering like the river in it’s old stage? Enough is enough! Apologies in advance, this write up shall not involve any names of the players of Bulls 96. Am tempted to write them but I was groomed to respect my elders!
If Karasande took Bulls 96 FC to Nimule border in a 9-0 thrashing, Chwezi took their neighbors to Antananarivo.(search for this place!).
Personally, i have never seen a team so ruthless like Chwezi and another so porous like Bulls 96. This season, the Bulls had greatly improved, grabbing wins against Dynamos, Sikukuru and a 1-1 draw against season three champions Kyangabukama. Life was moving well despite losing 6-1 at Dingiswayo. However, the scars from the past don’t seem to heal easily. They held the record of losing the heaviest in a 9-0 thrashing at Karasande but there were no signs of breaking it until they appeared 5 men against Chwezi that had substitutes more than the starting line up of Bulls 96.
It was awful from the Bulls and prolific from Chwezi. Chwezi were so clinical in this game that they managed 15 shots on target with a whopping 14 goals scored. You got this well. 14-0 was the full time score!
Goal scorers? The usual suspects; Ramathan was the only player to score a hatrick. The flying midfielder, whose style of play reminds me of Jimmy Bullard and Xabi Alonso was the major menace of the day. Micheal, Cardozo,Mukiga,and Mark each scored a brace with Richard stepping from the goal posts to grab a goal too. Those we expected to score in multiples of three(Taata Niimu and Joel) each scored once but 8 of the 14 goals that were scored were created by Taata Niimu. This is a record since Karasande’s Clinton created 5 against the same opponents last season!
In such moments, words of praise to the Bihogos seem as those of ridicule to Bulls 96. But, such things happen. It’s the reason why we dream soccer. Cardozo remarked at full time, “Batuhona”.. literally meaning that the hammering didn’t satisfy some Chwezi members. They wanted more!
Chwezi took on Dingiswayo in their late encounter and it was to be seen if they had kept enough goals for the ailing Zulu warriors. True to say, they had some but only a handful. They won 3-1 courtesy of a Taata Niimu hatrick and Shadrach consolation. Chwezi “nekyenda”! Beware!
Get me a glass of milk, I need some refreshment!
Did you know that Matu fc has one goal in 240 Chaapa League minutes and Allanmerlin Kaganzi has the same number in just seven minutes?? This lad does not waste time on the pitch. He plays and scores when it matters and if Ham is to believe, he will finally carry his eyes in their right orbits!
Hail the King of soccer, the pirate of the prairies Rugabo’s Clinton. Keep a close eye on Msamiati’s Feti. He is on the move to cause a shaking. Beware of falling debris (read Noyangaki)!
Shall we meet on match day four?
© Allanmerlin Kaganzi
Chief Pundit
