Dreaded stadia in Uganda's super league

Aug 02, 2008

GALATASARY’S “stadium of hell”, Barcelona’s Nou Camp, or Real Madrid’s Bernabeu are likely to come to mind at the mention of the most intimidating stadia. But there are all signs that Ugandan soccer arenas, small as they may be, could soon upstage the European trio.

James Bakama

GALATASARY’S “stadium of hell”, Barcelona’s Nou Camp, or Real Madrid’s Bernabeu are likely to come to mind at the mention of the most intimidating stadia. But there are all signs that Ugandan soccer arenas, small as they may be, could soon upstage the European trio.

Some of the Ugandan stadia are not just intimidating, but simply frightening.

There’s for instance Nalubaale’s Buikwe home ground where rowdy fans are within touching distance of the players. Well, if you thought that scary, then what about the idea of ill-trained local defence officers with a cocked AK 47s close to the touch-line.

That’s just a small pinch of what to expect. There are all signs of a competition where passion could rise to levels unprecedented in a long time thanks to not only a league sponsor, but also mouth watering cash prizes.

But on the other hand, it’s such passion, if controlled, which sets up that ideal atmosphere for the beautiful game.
Upcountry stadia top the list of places many fans and teams are weary of.

What about Bombo?

There is the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces headquarters in Bombo where the army side Simba chose to have its home matches.
“What, playing in a military barracks. I just can’t even think of it,” exclaimed Express official Kavuma Kabenge when the idea was first mooted last season.

Well, if Kavuma was last season scared by the mere idea of a barracks, he now actually has to be checked at a quarter guard now that FUFA has gazetted the Bombo ground.
Bombo brings back memories of Luzira Prison where Maroons staged their matches.

“The moment you were allowed in by the strict officers at the main gate, there was always this feeling of being imprisoned. It always had an effect on the visitors’ psyche,”
recounts journalist Swalley Kenyi.
After Maroons’ relegation, Maji grabbed the opportunity of shifting their base to the Luzira fortress.
Jinja, best remembered for the Nile “Omuliro” FC and Nytil bitter rivalries of the seventies and eighties, is back to the fore.

Then there is Bugembe

Kakungulu Cup holders Victors last season shifted their home ground from Nakivubo to Kakindu in Jinja. That, will be a short drive away from Kakira’s Bugembe home ground.

At the height of the Nile- Nytil rivalries, Jinja would be divided into two. Spectators would also travel from neighbouring districts to watch what was at one point regarded as Uganda’s most explosive derby.
Kakira might be debutantes but they have the backing of one of the most passionate followings. It represents a constituency of a closely knit brigade of fans whose brotherhood is strengthened by residence and employment within the sugar complex.

Iganga, with its Saaza home ground, is the other giant in the eastern belt. The ground was during the club’s best moments in the nineties a dreaded destination.
Defeat was always the last thing in the minds of the team’s fans thus regular police tear gassing at the ground.

Mention of Lira Sports ground brings back memories of a referee running for dear life after the Boroboro versus KCC encounter. The referee only survived after dashing into a police station.

Wankulukuku is the other

Express diehards can confess that their survival in the top league even in the most torrid of times, has a lot to do with their Wankulukuku home.
So imposing are the club’s fans popularly known as The Red Army that some referees have declined appointments at the ground.
With the Villa loyalists steadily streaming back, you can only expect an intimidating Namboole.

The Jogoos probably boast of the most enthusiastic fans.
While most Ugandan fans only cheer goal scoring opportunities, the blues can keep the fire burning for an entire game.

Police was last season spurred on by hundreds of recruits staying at the facility. But with the departure of this force, Kale Kayihura’s side could soon be playing before empty stands.

Nakivubo, home of Bunamwaya, champions KCC and newcomers Sharing, will be the other venue. The yellows will dominate proceedings here therefore visitors will have mobilize numbers if they are to be felt.

If the likes of Wankulukuku are scary, then grounds like Kakyeka are the direct opposite. This, prompted one advocate of intimidation, to conclude that the tranquility at the Mbarara ground is the reason teams that use it as a home ground have brief stints in the top league.

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