Kataka FC’s difficult start to life in the Uganda Premier League continued after they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to BUL FC at the Bukedea Comprehensive Stadium Sports Complex.
The Eastern giants, who are debutants in the top flight this season, have lost the first home game raising concerns among their supporters about their chances of surviving their maiden Premier League campaign being hosting their game in Bukedea.
Speaking im the postmatch interview, newly appointed Kataka FC head coach Robert Mukasa admitted that playing in the Uganda Premier League has provided his players with a number of lessons.
Mukasa said his players are still adapting to the pace and intensity of top-flight football and need more time to gel, gain confidence and adjust to the demands of the league.However, the coach identified the team’s current home ground as another major challenge affecting their performances.
Kataka FC are currently hosting their home matches at Bukedea Comprehensive Stadium instead of their traditional home, Mbale City Stadium, where they enjoy strong support from their fans.
“The community and the field where we are playing from is not our home. Our players don’t feel at home here. We appeal to FUFA to at least grant us permission to go back and host our home games at Mbale City Stadium where our fans are,” Mukasa said.
Mukasa believes returning to Mbale City Stadium could give the team a much-needed boost, particularly because of the connection between the players and their supporters.Despite the disappointing result against BUL, Mukasa remained optimistic about Kataka’s chances of turning their fortunes around.
Kataka’s next assignment will be another difficult home fixture against league giants Vipers SC at the same Bukedea venue.The coach believes his side can respond positively if the players learn from their mistakes and return to the drawing board.
“We are meeting Vipers next at the same ground, but we are going back to the drawing board and we are hoping for a win,” he said.
On the other side, BUL FC head coach Alex Isabirye was delighted with his team’s performance, praising his players for executing their tactical plan effectively.
“We enjoyed the game not because it was easy, but because we were tactically good. The players followed instructions under a good strategy, and that is what gave us the 4-1 victory,” Isabirye said.
The Jinja-based side looked sharp, composed and clinical in front of goal, taking advantage of Kataka’s defensive mistakes to secure a convincing victory.
Isabirye said his focus this season will be on taking each match as it comes rather than looking too far ahead.
For Kataka FC, the focus now shifts to their next Premier League test against Vipers SC.
With one defeat and draw already recorded, Mukasa and his players will be under pressure to deliver a response and pick up their first win of the campaign.
By Masejele Sulaiman