Stanbic Ug Cup: “We Are ready for BUL FC Challenge.” Garuga Stars Manager Tonny Arinaitwe.
Forth tier side -Garuga Stars Football club will host top tier club BUL at the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 64 knockout stage according to the 51st edition draws that were held on Monday at Serena hotel in Kampala
High flying Garuga Stars, that has eliminated forth division and regional league sides to reach this stage, will have a tougher opponent at this level facing a side that have won the competition before in 2021/2022 season and eager to add on their success.
However, team manager/coach Tonny Arinaitwe expressed the team’s readiness to compete for a place at the next stage.Β
“The team is ready for the challenge and players are mentally and physically prepared for the encounter. It’s a good challenge to weigh our selves as we prepare more to win the league. Because our target is to play in the regional league next season. The players, the fans can’t wait for this game against one of the best teams in the country.” Tonnny Arinaitwe pointed.
While speaking to this site in an exclusive interview, he showed respect to BUL FC but as well said they don’t fear them.
“We respect BUL, they are a big team playing in the top tier, they have achieved more than us but respect ends off the pitch, we don’t fear them, we are very anxious to face them, the boys can’t wait to face such team at this level. Our target as Garuga Stars FC is progressing in the tournament up to the finals, if not winning the championship.” Tonny concluded.
This is the second time the Entebbe based club is competing in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Last edition, Garuga Stars FC were eliminated on the first premiliray round by Young Simba in Bombo and have this time round progressed to the round of 64 for the first time in history.
The date for the home game against BUL FC at Round of 64 game is yet to be communicated and all games will be played between 10th-20th this month.
A brief about BUL FC opponents Garuga stars
For starters, Garuga Stars FC is based in Entebbe, playing in the Wakiso District 4th Division League hosting the games at Cherish grounds-Garuga Entebbe.
The club was established in 2023 by Tonny Arinaitwe as a community based club and that year it started playing in the Wakiso District 5th division league got prompted that year, then In 2024 in 4th Division League, they played to the zonal mini league playoffs where they lost the semifinal.
In 2023 , Garuga stars lost the 5th league finals to Nabbingo FC but in 2024, they won the league finals against the same team in Gayaza.
Arinaitwe works along with coach Stanley Busangwa as head coach,then Sam Oundo as the club CEO and other members of the technical staff are set to be unveiled at a function due according to trusted sources.
Garuga Stars FC results in this edition at premiliray round;
Round I
Garuga Stars FC 2-1 Kiyinda Young FC
Round II
Free Stars FC 0-2 Garuga Stars FC
Round III
Synergy FC 1-2 Garuga Stars FC
Round IV
Garuga Stars 1-0 Kira United FC
Other Round of 64 fixtures ;
Young π Simba Kitara FC
UCU FC π NEC FC
Pajule Lions πGaddafi FC
Red Devo FC π Express FC
Bushenyi Veterans FC π Onduparaka
Bugoigo Leopards FC π Booma FC
Mayuge United π Lugazi FC
Busia Young Stars FC π Kiyinda Boys FC
Football Classroom π Buhimba United Saints FC
Rwampara Bulls FCπ Calvary FC
Iganga Young FC π Bright Stars FC
Mbarara FC π Wakiso Giants FC
Mabira Town Council FC π Ntugasaze FC
Total FC πArua Hill SC
Kisoro Young Simba FC π Kataka FC
Water FC π Maroons FC
Junior Eagles FCπ Mbarara City FC
Tepa FC π Vipers SC
Simba FC π Mbale Heroes FC
Odramachaku central FC πPaidha Black Angel FC
Karadali FC πPolice FC
Seeta United FC πSC Villa
403 brigade FCπ KCCA FC
Pakwach Young Stars FC π Kigezi Home boys FC
Rwenzori Lions FC π Busoga United FC
Karuguuza United π Kaaro Karungi FC
Mawokota United FC π CATDA FC
New Life Katereke FC π UPDF FC
Kalongo United FC π URA FC!