All-Banija Sports Magazine

[Banija]

Banijan Hockey Federation enters conflict with Banijan Collegiate Sports Group over college hockey teams


Banijan Hockey Federation Chairman Muhoozi Kutombo(left) and Banijan Collegiate Sports Group Vice Chairman Yoweri Besigye(right) stand after a meeting

ISTRIA- The Greater Banijan Hockey League, the first of its kind in Banija with one of the most unique setups for a domestic league in all of sports, was seen as a rousing success last season by those who followed, and for Banijan hockey. Of course, it got caught up in the controversy within the Banijan political climate- with the former Katikkiro, Matthias Mutebi, repeatedly attacking the Banijan migrant communities for the Banijan brain drain. After a shocking quarterfinal run in a World Cup of Hockey for the Kingdom of Banija, the Olympic Committee of Banija created an independent hockey federation, called the Banijan Hockey Federation, and charged it with developing a league in order to 'develop Banijan talent, both home and abroad'.

There was that unique qualifier- develop Banijan talent abroad? No other Banijan sports governing body, from the Royal Banijan Soccer Association to the Federation of Banijan Gridiron FOotball, has that qualifier added. Why, of course, was that specifically listed in this body's constitution? It is not a quirk- it is, indeed, a feature of Banijan hockey. How did this happen? Let's go back to the formation of the league. Hockey, of course, is a very expensive sport, and when you combine that with the fact that Banija, unlike most nations, has a tropical climate that leads the country to have two seasons of dry and wet, rather than the traditional four seasons of summer, winter, autumn, and spring, growing hockey within the country was always going to be a challenge.

That said, that was not only true for hockey- that was true for any winter sport. Then, you see, let us enter the Banijan migrant community. Banija has vibrant migrant communities all across the multiverse- from within the Commonwealth, specifically South Detroit and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, and throughout Atlantian Oceania. Nations as far as Cosumar and Eshan host vibrant Banijan migrant communities, and closer to home, Banijan migrant communities are everywhere. They thrive in the Equestrian States, in Siovanija & Teusland, in Qasden, in Geisenfred, just to mention a few. Banijans make homes all around their much economically stronger neighbors. In these countries, of course, hockey is strong among the locals, and therefore, the Banijan migrant communities play quite a bit of hockey.

The Banijan Hockey Federation leveraged a unique setup, for the Greater Banijan Hockey League. This was quite an ordeal- reaching agreements with various governing authorities, the International Hockey Federation, and all kinds of international law. But after a lot of dealmaking, and all kinds of frequent flyer miles for Muhoozi Kutombo, the Greater Banijan Hockey League was born. It was a stunning setup. 12 teams, of course, were to get into the league. The federation enlisted 6 different migrant communities, from across Atlantian Oceania, with the support of local hockey authorities, to send teams to this endeavor. He then enlisted the 6 Banijan college hockey teams, all in the Moravica region, all traditionally dominated by the major Quebecois immigrant presence in Moravica.

It was a bold endeavor, a stunning endeavor, one that allowed the Banijan Hockey Federation to send teams to the Hockey Champions League for the first time. To ensure, of course, that this league would develop Banijan talent, the Banijan Hockey Federation instituted a rule that each team's roster would have a minimum of half its players who are eligible to play for the Banijan national team, in accordance with BHF and IHF rules. College teams to the Hockey Champions League? Teams from seven different countries as members of the Banijan Hockey Federation? It would be a stunning feat to pull off, and it was quite successful. Teams from Eshan, 95X, Cosumar, Farfadillis, the Equestrian States, and Qasden, all sent teams to compete. These teams, of course, got all kinds of frequent flyer miles, flying all across the region. They populated the international Division. The other division was populated by Banija's 6 domestic college hocky teams- Loyola-Istria, Northern Moravica, Istria City College, University of Moravica, Wild Valley University, and the Islamic University of Busoga.

Then, of course, the course of other events have now caught up with the Kingdom of Banija. The Islamic University of Busoga, along with 4 other Islander schools, have been removed from the Banijan Collegiate Sports Group after the Busoga Islands got their independence as a result of the Banijan-Equestrian War. And, of course, the Banijan Collegiate Sports Group is now fighting back. FIve other schools have expressed interest in starting a hockey program, and the BCSG wants its member schools to leave the Greater Banijan Hockey League and focus on college hockey.

This is, of course, where it all gets messy. The BCSG now claims that, since they'll have 10 teams, they'll have enough to form their own hockey competition, and therefore, Banija's college hockey teams should no longer play in this professional league. The Banijan Hockey Federation maintains that they should remain members, as they were charter members of the league, and that is at the core of the league's setup. The league, of course, has not been shy about their own intentions to expand. Many associated with the league claim that there are agreements in place to expand to Northwest Kalactin, Siovanija & Teusland, and the Commonwealth of Baker Park, in the cities of Gold Coast, St.Jakob, and Mansfield, respectively. They are also rumored as being in serious discussions with migrant communities in the Royal Kingdom of Quebec and South Detroit. The league has refused to comment, saying that they are focused on 'the growth of the sport among Banijans, 'wherever they happen to reside'.

WHile the now five member schools of the Greater Banijan Hockey League are not commenting, this war of words is officially on. An unnamed Banijan Hockey Federation official said that the BCSG was being 'absolutely unreasonable', while the BCSG Vice Chairman Besigye has said that something needs to change. "We can't have our student-athletes playing in a professional hockey league. Whatever happened to amateurism?" He said. "We should be developing the sport of hockey within Banija's borders, and the BCSG, as a group, has a responsibility to our member institutions to develop sports among student-athletes, at home."

What will the end result be? We have no idea. The Banijan Hockey Federation, as it looks, is preparing for the possibility that the five remaining schools might all have to leave the Greater Banijan Hockey League, with talks apparently being held to replace them in the nations we have already mentioned- Northwest Kalactin, the Commonwealth of Baker Park, and Siovanija & Teusland. These disputes, of course, can get ugly- we all remember what happened when the BCSG threatened to block Loyola-Istria and Northern Moravica from competing in any collegiate sporting competition, so the two schools had to leave the NSCF for two seasons. The BCSG isn't afraid to play hardball, and they haven't ruled out that threat again- it has been used once before, of course. We'll simply have to wait and see what the men in suits can come up with, as the fate of the very foundation of Banijan domestic hockey hangs in the balance.

[Banija]

Busoga Islands independence reshapes Banija's sporting landscape


Chairman of the newly formed Busoga Islands Cricket Board

LAKISKA, SOUTH ISLAND, BUSOGA ISLANDS- The impact of the independence of the Busoga Islands on Banija's sporting landscape was always going to be felt. Losing a certain part of the nation, would mean that athletes and fans who used to support and play for Banija, now play for their own country. It was going to have an impact across all sports, both in the domestic game and in the international game. From various sporting leagues to national teams, different sports have handled it in very different ways. There was no overarching political agreement reached in sporting terms, and so each individual sport, led by, of course, the various Olympic Committees which dominate sporting governance issues in both countries, solved things differently. It's been a couple of years now, and the dust, of course, is settling. While it's impossible to go through a comprehensive list, we'll do an overview of various major sports in each country, and how the split has been settled.

Soccer
This split, of course, was the most amicable. The Busoga Islander Soccer Association, and the Royal Banijan Soccer Association, were able to come to a fairly quick agreement on how to settle things. They each went seperate ways at the national team level, and found a fair settlement to determine eligibility to play for either national team, a settlement that was widely replicated across many other sports. The agreement, of course, is outlined here, at the conclusion of the RBSA owners meetings. With keeping the club soccer structure united entirely under the RBSA, with the association's growth potential within the UICA, they found a settlement that made everybody happy, and largely, at least at the domestic level, kept the status quo. We wish that they had this kind of cooperation across other sports, but sadly, this was not the case.

Lacrosse
The split was not as amicable in lacrosse. As detailed here, the split was hard. The Banijan Lacrosse Association decided to kick the sole Islander club, Lakiska Sporting Club, out of the Banijan Lacrosse League. It was a hard break, as the Busoga Islands are now on their own in lacrosse, a sport that Banija has traditionally found success in. The sport, of course, is really only popular in the Bunyoro and Moravica regions of the country, and not that popular in the Busoga Islands. The sport on the islands, at least for now, is essentially dead. Lakiska SC said that spearheading an Islander domestic lacrosse effort would be 'impractical', and suspended operations of their lacrosse team indefinitely, as well as buying out the contracts of all the lacrosse coaching staff and athletes, while moving other functions across their organization.

Cricket
This sport, of course, went the other way. Cricket was always an Islander sport in this country- the World Twenty20 Championships came, and were hosted entirely in the Busoga Islands. It was the only Banijan national governing body headquartered on the Islands. The team consisted entirely of Islanders, and the sport had almost no traction on the mainland. When the Busoga Islands declared independence, with 9 of the 11 members of the Executive Board of the National Cricket Association of Banija being Busoga Islanders, those 9 left to found the Busoga Islander Cricket Board(BICB). They bought the facility out from the Banijan board, and kept on nearly all their employees. With that blowing out of the infrastructure, cricket in the rest of Banija was essentially given a death sentence. The remaining two members of the National Cricket Association of Banija agreed to transfer the history and records of Banijan cricket to the Busoga Islands, considering essentially everyone involved in that history and those records were Islanders. The NCAB was then dissolved, and there has since been no attempts to resurrect it, according to the Olympic Committee of Banija.

Basketball
Basketball went from being popular in both the Islands and the mainland, to exploding in popularity on the mainland after the last trio of IBC tournaments. A pair of deep runs, sandwiching a tournament hosted on home soil, made the game more popular in Banija than it was before. They reached a similar agreement to soccer- seperate national teams, combined professional domestic basketball. However, unlike the Banijan national team, the Islanders who had already played for the Banijan national basketball team decided to stay with the Banijan national basketball team, meaning that the Islanders are essentially started with all fresh faces in international basketball. That said, the split itself was amicable, and we can expect these countries to be rivals in this sport.

College Athletics
This has certainly been interesting on this scene- the Busoga Islands institutions have been kicked out of the Banijan Collegiate Sports Group. The BCSG issued a statement, saying that their body was for 'Banijan institutions and Banijan institutions only'. Six schools got kicked, the most promiment of which is the Islamic University of Busoga. This, of course, means the end of some major rivalries, including that between the Islamic University of Busoga and the University of Loyola-Istria, as well as the rivalry between the University of Moravica and the Islamic University. The Busoga Islands, of course, are setting up their own college athletics sporting body, but, of course, we'll see what happens to the level of competition in the country as the Islamic University, the nation's flagship institution, is expected to become the undisputed dominant force in Islander college athletics.

[Banija]

Banijan Hockey Federation agrees to end collegiate participation in the GBHL as they announce expansion agreements


Banijan Hockey Federation Chairman Muhoozi Kutombo(left) and Banijan Collegiate Sports Group Vice Chairman Yoweri Besigye(right) stand after a meeting

ISTRIA, MORAVICA- The Greater Banijan Hockey League was undergoing much controversy, one that almost went to court. Of course, a league as complicated at this one was always bound to garner controversy. Working with Banijan migrant communities in countries across Atlantian Oceania, from Stalliongrad, Equestrian States, to Goldstaff, Cosumar, and numerous cities in between, they are dealing with six different sets of national law, six different hockey federations, all with their own requirements and laws on such things. There are a lot of details that have to be hammered out, a lot of things that need to be wrangled, and the Banijans figured it out. The first season went rather smoothly.

There was, of course, a challenge to the league. Not from abroad, as one might expect- but from right here at home. While six teams were based abroad, the league also had six teams based in the Kingdom of Banija- the six collegiate teams who formed the BCSG's hockey competition. There wasn't much complaint them- they only played each other during the regular season, and they needed more teams to form this hockey league. However, something changed. As they prepared for season 2, a number of BCSG member institutions saw that there was an opportunity to improve their own brand, especially internationally, and create hockey teams.

That created something of an issue. Now the BCSG had an interest in creating another hockey competition, and wanted their schools back. The BCSG, of course, is an institution known for their ability to flex their muscles- let's harken back to NSCF 15 & 16, when they forced Northern Moravica and Loyola-Istria out of international college football competition because there were fears that those two schools would become far too dominant, from a revenue point of view. The Banijan Hockey Federation, of course, wanted to keep the schools in the hockey league. How would they do that?

Something had to give. The BCSG, of course, threatened removal from all competitions for the institutions if they did not bow to their will, while the Banijan Hockey Federation threatened a lawsuit- saying that the expulsion would be illegal under the BCSG's rules, and constitute unfairness. They said that they would also threaten another lawsuit that would challenge the BCSG's independence from the Olympic Committee. That is something the BCSG fears, of course, as it is one of three sporting bodies in the country, the others being the Royal Banijan Soccer Association and the Banijan Commonwealth Games Association, that are not subject to the ultimate jurisdiction of the Olympic Committee of Banija. With neither side seeming to back down in this issue, this seemed as something that would be scheduled in the courts.

They decided to undergo mediation, to see if they could resolve this issue. The question is, who could mediate? The BCSG, of course, would never accept the authority of the Olympic Committee of Banija to mediate. The RBSA, naturally, is busy with the World Cup FInals. And so they went abroad. Who did they find? They found Sir. Marcel Cody-Yi, the Quebecois Commonwealth sporting legend, who is the head of the Quebecois Commonwealth Games Committee. He was here for a week, and alas, they found a deal. A deal that both sides could live with.

The 5 remaining schools in the Greater Banijan Hockey League have been brought back to the BCSG, where a 10 member hockey competition will be founded. The Banijan Hockey Federation, in return, will get to jointly organize the competition, alongside the BCSG. These schools, of course, will no longer be eligible for international hockey competition. The Banijan Hockey Federation said that the deal was good, in so that 'they would still be very involved in the development of hockey at a national level, including at the collegiate level. This deal is good for the sport'.

Many credit the deal to Sir. Marcel Cody-Yi, the Quebecois athlete who was knighted. Both sides gave him a lot of credit. "Sir. Marcel Cody-Yi was excellent during these negotiations." Said BCSG Vice President Besigye. "He ensured that both of us realized the stakes that we were gambling is, and allowed us to focus on what is important- not what is best for either of us personally, but what is best for the sport, and what is best for the student-athletes. The deal simply made sense, and we are happy that we can move forward in partnership, rather than at loggerheads."

The Banijan Hockey Federation seemed quick to move on, however, saying that they've already made replacements. "This is a good deal, and we thank Sir. Marcel Cody-Yi for his hard work." Said the BHF President. "However, we must move forward. We must continue to grow the sport both in Banija and among all Banijans- no matter where they reside. The success of our league prompted interest from various migrant groups and hockey federations that we spoke with, looking at various cities to expand the league. We have announced cities and locations as we intend to expand the league by six.

We have spoken with a number of cities, worked with a number of hockey associations, migrant group associations, spoken with some Puritan Mormon church branches, and are ready to announce where we are expanding to. Next season, we will be adding teams in the following cities- in St. Jakob, Siovanija & Teusland, in Gold Coast, Northwest Kalactin, in Mansfield, Commonwealth of Baker Park, in New Istria, Darmen, in Quebec City, Royal Kingdom of Quebec, and in Kapetägien, Geisenfred." Both Besigye and Sir Marcel Cody-Yi looked stunned, as if they weren't expecting this announcement, but it was out there.

An announcement that we weren't prepared for, either, admittedly, it got many journalists working into overdrive. But by the time we went to print, we had confirmed with officials in all six cities that they are ready for Greater Banijan Hockey League- which will ensure that the league remains at 12 teams, in 12 different cities, in 12 different nations. In our next article, we will do a review of the six expansion cities- tell our readers what we know about them, what each adds to the league, and why each city was chosen.

[Banija]

All eyes on Hawabark as the Olympic Trials are set to begin

HAWABARK, BUGANDA- With international sport going into a bit of a lull, with Northern Moravica being crowned the champions of the NSCF, and not much else going on in the big wide world of sport right now, the eyes of Banija are turning towards what is probably Banija's largest domestic sporting event, on the calendar only once every four years- the National Olympic Trials. At this seven day sporting bonanza, all the qualifying takes place for Banija's limited spots in the upcoming Summer Olympiad. Of course, there is qualifying for the Winter Olympics as well, but that is not followed nearly as much as Banija, of course, does not have winter.

This large, traditional event goes back to the National Banijan Games, which were staged historically in this town of Hawabark, Buganda, which has a population of 320,000. With the city's major stadium being named the Olympic Stadium, it was an event originally targeted to discover the best athletes in Banija. It was a competitive event, with people coming from all over the nation, each representing their regions. And then the event evolved, when in the 1950s, the Commonwealth Games became a quadrennial event. It began to serve as Commonwealth Games qualifiers.

And then, of course, when the Olympic Committee of Banija formed, that changed as well. When Banija started to enter the Summer Olympiad, the event changed to the National Olympic Trials- but also serving as a national championship of sorts for many Banijan athletes. Now, of course, it comes with a format change. They've done away with qualifying by region- the best will enter the Olympiad, irrespective of regional balance, something that is always hard to find. WIth the Busoga Islands gone, of course, they've been replaced for the first time ever by a Banijans Abroad category- a category that saw explosive growth, of course, during the Banijan-Equestrian War.

It is an entertaining event for many Banijans- who are the country's best athletes? In just six months time, our ears will be glued to our radio sets, as we listen to commentators in the Free Republics talk about the Banijans chances to win their first ever summer medal. It is one of the stranger facts of life- Banija has won three Olympic medals in their history, and they're all from the Winter Olympiad. Two golds and a bronze, and that is this nation's haul. Considering, of course, that this country doesn't even have winter, the fact that we haven't medaled once, in any summer sport, is truly a shame.

The OCB is virtually guaranteeing that we'll gain our first ever summer medals at the event in the Free Republics. A spokesman said that "Banija is sending more and better talent to the Olympic Games, and our Olympic movement is the strongest it has ever been- meaning that we'll be competing up and down the sporting list. With us opening these qualifers to Banijans Abroad, we will have more athletes eligible to compete." When the Busoga Islands was mentioned, he said that the nation would 'wipe the floor' with the Busoga Islanders if they were to compete head to head, causing a bit of an incident.

Many ignored those, however, as they are excited for the events. The 10 team sports that the country is competing in will be represented at these Games. Nations like Benjamin Mark, Darmen, and the Commonwealth of Baker Park are sending multiple delegations to compete against Banijan teams, while Northwest Kalactin is sending their men's lacrosse team to Hawabark. As is tradition, it will be the women's national soccer team that opens the events, as they will compete against the Commonwealth of Baker Park. And, as always, to close, it will be the most popular individual event- the men's & women's track and field qualifiers.

ANd as they always say- let's the games begin, eh?

[Banija]

Moravica - MOR
Kitara - KIT
Bunyoro - BUN
Buganda - BUG
Ankole - ANK
Aksum - AKM
Hangaza - HAN
City of Busukuma/National Capitol Region - BSK
Banijans Abroad - BA

Banijan women defeat Baker Park 1-0 as the Olympic Trials get underway


Daba Kambi celebrates the game's lone goal

HAWABARK, BUGANDA- These two sporting teams had faced each other once before- at the Baker Park Open Cup, a women's sporting tournament held in the Commonwealth of Baker Park. On foreign soil, the Lionesses spoiled the fun of the hosts by earning 3rd place, winning that game 5-3 to bring home a bronze medal to the RBSA trophy cabinet- to be hung right next to the bronze medals won at the 42nd Di Bradini Cup by the men's U21 national team a few years back, before World Cup 80. Banijan women are starting to make their marks in foreign leagues that accept them to play, unlike the BSL, which is banned from allowing women to play due to the Law Regarding Gender and Sports in Banija.

The rematch, of course, was always going to be entertaining. The women's team is preparing to go to the Summer Olympic Games, and as usual, they have opened the Olympic Trials. They played host to none other than the Commonwealth of Baker Park. IN the short history of the women's national team, that means this is the only opponent that they have played twice. The women's national team from Baker Park will not be at the Olympiad- a decision of the Baker Park Olympic Committee. The two teams were scheduled to open the Olympic Trials, right here in Banija. A change for revenge for the ladies of Baker Park, while a chance for the Banijan women to kickstart their road to the Olympic Games.

It was a good start for the Banijan women. A close game, a rough game- the type of game that you want to play leading up to the Olympiad. Just short of 18,000 were there, of course- the small capacity stadium packed for the event. It was Daba Kambi who scored the goal, but many of the Banijan ladies did just fine. Channeh Jarju, the defensive midfielder who plays across the sea in Canterlot, had an excellent game, and was awarded the woman of the match award. A fierce, quality competition to get the Olympic Trials up and running.

Of course, they kickstarted the whole thing, but the actual trials had to happen here, as well. The men's baseball team, coming off of another knockout stage appearance in the World Baseball Classic, made their lone appearance at the Trials, competing against Benjamin Mark. The baseball team got pushed around, disappointing those at the Central Hawabark High School Baseball Diamond, as they fell, 7-3, against Benjamin Mark. Benjamin Mark, of course, has sent a number of teams to compete against Banijans in these trials, and they have taken a first victory in head to head competition.

And lastly, in the solo appearance of the handball team at the Olympic Trials, it was the 2nd ranked handball team in the multiverse that took care of business at home. Fresh off of a semifinal appearance at the last Handball World Cup, they are looking to make an impact both at the upcoming Handball World Cup, which will finish right before the Olympic Games start. They're a serious threat in both competitions- could they pull off what would surely be an improbable victory in either tournament? Regardless, this 38-23 victory will give them some forward going momentum.

Of course, as always, the opening day of the tournament is always slow. However, the one qualifiers that can fit in a single always take place today- the tennis qualifiers. The Olympic Committee is sending four players to both the men's and women's singles tennis tournaments, and both qualifiers took place over the set of an entire day. On the men's side, 8 players, one from each of the 7 regions plus one from the National Capitol Region, participated today. On the women's side, there was also 8 players- but one player was part of the Banijans Abroad category, as a replacement since Hangaza did not have a women's qualification tournament.

The format was simple- the top four seeded players would be each be drawn against one of the unseeded players, and play a match against them. The winner of each match would qualify directly to Republica. The women's side got off to a non-surprising start- the first three matches saw the seeded players take care of business and punch their tickets to Republica. In the morning, Nyonkoling Kaba from the Bunyoro Region was the first Banijan individual athlete to do just that, winning in 3 sets against Sutay Jawara. Mboge also took care of business, while the top seeded female Banijan tennis player, Ami Manneh, dominated against the hometown girl, Aisa Kah, to punch her ticket in straight sets.

It was the final women's match of the day that got the attention of most Banijans. Kati Faye, a Banijan citizen via heritage as both of her parents were born here, came here as part of the Banijans Abroad category. She came from Maal, Mriin- a city with a sizeable Banijan population, numbering between 150 and 250,000. The country, of course, has close cultural connections to Banija- a country with a lot of Banijans, there was a number of Banijan Mormon missionaries who really paved the way for the sizeable Banijan community in that country.

Her father is a minister- and therefore, she is very devout. She became a tennis player at a local high school in Maal, and when she had the opportunity to enter Olympic Qualifying, she did so for Banija, rather than Mriin, even though she's eligible for both. After winning the Banijans Abroad tournament in Istria, she made her way down here, and got to play Piretta Joof, from Aksum. In a thrilling match, she won(2-6, 7-6, 6-2) and became the first ever foreign resident to qualify for a Summer Olympic Games for the Kingdom of Banija. Of course, the above is the norm for the Winter Olympiad, but for the Summer Olympics, it is a rarity. It was a big time upset, as she received a standing ovation from fans after her match.

The afternoon, of course, saw the men play. The first match for the men saw another upset take place, as Dione beat Ustera and put himself into the Olympic Games. Dione, of course, is from the Bunyoro region. But after that, it was simply players taking care of business. No blowouts here, however- all of these matches were close. Top seeded Kawsu Kouyaté, the Northern Moravica standout tennis player, struggled against Badara Sene, as Sene took him all the way to five sets in the finale, though Kawsu was able to eventually punch his spot in the Olympics.

What moments. All 8 victors today was plenty happy about clinching their berths in the Olympics- it is hard to be an Olympian, and not everyone has the opportunity. We'll see what these athletes can do when they go to Republica in a couple of weeks. Of course, they'll stay here for the remainder of the week, taking part in festivities and waiting until the closing ceremonies, when they are officially pronounced Olympians by the Chairman of the Olympic Committee of Banija.

Advances to next round of the Trials
Qualifies for the XIII Olympiad

Baseball

Benjamin Mark          0 0 0 2 0 5 0 0 0  7
Banija                      0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  3

Women's Soccer

Banija 1–0 Baker Park

Women's Handball

Banija 38–23 Benjamin Mark

'
Women's Tennis

Sutay Jawara (ANK)           2   6   3
#4 Nyonkoling Kaba (BUN)     6   2   6

#2 Alimatou Mboge (BSK)      6   4   6
Aminata Coote (KIT)          3   6   3

Aisa Kah (BUG)               0   4
#1 Ami Manneh (MOR)          6   6

#3 Piretta Joof (AKM)        6   6   2
Kati Faye (BA)               2   7   6

Men's Tennis

#4 Daba Ustera (HAN)         2   6   5   4
Abbas Dione (BUN)            6   1   7   6

#3 Yakuba Kairaba (AKM)      6   6   6   6
Alifa Ogoo (BSK)             4   7   3   4

Ebou Kuyateh (ANK)           6   3   6   4   4
#2 Boro Bah (BUG)            2   6   2   6   6

Badara Sene (KIT)            4   6   6   6   3
#1 Kawsu Kouyaté (MOR)       6   1   7   4   6

[Banija]

Meet the Greater Banijan Hockey League's Expansion Franchises


Muhoozi Kutombo, the first Chairman of the Banijan Hockey Federation

ISTRIA- As made in the stunning announcement just the other day, the Greater Banijan Hockey League has officially decided to drop their college hockey teams, and add six new expansion franchises. These are in seven new markets, in seven countries the GBHL has not yet been a part of. These cities were approached, of course, because of the size of the local Banijan population, the popularity of hockey in the cities and the country, as well as the willingness of the local hockey governing boards, or the national equivalents of the BHF, to cooperate and support this endeavor.

The Expansion Franchises

Mansfield Warriors
Location: Mansfield, Commonwealth of Baker Park
Stadium: Bartlett Arena, Capacity of BLANK

We'll start in Mansfield, on the eastern side of the Commonwealth of Baker Park. This was one of the first cities that was on the BHF's expansion wish list, and they got it. It is home to a number of ethnic Banijans, either migrants or their children, who number around BLANK in the metropolitan Mansfield area. Most Banijans are generally working class in the city, a city that is known for its automobile production. The city, of course, has been very welcoming to Banijans, as they certainly needed extra hands.

Many Banijans face good prospects, with good, union pay working on the lines, and excellent public schools for their children to attend, as they are eligible to attend Baker Park public universities. The Mansfield side got more support from the locals than many teams got, as both the Commonwealth Hockey Association, their professional league, and the Commonwealth Hockey Federation, their national governing body, were both enthusiastic partners in the venture. The local CHA hockey side, the Mansfield Maroons, have also shown their support, giving the team a generous stadium-sharing agreement.

The Maroons and the CHF have each taken a 1/6th ownership venture, meaning that 1/3rd of the side will be owned by local investors. The local Mansfield Puritan Temple owns slightly less than 1/6th of the side as well, while Banijan millionaire investor Isaac Labamba, an avid hockey fan who has family in Mansfield, has taken a 50%+! ownership stake in the team, and made himself majority owner. Labamba said that he was 'excited' for the partnership, and that working with the Maroons and the CHF will allow his team to garner support from Banijans all across the country, as well as ensure its success by making sure that the partnership between the GBHL, the CHF, his side, and the Maroons, runs smoothly.

St.Jakob Crusaders
Location: St.Jakob, Siovanija & Teusland
Stadium: Prenzlauer Eispalast, Capacity of 17,500

The Crusaders are located in one of Siovanija's most important cities, St.Jakob. It is a large city, with a metropolitan population of nearly 4 million people. This sport is one that is certainly king in Siovanija & Teusland- the country's most popular sporting league is the Ehrenliga, their national, top-flight hockey league. The city has two teams in that league already, the St.Jakob Saints and EHC Kosmopolit, who are both well supported, though the Saints are generally recognized as having the bigger fanbase.

In terms of the Banijans in the city, most of them are working class. Many work in the dockyards and other industrial jobs, but make a fairly decent living for themselves. There are an estimated 60,000 Banijans in St.Jakob, a coastal city in the Glorious Southwest. As one of the larger migrant communities, it is a community that is fairly well integrated into Siovanijan life, and therefore are expected to be very supportive of the team. Most of the Banijans live in Marienfelde, a neighborhood on the north bank of the River Drai, which runs right along the coast of St.Jakob and Teusland in general. The neighborhood has become an ethnic Banijan neighborhood, with many Banijan restaurants and a Puritan Mormon temple opening up there.

Many non-Banijan locals have taken an interest in the squad, especially as EHC Kosmopolit has announced an official partnership with the team. that includes, but it is not limited to, stadium sharing. Of course, most of them have their teams, but for those who can't get enough, it is another outlet for the hockey-crazed nation. There is a reasonable expectation, because of that, that this may be the best supported team in the entire league. We'll have to see how they perform on the ice, however.


Gold Coast Whalers
Location: Gold Coast, Northwest Kalactin

The Gold Coast Whalers are located in The capitol city of Northwest Kalactin, the Gold Coast. The nation's biggest city, it is the smallest community of Banijans who are represented in the GBHL, with a Banijan population that is estimated to be somewhere between 30 to 35,000 people, with a slightly smaller population than New Istria. As another hockey team in this hockey-crazed nation, it is expected to be heavily reliant on support from locals, who are expected to come out and support the team in droves.

The Whalers are wholly owned by the local Puritan Latter-Day Temple, the temple of the majority religion of the Kingdom of Banija. IT was difficult to find local investors with the ability to support a team such as this- where the costs are extremely high, simply because of the travel. However, they are in a great position to be successful financially. With large attendance figures expected early from this squad, we imagine that, after year one, they will be able to be aggressive and get many players onto teams in this league.

Quebec Grizzlies
Location: Quebec City, Royal Kingdom of Quebec

Quebec City- the capitol of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Banija's relations with the Royal Kingdom of Quebec go back further than their relations with any other nation, and the history of Banija is intertwined with the history of Quebec(though the reverse certainly isn't true). The Royal Kingdom of Quebec, of course, was Banija's colonizing power, and Banija was under the rule of Quebecois Kings for over 100 years, until independence was fully achieved in 1910.

This is a metropolitan area with a large number of Banijans, numbering around half a million in the area, and probably somewhere around 2 million in the country at-large. It was actually a very large surprise that they did not get chosen for an expansion franchise in season 1- however, them being chosen for Season 2 makes sense. Quebec City, of course, is also the seat of the Quebecois Commonwealth of Nations, a likeminded cultural association for nations that were once under the rule of those who throne was in Quebec City.

The international headquarters for the International Hockey Federation, of course, are located in this nation, which shows their passion for the sport. Many Banijan hockey players already hail from this country, as this region and Montreal, before the start of the GBHL, were the two metropolitan areas where most Banijan hockey players came from. This team is, of course, expected to be extremely competitive starting out, and expects to garner a lot of fan support fairly early on from the community.

New Istria Eagles
Location: New Istria, Darmen

A unique venture, this is the only team in the league that is not in Atlantian Oceania. The largest Banijan migrant community in the country is in New Istria, a city created by the Darmen government for refugees to live in. Despite its distance from Banija, nearly 40,000 refugees from Banija settled in Darmen as a result of the war. While over a million people settled abroad, at least temporarily, during the drought and ensuing Banijan-Equestrian War, this was the largest refugee population for a nation that was outside of Atlantian Oceania.

The two nations played in a mid World Cup Qualification friendly, in Montreal, as the Banijans continued to prepare for the World Cup Finals on home soil. The two nations played in the World Cup Qualification friendly, in Montreal, but more importantly, they played in the opening match of World Cup 81- right here, on home soil, at the brand spanking new Stadium of the Restoration. However, with the large refugee population, there was a push to create a hockey team in New Istria. Of course, considering the city was almost entirely refugees, the financial aspect would prove tough.

A makeshift temple was set up, the New Istria Puritan Temple, the church of the majority of Banijans, and they assumed ownership of the team, on a non-profit basis, of course. The national government of Darmen have built a 7,000 seat multipurpose arena, that houses the professional ice hockey and basketball arena, as well as a public gym on sight, that has two ice rinks on the bottom floor, as well as basketball courts and soccer fields above it. This, of course, will help these people remain connected with their homeland as they continue to settle in Darmen.

The Eagles, one of the league's cash poor teams, look to serve as a unifying force for the many Banijans in the city, who are almost all foreigners in a strange, new land. We'll see if they can be successful, and leverage their support this season to fill out their stadium for their games.

Kapetägien Kestrels
Location: Kapetägien, Geisenfred

The Kestrels- the closest team to Banija's borders. A city located in our neighbor to the East, Geisenfred, it is a region that is home to many Banijans, both permanent migrants and many refugees from the Banijan-Equestrian War. As Banija's only land neighbor, they are expected to be a very well supported side within the few hockey fans that actually reside within Banija's borders themselves. That is because, of course, the geographical proximity between Banija and Geisenfred.

The Kestrels are owned by Ingrid Baloma, the league's only female owner. She is an investor within the city, and she is half-Banija, born in Geisenfred to a Geis mother and a Banijan father. Baloma is expected to aggressively recruit fans throughout the region and the country in Geisenfred, as she's stated that she 'fully expects' her team to compete for titles almost straight from the get go.

Maal Pioneers
Location: Maal, Mriin

The Pioneers- a last minute addition to the league. How did this team come about? Well, the team in Frion had to disband due to some serious destabilization in Farfadillis, as more than a few of their nation has chosen to take refuge status in Banija. That said, on the other side, this was a community that was clamoring for a team. A unique migrant community, they have a different history in Mriin than most of Banija's other migrant communities.

The original Banijans to visit Mriin were not economic refugees, nor even were they recent refugees from the war- no, the Banijans in Maal went to Mriin as missionaries. Plenty of Puritan Mormon missionaries went to Mriin to try and spread the faith, and they ended up living in the country. While there are Banijans throughout the country, the epicenter is in Maal, which is one of the nation's largest cities. There are an estimated 200,000 ethnic Banijans who are living in Maal, and almost all of them Mormon.

It is the Banijans who brought Christian influence into the country- though they have had much more of a cultural effect. Most Mormons in the country are Banijan, so whether or not the historic mission efforts were a success is up for debate- however, the cultural effects cannot be ignored. Christmas and Easter traditions in the country, for example, heavily borrow on the Puritan Mormon traditions of the holidays. The team itself is unique in its nature, owned by fans- with 5,000 people buying a stake in the team, for as little as $1,000 NSDs per share.

Those are the seven teams in the Greater Banijan Hockey League- the divisions, and indeed, the format, are on their way.

And then, of course, we can meet our Original 5 as well.

Original 5

Rosaria Knights
Location: Rosaria, Eshan
Stadium: Regional Transit Arena, capacity of 18,000

And who else to start with but the Rosaria Knights? The Knights, who are the defending champoins play in the capitol city of Eshan, who is also a member of Atlantian Oceania. Most famously, the Regional Transit Corporation, a Banijan company, is headquartered in Eshan. Now, of course, how is a company still Banijan if headquartered in Eshan? Well, it started as a taxi and [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boda_boda]boda boda[url] service here in Banija. However, they expanded, and began operating the ferry between the North and South Islands in Busoga, and wanted to expand abroad, to expand their profile.

As a company from a nation like Banija's, they would not be able to expand without access to first-world technology. With expansion abroad, the profits started to flow in. So while probably the single most powerful company in Banija, it is headquartered in Eshan. Rosaria was picked because they have much better access to high-quality personnel, high-quality technology, and, most importantly, capital. They trade stocks in Rosaria, and from there is how they have been able to expand to so many countries.

It is natural, then, that in a diaspora league, there is a team sponsored by the Regional Transit Corporation. Rumored to be the first team to sign up for this competition, the Rosaria Knights, with the RTC's backing, look to be a force in this league. The only club that is technically not fan owned, the team has the support of the Echani national government. Echanis are playing for this team as well as Banijans. The Regional Transit Corporation built a multipurpose stadium, the Regional Transit Arena, that they own for this team to use. It is also to be used as a community convention center and concert venue.

Cascadia Lions
Location: Cascadia, 95X
Stadium: Cascadia Coliseum

The second team we will look at, of course, is the Cascadia Lions. This team will be operated by the Puritan Latter-Day Temple of Cascadia. They are, of course, in communion with Banija's state religion, the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They are located in Cascadia, 95X, one of Banija's neighbors in Atlantian Oceania. The Banijan diaspora community in Cascadia wants to use this as an opportunity to ensure that their children retain their culture, and, of course, to help educate 95Xers about their homeland.

The Lions chose their name off of the national animal of Banija, and the holiest animal in the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- the only animal that is not allowed to be hunted. The man serving as the Team President, elected by the temple's congregation, is Isaiah Woodward. They said that this will operate as a 'community hockey team', and all members of the community would get involved. However, of course, they will strictly maintain the rule where at least half of their players must be eligible to compete for Banija in the Winter Olympics.

What else is there to know about this team? The Lions are not building their own arena, they are playing in the city's professional sports arena, the Cascadia Coliseum. The temple will be paying the team's lease fees. Of course, we don't expect them to get between 15-20,000 per game, but still. Playing in a large, state of the art arena could be key come playoff time.

Can the Lions come out winners? It depends on how they will connect with the community. If they can encourage Banijans to support hockey, and also encourage 95Xers to get behind the team, then they have great potential. But if they cannot encourage 95Xers to get behind the team, they will be playing in a stadium filled to 25% of capacity. While 5,000 per game would not be a bad attendance at all, the sheer size of the stadium would leave the atmosphere with much to be desired.

Goldstaff Cocodragons
Location: Goldstaff, Cosumar

The Goldstaff Cocodragons are a team of the Banijan diaspora community in Cosumar. They will be playing in Goldstaff, a city in Southwest Cosumar. It is a mid-sized city. Have you not heard of the city? Then you've heard of Crawford, a large port city, about an hour away from Goldstaff. The Bengals, of course, will be playing in a local arena.

The climate of Goldstaff is very similar to the climate of the Banijan mainland. It is semitropical, thanks to the nearby presence of the Everlong RainForest. The Rain Forest is a protected forest in Cosumar. One of the unique aspects of this inland city, is that Goldstaff is home to an animal unique to Cosumar- the feral cocodragon.

The cocodragon is a species of dragon that is unique to Cosumar. Unlike most dragons, it does not have the fire-breathing ability that is unique to the species- so though they can fly, they tend to act like most of the rest of the reptiles. There is a large species of Feral cocodragons in the Goldstaff area, so much so that the team will be named after them, as a nod to the host city.

Little Istria Tigersharks
Location: Little Istria, TV City, Qasden

And for the fourth squad, and another in the Glorious Southwest- the Little istria Tigersharks. Little Istria is an ethnic Banijan neighborhood in TV city, a major city in Qasden. Qasden is Banija's neighbor, and Banija played their Cup of Harmony games in the country in the tournament's most recent edition. The LIttle Istria neighborhood looks like a Banijan outpost- lots of Banijan food, there's even a Puritan LDS temple in the center of the neighborhood.

Little Istria is located in Northwestern TV City. This is one of the most confusing aspects of this league, as Qasden already has an officially recognized league that is indeed part of the Hockey Champions League. Of course, the Banijan Hockey Federation got permission from all the relevant governing authorities, but they are now the third hockey team in a city that has the TV City Monarchs and the TVC Clouded Leopards, both playing under the Qasden umbrella in their major domestic ice hockey league.

Of course, in a city with two other fully professional hockey teams, and this being an ethnic neighborhood squad, this will be even tougher than usual to get traction. Of course, with a hockey tradition, there will be support, but they will probably draw entirely from the neighborhood, making this the only team in this division that is likely to have a team that is 100% consisted of players eligible to play for Banija in the Winter Olympics.

Stallionograd Mountaineers
Location: Stalliongrad, Equestrian States

And last but certainly not least, we have the Equestrian States. Stalliongrad, home to so many of Banija's Winter Olympians, will also host the 6th semi-professional team in the Greater Banijan Hockey League. In the shadow of the Harmony Mountains, where many of Banija's winter athletes will make camp before they fly off to Electrum for the Olympic Games.

Staillionograd is a city that is a mile above sea level. Very cold, and there is plenty of support for hockey. Stallionograd had the highest foreign ratings of the Banija vs. Equestrian States group stage game in the previous World Cup of Hockey, where the large portion of Banijan fans made it a huge rivalry game, at least in these parts.

Stallionograd looks to have good support both from locals and Banijans. There will be hockey talent, and they will be able to draw from a local talent base that is at least decently deep. With hockey and other sports to draw athletes from, they will be able to develop a strong stable of talent here.

[Banija]

Season Preview

ISTRIA- And we are coming along, once again, with the preview for Season 2 of the Greater Banijan Hockey League. The new divisions have been announced- they will have three divisions of four teams, generally based on their geographical positions within Atlantian Oceania. The six teams in the North Division will be the Quebec Grizzlies(of Quebec), the Cascadia Lions(of 95X), the Rosaria Knights(of Eshan), the Goldstaff Cocodragons(of Cosumar), the Maal Pioneers(of Mriin), and the Gold Coast Whalers(of Northwest Kalactin). The six teams in the Southwestern Division will be the St.Jakob Crusaders(of Siovanija & Teusland), the Little Istria Tigersharks(of Qasden), the Stallionograd Mountaineers(of the Equestrian States), the Kapetägien Kestrels(of Geisenfred), the Mansfield Warriors(of the Commonwealth of Baker Park), and the New Istria Eagles(of Darmen).

Two divisions of six teams each. Each team will play each side within their own division six times, playing each side at home three times and away three times. For the second straight season, there will be no interdivision play, though the GBHL is looking into making that happen during season 3. The top two teams in each division shall make the playoffs- with both semifinals being a divisional champion playing against a divisional runner-up. The semifinal series are set in a best of three format. The championship game is a single match, a one-off, and that is the only game of the season played in Banija- this season played in Istria, at Caribou Arena, which hosted an IBC 25 semifinal. The city, of course, beat out bids from both Busukuma and Herzegovina City to host the league's biggest game.

The four Hockey Champions League berths will, of course, go to the four teams that make the playoffs. So without further ado...

*= Players who are not eligible to play for Banija are italicized, and their nationality is mentioned. Otherwise, all players are Banijan nationals.

North Division

Quebec Grizzlies

Head Coach: Mamadi Jawara
Starters
GK: Abdoulaye Baldeg
LD: Yakuba Marong
RD: Kekuta Jawara
LW: Kabiru Colley(Captain)
RW: Amat Darboe
C: Saikou Uster

The Grizzlies, one of the league's seven expansion franchises, come into the season with high ambitions. Placed into a division with the defending champs, the Rosaria Knights, they expect themselves to be the chief title challenger to the throne of Rosaria. This roster is full of Banijans who made their way through the Quebecois hockey system, with the team, interestingly enough, drawing most of its players from Montreal, which is the bigger city between the two in the nation.

Kekuta Jawara, of course, is the coach's son. He is the only player on the squad that was actually born in Banija, as he was raised in Busukuma before moving to Quebec at the age of 12. The player to watch, however, is undoubtedly Kabiru Colley. The defenseman is the captain for a reason- he plays with pace and power. This is a defensive based team- they won't be that fast, but have a lot of big players that hit a lot, and will play excellent defense. If they can keep defending well, they will make the playoffs- but if they trail early, it can be hard for them to mount comebacks.

Rosaria Knights
Head Coach: Jason Vanderquest(Eshan)
Starters
GK Alaji Marong
RD Lallo Danso
LD Ebrahima Sonko
RW Boubacar Jawara
LW Hockia Marsteppi(Eshan)
C Pateh Kaba(Captain)

The Knights are the defending champions. Having won the league title last season, defeating the Blue Thunder of Loyola-Istria in a shootout in the league title game, the Knights are back to defend their title. They have an advantage over some other teams in the league- they will enter the Hockey Champions League at the beginning of the season. As they will be a participant in the preliminary rounds of the HCL, of course, they will play against Barnum Brown Athletic of Natanians & Nosts in the 1st round- a historic moment as the first GBHL team to even get that far.

What makes them confident of their success? The fact that they've been here. Vanderquest, the head coach, told us that this team is hungrier than ever. "Winning makes you want to win more, and the fact that we've established ourselves as Banija's best team already has given us a confidence moving forward towards next season. We have a lot of speed, especially with our wingers Jawara and Marsteppi. All this pace and talent, I think that we are fully capable of building on the foundation that we had last season."

Goldstaff Cocodragons

Head Coach: Dembo Dione
Starters
GK Obike Obie
RD Uchechea Onyekachi
LD Akabueze Chukwubuikem
RW Chukwubuikem Chyke
LW Uchechy Uchie
C Chidee Jelaney

The Cocodragons are returning for their second season. In Southwestern Cosumar, of course, they consider themselves a darkhorse contender to chase of the North's two playoff berths. "Our team this year is strong." Said the head coach. Of course, every coach will say the same sort of things to start a season, won't they?

They have some question marks, as Dione replaced both defenders and the goalie, meaning that they'll have to relearn some chemistry. With a bunch of Expansion teams joining the league, that may not be as big of a concern as it is most seasons, but still a challenge that must be overcome. Both defenders are actually born in Banija, as Obie played at Istria City Community College, while Onyeakachi played at the University of Moravica.

Cascadia Lions
Head Coach: George Papicristo
Starters
GK Chee Halimnye
RD Zebenjo Chinwe
LD Nkechi Chukwuma
RW Chinua Orjee
LW Uwaezuoke Uchechey
C Akuchi Chidea

The Lions. A playoff team last season, they look to return to the postseason even though the number of playoff spots have been decreased from six to four, to encourage competitiveness. They qualified for the Hockey Champions League, and will be playing in that throughout the regular season, just like the Mountaineers and the Knights. They lost, 3-0, in the semifinals to the Rosaria Knights, a big loss that abruptly ended their season in the semifinals. They, naturally, want more.

"We have tasted success- coming oh so close to our goal, falling at the semifinals." Said Papicristo. "The Knights were deserved winners of that game- but that will give us fuel. Do we want to compete with the big boys? Do we want to show who the best team in this league is? We can bring a title to Cascadia this season." The confidence oozing out of the Head Coach, of course, will flow throughout the team's fanbase, as they try to return to the playoffs for a second straight season.

Gold Coast Whalers
Head Coach: Alan Wallace(Banija)
Starters
GK Chi Chydee
RD Mazi Ndulu
LD Okeli Madu
RW Ekene Chydy
LW Ikem Chinese
C Ifeatu Poland

The Whalers, even though they'll have a very fun home environment, figure to be one of the less competitive teams this season in the league. It is tough to be an expansion team- even if 7 of the 12 teams in Banija's hockey league are expansion squads. The team in the Northwest Kalactanian capitol has a lot of young talent, drawing from the relatively small Banijan population there. That, said the head coach, would be a big challenge.

"We have one of the smallest Banijan diasporas that we're representing here in the Gold Coast." Said Alan Wallace. "Just around 30,000 or so, it is not the same as the hundreds of thousands of Banijans that live in Maal, or in Quebec City, or in Stalliongrad. That is an extra challenge for us. But what we lack in size, we can make up for in heart. This is a hockey crazed country- it is always going to be tough to win games, but we feel as if our home ice advantage can be used to our advantage. We can get the fans out, and surprise a few players."

Maal Pioneers

Head Coach: Nathan Wilder
Starters
GK Kouodjou Songè
LD Darius Johansson(Mriin)
RD Émeric Numpuby
LW Zak Edimo
RW Luke Matondo
C Matthew Makeba

The Pioneers. The sixth and final team in the division, are starting at a disadvantage. As the last team in the league, almost thrown together to replace the Kaboomers after it became clear that a team in Farfadillis was not possible, they are going to have an extra challenge- can a team, starting so late, put together a playoff worthy season? It will certainly be an interesting journey to see if they can.

They have an advantage, that should play a long-term dividend- they are the only hockey team in the entire city of Maal. Does that speak to the lack of popularity of the sport in general in Mriin, or does that mean there is a great opportunity for Pioneers fans to become really engaged? The Pioneers are certainly trying- in the short time since the launch of the franchise, they are visiting schools across the city, going into churches of all kinds of different faiths, to try and drive up passion for this team. Will it work?

It'll certainly be an interesting journey to follow- will a nation of satyrs turn out to watch a sport that many of them are not capable of playing? If they do, if they can gain fans for the sport, well- we imagine that'll bode well for their long-term success.

Southwest Division

Stalliongrad Mountaineers

Head Coach: Kaytuhn Bona
Starters
GK Kemajou Teh
RD Dominic Lisumbu
LD Thibaut Luba
RW Joseph Tonga
LW Norbert Moundi
C Justin Ramazani

The Mountaineers, from the Equestrian States. They are the third team in this league that is playing in the Hockey Champions League. The Blue Thunder of Loyola-Istria are as well, but they are no longer members of this league, of course. They, of course, had the good fortune of losing to the Loyola-Istria Blue Thunder in the semifinals, not able to handle the heat as the college team beat them by a score of 2-1, right here on Banijan soil.

They come back as the co-favorites to win the Southwestern Division, alongside the team below. With them returning all six starters, there is a good possibility they will be able to build on their past successes. Winning a playoff game, in the ROund of 6 against Istria City College, was a big step for them. They have talent all over the ice, like Joseph Tonga and Norbert Moundi, for example, who are two of the quickest wingers in the league. As the defending best team from this division, they of course have to open as the favorites to earn at least one of the playoff spots from this division.

St.Jakob Crusaders

Head Coach: Laurent Southgate
Starters
GK Dewa Bangè
RD Taleh Ndo
LD Asong Nkwai
RW Baka Vernyuy
LW Tabuwe Ndongue
C Théo Olembe

The other favorites to get a playoff spot. Why? They undoubtedly come into the league in the position of the strongest financially, at least of the seven expansion sides, and probably in a better spot fiscally than the rest of the league in general. With their partnership with EHC Kosmopolit of Siovanija & Teusland, another local professional hockey side, they have already begun to make inroads in the local, domestic, Siovanijan population. A surprising amount of support puts them in a position to be successful going into next season.

Taleh Ndo and Asong Nkwai were the defensive pair from Northern Moravica University last season- so their familiarity gives them connections back to the homeland, here in Banija, and with each other. While there is other talent, that is the source of inspiration on the team. That said, their goalie is also considered to be world-class at what he does- we expect that they will compete fiercely for that other playoff berth, and will play like Grizzlies- fierce in defense, and that will carry them through the day.

Mansfield Warriors

Head Coach: Kiggwe Katende
Starters
GK Desta Atikem
RD Bill Theofeleios
LD Zelalem Demeke
RW Berehanu Tewolde
LW Yoni Endale
C Haile Yisake

The team from Baker Park is excited about the upcoming season. Head Coach Kiggwe Katende, who just made the move after he got fired at Northern Moravica, is excited for this season. "We're a new team, in a great city- a great community of Banijans exist here in Mansfield. People from Baker Park and people from Banija have gotten along for many years, and you see it in this city- it's multicultural, celebration of a mixture of cultures. I am proud to do this place well." He said.

"But, of course, our number one task goes beyond representing the city- it is about winning hockey games. And I think that we have a squad capable of doing so. With Yisake, we have an extremely talented center, a big body who will not get pushed around when he's in front of goal. He is the core of this team- we imagine we'll go as far as he takes us." This team is a wild card- how consistent can they be on a night in, night out basis?

Little Istria Tigersharks

Head Coach: Alanso Williamson
Starters
GK Samba Kujabi
RD Mustafa Kayode
LD Manlafi Manneh
RW Jebel Ogunsola
LW Edrissa Faye
C Kutubo So

The Tigersharks had an extremely disappointing season in their first year as a member of the Greater Banijan Hockey League, finishing in fifth place in the division. They only earned 43 points throughout the season, finishing 12 points off the pace of the division champs. There is a lot that they can improve on this offseason. Their defense was OK- but it was their offense that could certainly use quite a bit of fixing. They only scored 30 goals in 30 games, which put them in fifth in the division to the Kaboomers- who only won one game out of the 30 they played last season, for a pitiful 10 points.

They went to look for an answer to their offensive woes, by replacing their entire starting line. IT was Ogunsola, Faye, and So who were picked up, all out of this neighborhood, to be the answer on offense? Will it work? They figure to struggle to score goals again, though the team's fans are hoping that they can, indeed, surprise people. A playoff spot, however, is probably well out of their reach.

Kapetägien Kestrels

Head Coach: Malik Faye
Starters
GK Antouman Sohna
RD Mamadi Singateh
LD Bouba Kambi
RW Sheriff Sesay
LW Yakuba Fatty
C Kunta Coulibaly

The Kestrels are yet another new team, this one from Geisenfred. They are a team that recruited heavily within Banija itself, as thanks to the geographical proximity, they can do that. Sohna, their goalie, played at Istria City College last season, while Bouba Kambi played at the Islamic University of Busoga, when it was still a part of the Banijan system, of course. Can they launch a legitimate challenge, a threat, to the division's two favorites- St.Jakob & Stalliongrad?

It'll come down to what we don't know about them, we imagine. Fatty, Sesay, and Coluibaly are all local players, Banijans who live in this city in Geisenfred. There is very little information out on them- they played college hockey in Geisenfred, but all for small schools. Can they pull this bunch of rag tag guys together, and make a concerted challenge? IT's possible, but it's something that we consider probably unlikely.

New Istria Eagles

Head Coach: Hank Makoni
Starters
GK Kabir Ceesay
RD Kebba Kuyateh
LD Ousman Niang
RW Jumu Sidibeh
LW Banta Touray
C Paboy Kinte

The New Istria Eagles. THe only team in this league that is not located in Atlantian Oceania, being located all the way in Rushmore. ONe of the furthest flung communities of Banijans, New Istria is unique in that almost the entire population of Banijans in the city are recent arrivals, from the war. Banijans will remember Darmen from the opening match of World Cup 81, in soccer, when the two teams met to open the world's greatest sports tournament at the brand new Stadium of the Restoration.

Of course, coming from a city composed almost entirely of refugees, it means that there will be a couple of unique facts. The first, is that their fans are more likely to see them as a unifier than most others. Less time to integrate, this will probably be the community's strongest symbol outside the city's Mormon temple. Secondly, it means that financially, they will struggle. They are likely to be the poorest team in the league, most unfortunately.

How will they do this year? IT's hard to say. It will take a lot for them to challenge- but maybe the home ice advantage of being so far will help them? They will log so many extra frequent flyer miles, but then again, teams will not be used to the trip out to Darmen. It's difficult to project, of course, but they would have to be considered a dark horse at best to reach the playoffs.

[Banija]

Greater Banijan Hockey League - Season 2

Hockey Champions League 11

The Greater Banijan Hockey League had four teams enter the Hockey Champions League.

The league champions, the Rosaria Knights, got to take the Champions Path to make the tournament proper. There were 8 league champions who were participating in the preliminary rounds of the Hockey Champions League, trying desperately to do what they can to reach the group stages of the sport's premier club hockey competition. The Knights, of course, had a two-legged affair with Barnum Brown Athletic, the champions of Natanians & Nosts. The first game was a 0-0 tie, in a fierce, tight, defensive battle. The Knights goalie, of course, had 27 saves in that game. In the return leg in Eshan, it was the Echani, Marsteppi, who would score in the 2nd period, but the opponents equalized in the third period, and that was enough to send them through on away goals.

The next team, of course, was the Stalliongrad Mountaineers. One of the league's strongest sides, they had a matchup against the Albertville Hedgehogs. It was quite an experience, to say the least. They lost the first leg, in the Equestrian States, by a score of 1-0. But they got dominated away from home. They allowed 3 goals in the first period, and it was over, as they lost that game 4-1, and they lost, 5-5, on aggregate, to get eliminated from the Hockey Champions League before the tournament really got going.

There is the GBHL's 'success' story in the competition- the Cascadia Lions. They won the game on home ice, 2-0, in front of a raucous crowd. Because of that, they were able to go into the second leg with a lead, and in a frantic frenzy, they were able to tie the game 3-3, which was enough to send the Lions to the group stages of the Hockey Champions League as the GBHL's only entrant in the HCL proper. While they went 1-5 in the group stages, it was still a great experience.

The last team, of course, is the University of Loyola-Istria. Famous for their gridiron team and three NSCF title game appearances(with two titles), they have made their mark, establishing themselves last season as Banija's highest rated collegiate hockey program. However, they lost 3-0 on home ice in the first leg of their tie, getting absolutely dominated. While they came out with admirable fire and desperation in the second leg, it was simply not enough, as a 4-2 loss eliminated the Blue Thunder from further contention in the sport's greatest domestic competition.

Regular Season

North Division                   Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Rosaria Knights                30   18   5   7    65   35  +30    59 - DIVISION CHAMPIONS; HCL berth clinched
2 Goldstaff Cocodragons          30   15   4  11    39   32   +7    49 - HCL berth clinched; Playoff Berth Clinched
3 Quebec Grizzlies               30   11   9  10    40   34   +6    42
4 Maal Pioneers                  30   12   6  12    35   38   −3    42
5 Cascadia Lions                 30    8   8  14    26   42  −16    32
6 Gold Coast Whalers             30    8   4  18    25   49  −24    28

Southwest Division               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 St.Jakob Crusaders             30   19   8   3    58   23  +35    65 - DIVISION CHAMPIONS; HCL berth clinched
2 Stalliongrad Mountaineers      30   14   7   9    34   28   +6    49 - HCL berth clinched; Playoff Berth Clinched
3 Little Istria Tigersharks      30   12   7  11    29   30   −1    43
4 Mansfield Warriors             30   12   6  12    31   30   +1    42
5 New Istria Eagles              30    9   7  14    25   40  −15    34
6 Kapetägien Kestrels            30    5   3  22    18   44  −26    18

What a season, wasn't it, in the Greater Banijan Hockey League? An entertaining one all the way through, that saw certain teams exercise their dominance. In a result that was not surprising to many followers of the league before the season, the Rosaria Knights defended their division title, and came away with their second straight division championship. Of course, things were very different last season- but no matter. The Knights played great hockey, and they led the league in scoring with 65 goals scored over the course of 30 games. That type of play, of course, is why they were so successful in the first place.

It is the Cocodragons of Goldstaff, rather than the Grizzlies of Quebec City or the Lions of Cascadia, who will take the second playoff spot from the North Division, finishing with 49 points, to only 42 for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies were favored for that second spot because their defense was supposed to be extremely strong. However, the Goldstaff Cocodragons surprised many by earning their first ever playoff appearance. The two teams were very similar- the Grizzlies scored 40, the Cocodragons scored 39. However, the difference is that the Cocodragons had the killer instinct. THey had very similar goal differences, goals scored, and goals against, but the Cocodragons ended up with four more wins. When it mattered, late in games, they did what they had to do to get points, and that is why their season will continue while the Grizzlies will end.

In the Southwest, it is the Crusaders who have flown through the division. One of the league's most popular teams, they finished with a shocking 65 points- far more than anyone would have reasonably predicted. They only allowed 23 goals across the season's 30 games, making that easily the best defensive side in the league. Dewa Bangè has proved himself to not only be the league's best goalkeeper, but a favorite to put on the pads for the Banijan national team when the next World Cup of Hockey comes around, as he led the league in averaging 27 saves per game. What a season for him and his team.

The last playoff team in this division was the Mountaineers. Coming off of a rough HCL campaign, they regrouped this season, and finished quite comfortably in second place. 6 points ahead of a much improved Tigersharks side, Stalliongrad will be represented, for the second season in a row, in the Hockey Champions League. Of course, they will return to the playoffs first, as they try to add to the trophy cabinet for the first time.

Playoffs

Semifinal 1
Game 1: Rosaria Knights 3–1 Stalliongrad Mountaineers
Game 2: Stalliongrad Mountaineers 4–3 Rosaria Knights
Game 3: Rosaria Knights 1–2 Stalliongrad Mountaineers(Mountaineers win series 2-1)

Semifinal 2
Game 1: St.Jakob Crusaders 4–3 Goldstaff Cocodragons
Game 2: Goldstaff Cocodragons 1–1 St.Jakob Crusaders (2–1 OT)
Game 3: St.Jakob Crusaders 2–1 Goldstaff Cocodragons(St.Jakob wins series 2-1

The two semifinals were, of course, best of 3. The first won pit the North Division champions against the Southwestern Division runner-ups. The Rosaria Knights, the North Division champs and the GBHL defending champions, won Game 1 fairly easily against the Stalliongrad Mountaineers, going up 3-0 by the end of the third period, before the Mountaineers had a late consolation goal to make the score 3-1. But that was when the Mountaineers decided to come back. They played a thriller back in the Equestrian States, facing elimination on home ice, and they scored the game winning goal with 14 seconds left, as a 4-3 thrilling victory moved the series back to Eshan for a decisive game 3.

This game 3 was fierce. Extremely hard hitting, fans very into the game, with a spot in the final on the line. While the Knights opened the scoring with 16 minutes left in the 2nd period, the Mountaineers scored twice in the third period- once with 12 minutes left, and once with 9 minutes left, to take the lead on the road. Even as the divisional runner-ups, they held on against the Knights, and registered a massive upset as they put themselves into their first ever Greater Banijan Hockey League Championship Game.

In the other series, the St.Jakob Crusaders, a dominant force this season, met wtih the Goldstaff Cocodragons. They protected home ice in a close game against the Cocodragons. They were up 4-1 in the 3rd period with just 8 minutes left, but the Cocodragons made the game close, closing the game out at 4-3. In the return, in Game 2, in Cosumar, the Cocodragons played with passion, as the whiteout crowd gave them a lot of energy and excitement. The Cocodragons scored the winner in overtime, to force a decisive game 3.

Back on their home ice, however, the St.Jakob Crusaders would punch their ticket to their first ever title game. They got a pair of early goals in the 1st period from Théo Olembe, their center, and from that point forward, they were able to hold on, winning 2-1 and celebrating the fact that they locked up a trip to Istria, to try and put a trophy next to their divisional championship into that trophy cabinet. Two of the sides from the GSW are in the title game. Who will take home the trophy?

Greater Banijan Hockey League Championship Game
St.Jakob Crusaders 1–1 Stalliongrad Mountaineers (1–2 OT)

ANd it is the Stalliongrad Mountaineers who are crowned champions of the Greater Banijan Hockey League! As fans filled the Caribou Arena in Istria, with many Banijans travelling from both the Equestrian States and Siovanija & Teusland to attend this game, this game had a fair number of locals attending as well. It is a sport with so much international flavor in Banija- due to its popularity among Banijan migrant groups, as well as popularity among both students and the large foreign national population in Istria.

The St.Jakob Crusaders, as they did twice in the last series, opened the scoring, with Olembe scoring in the beginning of the third period to make the score 1-0. Crusaders fans got louder and louder as the game went along, trying to will their team to victory. Unfortunately, however, that was not meant to be. The Mountaineers scored the game tying goal with 3 minutes left, courtesy of Joseph Tonga. Just 30 seconds into the overtime period, the Mountaineers went on the power play, and the rest was history.

It just took exactly 38 seconds from the start of the overtime period for the Mountaineers, on the power play, to score the title winner. Justin Ramazani, the center, scored the goal as half the stadium exploded and their bench went crazy, while the Crusaders went back to their bench. A disappointing ending to a fantastic season by the Crusaders, while the Mountaineers are able to call themselves the champions of the Greater Banijan Hockey League. They are now the standard bearers of Banijan hockey- the league's best team, the champions. Who can take that away from them?

[Banija]

The Season 8 Owners Meetings approach as the issue of gender integration reaches the Banijan Soccer League


BSL owners take a picture before entering Season 8 RBSA Owners meetings

BUSUKUMA- Randolf Cherry, the BSL Commissioner, has arrived at the Busukuma Convention Center, where the 68 RBSA club owners have are all arriving for the Season 8 annual owner's meetings. The 20 BSL owners, of course, as well as the 48 regional league side owners, are all arriving. This includes, of course, the 6 owners who are flying who own Busoga Islands clubs, as well as the two foreign owners- a representative of the Damukuni corporation who owns Mynda Electra, as well as a representative from the Al Qurijan family that owns the Lakiska side, on the South Island. One of, and probably the singular, biggest gathering of wealth every year in Banija, as they prepare for Season 8.

The league's growth and popularity, both inside and outside the country, is growing, and therefore, the league is seeing itself as a bigger success. As the transfer window is drawing to a close, popular players like Aaron Aiza have decided to leave the country, to pursue greener pastures within the Glorious Southwest- him specifically going to Valanora. He was the league's undisputed superstar- winning a MVP award, a pair of league titles, leading Herzegovina City to the BSL's first, and to date only, appearance in the group stages of the UICA Champions Cup. This includes leading his side to the BSL's only ever undefeated season. A true superstar, many were sad to see him go, especially Herzegovina City FC fans, who launched a last minute social media bid to try and keep him, to no avail.

Alas, we must move forward, and we're looking ahead to the next season. The transfer deadline has not been reached yet- so a few signings have still yet to be made. Herzegovina CIty FC have yet to replace him, and all signs are that they won't be doing that until after the conclusions of the owners meetings. Regardless, we're here to preview the owner's meetings. For the first time since Season 2, when the four expansion franchises were added to the league, there is a change in attendance. Bwubanza City Soccer Club, having been relegated, will no longer be attending the BSL meetings, and the Hawabark Boulders will finally be let into the big room, as the promoted side from the regional leagues, joining the big boys in the BSL.

There are not as many issues this season as there were last season- just two issues have been confirmed that there will be a vote on at these meetings. We'll go through each of those issues, one by one. Remember, these meetings operate by a principle of triple consent. For a proposal to pass, they need a supermajority of the BSL owners(at least 14 out of the 20 in favor), no regional league can issue a veto(no more than 6 owners in any of the 12 team regional leagues can oppose a motion), and, lastly, it needs a super majority of all the RBSA club owners- meaning that they need at least 46 out of the 68 owners to pass a proposal. It is a tall order, but a system designed for unity and to prevent infighting.

#1 Yellow Card for Jersey Removal
This was brought up at the Season 7 owners meetings by a number of regional league sides, but ultimately vetoed by the Banijan Soccer League. The issue here is simple- many in Banija are not fans of the rule of getting a yellow card for jersey removal. Fans say that it penalizes passion, players say that it limits their expression, and generally, it's a rule that everyone hates. Why did it stay last season? Many BSL owners thought that it would hurt recruitment. One source from Herzegovina City FC who was not authorized to speak on the matter said that "it's hard to misalign your own rules from the rules of the international game. It will hurt us in international competitions, and it will hurt us recruiting players who want to play for their countries- misalignment of rules forces bad habits, and that will hurt us as we grow."

However, Corizova United, the sponsor of the resolution this year, issued a statement in support of the rule change. "The rule is foolish- there is no benefit at all for having this rule. Why have more yellow cards? Why limit a passionate celebration? The beautiful game is beautiful because of the passion, because of what it means. Let's not crush that in our game. And who knows? If we start doing it, maybe it'll be a trend. Players will want to play in Banija." It looks as of now to be heading towards the same fate that it faced last season- defeated, likely, by a BSL veto, by those clubs vying for UICA spots. We'll see, however, how the vote looks.

#2 Gender Integration for Banija's leagues?
This is, by far, the most controversial proposal. The Lukiiko, just barely, passed a law after the AOCAF that allows women, for the first time, to play collegiate and professional sports with men. This was banned for a long time by Banijan law- even as many people came to the country for various tournaments, with integrated sports teams. From the World Cup on down, Banijans saw integrated teams make their way to Banijan soil, and put on a show- all while they basically only faced Banijan men.

The RBSA has seemed to make a first move towards this reality, as they allowed Marcus Waters to integrate the national teams. He is taking advantage of that already, as he chosen four female players for the Di Bradini Cup 44 squad, all currently playing college soccer in Banija. However, to integrate the leagues, that takes a vote of the owners. Randolf Cherry, the Drawkian Commissioner of the Banijan Soccer League, is in support of this move. "In Drawkland, this kind of gender discrimination simply does not exist. If we want to make the league stronger, we should get the strongest players, regardless of their chromosomes. If you're good enough to play in this league, you should get a chance, and I'm confident that ownership can get behind this."

While many clubs haven't spoken out on this, many of the foreign managers are rumored to be in favor of this move, particularly Brian Emerson of Herzegovina City, and Winad-Lenpi Xlo of Lakiska SC, who came on and successfully rescued Lakiska SC from the relegation zone. It's hard to get relegated, as only one team gets relegated each season, but it's even harder to get promoted, as 48 teams will vye for one spot. Maintaining your spot in the Banijan Soccer League is the best way to go, for obvious reasons, and they have done that. None of the managers, as of yet, however, have released any public statements.

The debate, however, is taking over Banija's airwaves- should the BSL integrate? It has received strong endorsements of support from the six Islander sides, whose national team is already integrated by gender. But that's just six- they need to get to 46, and the already described majorities. This will be a tough ask in many rural corners of the country, that are very religious, very socially conservative, and that already go out there and greatly value tradition. We'll see how the debate goes across the coming days, as the vote gets closer and the ways certain teams are leaning becomes much clearer.

[Banija]

Brian Emerson and Winad-Lenpi swing in favor of gender integration as managers make their feelings known about gender integration


Media at a recent Herzegovina City FC fan event

HERZEGOVINA CITY, MORAVICA- With the Owners Meetings underway, there are two major contentious issues up for debate at the Owners Meetings. First, is a repeat of the proposal to greatly relax any celebration related penalties, as long as they don't 'unduly delay the restart of the match'. This includes, most controversially, rejecting the international rule that a yellow card must be given if a jersey is removed during a goal celebration. While this failed before last season because of opposition from BSL ownership, who feared that it would hurt recruitment of foreign talent into Banija. Corizova United, one of the Northwestern Regional League sides that has sponsored this resolution, has cited evidence from leagues abroad, specifically the Nepharim Premiership, that don't automatically card for jersey removal. IT is rumored that clubs that opposed the rule change last season, like Lakiska SC and Mynda Electra, are now on board, but it seems as if it is building enough momentum to pass.

It is the other proposal, the vote on whether or not to integrate Banija's pyramid by gender, that has generated much more controversy. This was very recently played out on the political level, when the government passed legislation through the Lukiiko, by the slimmest of majorities, to end the legal requirement of gender segregation in Banijan professional and collegiate sports. But now that the ban is repealed, various leagues and associations have to deal with this themselves- do they vote to integrate? As they grapple with the questions for their sports, this fight is taking center stage in Banija's biggest professional sports league- the Banijan Soccer League. The owners and the fans are arguing about it amongst themselves, obviously, as the vote moves closer. But there are a few managers who have stuck out here.

First, of course, was Brian Emerson. The Cosumarite manager at Herzegovina City FC, in just two seasons, he has established himself as the cream of the crop among managers in this league. Showing up here three quarters of a century after his birth, he came as a decorated manager, and his star has shone brightly at what is likely his last coaching stop, considering his age. Brian Emerson in his first season, Season 6, led Herzegovina City FC to the greatest season ever witnessed in this young league- 31 wins, 7 draws, 0 losses, and 100 points. Only team to hit the century mark in points. Only team to ever go undefeated. Set a league record for wins in a season(31). And in his second season, last season, while they got third, Herzegovina City FC stunned the multiverse when they, in a series of upsets in the summer, became the first ever Banijan team to make the group stages of the UICA Champions Cup.

At a fan event, he came out, unprompted, and came out swinging in favor of gender integration. "Gender equality is an issue near and dear to my heart." He began. "It is important that the Banijan Soccer League, in my opinion, begin allowing integration as soon as possible. From a competitive standpoint, it only makes sense. Why would you stop talented players from playing in the league? It will grow the game, ensure that young Banijan girls, as well as young Banijan boys, can fulfill their dreams of playing in this league. From a moral standpoint, it's an equality issue. Why treat people differently because of the number of chromosomes in their body? There's only one way to do this properly, and that is to pass this proposal." Herzegovina City FC ownership, the day after he made that statement, came out and officially said that they'd vote for the gender integration proposal. Since then, he has spoken about it at a number of youth events that the club has sponsored within the city.

Another coach who has swung out hard, is Winad-Lenpi Xlo. Winad-Lenpi, if you remember, was hired by Lakiska SC after they were in last place exactly halfway through the season. Not only were they in last place though, but they had just suffered an 8-1 thrashing at the hands of Herzegovina City FC. Not wanting to be the BSL's first ever relegated side, they fired their manager, and hired Winad-Lenpi. When he saved the then winless side from the horrors of relegation, he got an extension to become the full-time manager. In a press conference this offseason, when asked about it, he hit hard in favor of integration. "Gender equality is something that we must take seriously. The Busoga Islands have always put a premium on this, when the national team for the Islanders was gender integrated straight from the get go. They made their choice, and this is the tradition of Islander fans. I come from a country, Qusmo, that is one of the most gender-equal in the universe. We realize that gender is simply... A social construct, at best. This is a concept we don't recognize, this is something that the Islands have long been ahead of the curve on- let's do this."

OF course, an interesting game was playing out here. Many managers were coming out in favor of this, and of course, the six Islander clubs, all co-sponsors of the resolution, were all chasing this hard. But there was one manager, in particular, who seemed against the proposal. His name is Alexander Bumba, the longtime manager at Jinja CIty Football Club. "Whatever the politicians and bigwigs do, is their call." He told reporters when he was asked about it at a preseason event. "But if I had a vote? They'd vote no. There are many things that make the Banijan league special, and different, and it is that we prescribe to Banijan values. How are we letting men and women competing on the same field at the same time? That makes no sense." Jinja CIty FC, of course, has long been seen as one of Banija's most conservative clubs, and were long expected to vote against the proposal.

The vote comes in two days time- will it pass? We'll have the exclusive and in depth coverage of the Season 8 Owners Meetings when they come to a close in just two days time.

[Banija]

Banijan Lacrosse League

Bunyoro RSC repeat as National Conference champions as regular season draws to a close


Vidizi Bulls celebrate a conference title

Final Regular Season Standings
Top two in each conference clinch playoff berths and berths in Champions Cup appearances

National Conference                Pld   W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Bunyoro RSC                      14   12   2   170   99  +71    36
2 Luguyala Patriots                14    9   5   145  100  +45    27
3 Busukuma Flyers                  14    9   5   149  125  +24    27
4 Umbazi Metropolitan SC           14    8   6   167  136  +31    24
5 Hoima Gators                     14    5   9   116  145  −29    15
6 Jinja City Weasals               14    5   9   142  181  −39    15
7 Mynda Knights                    14    5   9   127  168  −41    15
8 Kitara Athletic Association      14    3  11   109  171  −62     9

Moravica Conference                Pld   W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vidizi Bulls                     14   12   2   180  132  +48    36
2 Istria Thunder                   14   10   4   179  131  +48    30
3 Herzegovina CIty Kings           14    9   5   175  118  +57    27
4 Iziarad Wildcats                 14    8   6   165  128  +37    24
5 Kosactus Hammerheads             14    5   9   113  163  −50    15
6 Taramazna Hawks                  14    5   9   116  184  −68    15
7 Hamilton Jackals                 14    4  10   150  148   +2    12
8 West Istria White Wings          14    3  11   108  182  −74     9

DODOMO, BUNYORO- The fourth season of the Banijan Lacrosse League is finally upon us. Now, of course, for the new followers of the lacrosse league, the format is relatively simple- the teams are divided into two conferences of 8 teams each. One is the Moravica Conference, consisting of 8 teams from the Moravica region. The region, of course, is the heart and soul of the Banijan lacrosse game, incredibly popular in Banija's richest and most diverse region. Teams come from all across the region- from the region's big cities, with a pair of teams from Istria and a team from Herzegovina, as well as a team from Vidizi, an inner-ring suburb of Herzegovina City. It is popular within midsized and rural Moravica, with a team coming from a city as small as the village of Hamilton, a village of just 9,000 the league's northernmost lacrosse team.

And then, there is the National Conference. These consist of 8 teams from across the rest of the nation. The other region where lacrosse really has a foothold, besides Moravica, is the Bunyoro region. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club, famously known as the only fan-owned club in the Banijan Soccer League- or, of course, the only true club depending on who you ask, since it certainly isn't a franchise, is also known as a national sporting power in lacrosse. The winners of international club lacrosse's first ever competition, the Champions Cup, they have won the last two editions of the Banijan Lacrosse League, including a perfect 17-0 season last year.

This season was an interesting one. Things are a bit different this season. With reforms from the IDLO, there is only one international club competition- the Champions Cup. That means, of course, four teams instead of two go to lacrosse's most prestigious club competition- but there isn't that extra fifth spot. Just the four teams that make the playoffs, aka the top two in each conference, will go to international competition. That means, of course, fiercer competition than normal for those playoff berths.

Before we get into the season, however, let's talk about the IDLO competitions. We'll start with, of course, the IDLO Ultimate Cup, the now scrapped competition. The Herzegovina City Kings, the Busukuma Flyers, and the Vidizi Bulls were Banija's representatives in that competition. The group stage was simple- 3 groups of 5, double round robin. Unfortunately, the Kings were eliminated in the group stages, while the Bulls and the Flyers both advanced to the quarterfinals of this tournament. The Flyers made a great run through the tournament- going all the wya to the final, before falling to the Ramusok Rhinos of Cosumar.

Then, of course, the premier competition- the Champions Cup. Bunyoro RSC were coming into the competition as the heavy favorites- the defending champions, coming off of an undefeated season in the league, coming in with all that firepower. They came out flying in the competition, going 7-1 in the group stages. They then got the brooms out, when they swept the Istria Thunder in a best of 5, and advanced to the IDLO Champions Cup title, trying to repeat against the Klyde Guardians. However, it is the Guardians who pulled off the upset and won, 9-7 in Razenthuria, to host the Champions Cup.

That, of course, set the stage going into this season- Bunyoro RSC, particularly, having to respond to falling at the last hurdle in what would have certainly been one of the greatest club seasons of all time. A second undefeated season seemed out of reach. But once again, they were the class of the National Conference, finishing 12-2 and earning the conference championship. The race behind them, between the Patriots and Flyers, was the interesting one. Both teams, of course, finished 9-5.

It was Week 13, where it all unraveled for the Flyers. They dropped a big one, 14-9 away from home, to the Mynda Knights, to lose their one game advantage on the Patriots. The Patriots, then, of course, won both in Week 13 and Week 14 to punch their ticket to the playoffs, knocking out the Flyers.

Then, of course, for the Moravica Conference. The Vidizi Bulls, the "other" team in the Herzegovina City metropolitan area, won their first conference title, matching Bunyoro RSC's 12-2 record. And after that, it was the Istria Thunder, from Banija's biggest city, that finished second in the conference and clinched the league's other playoff berth. A poor season for parity in the league, of course, as the top three teams from the conferences last season remain unchanged- they just swapped orders within those top 3. We'll see, of course, if next season that is addressed, but for now, we have Banija's playoff matchups- Bunyoro RSC v. Istria Thunder, and the Vidizi Bulls v. Luguyala Patriots.

[Banija]

Banijan Lacrosse League

Bunyoro RSC in convincing fashion as they claim second title in as many seasons

Semifinal #1(Best of 3)
Game #1: Bunyoro RSC 20–14 Istria Thunder(Bunyoro RSC leads 1-0)
Game #2: Istria Thunder 5–17 Bunyoro RSC(Bunyoro RSC wins 2-0)

The semifinal of the BLL, of course, see the first crossover games of every single BLL season. The winner of each conference plays the runner up of the other conference in a Best of 3 series format, with the winner going to the one off championship game. A format that has been criticized in various corners, for its own uniqueness in the sport, BLL owners have been fiercely protective of it, saying the extra games are a cash cow and help build excitement up for the BLL title game.

The first semifinal saw the defending champs, Bunyoro RSC, take on the Istria Thunder. This was, of course, a rematch of last season's championship game. There was a lot of excitement going into this one, with the stakes and the familiarity of the opponents. The first match, at Bunyoro, was a highly competitive one for three quarters- the score was 14-14 at the start of the final frame. However, from that point forward, Bunyoro RSC showed their class, and why they were Banija's premier lacrosse team. Outscoring Istria 6-0 in the 4th quarter, they followed that up in Game 2 with a 17-5 shellacking of the host Thunder side, and easily laid claim to another appearance in the BLL championship game, en route for yet another BLL title.

Semifinal #2(Best of 3)
Game #1: Vidizi Bulls 12–6 Luguyala Patriots(Vidizi Bulls lead 1-0)
Game #2: Luguyala Patriots 4–15 Vidizi Bulls(Bulls win 2-0)

The other semifinal featured the champions of the Moravica Conference, the Vidizi Bulls, facing off against the Luguyala Patriots, the small town team who is probably the BLL's biggest surprise playoff entry. The Bulls were trying to enter the championship game for the first time. The suburban side had an excellent regular season- 12-2, and trying to bring the title back to the Herzegovina City region. They were the dominant force in this semifinal, never trailing in Game 1, as they cruised to a 12-6 home victory over the Patriots.

The second leg, the Patriots came out strong and fought hard- the score was 2-2 after the first quarter. But from that point forward, the Bulls dominated away from home. Outscoring their opponents a combined 11-0 between the 2nd and 3rd quarters, by the time the 4th quarter came around, the stadium was silent, and only the small smattering of Bulls fans was left in the building. A 15-4 victory was the final score, and the Bulls punched their ticket in what was going to be a highly anticipated matchup between the league's top two sides, both of whom dominated their semifinal matchups.

BLL Final
Bunyoro RSC 11–3 Vidizi Bulls

It was Bunyoro RSC, in the final at Kizza I Field in Herzegovina CIty, the national stadium for lacrosse, who emerged victorious for a second time. Bunyoro RSC had earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs thanks to its incredible +71 goal difference throughout the season, powered by the team's stingy defense, which only allowed 99 goals throughout the 14 game regular season. They were the only team to keep their opponents under the century mark, and because of that, they played this final in front of their fans.

With a raucous crowd clamoring for a repeat, Bunyoro RSC gave the fans what they were looking for, and came out with a dominant defensive performance, smothering their opponents en route to claiming a second straight league title. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead by the end of the 1st quarter, and they never looked back, racing out to an 11-3 victory to cement their status as Banija's premier lacrosse team, and, once again, as legitimate contenders to bring home the IDLO Champions Cup.

Two seasons in a row as champions- what a feat for Bunyoro RSC. They will be leading the Banijan delegation to the IDLO, which will include all of the country's playoff teams- which means the Patriots, the Bulls, and the Thunder will be joining them in the sport's premier club competition. It is a second straight season for a champion from the National Conference, and Moravica fans will find this frustrating, considering the bulk of the sport's, and the league's, players come from Banija's richest region in the country's Northwest. Another season is now on the books.

[Banija]

The Season 8 Owners Meetings come to a close with decisive votes


BSL Commissioner Randolf Cherry(front left) speaks with other League Owners

BUSUKUMA- Randolf Cherry, the BSL Commissioner, walked out of the Season 8 Owners Meetings with a massive smile on his face. Grinning from ear to ear, and rumors, of course, were flying out of the session. It was his job to announce the final vote results- though, of course, all kinds of rumors of the final vote counts were flying out of the meeting rooms. It was always going to be tight votes- but with only two issues up for a vote, this press conference, as opposed to last season's, was going to be much, much faster.

"Once again, I'd like to congratulate the Hawabark Boulders for their promotion, and their pending promotion to the Banijan Soccer League. Their ownership thoroughly enjoyed being on the BSL side of the room this time, and we look forward to being able to take trips to the Olympic Stadium in Buganda for a game early on in the season." Cherry started with. "Now, of course, I'm not going to waste time- let's get to the results of the Owners Meetings, shall we?"

He paused and looked up, and then continued speaking. "The issue of relaxing yellow cards has been around for quite some time. Last season, of course, it was brought up, and BSL clubs exercised their right to veto. But this time around, with 64 votes in favor, and only 4 opposed, this issue has passed." And from there, he read out the voting numbers, on who supported what, and who opposed. Only 4 clubs opposed, and all of them were in the BSL. They were the Hoima Warriors, Bunyoro RSC, Dukuma SC, and Herzegovina City Football Club. It seems as if organizers were better prepared this time around to wage this campaign, and it was an overwhelming success.

Many teams that had opposed the change last season, had now changed their minds. Corizova United, in their official presentation of the rule change, mentioned a number of leagues that had a similar rule, like the Nepharim Premiership- the multiverse's top ranked league. And it seemed as if they worked individual owners hard to change this rule. The two foreign ownership groups in particular changed their mind. Lakiska SC, with an ownership group from Al Qurija, was the first prominent supporter of this change. And Mynda Electra, with their ownership group the Electra Group from Damukuni, was also a prominent supporter of this change. Both ownership groups were influential in defeating the proposal last time around- a big time change of heart. They got big clubs, like Jinja City FC, and the Phoenix, as well as others, to sign on.

Randolf Cherry then went on to announce that the leagues, just barely, had decided to integrate. "After a vigorous debate, with a tight majority, we have decided to pass the motion to integrate Banija's leagues, effective immediately, by a final vote of 50-18. This was, of course, an extremely tight vote, but we thank our owners for acting decisively on this issue, so we can move forward with the development of the game." Randolf Cherry has long been seen as one of the idea's most prominent supporters, as a way to develop the game in Banija among both men and women. Now, of course, some might be asking- how is 50-18 a tight majority? After looking, we have seen why.

OF course, let's look at the voting rules. Vetoes can be issued by any of the 5 leagues if more than 6 of their owners vote against a proposal. This is true for each of the four 12 member regional leagues, and the 20 member Banijan Soccer League. And a pair of vetoes were almost issued in this tight vote, even though they had 50 votes in favor. The Northern League, in a pair of regions that long have been seen as Banija's most conservative, the owners split 6-6 on the issue. One more vote against, of course, and the whole thing is thrown out. And 6 BSL sides almost issued a veto, with Jinja City FC leading the fight against, but not getting that seventh vote.

It was a vote that may have large implications. The Katikkiro, who led the effort to pass a law to allow this exact thing, even issued a congratulatory statement after staying out of this debate when asked while it was still up in the air. "The RBSA Owners did the right thing, and I am proud of them. Taking the steps necessary to move Banija forward in the world, and to improve the sport here at home- this is the right thing to do. Banija's girls, Banija's women, will now be treated on an equal basis in our country's biggest sport, and this is surely going to have a positive impact. I applaud this move."

We'll see what effect this has on the ongoing transfer window. There are rumors flying around, of course, as there are every transfer window- who is going where? But with Aaron Aiza rumored to be heading towards greener pastures, the integration of leagues may mean that signing someone to replace him will be much, much easier. We'll report back, of course, for an official BSL roundup when the Window is over. The season is almost here!

[Banija]

Transfer Window closes with a bang as rosters are finalized before Season 8


Equestrian Superstar Aaron Aiza announces his intention to leave Herzegovina City FC at a Press Conference

HERZEGOVINA CITY, MORAVICA- This transfer window has seen a lot of headlines, with big money and big time switches from all over the multiverse. Of course, as seen in the name of this magazine, we'll cover the Banijan aspect- what Banijans made switch? What players left Banija? What players are coming to Banija? Clubs across the country attempted to make changes as they vigorously pursue to try and get a spot in the coveted top 4- a spot that guarantees a berth in the UICA. A spot in the Champions CUp for the champion, and three spots in the Globe Cup for the leagues ranked 2-4. With Herzegovina City's run last season to the Champions Cup group stages surprising many, the bar has been raised for the Banijan Soccer League. What improvements have teams made? We're going to talk about the four biggest storylines of the window.

Aaron Aiza, the league's biggest superstar, has left for greener pastures

This one was rumored, and when the news hit, it came as a shock for Herzegovina City FC fans everywhere. This was rumored from the beginning of the campaign- though Herzegovina City FC officials had insisted, at the beginning, that he was just being given the 'license to look around'. Therefore, many fans had assumed that HZCFC would find a way to keep in at Star Field. But then, Hondo FC came calling from Valanora, also in the Glorious Southwest, and it would be hard for him to say no. The BSL, while making its climb, is 37th in the multiverse- the Valanora association is ranked 5th. It's still in the Glorious Southwest, so the same distance from home in the Equestrian States, and the money is far greater than HZCFC could ever offer him.

It was an offer that he couldn't say no to. Once Herzegovina City FC fans realized this, they did everything in their power to bring him back. There was a twii.tur campaign to keep him, and many fans of other teams tried to join in- though, of course, HZCFC's biggest rivals, namely Istria City FC and Herzegovina Phoenix, stayed far, far, away from this campaign. Aiza had a very decorated career in the BSL, winning a MVP award, leading the team to an undefeated season, a pair of BSL titles, and one of the league's top goalscorers in the years that he was here. Many saw him as the cream of the crop in the league in terms of player talent.

Herzegovina City FC fans were upset that he left, but many understood- he did what he has to do. Brian Emerson, the manager, said that Aiza will 'always have a place in the hearts of BSL fans everywhere, and HZCFC fans specifically.' Randolf Cherry said that he gave his all to the game in this country, and that his move helped open the door for other big time moves into the country. Club officials released a highlight video, saying 'thank you', and said that he'd always have a spot. It was a move that sent a message- reminded Banijans, though this league has made tremendous progress over the past few seasons, of how far they still have to go to get to the top.

First Female Players Signed by BSL side

An Equestrian trendsetter for another Equestrian trendsetter? As we mentioned a few days ago, the Owners decided to integrate the leagues on gender. It wasn't sure how fast the fruits of that would be reaped- but there was one player willing to make the leap, and Brian Emerson, one of the managers who came out swinging for the fences on this move, is putting his own money where is mouth is. How does he replace his best player? He took a look at the large talent bed that lies in the Equestrian States, and he made a large, and aggressive, purchase. $10 million NSDs spent on acquiring Rosie Tyler from Port Christopher.

That makes her, of course, the first woman to ever be signed by a BSL side, which is a historic moment. When Brian Emerson was asked about this, he said that "the moment is big, but we're not looking at making history in the transfer market- we're looking at making history on the field. I'm looking at bringing in the best team possible that will help us work towards our goal of bringing another trophy to Star Field, and this is, She has a ton of talent, and we think that she'll pair greatly with Marcel Roux, the Echani attacking midfielder that we signed this window." They did, indeed, spend a premium- the $10 million NSD transfer fee was a record for a BSL side.

The market is growing for Banijan talent

Something is going right with player development here in Banija. You always wonder- are players being developed correctly? Our league is showign signs of strength internationally, and that is always a good place to start. But there's nothing like cold, hard numbers that show the confidence of foreigners in Banijan talent. The first major transfer of a Banijan abroad was Isaac Georgiadis going to play in the Fleftic Premier League, where he has played all these years. He has largely been a success, and since then, it has been uphill from there.

Chibuzo Afolayan set the then record $5.5 million NSD transfer to AFC Corvistone in Nephara, and helped lead the team to their first ever promotion to the Nepharim Premiership, where he has played with excellent reviews. And from there, Banijans have been flourishing abroad. But this window, the demand for Banijans was on full display. First, of course, the big time, $10 million NSD transfer of Gitonga Kahara, the Banijan superstar and the star player for the national team up front, from Polaris to OAS Royal FC in Cosumar, showed that there is belief in Banijan talent.

But not just Kahara. He could be a one off. But he is the culmination of Banijan talent getting attention from abroad, and his move was only the most high profile of quite a few moves. Jumu Sanneh and Lemuel Bereket, the backup goalkeepers on the Kadongo Kamu, both made moves to go play abroad, as they will ply their trade in Vilita and Apox, respectively. Nwabudike Ugonna, the young winger from Rukunbi FC, will be playing in Siovanija & Teusland next season, joined by Kabir Jobateh. That demand for prime, national team players, shows that there is belief from clubs abroad that Banijan talent will help. That reflects well on the RBSA, and on the BSL.

Foreign Managers are all the rage in the Banijan Soccer League

So many teams had to go out and get new managers heading into this season. A Super 5 club, Istria City FC, looked towards the nation that is increasingly becoming a favorite spot for Banijan clubs to look for managers- Cosumar. They hired Alvin Burnsides, a guy who originally tried to ply his trade on the gridiron. He has a record of success wherever he's gone, however, even if he's not going to be the league's biggest personality. Big expectations for Istria City FC fans, who want to get back to the top.

Other teams that needed managers also looked abroad to sign their managers. The Busembe Timberwolves pulled a near coup in signing Zachary Sols, the highly successful Qasden NT manager who won back to back Cup of Harmonies, as well as taking that side throughout World Cup Qualification successfully twice, in 79 & 81. The Timberwolves made him a big money offer, and it was quite a surprising move for a team that is not known for its ambition. Is there a new tide coming over from Kitara?

One of the interesting things, with the recent tendency of teams to look abroad for managers, is that the dearth in Banijan managers are lacking. Out of the big Super 5 clubs, Jinja City FC is the only one left that has a Banijan manager. And while that makes sense in terms of the international growth of the game, some commentators are saying that the BSL needs to make sure to invest in developing management talent like they do playing talent, or else that will hurt the long-term viability of Banijan development, and the league. Something to watch for over the coming years.

[Banija]

The Banijan Soccer League - Season 8 Basic Information

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association is proud to present the Banijan Soccer League to the sporting world. This is the top division of soccer in both Banija and the Busoga Islands, competing with gridiron football to be Banija's most popular sport. The Banijan Soccer League consists of 20 teams, and for the first time, there is change in the ranks, as the Hawabark Boulders secured the first ever promotion to the BSL while Bwubanza City Soccer Club were the first ever relegated side at the end of last season. It is currently ranked 37th by the UICA, an improvement of 7 places from the last ranking, and 77 places from three seasons ago. They compete in the Banijan Soccer League, which is a double round-robin league-style competition. The other major competition that BSL teams compete in is the RBSA Cup, which is a single-elimination knockout tournament with all 68 professional clubs in Banija, the 48 in Banija's regional league system and the 20 in the Banijan Soccer League.

There is limited promotion/relegation- the best regional league champion, as decided in a playoff, is promoted, and the last place team in the Banijan Soccer League is relegated every season. The format followed for league play is a double round-robin. The format followed for the RBSA Cup is each round the opponents are randomly drawn against each other, with one side randomly being picked as the home side. All 48 regional league sides are entered first, with a one-off match in the 1st round to whittle them down to 24, and then another one off match to whittle them down to 12. Then the 20 BSL sides are entered at this stage, with 32 teams in general in the competition, and it is a single elimination competition where each match must have a winner, with the final played at the Stadium of the Restoration. The winner of the previous Banijan Soccer League and the RBSA Cup open each season with the Kabaka's Cup, the Banijan supercup.

The Banijan Soccer League currently competes in the UICA Champions Cup, the UICA Globe Cup, the Cygnus Cup, the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, and the Vilitan Cove Invitational. Currently, the BSL champion qualifies for the Champions Cup and the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place teams qualify for the Globe Cup. If the Kabaka's Cup winner does not qualify for the Cygnus Cup or UICA competition, they will qualify for the Vilitian Cove International. If they do qualify for another international club competition, per VCI rules, the RBSA will use another acceptable form of competitive criteria, at its discretion.

The league is traditionally dominated by the 'Super 5' clubs- Istria City FC, Herzegovina City FC, Busukuma AC, Hoima Warriors, and Jinja City FC, that are Banija's 5 biggest teams in Banija's 5 biggest cities. The Herzegovina Phoenix, however, are also on the rise, recently clinching a berth in UICA competition. These are the richest, most well-supported, and generally the most competitive teams within Banija. These 5 clubs generally occupy the top 5 places in the standings, in any order, at the end of every season.

Teams in the BSL-
1. Herzegovina City Football Club. HZCFC. Location(city, region): Herzegovina City, Moravica. Colors: Blue & Gold.

(Image)
Star Field, Capacity of 62,600.

2. Jinja City Football Club. JCFC. Location: Jinja City, Hangaza. Colors: Green & White.

(Image)
BCEL Stadium. Capacity of 52,400.

3. Busukuma Athletic Club. BAC. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region. Colors: Red & White.

(Image)
Lukwago Field, Capacity of 37,000.

4. Hoima Warriors. HOI. Location: Hoima, Ankole. Colors: Red & Silver.

(Image)
PG Arena, Capacity of 44,500.

5. Mynda Electra. MSC. Location: Mynda, Aksum. Colors: Forest Green.

(Image)
Kawesa Stadium. Capacity of 41,000.

6. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club. UMSC. VFC. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Colors: Pink.

(Image)
Buganda Regional Stadium, Capacity of 29,000.

7. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club. BRSC. Location: Dodomo, Bunyoro. Colors: Blue.

Stadium- Paa Nyeupe. Capacity of 48,600.


This stadium was built brand new for World Cup 81, adn with the end of that tournament, Bunyoro RSC have become the stadium's full time tenants.

8. The Lwanga Lions. LLSC. Location: Lwanga, Buganda. Colors: Orange.

(Image)
Lwanga City Arena, Capacity of 26,500.

9. Askatasuna Football Club. AFC. Location: Askatasuna, Aksum. Colors: Green & White.

(Image)
St. Sava Park, Capacity of 37,500.

10. Kitara Athletic Association. KAA. Location: Sisonke, Kitara. Colors: Blue & white.

(Image)
Sisonke City Park, Capacity of 31,000.

11. Istria City Football Club. RFC. Location: Downtown Istria, Moravica. (Neighborhood in the center of Istria in the National Capitol Region). Colors: Orange & Black.

(Image)
Kabonero III Field, Capacity of 48,000.

12. Aissa United Football Club. AUFC. Location: Aissa, Hangaza. Colors: Blue & white.

(Image)
Hangaza Unified Stadium, Capacity of 55,000.

13. Isipongo Flash. IF. Location: Isipongo, Buganda. Colors: Black & white.

(Image)
Isipongo City Field. Capacity of 27,000.

14. Dukuma Sporting Club. DSC. Location: Dukuma, Busoga. Colors: Purple & white.

(Image)
Orange Field, capacity of 17,000.

15. Rukunbi Football Club. RFC. Location: Istria, Moravica. Located in Western Istria, the largest of the 5 districts of Istria with 38% of the city's population and generally considered to be culturally distinct from the rest of the city. Colors: Light Green & White.

(Image)
Eastern Stadium. Capacity of 37,000.

16. Lakiska Sporting Club. LSC. Location: Lakiska, Busoga. Colors: Red & black.

(Image)
Lakiska City Field. Capacity of 31,000.

17. Busukuma Force. BKF. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region. Colors: Sky Blue

(Image)
Mugisha III Memorial Stadium, capacity of 49,000

18. Herzegovina Phoenix. Location: Vidizi, Moravica(suburb of Herzegovina City). Colors: Purple.

(Image)
Phoenix Stadium. Capacity of 25,000.

19. Busembe Timberwolves. BT. Location: Busembe, Kitara. Colors: Gray, Black, and White.

(Image)
The Wolf's Den. Capacity of 44,000.

20. Hawabark Boulders. HWB. Loction: Hawabark, Buganda. Colors: Red.

Olympic Stadium
Capacity of 17,800. This is where Banijan outdoor olympic summer qualifiers are held.

.

National Stadium
The Stadium of the Restoration

The National Stadium for a RBSA Cup final. Location: Busukuma. Capacity: 91,835.

Major Rivalries
Istria City Derby between Istria City FC and Rukunbi FC as they are both located on opposite sides of Banija's largest city.
Battle for Hangaza's Soul between Jinja City FC and Aissa United Football Club.
Battle of the Princes between Isipongo Flash & the Lwanga Lions(as both teams are in cities named after former Princes of the Royal Family).
The Capitol City Derby between Busukuma Athletic Club and the Busukuma Force.
Herzegovina City Derby between Herzegovina City FC and Herzegovina Phoenix
North v. South Battle between Istria City FC and Herzegovina City FC, as the two major cities in the Moravica region- Herzegovina CIty FC in the North; Istria City FC in the South.


A 'final day' format is there for the last week of the regular season, with all games kicking off at the same time.[/quote]

[Banija]

Banija's Regional Soccer Leagues - Season 4 Basic Information

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association is proud to present the second layer of Banija's soccer pyramid in both Banija and the Busoga Islands- the Regional League system. The Northwestern League, the Lower Coastal League, the Northern League, and the Southern League, combine to criss-cross the two nations. Each league is fully professional, and each team, besides Capitol City Football Club and now Bwubanza City Soccer Club, is fan owned- as opposed to the BSL, which is a franchise based league.

This will be the fourth season of full integration of the Regional League System into the Banijan soccer pyramid. These are the leagues where RBSA participants in the UICA Serie B Champions Cup come from. One team is promoted from the regional leagues to the BSL each and every season. ALl four league champions enter a promotion playoff, where they are randomly drawn against each other for two-legged ties. The two winners play a one-off final at the Stadium of the Restoration, and the winner is the sole team promoted to the Banijan Soccer League. The three regional league champions who do not get promoted qualify directly to the Serie B Champions Cup.

The Northwestern League
Regions- Moravica & Busoga Islands
1. AFC Kosactus. AFCK. Location: Kosactus, Moravica. Color: Red.

Kosactus Stadium
Capacity of 11,000.

2. Taramazna United. TMU. Location: Taramazna, Moravica. Color: Blue.

Abeselome Field
Capacity of 5,500.

3. Eastern Moravica Football Club. EMFC. Location: Iziarad, Moravica. Color: Scarlet.

University of Moravica Multi-Purpose Field
Capacity of 16,500. Rents the facility from the University of Moravica.

4. Jaribga Soccer Club. JSC. Location: Jaribga, Busoga. Color: Blue.

Jarigba Soccer Stadium
Capacity of 4,000.

5. Tezirbu Foxes. TZF. Location: Tezirbu, Busoga. Color: Green.

Southern Busoga Soccer Park
Capacity of 3,700.

6. Slobochia Bears. SBB. Location: Slobochia, Moravica. Color: Purple.

Slobochia City Field.
Capacity of 6,600.

7. Koszagard City. KZC. Location: Koszagard, Moravica. Color: Orange.

Koszagard City Stadium.
Capacity of 4,400.

8. Barmos United. BU. Loction: Barmos, Moravica. Color: Green.

Lilley Road
Capacity of 7,700.

9. Corizova United FC. CUFC. Location: Corizova, Moravica. Color: Gold.

River Corizova Stadium
Capacity of 8,900.

10. Suwawa FC. SFC. Location: Suwawa, Moravica. Color: Green.

Crystal Road.
Capacity of 11,110.

11. Tripoli Foresters. TRI. Location: Tripoli, Busoga. Color: Green.

Forest Stadium
Capacity of 10,300.

12. Nezrouch Rovers. NR. Location: Nezrouch, Busoga. Color: Blue.

Rovers Arena
Capacity of 5,400.

THe Lower Coastal League
Regions: Ankole, Kitara, National Capitol Region
1. Kwadama Dojo. KWD. Location: Kwadama, Ankole. Colors: Red.

Kwadama City Field.
Capacity of 11,300.

2. Kabakono City. KBC. Location: Kabakona, Kitara. Colors: Blue.

Kilebe Road.
Capacity of 12,000.

3. Nsade United. NDU. Location: Nsade, Ankole. Colors: Blue.

Nsade United City Stadium
Capacity of 17,800[/url].

4. AFC Akwadua. AKW. Location: Akwadua, Kitara. Colors: Blue.

St.Matthew Park
Capacity of 7,600.

.
5. Dimbogourou Sporting Club. DSC. Location: Dimbogourou, Ankole. Colors: Purple.

Commonwealth Stadium
Capacity of 10,400.

.
6. Kiala Athletic Society. KAS. Location: Kiala, Kitara. Colors: Pink.

The Valley
Capacity of 6,800.

7. Zakuta City. ZKC. Location: Zakuta, Ankole. Colors: Green.

Forest Stadium
Capacity of 8,600.

8. Dioro Athletic. DJA. Location: Djoro, Kitara. Colors: Green.

Recreation Ground
Capacity of 6,700.

9. Baleweye Football Club. BFC. Location: Baleweye, Ankole. Colors: Turquoise.

Mamela Road
Capacity of 9,700.

10. Mamari City. MMC. Loction: Mamari, Kitara. Colors: Blue.

Mamari Valley Stadium
Capacity of 4,800.

11. Ogbordu Diamond Football Club. ODFC. Location: Hoima, Ankole. Colors: Orange.

Hoima City Park
Capacity of 18,600.

12. Capitol City Football Club. CCFC. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol region(coterminous borders). Colors: Blue.

[spoiler=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Ricoh_Arena_-_geograph.org.uk_-_901396.jpg]Capitol Grounds[/url]
Capacity of 29,400.

Northern League
Regions: Hangaza & Aksum
1. Igulu City Football Club. ICFC. Location: Igulu, Hangaza. Colors: Blue.

Igulu City Field.
Capacity of 18,600.

2. Luguyala Patriots. LGY. Location: Luguyala, Aksum. Colors: Red.

Patriot Stadium
Capacity of 8,600.

3. Nanami Dragons. NNI. Location: Jinja City, Hangaza. Colors: Orange.

The Dragon's Nest
Capacity of 12,300. Shares stadium with archrival Selekawe Knights. Stadium located where Nanami and Selekawe neighborhoods meet.

4. Selekawe Knights. KNT. Location: Jinja City, Hangaza. Colors: Blue.

The Dragon's Nest
Capacity of 12,300. Shares stadium with archrival Nanami Dragons. Stadium located where Nanami and Selekawe neighborhoods mmet.

5. Garixas City. GXC. Location: Garixas, Hangaza. Colors: Blue.

Union Stadium
Capacity of 7,400.

6. Thayaferu United. TYF. Location: Thayaferu, Aksum. Colors: Pink.

The Queen's PlayGround
Capacity: 6,500.

7. Okakameb City. OKB. Location: Okakameb, Hangaza. Colors: Orange.

Okakameb City Field
Capacity of 12,400.

8. AFC Okahavi. OKH. Location: Okahavi, Aksum. Colors: Red.

Hills Stadium
Capacity of 8,700.

9. Duntho Sporting Club. DSC. Loction: Duntho, Hangaza. Colors: Green.

Duntho Public Sporting Facility
Capacity of 6,500. Owned by the city. Rented by DSC, Also used by local high school teams.

10. Cerenus United. CNU. Location: Cerenus, Aksum. Colors: Pink.

The Lion's DenCapacity of 5,400.

11. Gadive City. GDC. Location: Gadive City, Hangaza. Colors: Red.

Hampton Roads
Capacity of 15,400.

12. Koksho City. KSH. Location: Koksho, Aksum. Colors: Green.

Koksho City Arena..
Capacity of 17,000.

Southern League
Regions: Buganda & Bunyoro
1. Umbazi Footballers Association. UFA. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Colors: Red.

NightWatch Stadium
Capacity of 8,900. Their main rivals were Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club before UMFC was chosen for the BSL as opposed to UFA.

2. Dodoma City Sporting Club. DCSC. Location: Dodoma, Bunyoro. Colors: Green.

Dodomo City Stadium.
Dodomo City Stadium, Capacity of 33,000. Shares stadium with Bunyoro RSC. Dodoma City SC v. Bunyoro RSC was the most played fixture in Banijan history before the advent of the BSL.

3. Bwubanza City Soccer Club. BCSC. Location: Bwubanza, Bunyoro. Colors: Blue

Bwubanza City Park, capacity of 40,000.

4. Kigagana Mountaineers. KGG. Location: Kigagana, Bunyoro. Colors: Blue.

Mountain Stadium
Capacity of 3,900.

5. Busemlu Park Sporting Club. BSM. Location: Busemlu Park, Buganda. Colors: Orange.

Allopu II Stadium
Capacity: 8,600. Named after the only Banijan monarch to ever be born in the Buganda region.

6. Mukegara Warriors. MKG. Location: Mukegara, Bunyoro. Colors: Green.

Stade Jacques IX
Capacity of 3,400. Only stadium in Banija named after a foreigner. It takes on the name of the head of the Quebecois Commonwealth, which Banija is a member of. The Head of the Commonwealth is invested in the role of the Head of State of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, who is currently Jacques IX

7. Pumbasa Boars. PUM. Location: Pumbasa, Buganda. Colors: Orange.

Pumbasa City Park
Capacity of 6,800.

.
8. Byakado City. BYK. Location: Byakado, Bunyoro. Colors: Orange.

Byakado City Park
Capacity of 7,600.[/url]

9. Boufaya Ravens. BFY. Location: Boufaya, Buganda. Colors: Blue.

The Bird's Nest
Capacity of 9,100.

10. Sororo City. SOR. Location: Sororo, Bunyoro. Colors: Blue.

Sororo City Park
Capacity of 10,300

11. Abomfa United. ABM. Location: Abomfa, Buganda. Colors: Red.

Abomfa Field
Capacity of 9,700.

12. Amaku City Football Club. ACFC. Location: Amaku, Bunyoro. Colors: Red.

Amaku Football Arena
Capacity of 8,800.

[/quote]

[Banija]

The Banijan Soccer League - Season 8 Rosters

Teams in the BSL-
Underlined players are Banijan internationals(called up either in World Cup 81 or AOCAF LVII).
Nationality is listed if they are not Banijan.
Italicized players are internationals for a foreign country.
All players are male unless otherwise specified.
1. Herzegovina City Football Club.
Manager: Brian Emerson(Cosumar). 76 years old, 3rd year at club.
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
GK #16 Delbin Kasekende. Age 36(Busoga Islands). Captain.
LB #3 Alifa Diawara. Age 34.
CB #5 Lazlo Kearney. Age 32(Nephara)
CB #4 Abate Brehanu. Age 31.
RB #2 Zinnah Atieno. Age 32.
LCM #14 Harald Fireblade. Age 23(Cosumar).
RCM #7 Dennis Brotzmann. Age 28(Siovanija & Teusland).
RAM #10 Jackson Oglobelo. Age 24(Abaja).
CAM #17 Marcel Roux. Age 22(Eshan).
LAM #22 Rosie Tyler. Age 27(Equestrian States). Female.
ST #9 Ennis Leishman. Age 33(New West Gallia)

2. Jinja City Football Club.
Manager: Alexander Bumba. Age 50, 8th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Corren Dankworth. Age 33(Nephara).
LB #2 Matthias Prudenzio. Age 27(Eshan).
CB #15 Jio Eyawanifamni. Age 29(Abaja).
CB #13 Jalang Ba. Age 27.
RB #18 Jinkzta Ulcviecel. Age 26(Squornshelan Remnant States).
LM #7 Nikolay Menshikov. Age 30(Arioslavia).
CM #24 Daniel Asres. Age 35. Captain.
CM #10 Malachi Gallagher. Age 33(Nephara)
RM #23 Sia Fall. Age 29.
RS #9 Lin Moon. Age 32(Chromatika).
LS #11 Deonte Bradley. Age 33(Eastfield Lodge).

3. Busukuma Athletic Club.
Manager: Ferran Rey(Juvencus). 46 years old, 3rd season at the club.
Formation: 3-4-3 diamond.
GK #1. Ivan Ignatiev. Age 28(Arioslavia).
RB #2 Ingmar Linderood. Age 26(Ko-oren).
CB #15 Esther Vannatter. Age 25(Nephara).
LB #6 Celty O'Mercury. Age 26(Cosumar).
LM #7 Garvan Braehead. Age 28(Brenecia).
CDM #18 Phumelele Stofile. Age 27.
CAM #21 Girma Asmelash. Age 35.
RM #8 Ansu Cisse. Age 32. Captain.
LW #7 Baslios Temesgen. Age 30.
ST #9 Alex Sandoval. Age 26(Commonwealth of Baker Park)
RW #7 Alanso Tamba. Age 27.

4. Hoima Warriors.
Manager: Mark Grayson(Nephara). 49 years old,1st season at club.
Formation: 4-2-1-3
GK #1 Chase Rushden. Age 33(Nephara).
LB #3 Daluxolo Matshikiza. Age 27.
CB #2 Kawsu Kaba. Age 21.
CB #4 Wenceslaw. Age 28(Cosumar).
RB #19 Pablo Castroneves. Age 24(Marianne).
LCM #14 Samba Ndaw. Age 30.
RCM #13 Utpal Ishan. Age 23(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Marbue Owusu. Age 30.
LW #6 Ozolx-Mazur Guv. Age 29(Qusmo).
ST #7 Chizoba Emenanjo. Age 27(Cobrio).
RW #11 Josef Lawerenz. Age 21(Equestrian States).

5. Istria City Football Club.
Manager: Alvin Burnsides(Cosumar), Age 59. 1st season at club.
Starters: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Joan Martinez Alpacia. Age 29(Eshan).
RB #2 Ephrem Selassiee. Age 25.
CB #5 Maximiliane Purcell(Nephara). Age 31.
CB #4 Noah Geteye. Age 31.
LB #18 Travis Cherenebereck. Age 31.
CM #19 Aaron Starkey. Age 23(Blaneu).
CM #15 Ablie Kah. Age 23.
LM #7 Atsushi Ryu. Age 28(Dunnes).
RM #11 Jermaine Poole. Age 29(Equestrian States/Yttribia).
RS #9 Assefa Yitebarke. Age 28.
LS #8 Torvald Royle. Age 28(Freeport).

6. Herzegovina Phoenix.
Manager: Jehan Blair(Cosumar). 63 years old. Former Amazonesta National Team manager. 1st season at club.
Formation: 4-1-3-2.
GK #1 Assefa Berhane. Age 32.
RB #2 Vastyn Tredillick. Age 33(Mareibat).
CB #3 Eindride Cleary. Age 31(Freeport).
CB #5 Eba Feleke. Age 36.
LB #4 Aaron Eyob. Age 38(Busoga Islands).
RDM #15 Orion Etzebeth. Age 32(Nephara).
RM #14 Vidyo Avramov. Age 19(Siovanija & Teusland).
CM #8 Lucia Silkemark. Age 26(Nephara)
LM #7 Julian Turner. Age 27(Dunnes).
RS #9 Corvid Alemane. Age 32(Nephara).
LS #11 Jery Bostun. Age 28(Qasden).

7. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club.
Manager: Adam Jeffreys(Razenthuria/Velestria), 59 years old. 2nd season at Bunyoro RSC.
Starters: 4-2-4.
GK #1 Ke Linkenhorne. Age 33(Bonesea).
RB #2 Obey Chidiebere. Age 26.
CB #3 Kuma Bultum. Age 20.
CB #5 Axel Fauler. Age 28(Nephara).
LB #14 Gugulethu Feza. Age 27.
RCM #12 Amadi Uche. Age 22.
LCM #11 Jumaane Folami. Age 37(Busoga Islands).
RW #7 Reden Omar. Age 19(Razenthuria/Velestria).
ST #10 Guillame Fontanils. Age 21(Acronius). Came off the bench in World Cup 80 Qualifying.
ST #9 Andrey Soltykov. Age 27(Arioslavia).
LW #8 Davide Waguespack. Age 23(Gloriax).

8. The Lwanga Lions.
Manager: Simon Wanjala. Age 41. 3rd season at club. Former starter on the Banijan National Team.
Starters: 4-2-1-3
GK #1 Eric Tarbowza. Age 21.
RB #2 Filije Condé. Age 20.
CB #4 Idirissa Dieye. Age 21.
CB #5 Negus Kebede. Age 32(Busoga Islands).
LB #6 Jato Ceesay. Age 21.
RCM #20 Basant Servaia. Age 31.
LCM #25 Assi Finhas. Age 37.
CAM #10 Xavier Melchoir. Age 19(Taeshan).
LW #7 Phineas Antwell. Age 23(Cosumar)
ST #9 Karamba Biri. Age 19.
RW #11 Samba Singateh. Age 22.

9. Askatasuna Football Club.
Manager: Al Iska, 54 years old. 1st season at the club.
Starters: 5-3-2
GK #1 Hakim Gukssa. Age 31.
RWB #2 Melku Atikem. Age 37(Busoga Islands).
RCB #5 Ekwueme Ikenna. Age 22.
CB #6 Assan Sanneh. Age 24.
LCB #4 Akumjeli Chinua. Age 22.
LWB #18 Malek Abdullah(Huda). Age 37.
LM #17 Diego Furtado. Age 36(Amazonesta). Captain.
CM #15 Alem Bekira. Age 37.
RM #12 Martin Lucey. Age 21(Dunnes).
RS #7 Alulawe Ju. Age 32(Abaja)
LS #11 Rada Ezera. Age 31.

10. Kitara Athletic Association.
Manager: Alan Bettles, 62 years old. 1st season at club.
Starters: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Sago Nagatomo. Age 26(Kita-Hinode)
RB #2 Yuri Poltoranin. Age 27(Arioslavia).
CB #15 Melech Gersem. Age 33.
LB #19 Abraham Godefai. Age 27.
LM #11 Ahmad Abdullah. Age 23(Abaja)
CDM #14 Thomas Owen. Age 24(Audioslavia)
RM #8 Mekbib Asmelash. Age 35.
CAM #10 Francis Getachew. Age 37. Captain.
LW #7 Nick Haller. Age 27(Commonwealth of Baker Park).
ST #9 Ikshu Amitabh. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
RW #8 Taye Negasso. Age 35.

11. Mynda Electra -
Manager: Jose Gonzalez(Amazonesta). Age 65, 6th year at the club.
Starters: 4-4-2
GK #1 Zinnah Ndiaye. Age 35.
RB #2 Barry Horlock. Age 35(Nephara). Captain.
CB #4 Ousman Mansaré. Age 23.
CB #5 Saa Mensah. Age 36. Twin brother of Blama Mensah.
LB #3 Blama Mensah. Age 36. Twin brother of Saa Mensah.
RM #17 Ngũnjiri Wachiuru. Age 27
CM #15 Abesalom Yitay. Age 24.
CM #12 Essa Kama. Age 24.
LM #8 Fakebba Ouattara. Age 23.
LS #11 Abdoulaye Ouattara. Age 28.
RS #9 Idi Singhateh. Age 28.

12. Aissa United Football Club.
Manager: Gregory Banis, Age 57. 7th year at club.
Starters: 5-4-1
GK #1 Mohammed Daramy Age 27.
RWB #2 Bwuma Ndaw. Age 20.
RCB #15 Gathu Wamiti. Age 34.
CB #15 Osmar Tavares da Silva. Age 33(Amazonesta).
LCB #17 Eduardo Val De La Salles. Age 28(Amazonesta)
LB #7 Gobista Charlotta. Age 23.
RM #18 Amde Melos. Age 35(Busoga Islands).
CM #8 Amare Degu. Age 39. Captain.
CM #10 Nweke Obasee. Age 23.
LM #23 Jajah Chee. Age 23.
ST #9 Kawsu Mamela. Age 20.

13. Isipongo Flash.
Manager: Chuka Belonwu. 44 years old, 4th season at club.
Starters: 4-3-2-1
GK #1 Essa Kama. Age 24.
RB #2 Yashpal Gopaal. Age 20(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Malo Izijurim. Age 30(Abaja)
CB #4 Jayce Howard. Age 32(Brenecia). Captain.
LB #14 Raphael Wendimu. Age 32.
LM #7 Youssef Negasi(Huda). Age 35.
CM #18 Jared Clotterman. Age 33(Schottia).
RM #17 Baluta Sonko. Age 19.
RCAM #20 Lebna Ephram. Age 36.
LCAM #10 Assan Sanneh. Age 21.
ST #9 Noah Lamont Hill. Age 32(Devonta).

14. Dukuma Sporting Club.
Manager: Yaser Karimi(Al Qurija). 64 years old, 3rd year at club(member of Karimi family, owners of Dukuma SC)
Starters: 4-4-2 diamond.
GK #1 Ayman Jawdat Sultan. Age 24(Al Qurija)
RB #14 Émerson Morais. Age 35.
CB #5 Mohan Thakshak. Age 23(Busoga Islands).
CB #6 Bunama Hairte. Age 19.
LB #23 Baslios Fisseha. Age 35(Busoga Islands).
CDM #21 Vyomaang Yuval. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
LM #7 Kinuthia Warari. Age 19(Busoga Islands)
RM #18 Ivanildo. Age 35(Amazonesta). Captain.
CAM #10 Namakula Kawesa. Age 21. (Female)
RS #19 Girum Mikias. Age 33(Busoga Islands).
LS #9 Kurtis Southwell. Age 28(Brenecia).

15. Rukunbi Football Club.
Manager: Teague Spanos. Age 64, 10th year at club.
Starters: 4-3-3
GK #1 Jelanee Jideofor. Age 23.
RB #2 Dembo Jawara. Age 39. Captain.
CB #5 Berhane Abdikarim. Age 39. (Twin brother of Henoke Abdikarim).
CB #3 Henoke Abdikarim. Age 39. (Twin brother of Berhane Abdikarim).
LB #12 Anwar Petata. Age 23.
LM #13 Mutsuhito Barbarossa. Age 32(Busoga Islands).
CM #10 Addis Medr. Age 34. Captain.
RM #6 Upanshu Paramartha. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
LW #11 Kamu Jacobs. Age 21(Busoga Islands).
ST #9 Amanuel Bsrat. Age 31.
RW #24 Robel Beselot. Age 32.

16. Lakiska Sporting Club.
Manager: Winad-Lenpi Xlo(Qusmo). 2nd season at club. Hired before matchday 20 of Season 7.
Starters: 4-5-1
GK #1 Zachariah Elmer. Age 34(Nephara).
RB #2 Uzoma Iruka. Age 19(Female).
CB #5 Bezerra Lemos. Age 28(Amazonesta)
CB #4 Gabriel Braga. Age 33(Amazonesta)
LB #19 Zeru Beryihun. Age 30.
LM #7 Markos Dalu. Age 34(Busoga Islands).
CM #15 Mazzi Azubuike. Age 23.
CDM #18 Joseph Williamson. Age 29(Busoga Islands).
CM #14 Kizza Okafor. Age 22.
RM #8 Ibrahim Fatah. Age 21(Busoga Islands).
ST #9 Ousman Babaja. Age 28(Busoga Islands).

17. Busukuma Force.
Manager: Brun Kissinger(Nephara), 50 years old. 1st season at club.
Formation: 4-1-4-1.
GK #1 Mazzi Azubuike. Age 22.
RB #13 Obi Newada. Age 25.
CB #5 Madu Chi. Age 24.
CB #4 Tesheme Yalaxow. Age 39.
LB #14 Molefi Mompati. Age 32.
CDM #8 Alieu Mendy. Age 23.
RM #17 Tony Brough. Age 36(Brenecia).
CM #14 Uzochi Okparro. Age 19.
LCM #15 Fabio Hamamura. Age 28(Amazonesta)
LM #11 Kabiru Kouyaté. Age 22.
ST #9 Mateo Keepton. Age 33(Nephara)

18. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club.
Manager: Yafet Kahsai. Age 55, 7th year at club.
Starters: 5-3-2 w/ sweeper
GK #1 Amat Turay. 20 years old.
RWB #2 Siafa Diop. Age 33(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Araiy. Age 24(Dainer).
SW #3 Hatabu Ouattara. Age 28.
CB #4 Clarice Easter. Age 33(Chromatika)
LWB #12 Wasa Dibba. Age 25.
LM #25 Asa Sylla. Age 23.
CM #8 Gutinho. Age 37(Western Sunrise Islands). Captain.
RM #17 Ervin Jon-Mikel. Age 33(Abaja)
LS #7 Baboucar Biri. Age 20.
RS #11 Demetro Laterza. Age 29(Juvencus).


19. Busembe Timberwolves.
Manager: Zachary Sols(Qasden), Age 52. 1st season at the club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Edgar Farsal-Smith. Age 21(Mercedini).
RB #2 Berihu Temesgen. Age 30.
CB #4 Filije Kolley. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Emeka Jajah. Age 23.
LB #3 HIstero Golazo. Age 35(Amazonesta).
RM #7 Melaku Tesfa. Age 35.
CM #19 Mazi Chidea. Age 23.
CM #12 Kiggwe Basamula. Age 20.
LM #8 Madhav Oojam. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
RS #11 Brendon Ediomgi. Age 36(Abaja). Captain.
LS #9 Boto Mboge. Age 19.

20. Hawabark Boulders
Manager: Alaji Senghore. 63 years old. 5th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Giovanni Falco. Age 23(Freeport/Equestrian States).
RB #2 Wandi Suso. Age 36.
CB #5 Chinou Chydey. Age 21.
CB #4 Jiba Nzuza. Age 24.
LB #3 Fyodor Khalturin. Age 29(Arioslavia). Captain.
RM #11 Kairaba Kujabi. Age 29.
CM #14 Masane Mbye. Age 33.
CM #10 Suhayl Mostafa Ahmed. Age 25(Al Qurija)
LM #19 Madu Okparra. Age 19.
RS #7 Ilman Jawara. Age 19.
LS #12 Lafi Kabba. Age 27.

[Banija]

Banijan Regional League System - Season 4 Rosters

Underlined players are Banijan internationals.
Nationality is listed if they are not Banijan.
Italicized players are internationals for a foreign country.

The Northwestern League
1. Corizova United
Manager: Samba Kouyaté. 43 years old. First Year at club.
Formation: 5-3-2
GK #1 Bakary Sanyang. Age 20.
RWB #2 Idirissa Jagne. Age 32.
RCB #5 Dike Ikem. Age 27.
CB #3 Yoro Janneh. Age 27.
LCB #4 Kekoto Gassama. Age 21.
LWB #6 Antouman Baldeg. Age 38.
LM #17 Ogbonna Chioke. Age 24.
CM #10 Okparo Oluchi. Age 23.
RM #8 Alasan Mendy. Age 37.
RS #11 Kody Hansen. Age 17(Equestrian States- Single Season Loan).
LS #12 Bubacar Senghore. Age 29.

2. Barmos United.
Manager: Felipe Bergoglio(Amazonesta). Age 53. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Anti Kandeh. 22 years old (Female).
RB #20 Moyo Chiroto. Age 36.
CB #4 Nhamo Rugeje. Age 27.
CB #5 Nassim Samir Nejem. Age 23(Al Qurija).
LB #3 Tarirai Towungana. Age 32.
RM #14 Tateguru Chikwava. Age 30.
CM #23 Chenjerai Mugabe. Age 32.
CM #10 Burama Jawo. Age 20.
LM #12 Baba Mtawarira. Age 35.
RS #15 Yaya Kama. Age 21.
LS #7 Orji Obi. Age 33.

3. AFC Kosactus.
Manager: Elijah Bryan. Age 51. 7th year at club.
Formation: 3-5-2.
GK #1 Jacob Yusai. Age 25. Captain.
RB #2 Thabo Tsholofelo. Age 28.
CB #5 Chukwudi Oby. Age 24.
LB #4 Ayele Gizaw. Age 21.
RDM #18 Ebrahima Kandeh. Age 17.
LDM #14 Thaelo Fenyang. Age 37.
LM #17 Rebatho Magosi. Age 30.
RM #8 Morapedi Tumelo. Age 33.
CAM #8 Baaitse Sesupo. Age 29.
RS #10 Olebogeng Bakang. Age 29.
LS #9 Moagisi Morongwa. Age 28.

4. Suwawa FC.
Manager: Estève Palomer. Age 57(Nuovo Juvencus). 3rd season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1.
GK #1 Ohlud Venzi. Age 24.
LWB #13 Busang Diphetogo. Age 29.
LCB #4 Fanding Jobateh. Age 20.
CB #5 Jabril Faye. Age 19.
RCB #16 Uchechee Agu. Age 20.
RWB #19 Ookeditse Theofilo. Age 30.
LM #17 Thito Kgosie. Age 34.
CM #8 Isang Khumo. Age 37.
CM #15 Reginius Kunst. Age 19(Cosumar).
RM #14 Seako Mothibi. Age 29.
ST #12 Mompati Molatedi. Age 34. Captain.

5. Tezirbu Foxes
Manager: Mohammed Al-Jeafar. Age 62. 6th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond.
GK #1 Abadar Al-Jeafar. Age 40(first son of the manager). (Busoga Islands)
RB #2 Qaasin Hussein. Age 27. (Busoga Islands)
CB #4 Fihr Muhammed Bousaid. Age 26(Al Qurija)
CB #5 Qaaje Nassar. Age 29(Busoga Islands).
LB #3 Makang Jallow. Age 16.
CDM #18 Abbas Behdad. Age 18(Busoga Islands).
LM #17 Mashhur Al-Jeafar. Age 21(first son of Abadar Al-Jeafar and grandson of manager Mohammed Al-Jeafar). (Busoga Islands)
RM #8 Freydoun Rezghi. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Shakeel el-Salih. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
RS #11 Hamad el-Ghazi. Age 34(Busoga Islands).
LS #9 Kabeer al-Sadri. Age 27(Busoga Islands).

6. Eastern Moravica FC
Manager: Oscar Boateng.. 4th season at club. 57 years old.
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
GK #1 Rohey Bajo. 22 years old (Female).
RB #2 Madoda Hani. Age 28.
CB #5 Khuselwa Mankayi. Age 34.
CB #4 Aphiwe Mazwai. Age 33.
LB #3 Phakamile Vavi. Age 30.
RDM #8 Ebrahima Kandeh. Age 18.
LDM #14 Cyper Touray. Age 19.
RAM #11 Hlomela Ntini. Age 31.
CAM #10 Onke Ntlokwana. Age 28.
LAM #7 Silumko Ngubenani. Age 27.
CF #9 Khuzani Nzo. Age 26.

7. Jaribga Soccer Club
Manager: Ermacora Dinapoli. Age 62(Juvencus). 3rd season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 diamond.
GK #1 Hibbaan al-Shareef. Age 25(Busoga Islands). Captain.
RB #2 Jamaal Khalid Tawfiq. Age 24(Al Qurija)
CB #5 Behzad Bina. Age 20(Busoga Islands).
LB #35 Naaji al-Azam. Age 24(Busoga Islands).
CDM #14 Gotay Ajaay. Age 28(Busoga Islands).
LM #17 Davoud Qasemi. Age 19.
RM #8 Suhail el-Shams. Age 34(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Karamba Fatty. Age 20(Busoga Islands).
LW #11 Tareef el-Salik. Age 31(Busoga Islands).
ST #9 Asmar al-Alli. Age 28(Busoga Islands).
RW #7 Hamza el-Abu. Age 29(Busoga Islands).

8. Slobochia Bears.
Manager: Travis Yeste. Age 53. 6th season at club.
Formation: 3-1-3-2-1
GK #1 Trae Borga. Age 36.
RB #2 Sigqibo Holomisa. Age 33. Triplet brother of other two defenders on the Bears.
CB #5 Bonani Holomisa. Age 33. Triplet brother of other two defenders on the Bears.
LB #3 Sonwabile Biko. Age 33. Triplet brother of other two defenders on the Bears.
CDM #6 Silumko Dana. Age 35.
LM #17 Buzwe Ntshona. Age 23.
CM #8 Carl Stieber. Age 30(Equestrian States). Captain.
RM #7 Mpumelelo Mabandla. Age 34.
LAM #10 Mangaliso Mandela. Age 30.
RAM #14 Ermias Dibaba. Age 23.
ST #9 Dingindawo Pokwana. Age 29.

9. Koszagard City
Manager: David Finebaum. Age 45. Fourth season at club.
Formation; 4-2-4.
GK #1 Mantek Ranwa. Age 23(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Abdoulaye Condé. Age 17.
CB #5 Diliza Nqakula. Age 30.
CB #4 Velile Makwetu. Age 30.
LB #3 Wendimu Retta. Age 24.
CM #8 Thamsanqa Pukwana. Age 28.
CM #14 Sizamile Siganeko. Age 27.
LW #11 Mzwakhe Siwani. Age 24.
RS #9 Reza Freydooni. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
LS #10 Thandisizwe Mandela. Age 35.
RW #7 Manlafi Singhateh. Age 17.

10. Nezrouch Rovers
Manager: Alberto Cuandro(Age 58). Amazonesta. Third season as manager at the club.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK #1 Zigar Singh. Age 29(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Jamaal el-Akhtar. Age 30(Busoga Islands).
CB #15 Sirvan Rahnema. Age 20(Busoga Islands).
CB #29 Aziz Dehghan. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
LB #3 Ala al-Din Mahomet El-Hashem. Age 21(Al Qurija)
CM #8 Jallal Abbasi. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
CM #18 Rajab al-Ben. Age 30(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Logan Mabiala. Age 19.
LW #11 Sad al-Hosseini. Age 33(Busoga Islands).
ST #12 Naasif el-Shaikh. Age 34(Busoga Islands).
RW #7 Masud Latif. Age 25(Busoga Islands).

11. Taramazna United.
Manager: Yasser Qadir. Age 63(Al-Qurija). Third season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Njongo Jabavu. Age 24.
RB #2 Yekile Nzo. Age 28.
CB #5 Fezile Ntsokwana. Age 32.
CB #4 Fanding Jobateh. Age 18.
LB #3 Parviz Blourian. Age 16(Busoga Islands).
RM #7 Senzile Rubusana. Age 34. Captain.
CM #14 Mzwandile Tyali. Age 30
CM #8 Viwe Sobukwe. Age 37.
LM #23 Phumlani Ngcaba. Age 28.
LS #9 Lelethu Jongilanga. Age 34.
RS #12 Qondile Gomay. Age 24.

12. Tripoli Foresters
Manager: Josiah Buba(Busoga Islands). 41 years old. Former Banijan men's national team player. Third season as coach. Born & raised in Tripoli.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Kylian Jawara. Age 18(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Karim Shahi. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Gul Dall. Age 23(twin brother of Sahar Dall). (Busoga Islands)
CB #4 Sahar Dall. Age 23(twin brother of Gul Dall). (Busoga Islands)
LB #13 Abdul Haleem el-Minhas. Age 33(Busoga Islands). Captain.
LM #17 Abdur Rasheed el-Dia. Age 35(Busoga Islands).
CM #8 Fateen al-Tabet. Age 30(Busoga Islands).
CM #10 Qusay Binyamin Ajam. Age 21(Al Qurija)
RM #7 Yoosuf al-Zakaria. Age 29(Busoga Islands).
RS #9 Darmal Chughtai. Age 31(Busoga Islands).
LS #11 Samsor Lanjwani. Age 24(Busoga Islands).

Lower Coastal League
1. Kabakono City
Manager: Juma Ouattara. 39 years old. 1st season at the club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Karafa Touray. Age 24.
RB #12 Juma Jammeh. Age 33.
CB #4 Fumnanya Chukwuma. Age 21.
CB #5 Gukssa Habibi. Age 31.
LB #2 Baboucar Kujabi. Age 37.
RM #11 Senay Dejene. Age 24.
CM #10 Oby Uchee. Age 19.
CM #8 Bahij Wafi Saab. Age 27(Al Qurija)
LM #7 Jelany Beluchi. Age 17.
RS #10 Sajo Dieye. Age 21.
LS #9 Ebele Ndulu. Age 19.

2. Capitol City Football Club.
Manager: Akhona Joyi. 44 years old, 1st season as manager.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Aman Melku. Age 23.
RB #2 Malik Secka. Age 29.
CB #5 Wandi Kouyaté. Age 38. Younger twin brother of Daba Kouyaté.
CB #4 Daba Kouyaté. Age 38. Older twin brother of Wandi Kouyaté.
LB #3 Fekati Abdi. Age 23.
RM #17 Jabr Afzal Abdullah. Age 24(Al Qurija)
CM #18 Yankubah Daramy. Age 34.
CM #14 Landing Biri. Age 33.
LM #7 Jabril Guissé. Age 19.
RS #9 Fakebba Kolley. Age 28.
LS #10 Solomon Devonte. Age 36(Devonta).

3. Baleweye Football Club
Manager: Lukas Bornas. 63 years old. 8th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3 false nine
GK #1 Bassam Harith Boulos. Age 22(Al Qurija).
RB #2 Paboy Saidykhan. Age 26.
CB #5 Daba Mansaré. Age 29.
CB #4 Kamara Njie. Age 30.
LB #3 Fabba Nyang. Age 33.
CDM #14 Lafi Touray. Age 35. Captain.
RCM #18 Momodou Marong. Age 30.
LCM #8 Ediresa Ceesay. Age 36.
CAM #10 Kebaneilwe Omolemo. Age 19.
LW #7 Yaya Kayode. Age 29.
RW #11 Madu Okparra. Age 19.

4. Zakuta City
Manager: Al Thompson. 63 years old. 10th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3.
GK #1 Isaac Ngulu. Age 17.
RB #2 Malik Ndaw. Age 26.
CB #4 Sidibeh Condé. Age 31.
LB #3 Yaya Condeh. Age 29.
RM #17 Baturou Jawara. Age 32.
CM #18 Yohannes Asmelash. Age 23.
CM #14 Ugonna Uche. Age 21.
LM #11 Idris Nur ad-Din Naaji. Age 23(Al Qurija)
RW #7 Omar Coote. Age 30.
ST #9 Madu Okparra. Age 19.
LW #19 Ablie Sanneh. Age 30.

5. Djoru Athletic
Manager: Pilate Esters. 53 years old. 5th season at club.
Formation: 4-5-1 Diamond.
GK #1 Aron Hassan. Age 22.
RB #2 Hatabu Manneh. Age 28.
CB #5 Kemo Savaneh. Age 29.
CB #4 Addo Soley. Age 33.
LB #3 Orjea Agu. Age 19.
RM #17 Karafa Ngum. Age 30.
RCM #14 Tairu Jobe. Age 33.
CM #8 Abu Condé. Age 36. Captain.
LCM #18 Chioma Chuks. Age 17.
LM #19 Ediresa Biri. Age 30.
CF#9 Rasheed Munir Al-Mufti. Age 29(Al Qurija)

6. Ogbordu Diamond Football Club
Manager: Lyle Jordan. 53 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Yankubah Colley. Age 25.
RWB #2 Chinwe Akabueze. Age 20.
RCB #5 Chijioke Okorie. Age 20.
CB #4 Izuchukwu Zebenjo. Age 21.
LCB #3 Sama Mboob. Age 27.
LWB #20 Orji Mazzi. Age 19.
RM #7 Masane Mbye. Age 31.
CM #10 Bailo Ba. Age 36.
CM #8 Obasey Jideofor. Age 20.
LM #11 Wassa Kairaba. Age 29.
CF#9 Umar Thamir Nagi. Age 24(Al Qurija)

7. Nsade United.
Manager: Noab Jember. 65 years old. 7th season with club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Aviwe Mankayi. Age 33.
RB #2 Chydea Ijeawele. Age 19.
CB #5 Chima Ekenedilichukwu. Age 18.
CB #4 Dalumzi Ntsokwana. Age 33. Captain.
LB #3 Mesuli Nahola. Age 29.
LM #7 Lwazi Kolisi. Age 35.
CM #10 Thembalethu Mthobeni. Age 29.
CM #8 Sonwabo Najeke. Age 29.
RM #17 Gcobani Dumalisile. Age 28.
RS #11 Maduabuchim Ndulu. Age 18.
LS #9 Finnr Beckert. Age 21(Equestrian States)

8. AFC Akwadua
Manager: Kidane Chirkos. 49 years old. 3rd season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Sutay Sowe. Age 21.
RB #2 Laity Corr. Age 20.
CB #5 Chidie Obyke. Age 20.
LB #3 Dumisani Mgijima. Age 38. Captain.
CDM #4 Dumile Nombembe. Age 34.
RM #8 Bhekinkosi Mtoto. Age 30.
LM #7 Gqibelo Msutu. Age 36.
CAM #10 Mzwakhe Makepula. Age 29.
RW #11 Lundi Kani. Age 36.
ST #9 Lindani Sisulu. Age 37.
LW #19 Masakhane Sikali. Age 32.

9. Kitara Athletic Society
Manager: Harold Lisle. 53 years old. 9th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK #1 Luzuko Botile. Age 30.
RB #2 Mangaliso Ndungane. Age 33.
CB #5 Mnyamezeli Ntlokwana. Age 29.
CB #4 Mncedisi Jezile. Age 31.
LB #3 Yekile Nkuhlu. Age 35.
RM #17 Obasi Chinasa. Age 16.
CM #10 Lifa Tyali. Age 29.
LM #19 Fundani Mabandla. Age 29.
LW #11 Sidima Pityana. Age 28.
ST #12 Jonginkosi Makepula. Age 37. Captain.
RW #7 Madu Okparra. Age 19.

10. Kwadama Dojo
Manager: Tamrat Asnake. 59 years old. 6th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
GK #1. Frederick Beech. Age 31.
RB #21 Mũtiga Wachira. Age 35. Captain.
CB #3 Chizoba Madukaife. Age 20.
CB #4 Xolani Ntini. Age 20.
LB #22 Mũgo Wamahiũ. Age 29.
RM #17 Ejigu Meekhbeb. Age 23.
CM #14 Mũrĩranja Nyoike. Age 30.
CM #15 Gĩtari Kamande. Age 32.
LM #11 Mũhũri Wachira. Age 29.
CF #12 Gĩthaiga Gĩchikũ. Age 27.
ST #9 Gĩkonyo Wawerũ. Age 27.

11. Mamari City
Manager: Alengae Workneh. Age 55. 5th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Phumlani Sontonga. Age 36.
RB #2 Jongephi Ngubenani. Age 37.
CB #5 Bulelani Komani. Age 29.
CB #4 Wonga Stofile. Age 30.
LB #3 Khuselwa Jali. Age 35.
RM #17 Melumzi Kolisi. Age 26.
CM #18 Ndothusile Mandela. Age 27.
CM #14 Andile Sandile. Age 27.
LM #11 Mthuthuzeli Mbeki. Age 26.
RS #9 Zandisile Xingwana. Age 37. Captain.
LS #11 Menas Bara. Age 32.

12. Dimbogourou Sporting Club
Manager: Andrew Less. 58 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Hank Llordan. 30 years old.
RB #2 Madoda Stofile. Age 36.
CB #5 Jongephi Ngcuka. Age 37.
LB #3 Zukile Matshikiza. Age 38.
CDM #4 Masakhane Tshwete. Age 36.
RM #17 Mxolisi Thovela. Age 27.
LM #11 Bantu Qoboza. Age 28.
CAM #10 Luxolo Mankayi. Age 29.
RW #7 Mabhuti Mzolisa. Age 35. Captain.
ST #9 Sabelo Ngxanga. Age 29.
LW #19 Chibueze Yobachukwu. Age 19.

Northern League
1. Cerenus United
Manager: Teoflyos Asres. 61 years old. 6th season at club.
Formation: 3-5-2.
GK #1 Azah Ewale. Age 20.
RB #2 Bantu Ndodana. Age 36.
CB #5 Naseer Ashfaq Alfarsi. Age 26(Al Qurija)
LB #3 Ayele Zekalu. Age 24.
RM #17 Mandilakhe Tyibilika. Age 31.
CDM #15 Lindani Qoboza. Age 33.
CM #14 Chi Chibueze. Age 22.
CM #18 Awa Ekoto. Age 19.
LM #11 Xolile Kani. Age 29.
RS #9 Lonwabo Dikana. Age 30.
LS #7 Ifeatu Chika. Age 22.

2. Garixas City
Manager: Thembinkosi Siwani. Age 42. 5th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Luzuko Ngcuka. Age 29.
RWB #2 Sociga Ngolomingi. Age 20.
RCB #21 Bantu Mvovo. Age 28.
CB #5 Sani Jameel Hussain. Age 2(1Al Qurija)
LCB #17 Dikgakgamatso Mosweni. Age 17.
LWB #3 Anathi Mhlambiso. Age 37.Captain.
RM #11 Phumlani Ngxanga. Age 29.
CM #14 Tapiwa Lenthabetse. Age 21.
CM #18 Masibulele Jadezweni. Age 28.
LM #7 Galeage Omphile. Age 20.
CF #9 Mxolisi Gobodo. Age 30.

3. Koksho City
Manager: Adamu Demessie. Age 49. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Mbingeleli Komani. Age 34.
RB #2 Rizwan Sulaiman Ahmad. Age 25(Al Qurija)
CB #5 Menzi Mtoto. Age 30.
CB #4 Nkemdilim Jel. Age 22.
LB #3 Oaitse Lekgotla. Age 23.
RM #11 Nwankwo Chukwu. Age 21.
CM #14 Mkhokeli Jabavu. Age 35. Captain.
CM #18 Constantin Mouktar. Age 19.
LM #7 Roberto Tsothe. Age 23.
RS #9 Phumzile Pikisa. Age 31.
LS #11 Tirelo Tiiso. Age 20.

4. Nanami Dragons
Manager: Nyaniso Mazwai. 55 years old. 7th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Madoda Jabavu. Age 31
RB #2 Mzwakhe Tyibilika. Age 27.
CB #5 Mabhuti Makwetu. Age 28.
CB #4 Sizamile Ngonyama. Age 34.
LB #3 Boutros Hussain Kader. Age 20(Al Qurija)
LM #8 Chinasa Munachiso. Age 23.
CM #6 Amazu Udeg. Age 21.
CM #10 Isago Pusoetsile. Age 19.
LM #11 Lwandle Maqoma. Age 32.
RS #11 Thukile Qoboza. Age 29.
LS #9 Beca Menas. Age 28.

5. Duntho Sporting Club
Manager: Chydey Obasey. 39 years old. 1st season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 François Tantoh. Age 20.
RB #2 Kenosi Moreri. Age 18.
CB #5 Chinese Chi. Age 21.
CB #6 Njaũ Waita. Age 30.
LB #3 Morwadi Tsholofe. Age 19.
RM #11 Lekgotla Mofhenyi. Age 19.
CM #13 Thuũ Njerũ. Age 35.
CM #10 Rasim Murtaza El-Amin. Age 24(Al Qurija)
LM #7 Kimaru Njoroge. Age 27.
RS #9 Radek Lawniczak. Age 18(Soute).
LS #12 Kamande Muriũki. Age 27.

6. Okakameb City
Manager: Kristopher Columbio. Age 61. 6th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3 attacking.
GK #1 Retta Paulos. Age 27.
RB #2 Sabelo Mbeki. Age 26.
CB#4 Wandile Mavuso. Age 35.
CB #5 Matanzima Ndodana. Age 30.
LB #3 Thembinkosi Kolisi. Age 28.
CM #8 Mnyamezeli Sikali. Age 34.
CM #6 Malusi Nkuhlu. Age 29.
CAM #10 Ndothusile Kani. Age 37. Captain.
RW #7 Mthandeni Holomisa. Age 30.
ST #9 Ontlametse Motheo. Age 19.
LW #11 Mabhuti Komani. Age 29.

7. Igulu City FC
Manager: Abraham Akampurira. 40 years old. Former Men's National Team Player. 3rd season as manager.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Eba Salam. Age 41. Captain.
RB #2 Nweke Obasea. Age 25.
CB #5 Nwabudike Uchechie. Age 20.
CB #4 Soli Souba. 21 years old.
LB #3 Gachanja Mwai. Age 28.
RM #11 Kóri Vacík. Age 25(Equestrian States)
CM #14 Chyke Obasie. Age 21.
CM #18 Enyinnaya Jideofor. Age 20.
LM #7 Udo Obasie. Age 24.
RS #11 Gĩtukũ Kinũthia. Age 29.
LS #9 Kenyatta Mũraya. Age 28.

8. AFC Okahavi
Manager: Markos Yideg. 65 years old. 5th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Nebiyou Alemayehu. Age 29.
RB #2 Mzukisi Xingwana. Age 27.
CB #5 Sibabalwe Pukwana. Age 36.
LB #3 Nenge Kabange. Age 19.
CDM #8 Mthuthuzeli Dana. Age 28.
LM #6 Siyaya Dandala. Age 23.
RM #19 Zukisani Mtoto. Age 24.
CAM #10 Ed Maestri. Age 26(Equestrian States).
LW #11 Thembani Dlulane. Age 34. Captain.
ST #9 Madoda Kwenkwe. Age 22.
RW #7 Lifa Sontonga. Age 31.

9. Luguyala Patriots
Manager: Kidane Einku. Age 60. 8th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Beluchi Obasey. Age 19.
RWB #2 Mbingeleli Makwetu. Age 28.
RCB #3 Fikile Tambo. Age 34.
CB #5 Mzukisi Nqakula. Age 38. Captain.
LCB #4 Nqabisile Mda. Age 29.
LWB #6 Luthando Mkutukana. Age 36.
RM #17 Amazu Chikelu. Age 19.
CM #8 Abdullahi Abanda. Age 20.
CM #14 Diliza Makepula. Age 29.
LM #11 Dumile Siwani. Age 28.
ST #9 Mathéo Dika. Age 20.

10. Gadive City
Manager: Ngozi Okafo. 41 years old. 1st season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3.
GK #1 Obi Frayzer. 38 years old.
RB #2 Welile Dandala. Age 34.
CB #21 Bhekinkosi Vavi. Age 35.
CB #29 Mcebisi Mgijima. Age 37.
LB #3 Vile Thovela. Age 28.
RM #7 Aphiwe Mtoto. Age 31.
CM #6 Siphelele Gola. Age 37. Captain.
LM #8 Ibea Buch. Age 20.
LW #11 Jamie Nde. Age 17.
ST #9 Senzile Hani. Age 28.
RW #12 Grégory Mvondo. Age 21.

11. Thayaferu United
Manager: Liben Dessalegne. 55 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond.
GK #1 Bayissa Beyne. 36 years old.
RB #2 Methuli Tshwete. 31 years old.
CB #5 Dumile Rubusana. 35 years old.
CB #4 Thukile Jabavu. 34 years old.
LB #3 Emeka Ndidi. Age 20.
CDM #6 Jelan Okparo. Age 21.
RM #7 Mzwakhe Ntini. 31 years old.
LM #11 Siphelele Xingwana. 13 years old.
CAM #10 Zandisile Siganeko. 24 years old. Son of Xolisa Siganeko.
RS #8 Luyolo Makinana. 29 years old.
LS #9 Mnyamezeli Mazwai. 34 years old.

12. Selekawe Knights.
Manager: Kiros Etefu. 71 years old. 5th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Thokgamo Gaolathe. Age 23.
RB #2 Fungile Calata. Age 23.
CB #5 Maikutlo Tumelano. Age 20.
CB #4 Asrat Atatafi. Age 23.
LB #3 Thusego Tshenolo. Age 24.
RM #17 Goitseone Sebaga. Age 23.
CM #14 Gathongo Nyamu. Age 37. Captain.
CM #18 Bakang Kutlwano. Age 29.
LM #7 Ookeditse Mothudi. Age 29.
RS #9 Theofilo Loeto. Age 22.
LS #00 Sesupo Kenanao. Age 21.

Southern League
1. Bwubanza City Soccer Club.
Manager: Chika Oluchi. 41 years old. 1st season at club.
Formation: 3-1-3-3
GK #1 Bobby MIkelson. Age 21(Mercedini).
RB #14 Chizoba Uwaezuoke. Age 25.
CB #4 Kemo Jobe. Age 18.
LB #18 Uchea Chuks. Age 24.
CDM #21 Mazi Chinweuba. Age 22.
RM #17 Uchey Nwankwo. Age 21.
CM #18 Odion Obasea. Age 25.
LM #12 Chika Akachi. Age 24.
RW #7 Jelani Orjey. Age 23.
ST #9 Manasses Teshome. Age 30. Captain.
LW #11 Torrey Mugabe. Age 22.

2. Sororo City
Manager: Italo Cola. Age 53(Juvencus). 3rd season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Seedy Dabo. Age 37.
RB #2 Wassa Kabba. Age 33.
CB #5 Laity Dieye. Age 31.
LB #3 Jerold Ferguson. Age 31(Equestrian States). Captain.
CDM #6 Sutay Camara. Age 20.
RM #17 Badara Jarju, Age 29.
LM #11 Mus'ad Asad Abdulrashid. Age 25(Al Qurija)
CAM #10 Assan Thiaw. Age 35.
RW #7 Bailo Camara. Age 28.
ST #9 Wandy Kujabi. Age 29.
LW #20 Boubacar Kinte. Age 33.

3. Umbazi FA
Manager: Isa Guissé. 44 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Eric Tarbowza. Age 21.
RWB #2 Sirif Njie. Age 19.
RB #4 Paoboy Sesay. Age 20.
CB #5 Gisbert Irving. Age 33(Equestrian States). Captain.
LB #6 Wandi Singhateh. Age 19.
LWB #3 Bubacar Kah. Age 18.
RM #17 Alifa Mboge. Age 29.
CM #14 Kamara Dabo. Age 34.
CM #18 Ekwueme Obasie. Age 23.
LM #11 Samba Diawara. Age 35.
CF #9 Zaki Hameed Karimi. Age 21(Al Qurija)

4. Pumbasa Bears
Manager: Edrissa Condeh. 60 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Pateh Sidibeh. Age 35.
RB #2 Onuchukwu Chydie. Age 22.
CB #5 Thorley Ralston. Age 24(Equestrian States).
CB #4 Kabiru Ngum. Age 30.
LB #3 Sidibeh Dabo. Age 36.
RM #11 Narciso Campo. Age 23(Al Qurija)
CM #10 Kemo Savaneh. Age 34.
CM #14 Landing Jallow. Age 35.
LM #17 Fabba Fadika. Age 27.
RS #9 Kunta Ogoo. Age 28.
LS #12 Lafi Mansaré. Age 34.

5. Dodoma City SC
Manager: Ousman Kouyaté. 62 years old. 6th season at club.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK #1 Jumu Jawara. Age 36.
RB #2 Malick Nyang. Age 37.
CB #5 Nfansu Sidibeh. Age 26.
CB #4 Hatabu Mboob. Age 33.
LB #3 Yankubah Thiaw. Age 19.
RDM #6 Alfred Cooper. Age 31(Equestrian States). Captain.
LDM #13 Bora Kama. Age 35.
LAM #8 Junkung Ceesay. Age 35.
CAM #10 Boro Kabba. Age 20.
RAM #11 Luthando Gaika. Age 21.
CF #9 Botros Hanif Saqqaf. Age 29(Al Qurija)

6. Busemlu Park SC
Manager: Jonathan Hamilton. Age 42. 1st season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3 Defensive.
GK #1 Luthando Gaika. Age 21.
RB #2 Jibou Ndour. Age 36. Captain.
CB #5 Gizaw Negasi. Age 21. Twin Brother of Lema Negasi.
CB #4 Lema Negasi. Age 21. Twin Brother of Gizaw Negasi.
LB #3 Bamba Ndiaye. Age 33.
CDM #6 Malamin Mboge. Age 29.
RCM #14 Fion Fiedler. Age 28(New Cloudsdale)
LCM #18 Bai Sanyang. Age 27.
RW #11 Cristiano Mazza. Age 36(Osarius).
ST #10 Pateh Coulibaly. Age 21.
LW #7 Mengistu Kebede. Age 20.

7. Boufaya Ravens
Manager: Edward Lettison. 63 years old. 9th and final season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Foday Kuyateh. Age 28.
RB #2 Zakhele Nokwe. Age 24.
CB #5 Sonwabile Botile. Age 25.
CB #4 Fezekile Goniwe. Age 31.
LB #3 Dumisani Vavi. Age 22.
RM #11 Jebel Kouyaté. Age 27.
CM #8 Jato Kolley. Age 21.
CM #14 Iyoas Aman. Age 19.
LM #7 Pa Mansaré. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
RS #9 Longcan Mansaré. Age 36.
LS #12 Omar Gaye. Age 35.

8. Mukegara Warriors
Manager: Isaiah Hendleson. 60 years old. 14th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2.
Warriors only draw from the Mukegara tribe, a small tribe with an estimated population of between 40,000 and 50,000 that worships the Quebecois monarch, who they believe is the reincarnated God.
GK #1 Chigo Kgomotso. Age 35.
RB #2 Zoke Chebwa. Age 37.
CB #5 Abelo Okudlala. Age 38. Captain.
CB #4 Duna Duble. Age 34.
LB #6 Fokazi Dundu. Age 29.
RM #11 Iwe Samkange. Age 28.
CM #14 Tashongedzwa Nengomasha. Age 31.
CM #18 Taropafadzwa Nkomolade. Age 36.
LM #7 Chidawo Mwaruwari. Age 31.
RS #9 Chikwava Tirivangani. Age 37.
LS #10 Itai Taremekedzwa. Age 29.

9. Abomfa United.
Manager: Jongwe Diindingwe. Age 60. 4th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Jelan Chidey. Age 36.
RB #21 Lemuel Elshaday. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
CB #30 Uchy Obie. Age 27.
LB #25 Jelaney Chononso. Age 36.
CDM #24 Jel Chibueze. Age 35.
RM #17 Baturou Danso. Age 20.
LM #31 Hardy Pedersen. Age 28(Equestrian States).
CAM #34 Oby Okorie. Age 28.
RW #39 Chuks Okparra. Age 37. Captain.
ST #29 Uziel Gal Tza'eer. Age 36(Sultanate of Oontaz).
LW #45 Ogbonna Obasea. Age 36.

10. Amaku City FC
Manager: Kirabo Besigye. 48 years old. 5th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
GK #1 Chydy Chinwendu. Age 29.
RB #2 Okparro Obey. Age 36.
CB #5 Koofrey Orjie. Age 27.
LB #3 Jelan Chijindum. Age 29.
RM #11 Kagwa Wachiuri. Age 31.
CM #14 Bouba Ngum. Age 18.
CM #18 Barnabas Negus. Age 21.
LM #17 Mazi Nkechi. Age 29.
CAM #10 Chukwuma Akubundu. Age 23.
RS #9 Somayina Chidee. Age 29.
LS #12 Saihou Jammeh. Age 19.

11. Byakado City
Manager: Muteesa Mbogalay. 60 years old. 9th and final season at club.
Formation: 5-1-2-1-1
GK #1 Chioke Okafo. Age 28.
RWB #2 Chibuzo Chydy. Age 30.
RCB #5 Orjea Mazi. Age 34.
CB #4 Karamba Kayode. Age 19.
LCB #3 Yonas Dula. Age 20.
LWB #6 Obi Ozioma. Age 29.
CDM #8 Oluchi Jelan. Age 35.
RM #11 Jelanee Chinelo. Age 29.
LM #7 Obea Ndidi. Age 27.
CAM #10 Bekele Dawit. Age 21.
CF #9 Ilman Sowe. Age 19.

12. Kigagana Mountaineers
Manager: Ekene Afamefula Jr. 42 years old. Son of previous manager.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Randall Kabunka. Age 21.
RB #2 Masane Touray. Age 20..
CB #5 Jaja Chijioke. Age 34.
CB #4 Jelanie Chinedu. Age 35.
LB #3 Obee Uchechea. Age 29.
RM #7 Bassirou Kandeh. Age 21.
CM #18 Chijindum Obasey. Age 37.
CM #14 Chidea Ekene. Age 36.
LM #11 Samba Kaba. Age 21.
RS #10 Jelanee Chinuah. Age 29.
LS #9 Addo Ndiaye. Age 21.

[Banija]

Summer Roundup- Istria City FC qualifies for the group stages of the Globe Cup as Banijan sides make their mark on the international stage


Istria City players celebrate goal in Globe Cup Qualifying

ISTRIA- What are the highlights for this summer? Well, in the summer, after the window, and with players returning from the World Cup and the regional tournaments, starts the international club competition cycle. The preliminary rounds of various international club competitions- from all the UICA competitions, to competitions like the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, and even the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup, various competitions to see who the best clubs in the multiverse are. And, by the time leagues start to kick off all across the multiverse, we know who are in each competition proper- the limited number of lucrative spots that these clubs are competing for. Here is the authoritative guide of how the 7 Banijan sides participating in summer competition fared- who will be playing for glory on the global stage, and who will go home, missing a great opportunity to take their place on the world stage. And a good run for Banijan sides, as for the first time ever, each Banijan team participating in an international competition won at least 1 tie. A solid, across the board showing for the RBSA.

And without further ado... Your summer roundup!

1. Busukuma Athletic Club

Champions Cup Qualifiers- Champions Path
Busukuma Athletic Club earned a Bye in Champions Cup first Preliminary Round.
Champions Cup Second Preliminary Round
Busukuma Athletic Club- First Leg: US Saint-Mathieu 0-0 Busukuma AC  Second Leg: Busukuma AC 0-1 US Saint-Mathieu (US Saint-Mathieu wins 1-0 on aggregate. Busukuma Athletic Club advances to Globe Cup Third Preliminary Round.)
Globe Cup Qualifiers
Globe Cup Qualifiers Third Preliminary Round
Busukuma AC-  First Leg: Busukuma AC 3-0 Mierton Manatees  Second Leg: Mierton Manatees 0-0 Busukuma AC (Busukuma advances 3-0 on aggregate)
Globe Cup Qualifiers Playoff Round
Busukuma AC-  First Leg: Lunas FC 1-0 Busukuma AC    Second Leg: Busukuma AC 3-2 Lunas FC (Lunas FC advances 3-3(2-0) on away goals)

We'll start off our summer competitive roundup with the Champions- Busukuma Athletic Club. Ferran Rey of Juvencus, of course, entering his third season at the helm. We all know they were the last Super 5 club to win a league title- and now, look to overcome their history of failure in international club competition. Of course, outside of last season's stunning run by Herzegovina City FC to the Champions Cup group stages, there isn't much history here for the BSL- but Busukuma has fared pretty poorly even by those standards, getting eliminated at the first go in each of the last two preliminary rounds of the Globe Cup.

They entered at the Second Preliminary Round of Qualifiers for the Champions Cup. They encountered the champions of the Cross Islands. They started off the competition, trying to emulate Herzegovina City FC's run last season, however, they could not. AN encouraging 0-0 draw away from home in the first leg left everything to play for in the second leg, and Busukuma AC had to go in as favorites in front of the home fans. The fans, ready for their first ever Champions Cup action, were rocking. However, a poorly timed tackle by the newly signed right back Ingmar Linderood gave US Saint-Mathieu a penalty in the 64th minute, even as the capitol squad looked to be dominating the run of play. The penalty, of course, was converted, and the Banijan champions fell to the Globe Cup.

They were not dispirited in the Globe Cup, however- far from it. In the Third Preliminary Round of the Globe Cup Qualifiers, they played the Mierton Manatees of Taeshan. Hosting the first leg in front of a raucous home crowd, an early Alex Sandoval penalty opened the floodgates for Busukuma Athletic Club, as Girma Asmelash added a second right before halftime, and Alanso Tamba finished off their opponents with the team's third and final goal of the leg, to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the away leg. The second leg was a defensive affair, as Busukuma AC played out a 0-0 draw to advance to the next round of Globe Cup Qualifiers.

That next round saw them face Lunas FC of Pasarga in an entertaining tie. The first leg was in Pasarga, where the hosts managed a 1-0 lead, and crucially, kept the champions off the board and did not concede a crucial away goal. That defensive diligence at their own stadium proved to be the difference. The two sides put on an entertaining show of attacking football in the second leg, with both teams attaining plenty of chances, and taking them. However, when all the dust settled, Busukuma AC emerged with a 3-2 victory. However, with Lunas FC scoring two goals away from home to Busukuma AC scoring none, the champions were officially eliminated.

An eventful summer for the champions, though of course, they will not be participating in the group stages of either UICA competition during the season. As a kudos to the strength of the league, however, they will not be participating in the preliminary rounds of the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, the premier regional club competition, and will instead qualify directly to the competition. So even if it's not the UICA, there will be club competition this season in our nation's capitol.

2. Herzegovina City FC

Globe Cup Qualifiers
First Preliminary Round
Herzegovina City FC- First Leg: Herzegovina City 2-0 Winteracombe Warrior  Second Leg: Winteracombe Warrior 1-0 Herzegovina City (HZCFC advances 2-1 on aggregate)
Second Preliminary Round
Herzegovina City FC-  First Leg: Herzegovina City 2-0 Silverwood   Second Leg: Silverwood 0-1 Herzegovina City (HZCFC advances 3-0 on aggregate)
Third Preliminary Round
Herzegovina City FC-  First Leg: Herzegovina City 3-2 Schemerdrecht SVV   Second Leg: Schemerdrecht SVV 2-0 Herzegovina City (Schemerdrecht SVV advances 4-3 on aggregate)

What do Brian Emerson's squad have to say for themselves? They find themselves with the weight of expectation, as last summer they made a run to the group stages of the Champions Cup, the first Banijan squad to do that in either of the two major UICA competitions- the Globe Cup or the Champions Cup. However, they had quite a busy transfer window, and a major squad overhaul that saw them replace much of their midfield. Brian Emerson will be grateful for these matches to help prepare for the season, and fit the new pieces together.

Herzegovina City FC started in the First Preliminary Round of the Globe Cup Qualifiers, meaning that to get to the group stages of the competition, they would have to win an unheard of 5 consecutive ties in the summer to get to the group stages. No small task- but they already stunned the world with last season's run to the Champions cup, right? Regardless, they started with the squad from Winteracombe, Greythorne. A 2-0 win at Star Field, the first mathches at Star Field since the World Cup Quarterfinals, was seen as a good sign. However, they lost the second leg away from home by a score of 1-0, as the new look midfield, with Harald Fireblade and Dennis Brotzmann in the middle, struggled in their first ever away game together.

The second preliminary round was a better affair, as this time they faced Silverwood. Another 2-0 win at home, but this time, they were better equipped for the pressures of a road game, and an early penalty to net an away goal in the second leg by Ennis Leishman gave Herzegovina City FC a 3-0 victory over the tie. But then, came the third tie- playing Schemerdrecht SVV of Ko-oren. They played an entertaining first leg, winning 3-2 at Star Field over the visitors. But the away leg was much less forgiving. In front of a raucous crowd, they fell behind 1-0 early, and then the hosts added a second in the 64th. Herzegovina City FC were scrambling at this point, needing two goals to salve their UICA campaign. They got a golden opportunity when Marcel Roux was fouled in the box, giving them a penalty. However, Leishmann hit the crossbar with his penalty, and that miss essentially killed their chances of a second straight miracle UICA run, as they fell 4-3 on aggregate to the side from Ko-oren.

3. Istria City FC

Cygnus Cup Winners Cup
Preliminary Round
Istria City FC-  First Leg: FRI 1-0 Istria City FC   Second Leg: Istria City FC 2-0 FRI (Istria City advances 2-1 on aggregate)
Globe Cup
Istria City FC earned a bye from the Globe Cup First Preliminary Round
Second Preliminary Round
Istria City FC- First Leg: Istria City 2-0 Abersalvi Snow Leopards  Second Leg: Abersalvi Snow Leopards 1-1 Istria City (Istria City advances 3-1 on aggregate)
Third Preliminary Round
Istria City FC-  First Leg: Istria City 1-0 New Lions Club  Second Leg: New Lions Club 0-1 Istria City (Istria City FC advances 2-0 on aggregate)
Playoff Round
Istria City FC-   First Leg: Istria City 3-0 Eastburg United  Second Leg: Eastburg United 3-2 Istria City (Istria City FC advances 5-3 on aggregate)
Qualifying Round
Istria City FC-   First Leg: Lunas FC 0-2 Istria City  Second Leg: Istria City 4-0 Lunas FC (Istria City FC advances 6-0 on aggregate)

Istria City FC had the busiest summer of any BSL side- playing in two different competitions, and of course, ten total matches. A good test for Alvin Burnsides of Cosumar, who was the brand new hire for Istria City FC after their longtime manager retired at the end of last season. The first match, while they were enjoying their bye from the 1st Preliminary Round of the Globe Cup Qualifiers, was their Cygnus Preliminary Round tie- against FRI of Côte d'Saphir. This, of course, by virtue of them being champions of the RBSA Cup. Istria City FC lost the first leg of this tie, away from home, by a score of 1-0. This put them in a pressure situation, trying to advance to the competition proper.

They didn't start too well in the second leg, at home, with maybe nerves getting in their way. And they conceded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Travis Cherenebereck inadvertently touched the ball with his arm. However, their brand new Echani signing, goalkeeper Joan Martinez Alpacia, made a massive save on the ensuing penalty to keep Istria in the game and in the tie. They used that as a momentum springboard, with goals from Atsushi Ryu in the 52nd and Assefa Yitebarke in the 71st enough to put them through to the competition proper, which will be played during the season.

And now, off to the Globe Cup Preliminary Rounds. First up, the Abersalvi Snow Leopards of Kernovi. Jermaine Poole scored his first goal in an Istria City FC uniform, while Assefa Yitebarke added to the total to give them a 2-0 win at Kabonero III Field. Noah Geteye added a header in the second leg to give them a 1-0 lead away from home as well, as the second leg finished 1-1 and the tie 3-1 in favor of Istria City FC. IN the Third Preliminary Round of the competition, they played the New Lions Club of Tinhamption. A pair of tightly contested, very physical, very defensive affairs in this one. However, Istria City FC came ahead 1-0 in both legs. A late goal in the first leg by Atsushi Ryu, while Torvald Royle opened his account with Istria City FC by converting a 42nd minute penalty in the second leg, and they put the exclamation point on an excellent defensive performance with a 2-0 victory in the tie.

Istria City FC seemed to be getting stronger with each round of competition this summer, and that was continued in the Playoff Round, the fourth two-legged tie that Istria City FC had played this summer. In this round, they drew Eastburg United of the Whirl Islands. Teams, at this point, are sniffing the competition proper- a prospect that means so much financially, and from a prestige standpiont. With this in mind, Istria City FC put on their best performance of the summer, as they took Eastburg United apart by a score of 3-0. Assefa Yitebarke had an excellent game, scoring twice and assisting Torvald Royle on his goal. While they lost the second leg 3-2, they still advanced quite comfortably, with a 5-3 victory in the tie.

One more tie, in the Qualifying Rounds. It's put up or shut up time- the winners of a tie in this stage, of course, would find themselves in the group stages of the multiverse's second most prestigious club competition. Millions of dollars- and not shilling, but literal NSDs- are at stake. And for a team in a league like the BSL, that is just starting its climb up the coefficient table, this would be extremely valuable. And here, they put on their most dominating performance of the summer. Playing the same Lunas FC that eliminated the BSL champions, they had an excellent performance in Pasarga, winning 2-0. But here, they caught fire. In the second leg, they put on their best performance of a long and tiring summer, dismantling the Pasarga side 4-0 to win the tie by a stunning 6-0 on aggregate. Jermaine Poole and Atsushi Ryu were absolutely dominant on the wings, and Alvin Burnsides was all smiles as Istria City FC heat up as the season is set to kick off.

4. Jinja City FC

Globe Cup
First Preliminary Round
Jinja City FC- First Leg: Hǔ Shā 2-1 Jinja CIty FC  Second Leg: Jinja City FC 2-1 Hǔ Shā (4-1 AET) (Jinja City FC advances 5-3 on aggregate)Second Preliminary Round
Jinja City FC- First Leg: Royal Puncakpura 2-2 Jinja City FC   Second Leg: Jinja City FC 3-1 Royal Puncakpura (Jinja City FC advances 5-3 on aggregate)
Third Preliminary Round
Jinja CIty FC-  First Leg: Jinja City 2-1 Eleven Retinues SC  Second Leg: Eleven Retinues SC 1-0 Jinja City (Eleven Retinues SC advances 2-2(1-0) on away goals)

Jinja City Football Club, led by Alexander Bumba, are in the Globe Cup Qualifiers, once again. One of Banija's most consistent clubs, they finished in second for four straight seasons, Season 3 through Season 6, which followed up a trophy in Season 2. While they did not finish in second last season, they were in the top 4, which earned them the right to be in this competition, at this spot. They played in the First Preliminary Round of the Globe Cup Qualifiers, and they faced off against Hǔ Shā from the Golden Lotus. This was an evenly matched tie, as a 2-1 win for Hǔ Shā on their home ground was reversed by Jinja City FC at the BCEL Stadium, forcing extra time. Extra time gave them space to seperate themselves, as the Chromatik striker Lin Moon scored twice in extra time to see Jinja City sneak across the finish line.

In the Second Preliminary Round, they were drawn with Royal Puncakpura of Eraman, with the first leg against away from home. THe first leg was an entertaining and even affair. After conceding early and being behind 1-0 at halftime, two goals in rapid succession, in the 52nd and 55th minutes by Sia Fall and Deonte Bradley, respectively, gave Jinja City FC a stunning 2-1 lead, and crucially, a pair of away goals. They looked set to try and close it out, and take a massive step forward. However, they could not hold against the pressure, and conceded in the 88th as it finished in a 2-2 draw. But with the away goals, Jinja City still held the advantage. They scored twice in the first half back at BCEL Stadium, as they cruised to a 3-1 victory in the second leg, and a 5-3 victory in the tie, to go to the third round of the Globe Cup Qualifiers.

IN this round, they drew Eleven Retinues SC of Tinhampton. And for the first time, they would host the first leg of the tie. Jinja City FC scored twice in the first half, with Bradley scoring in the 11th minute and Malachi Gallagher in the 37th, to give them a 2-0 lead at halftime. If they could hold, they would be in great shape. But the pressure was unrelenting. Even with the fans at their back, they conceded an away goal on a free kick in the 81st minute. While they had a 2-1 victory, that meant conceding just once in Tinhampton could see Jinja City eliminated, and that's exactly what happened. A 41st minute header gave them a 1-0 win at their field, and saw Jinja City FC eliminated from the Globe Cup in heartwrenching fashion on away goals.

5. Duntho Sporting Club

Serie B Champions Cup Qualifiers
Duntho Sporting Club earned byes in the First, Second, and Third Preliminary Rounds
Playoff Round
Duntho Sporting Club-  First Leg: South Dre Intergalactic 1-1 Duntho Sporting Club   Second Leg: Duntho Sporting Club 3-0 South Dre Intergalactic (Duntho Sporting Club advances 4-1 on aggregate)

Duntho Sporting Club had the easiest path of any Banijan club to the group stages of international competition. They got byes from the first three rounds of qualifiers, entering the competition only at the Playoff Round- something that gives them plenty of rest, even if their first match of the season is with everything on the line. But they took advantage of that rest. They got a crucial away goal from their new foreign signing, Radek Lawniczak, as they drew 1-1 away from home, and then cruised big time in the second leg, with a 3-0 victory at home to advance to the group stages of the Serie B Champions Cup.

6. Kabakono City

Serie B Champions Cup Qualifiers
First preliminary round
Kabakono City-   First Leg: Kabakono City 2-2 Hundon FC   Second Leg: Hundon FC 1-2 Kabakono City (Kabakono City advances 4-3 on aggregate)
Second Preliminary Round
Kabakono City-   First Leg: Antslinngs Islands 4-1 Kabakono City   Second Leg: Kabakono City 2-2 Antslinngs Islands (Antslinngs Islands advances 6-4 on aggregate)

Kabakono City, a team with so much potential, had to play all the way from the First Preliminary Round of Serie B Champions Cup Qualifying. They opened it with a terrible first half against Hundon FC of Capitalizt SLANI. They played terrible defense in the first half. This young team, with their first year manager, was absolutely rattled- even though they were at home. The pressure of an international club competition can do that to the best of em. Conceding twice in the first half, they went all out in the second half and secured a 2-2 draw. While still down on away goals, this at least gave them a fighting chance in the second leg.

And this chance was all they needed. THey got things together, got their heads together, and even in a hostile environment, they went on the road and got the job done. A pair of goals by AL Qurijan international Bahij Wafi Saab was enough to get them over the finish line, as they won the away leg 2-1, and therefore advance on aggregate by a final score of 4-3. We wish we could say the same for the second Preliminary Round- but that was ugly. Starting away from home, they went down 4-0, and this time, it was far too deep of a whole for them to climb out of. A rough start to the season where Kabakono City obviously had ambitions to do some real damage, and they were eliminated 6-3 on aggregate, out of the Serie B Champions Cup.

7. Suwawa FC

Serie B Champions Cup Qualifiers
Suwawa FC earned a bye for the First Preliminary Round
Second Preliminary Round
Suwawa FC-   First Leg: Suwawa FC 2-0 Brondby   Second Leg: Brondby 3-3 Suwawa FC (Suwawa FC advances 5-3 on aggregate)
Duntho Sporting Club earned a bye in this round
Third Preliminary Round
Suwawa FC-   First Leg: Police 2-1 Suwawa FC   Second Leg: Suwawa FC 1-0 Police (Suwawa FC advances 2-2(1-0) on away goals)
Playoff Round
Suwawa FC- First Leg: Suwawa FC 4-0 SC Sardin   Second Leg: SC Sardin 1-0 Suwawa FC (Suwawa FC advances 4-1 on aggregate)

Suwawa FC, of the Northwestern Regional League, are in this competition with lots of ambition. They, of course, only got a bye from the First Preliminary Round, and needed to stick it out through 3 ties to make it all the way to the group stages. Their first tie came against Brondby of Semarland. The first leg, in Moravica, resulted in a relatively straightforward 2-0 win for Suwawa FC. The teenager from Cosumar, Reginius Kunst, scored his first goal of the season in that one, while the captain, Mompati Molatedi, also scored in what was a solid team performance. The second leg was wild- all kinds of goals, all kinds of shots, and seemingly no defense. A 3-3 draw in that leg, however, saw Suwawa FC advance 5-3 on aggregate to the Third Preliminary Round.

IN this tie, they were drawn against Police of The Cross Islands. The first leg was away from home, on the Cross Islands. It was always going to be tough sledding for Suwawa FC's side, and that was certainly proven. The home side ended the first leg with a stunning 63% of possesion, as they dominated the ball and the chances in the game, with Suwawa FC playing defensively and simply doing whatever they can to bring it back to MOravica as close as possible. While the home side got the win, Suwawa FC got a very, very crucial, late away goal from the 37 year old midfielder, Isang Khumo, in the 1st minute of stoppage time, to give Suwawa FC shot.

Suwawa FC took its shot at the home leg. Playing far more comfortably and on the front foot, the defense was dominant, as they did not allow any serious chances for their opponent. Knowing that their away goal meant a single goal by them could put them through, they were peppering in their chances, as this side was turning around from what was a miserable away performance. Midfielder Seako Mothibi scored a free kick in the 63rd minute to give Suwawa FC a 1-0 lead in the second leg, and neither side would score again. That made the score 2-2 on aggregate, but crucially, Suwawa FC advanced as they led 1-0 on away goals.

They were the second team in the Playoff Round of this competition, trying to join Duntho Sporting Club in the group stages. At home, they put on an absolutely dominant performance. A 4-0 thorough dismantling ended the tie really before it ever got going, making the return leg merely a formality. Kunst combined well with Khuno, a player old enough to be Kunst's father, and the mixture of youngsters and veterans on Suwawa FC gave them the energy and know-how to navigate this tie, and the combination that allowed them to break Corizova United's stranglehold on the Northwestern Regional League, has now put them into the group stages of the Serie B Champions Cup.

All in all, a solid summer for Banijan teams. Three teams will be in the group stages of UICA competitions, with Istria City FC also advancing to the first round proper of the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup, and Busukuma AC, thanks to the strength of the league, earning a bye to the group stages of the Atlantian Oceania Champions League. There will be plenty of international club competition football during the season, to the excitement of the fans, and as importantly, the financial coffers of the Banijan Soccer League.

[Banija]

The Banijan Soccer League - Season 8 Preview

The All-Banija Sports Magazine is proud to present you with the authoritative preview for Season 8 of the Banijan Soccer League. Your one stop shop- everything you need to know for the next season of Banija's top flight. NOt only will we have our predictions for the final table, but we will have our team by team previews. Our predictions on how the busy transfer window will turn out, who will win the title, who will join the regional league sides, and everything form there.

Without further ado!

Team By Team Preview-
1. Istria City Football Club.

We'll start with the team that just flew through international competition this summer, and is our predicted champion for Season 8 of the Banijan Soccer League. The major change from last season, of course, is the hiring of Alvin Burnsides as the league's next Cosumarite manager. He is the third Cosumarite to take charge of a Banijan club, with the trail being blazed of course by Brian Emerson's stunning success at Herzegovina City FC, who already has an undefeated run and the BSL's first ever run to the Champions Cup group stages in just his first two seasons there.

Everybody is chasing that standard in this league, and by most accounts, Alvin Burnsides is an excellent hire. A down to Earth guy, he's known for being a down to earth, hardworking guy- a manager who isn't flashy, but who is out here to get all kinds of results. And he had latitude in the transfer market, bringing a number of new faces to Banija's largest city. Joan Martinez Alpacia, a goalkeeper for the Echani national team, is a new signing, as well as Jermaine Poole out of the Equestrian States, and Torvald Royle out of Freeport. With three signings for players who represent their country, ambitions at this club are certainly going to be high.

They navigated the challenge this summer, being the only BSL squad to qualify for the group stages of the Globe Cup, as all the others fell at some point in the qualifying rounds. But the most impressive part is that they seemed to get better as the preliminaries went along. Close ties, but the final tie, in the Playoff Round, a 6-0 demolishing has this team cranking on full cylinders as the season gets ready to go. Will that success carry over to the league though? IT's hard to say.

This looks to be their most talented squad since their Season 5 championship run, and the title hopes in Banija's largest city are high. Fans are drooling over the potential combination of Torvald Royle and Assefa Yitebarke, a combination that can turn deadly. Yitebarke, widely recognized as coming into his own as the league's best striker, will be paired with someone who can also lay claim to that role. It's a high risk manuever. If they can make it work, the talent is there to score all kinds of goals, and more importantly, power Istria City FC to the top of the mountain. But if not... Fans will not be happy.

2. Herzegovina City Football Club.

This team has seen all kinds of turnover, replacing four of their five midfielders during the summer break. That's a lot of adjustment for a team to make, especially one that has had the success that they've had over the last few seasons. But, of course, there are the constants. Delbin Kasekende, the league's top goalkeeper, is back between the posts, and Brian Emerson will be spending his third season on the touchline. The septuagenarian seems to be thoroughly enjoying his time in Banija, and this season is his biggest challenge yet.

Aaron Aiza, the league's most decorated player for the past 4 seasons, has left for greener pastures, going across the sea to Valanora. Of course, the move makes sense- their coefficient is much higher, there is more money available, and for a player of his ambitions, it was always going to happen. But still, there's no masking it- this was a blow to Herzegovina City FC. A blow to their psyche. How will they handle that loss, as well as the loss of others?

They made some quality signings. Harald Fireblade is known as a prospect for the Cosumarite national team, a nation that has an extremely deep player pool. He is a rangy two-way midfielder, with great defensive tenacity. A midfielder that Brian Emerson will love, and seems to be an excellent fit for this league. And then, of course, there is Denis Brotzmann. In his prime, brought over from Siovanija & Teusland to pair with Harald Fireblade. A little more experienced, a veteran, he will hope to help anchor this midfield as Herzegovina City FC tries to return to the summit of the league.

The team also signed an excellent attacking midfielder, Marcel Roux of the Echani national team. But the earth shattering signing is them taking advantage of the gender integration of Banija's leagues, and signing Rosie Tyler. She was signed from Port Christopher, and she is an Equestrian international. She is one of three players who will break the gender barrier in the BSL, and the only one to do it for a side actually in Banija(as, of course the others play for Dukuma and Lakiska, who are both on the Busoga Islands). What kind of impact will she make?

And how will people react? As she breaks this barrier, this is surely going to be a challenge. She is up to it, telling reporters that she was 'proud to be a part of this', but the pressures on her shoulders will be immense, especially as she replaces a league superstar in Aaron Aiza. We will have to wait and see what happens here.

3. Hoima Warriors.

The Hoima Warriors. A team, after fights at the top, that finally has a stable ownership situation in Josiah Lwanga. A team, that we mention every single season how they underperform, about how they always miss the mark in aiming for a spot in the Top Four, about how they've fallen behind the other Super 5 clubs, seem to be finally learning their lesson. They poached a manager from the Herzegovina Phoenix, in a controversial signing of Mark Grayson. It's a move that makes sense for him- this is moving up the ladder to a bigger club, with more resources and more pressure to win. And, of course, if he can even deliver them back to the top four for the first time in what would seem like forever, he would be a hero in Hoima.

But, of course, you can't have it all. Orion Etzebeth and Corvid Alemane, who he wanted to bring with him from the Phoenix, both decided to stay put in Herzegovina City's suburbs, with both players saying that they value loyalty, in what was seen as a shot. No matter to Grayson- he went out to build the squad that he wanted. He did bring Josef Lawerenz, who has never stayed at any club in the BSL for more than a season- the young, talented winger is highly coveted. He made a major signing of Ozolx-Mazur Guv to play opposite Josef Lawerenz. The Qusmyr winger is speedy, and has championship experience, having won the Pug Qusmyra. The Warriors, more than any team in the Super 5, are desperate for success, and they are looking to finally live up to their status as a Super 5 club and enter the top four.

The front line is rounded off with Chizoba Emenanjo, from Cobrio. The big target man is 6'5 and 200 pounds, a perfect striker to play between the pair of pacey wingers that Mark Grayson has signed. Such a talented squad on the offensive side, we think that they can finally break through, and even potentially finish third in the BSL. A third place finish, of course, would be ecstatic for a team that craves a return to the UICA, a competition that they haven't seen in so long, they don't even carry a coefficient in it any longer.

4. Busukuma Athletic Club.

And now, we come to the defending champions. They were the final Super 5 club to win their first BSL title, but of course, they are also the defending champs- they cannot be pushed around. Their summer was underwhelming, getting knocked out of two UICA competitions with quite some distance between them and the group stages of either competition. But of course, they are the champs, and you have to give them their due- everybody is going to be chasing after the capitol club.

A lot of players are returning- but a few are leaving. A major new signing is Girma Asmelash, coming from Istria City FC, in a rare transfer between two Super 5 clubs. Something you don't see that often, of course, because of the rivalry at the game's highest level in this country. And, of course, they have signed Ingmar Linderood. Ferran Rey is their manager, from Juvencus. He, of course, has made quite an impact at the club, at the head of a number of managers from the Juvencus sphere of influence who are currently in the Banijan game.

The defending champs bring the same devastating front line at you- Alanso Tamba, Baslios Temesgen, and Alex Sandoval. It is Baslios Temesgen that could prove to be the weak link here. He had his best season in a Busukuma AC uniform so far last season- can he repeat that performance, especially when Busukuma AC have a target on their backs? There's a lot of continuity here, and we think that familiarity should be good for at least a fourth place finish, and to get what we project would probably be the BSL's finally spot in UICA competition.

5. Jinja City Football Club.

The last Super 5 club. The most consistent. They are the only club in the BSL to have finished in the top 3 of the league in each of the league's first seven seasons. They finished in second four seasons in a row, from Season 3 to Season 6. Their finishes are the following- 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd. That's almost the surest best you can make. You have to pay your taxes, and Jinja City FC will finish in the top 3. But this year is the year that we believe Alexander Bumba's incredible top 3 run will end.

Why are we making this prediction? Well, of course, such streaks as these, in a league as competitive as Banija's, simply shouldn't happen. The statistical improbability, And the level of competition. But give credit where credit is due- a lot of that is down to management. Tactics management, and man management. He is known for reading the players excellently, and he has great relations with his fanbase. Jinja City FC is a big market, which makes it a little easier, but still- there's a reason nobody else has done that besides them.

What makes this squad different? Well, they are aging. Their starting strikers, Lin Moon and Deonte Bradley, are 32 and 33 respectively. And it's worse in the central midfield. Their pair there, Daniel Asres and Malachi Gallagher, are 35 and 33, respectively. That is quite an old midfield pairing, especially in the central part of the pitch. The team's youngest player is 26. That does not sound like the recipe for success. The poor roster management, that age situation, is why we think that they won't crack the top 4. WE think they're too good to finish below the next tier challengers, like Bunyoro RSC, but this is a good a time as any to knock them off their perch.

6. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club.

We are predicting that Bunyoro RSC will be the best of the rest, and finish in 6th place. Their manager, Adam Jeffreys, uses an unconventional 4-2-4 formation. That is something that should be able to be improved upon this season, since the roster has a number of players under its belt who have now used this system for a full season. The jury remains out, but Jeffreys is known as an excellent manager and has a great reputation in the league, and many expect Bunyoro RSC to take a signinficant step forward this season.

One of the big reasons for that is Reden Omar, the Velestrian star winger who was recently dominating the Banijan youth circuit with the Moravica regional academy. Bunyoro RSC made an offer, and when none of the regional clubs took up their rights to match the offer, he was allowed to leave the region of the academy. Reden Omar is a budding star, he can do it all. He has fancy footwork, and great pace. He has all the potential in the world- but can it be tapped by his own countryman on the touchline?

One of the big things for the club is that they are moving into new stomping grounds this season. They will be playing at the Paa Nyeupe, a stadium that will sit just over 48,000. Club leaders say that this is to ensure that Bunyoro RSC can 'continue their climb up the ladder'. And also, crucially, the building of this stadium ensured that the Bunyoro Region saw World Cup matches, rather than the RBSA making its expected decision to put matches at a second stadium in our nation's capitol. With that energy, they will be excited to kick off this season.

7. Kitara Athletic Association.

Kitara Athletic Association had their best ever BSL finish last season, finishing in 6th place in the league in Flip Kollias' final season at the helm. They looked to the regional leagues for a manager, and found the successful Alan Bettles, the 62 year old from Kabakono City, to take charge of the club. He has had a solid run at Kabakono City, leading his side to a Lower Coastal League title at the end of last season. Of course, with success in the regional leagues, that leaves a club liable to be poached by a BSL side, and that is exactly what happened with Kabakono City, who proceeded to be the only one of the three regional league sides to not make the group stages of the Serie B Champions Cup. Connection?

Regardless of Kabakono City, Kitara AA is going to look to build on their successes of last season. While we believe that they have hit a ceiling- we can’t imagine their talent level can take them beyond 6th place and provide a true challenge to the Super 5 like the Phoenix did a couple of years ago, they will be excited to take part in the Vilitan Cove International, their first ever international club competition. Nick Haller, from the Commonwealth of Baker Park, is going to feature on the wing for them once again as their most well-known player. Getachew, the long serving captain, will make his final run for the team. You have to expect them to focus on the VCI- a tournament where they are longshots, but who knows when their next opportunity at international glory will come?

8. Herzegovina Phoenix.

The Phoenix ended up participating in a what turned out to be a manager swap, although very unwillingly, with the Hoima Warriors. They have shocked the league with their successes the last two seasons under Mark Grayson, doing much better than expected and competing well for Top Four spot in both Season 6 and Season 7, and breaking the Super 5 stranglehold on the Top Four in Season 6, and almost doing so again last season, until their bid fell apart late in the campaign.

But even though they lost their manager, Mark Grayson, and their winger, Josef Lawerenz, they were able to hold onto key pieces like Orion Etzebeth and Corvid Alemane. The expectation? That they shall return. Jehan Blair, a former manager of the Amazonestan national team and last season’s manager of the Hoima Warriors, will again ply his trade in this country, and are certainly gunning for glory. They’ve signed Assefa Berhane between the sticks, and added youngster Vidyo Avramov of Siovanija & Teusland to their squad. And not to mention, at the front, they have added Jery Bostun, of Qasden, to pair up with Alemane.

The talent is there for a team in transition. But can they put it together this season? While expectations are rising, this club is trying to break into the Super 5, and that will be a difficult prospect this season. They might need a season to gel, and even with their signing of Banija’s national team’s goalkeeper, they are aging in the back. They have a 36 year old center back, and a 38 year old left back. That could seriously hurt them, against the good teams especially. We’ll see what Jehan Blair can put together for Herzegovina City’s other club.

9. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club.

This club is the epitome of continuity. They’ve been a middle club for their entire tenure in the BSL, and yet, they are a team that is heavily resistant to change. They’ve had the same manager for the last seven seasons, Demetro Laterza, the Juvencus international, is starring up front once again for the team. Gutinho, from the Western Sunrise Islands, will wear the armband as he looks to head into his last season.

Umbazi Metropolitan SC are traditionally the same- always solid, but never anything truly special. They have a pair of interesting youngsters to watch though. The first, is the 20 year old goalkeeper, Amat Turay. And the second, of course, is Baboucar Biri, the 20 year old striker. Both making their maiden appearances in the Banijan Soccer League, a good season for either of them could see a potential decent money transfer abroad, or even within the BSL by a team higher up the pecking order.

10. Mynda Electra.

Now, onto Mynda Electra. A team owned by the Electra Corporation from Damukuni, in Mynda, Aksum. And the club, formerly owned of course, by Matthias Mutebi, the former Katikkiro. A controversial team, but one with a loud, strong fanbase, one that has rallied around new ownership.

The manager, Jose Gonzalez, is going to enter his sixth season. From Amazonesta, he has built a strong identity with the team, and has helped lead it through turmoil with their ownership situation. That said, there is some talent on this team as they aim to finish in the top half of the table. Barry Horlock, from Nephara, is going to wear the armband for the team this team. The 35 year old is joined in the back by the Mensah twins, and together, the experience on the back line is going to look to prove the strength of this Mynda squad.

There are some who say, however, that Electra wants to make a push up the ladder, to at least join the informal ‘second tier’ of BSL sides, teams like the Phoenix and Bunyoro RSC, who are pushing the Super 5. What does that mean for this season? Well, with most of the back line likely to retire at the end of this season, that will increase pressure on those at the club now. If a big time investment is coming down the pipeline, everyone is playing for their jobs. For some, that pressure brings out the best. For others? The worst. We’ll see how that plays out over the course of this season.

11. Aissa United Football Club.

Gregory Banis, the ultimate survivor. He led this team to a shocking last place finish at the end of Season 6- and somehow kept his job, to return for his sixth season in Season 7. Nobody thought they’d finish anywhere near last place, and Gregory Banis kept saying it was an aberration. Fans were extremely angry at keeping him on board, and surely, he started last season on the hot seat. However, Aissa United’s faith in Banis paid off, as they finished in 11th place last season, a remarkable 9 place and 30 point improvement. Now, of course, a last place finish would surely get you fired, as relegation has been added to the mix.

Aissa United FC have traditionally been a mid table club under his reign, and Season 6, at second glance, seems to be mild bump in the road. Aissa, knowing that a poor season can come from nowhere, cannot rest on its laurels. They are going to look to continue improving as they play their non-traditional 5-4-1 formation. With the longtime manager back there, we are confident that they can maintain their middle of the table status. However, if things start to look bad, with all there is at stake and how hard it will be to get back to the BSL, do not be shocked if Banis is let go.

12. Isipongo Flash.

The Flash return, as a team who just had a solid season, finishing in the top half of the table at 10th place in Season 7. They are, of course, looking to improve upon that performance- though our prediction obviously shows you our lack of faith in their ability to get there. Chuka Belonwu is back for his fourth season roaming the sidelines for Isipongo, and they are looking at their traditional roster. Noah Lamont Hill, the Devonta striker who had roamed the BSL for a long time, is once again going to ply his trade at the front for the Flash. He will be the loan, roaming striker. Receiving service from Assan Sanneh, as well as the 19 year old prospect Baluta Sonko, his success, as always, will be closely linked to the team’s. If he finishes well in front of goal, then the team will be fine. But he’s 32- just exiting his prime. Can he carry the team once more?

This team is full of veterans. We have a 32 year old from Brenecia, Jayce Howard, serving as the squad’s captain. Jared Clotterman, the 33 year old from Schottia, is manning the central midfield. Their international scouting department is solid, and those guys, per the usual, will be part of the key to their effort to finish in the top half of the Banijan Soccer League table. We’ll have to see if they can put it together and actually accomplish that goal this season.

13. Rukunbi Football Club.

Istria’s other club. Playing second fiddle in Banija’s largest city to the glitzy and glamorous Istria City FC, they are led once again by Teague Spanos, who is entering his tenth season at the helm. This makes two unique things about him. For one, he is the senior manager in the BSL coaching delegation. What does that mean? He has been with his club in the BSL longer than anyone else has been with their clubs in the league. He is now the only manager with double digit seasons at a club in the Banijan Soccer League. And that is not the only reason he counts as the league’s grizzled veteran manager. Not only is he the league’s longest tenured manager, but he represents the throwback era- the days before the BSL. As you know, this is his 10th season, and yet we’re only in Season 8 of the BSL. He is the only manager in the league who was at their club when the sport was managed strictly on a regional basis in the country, before the creation of the national league by the RBSA.

As he takes his place as the dean of the BSL managers, Rukunbi FC remains where it was- always stuck in the shadow of Istria City FC. This veteran squad this season, however, has not one, not two, but three defenders who are 39 years old. The Abdikarim twins playing center back, and the captain, Dembo Jawara, playing right back. This team is also unique in that it consists only of Banijans and Islanders, making it the league’s least diverse team. But there is talent. From Paramartha and Barbarossa, to even Kamu Jacobs, there is an ability for Rukunbi FC to make a push.

Do we think they can finish in the top half? Probably not. With three defenders at 39 years old, we imagine that them wearing down late in the season is almost an inevitability, and that non-ability to make a late season push will doom Istria’s other side. We’ll see if Spanos can defy the odds in his 10th season, however, and make a push for the top half of the table.

14. Busukuma Force.

Now, we go to the capitol’s other BSL club, the Busukuma Force. The Force find themselves in a unique position- they are probably the third most popular team in the National Capitol Region, with the first obviously being Busukuma AC, the defending champions. But the second may be Capitol City Football Club, the firey regional league squad that is angling themselves for a promotion. The force are always angling for their place in the nation’s capitol, a place so busy with politics and gridiron and all kinds of stuff. They have a decent fanbase, of course, but that leads to a set of unique challenges for the Force.

One of the steps they’ve taken to really create a space for themselves, is hire a new manager. Brun Kissinger, the 50 year old out of Nephara, will be roaming the sideline this season for the Busukuma Force. He managed in the Nepharim Premiership, and was a manager almost straight from playing. A talented manager, his hiring made some noise in Banija and in this crowded media market. He promotes stability and fundamentals, something that will be crucial to a team trying to earn its own market share in this busy city.

He didn’t have any major signings, and Busukuma Force have said they are committed to him long-term. This, of course, giving him leeway to tinker with the squad as he sees fit, grow comfortable for a year, and then make signings in the offseason. Kissinger will be one of those managers to watch this season, as it looks clear that the Force have brought him in now for the long haul, meaning that they will probably spend on players and go all-in for Season 9- barring, of course, a failure of epic proportions that leaves them relegated.

15. Busembe Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves went out and got themselves a big name manager, in the name of Zachary Sols. The manager from Qasden had an excellent international career as the assistant manager for the national team, earning a pair of trophies in Cup of Harmony 69 & 70, as well as qualification to World Cup 79 and 81. He does have experience managing Yanse, however, so he has been head man before. Even though Qasden is in the Glorious Southwest alongside Banija, they do not have many links to the BSL- with Sols being the first ever Qasden manager for a BSL side.

The Timberwolves are showing their ambition, as this guy knows what success is, and will look to translate it onto the club level. What pieces does he have to work with? Well, first, you have Edgar Farsal-Smith in net, from Mercedini. You also have a decent strike pair up top, with Brendon Ediomgi lining up alongside Boto Mboge, the 19 year old striker. This might be a long process, and of course, the number one goal has to be to avoid relegation- much easier said than done, of course. With Sols there, they shouldn’t have to worry about it- but you never know.

Also, and we couldn’t resist here, but I recommend our readers take a trip down memory lane and remember what happened the last time a Banijan team hired an international assistant manager? We’ll give you a hint- that manager’s name starts with a M and ends in arcus Waters.

16. Lakiska Sporting Club.

Winad-Lenpi Xlo finally is at his first full season in charge. But even with only half a season in charge, he has had an outsized impact on both the team and the league. The team was teetering on the brink of disaster last season, and after a winless Lakiska SC squad suffered a 8-1 home loss to Herzegovina City FC on Matchday 19, this team was sitting in dead last and on the brink of almost certain relegation. They fired their manager, but they didn’t have that much time to find another one, and with promotion/relegation only at one team per season, a relegation could find them banished to the regional leagues for years to come. They did not want to take that chance.

They went to Qusmo, and found Winad-Lenpi Xlo. He came to the club with one mandate- fix this team, and keep our place in the Banijan Soccer League. And Winad-Lenpi did that and then some, comfortably ensuring their place in the league as they finished 3 places ahead of the relegated side, Bwubanza City Soccer Club. His performance as the manager earned him a full contract at the end of the season, and now he will enter the season as the manager.

As one of the league’s foremost advocates of integrating the league by gender, he has signed Uzoma Iruka, a 19 year old woman, to play right back. She, of course, played right back in the Di Bradini Cup for the Vijana Kadongo Kamu, or the youth national team. The talented right back will forego her final two years of college for this opportunity to play professionally. While Lakiska SC was heavily connected to getting the big name signing of Marie Sonko from the Equestrian States, they ended up not making an official offer.

Lakiska SC has always been a team towards the bottom of the table, and this season, they will have to fight off relegation once again. But if they start this season as they finished last season, there will be no problems in remaining in the BSL. But Winad-Lenpi has added talent. We’ve already mentioned Iruka. They have also added Ibrahim Fatah, and they have players like Kizza Okafor on their squad as well. We expect them to improve upon their 17th place finish last season, as Winad-Lenpi works to help this team climb the BSL’s ladder.

17. The Lwanga Lions.

And now, for the Lions. The youngest team in the league, especially since Bwubanza City SC has been relegated down to the Southern League. Simon Wanjala is in the 3rd season of his youth revolution, and the results are… Mixed, so far. They had Josef Lawerenz originally, but could not hold onto him. They have a few other talented youngsters on their squad. Xavier Melchoir is only 19 years old, from Taeshan. Phineas Antwell, of Cosumar, is 23. Their striker, Karamba Biri, is 19 years old. They have some experience, as their central midfield pair, Assi Finhas & Basant Servaia, are both over 30 years old. They will have to guide the young players, as the pressure is going to build on Simon Wanjala to put together a winning side.

We aren’t sure if there is enough experience for this team to make a challenge for the top half of the table, even as that remains the stated goal for Simon Wanjala and the Lwanga Lions. Chances of many of the younger members of this team getting poached are very high- do they have the funds to keep players like Antwell and Melchoir if they have strong seasons? The perils of a small club. We shall see what happens this season, but don’t’ expect them to be (that) serious contenders for relegation.

18. Hawabark Boulders.
One of three teams that we have in serious danger of being relegated, a tighter relegation race than last season- the freshly promoted Hawabark Boulders. They find themselves in a unique position. They are the first ever team in the history of the BSL promoted into the league, from the regional leagues, earning their way in from a competitive standpoint. While that means it’s hard to say what will happen, it is common in many foreign leagues with promotion and relegation that teams get sent back down just as quickly as they get sent right up. And that will be the challenge at the Olympic Stadium for Alaji Senghore- how can they avoid that fate?

This team has some talented players on its roster. Formerly one of the few regional league squads with a foreign scouting department, they found Giovanni Falco from Freeport, and he has been a strong player for them in net. And then, there is their big time signing, the Arioslavian, Fyodor Khalturin. The left back has spent years at Jinja City FC, though there were growing tensions between him and the manager. He transferred to the freshly Boulders, who hailed their Super 5 club signing. Not only did that happen, but they immediately gave the 29 year old the captaincy- showing the weight he has on his shoulders.

He will be the team’s key leader. Not only does he have top flight experience, but he’s competed for BSL titles. While obviously that’s not on the cards for the Boulders, that experience will be valuable. How much harder is the BSL than the regional leagues? How to react when the pressure is that much higher? They now have the smallest stadium in the league- will the intimatve venue be an advantage, will they be rattled playing at the big stadia? It’s hard to say. We think that they can avoid relegation, but it will certainly be a tall order for this squad to stay in the BSL.

19. Dukuma Sporting Club.
Dukuma Sporting Club. The League’s other foreign owned club. The BSL’s only team on the North Island, the biggest splash that the team made this offseason was Namakula Kawesa, the female attacking midfielder who just graduated from college, and played for Banija at the Di Bradini Cup. Always a threat to be relegated, Dukuma Sporting Club has traditionally been towards the bottom of the table. They are the only BSL side with multiple last place finishes in the short, yet rich, history of the Banijan Soccer League.

Who will this club be reliant on? Players like Kurtis Southwell, the 28 year old striker from Brenecia. But the team’s beating heart, is the 35 year old Ivanildo. Long the team’s best midfielder player and creator, he was the creator of whatever little offense that this team was producing. With him surely on the verge of retirement at the end of the season, Namakula Kawesa is looking to take that responsibility. He is still, of course, the team’s undisputed leader. Him playing well, and combining well with a player like Namakula Kawesa, can prevent Dukuma SC from suffering the humiliation of a relegation.

20. Askatasuna Football Club.

This team was in last place for a chunk of the season last season, and almost did get relegated. Many said they deserved it. However, Bwubanza City SC’s epic collapse last season, where they lost 15 in a row in the league to clinch last place and a spot in the Southern League, saved Askatasuna FC from themselves. How far they’ve fallen. They’ve fallen down the league table every season since Chibuzo Afolayan left for greener pastures after Season 3 at AFC Corvistone in Nephara for a then BSL record $5.5 million NSD transfer fee, a record that stood until Hondo FC spent $7 million NSDs on Aaron Aiza during this past transfer window.

They thought the windfall would rescue them, but they are still suffering the fallout from that sale. In the four seasons since they’ve sold him, they’ve finished they've finished 9th, 15th, 17th, and 19th, respectively. They’ve finally let their manager go, and poached Al Iska from Corizova United, who won back to back Northwestern League titles. Maybe he can turn the tide?

With the new manager, though, we still aren’t confident that they can avoid relegation. They’ve fallen down the table four seasons in a row, which is tough to do. Their last two seasons with Afolayan, they finished 5th in both seasons and even won the RBSA Cup one of those seasons. But they’ve never replaced their best ever player at St.Sava Park, and now they might pay the price. Outside of Martin Lucey, the cabinet is completely bare in terms of player talent. That is why we are predicting that Askatasuna FC will be the BSL’s relegated side from Season 8.

[Banija]

First two rounds of RBSA Cup played as regional league squads get ready to start the season


Slobochia Bears celebrate opening goal in 7-2 loss against the Kigagana Mountaineers

RBSA Cup Round 1
Kwadama Dojo 1–0 Busemlu Park SC 
Selekawe Knights 1–2 Corizova United
Barmos United 2–2 Kabakono City (4–3 AET)
Duntho Sporting Club 0–2 Jaribga Soccer Club
Bwubanza City SC 1–1 Mukegara Warriors (1–2 AET)
Umbazi FA 1–0 Pumbasa Boars
Taramazna United 3–4 Tripoli Foresters
Kigagana Mountaineers 7–2 Slobochia Bears
Nezrouch Rovers 0–3 Ogbordu Diamond FC
AFC Kosactus 4–1 Amaku City FC
Kiala Athletic Society 3–4 Djoro Athletic
AFC Okahavi 1–0 Dimbogourou SC
Gadive City 0–1 Thayaferu United
Tezirbu Foxes 1–2 Dodoma City SC
Abomfa United 2–1 Garixas City 
Boufaya Ravens 2–3 Capitol City FC
Eastern Moravica FC 3–1 AFC Akwadua
Cerenus United 1–0 Sororo City
Nsade United 3–1 Mamari City
Baleweye FC 3–2 Igulu City FC
Luguyala Patriots 0–1 Suwawa FC
Nanami Dragons 2–1 Koszagard City
Okakameb City 2–0 Byakado City
Zakuta City 0–2 Koksho City

And competitive play within Banija has officially begun! Just as a reminder for those of us who are not sure how this tournament works. The RBSA Cup is the single elimination, knockout cup contested by all 68 clubs who are members of the Royal Banijan Soccer Association. The 20 members of the Banijan Soccer League, the top flight, and the 48 regional league sides. The 20 BSL sides get an automatic bye to the Round of 32, or the 3rd Round of the RBSA Cup. The other 48 sides, however, must play in the first two rounds, before the season starts. That will leave us with 12 remaining sides to join the BSL sides in the 3rd round, which will then eventually whittle down to a single champion, after 5 weekends of play.

And without further ado, the first round of the RBSA Cup. Which teams will be part of the 12 to join the BSL squads? Corizova United had a tricky matchup, going away to the Selekawe Knights, but they were able to pull out a 2-1 victory away from home, in the first game of the post Al Iska era. One of the most anticipated matchups was Barmos United hosting Kabakono City, who are both title contenders in their respective leagues. The matchup between the two regional league heavyweights did not disappoint.

It was back and forth for the entirety of 90 minutes, but they still could not be separated, with the game level at 2 at the end of regulation. But it was overtime where the craziness happened. Kabakono City scored in the 101st minute, giving themselves a 3-2 lead away from home when the halftime whistle of extra time blew. It was the second half of extra time where it all went mad. Yaya Kama, their striker, scored to level the game in the 111th minute, and in the 117th minute, the Al Qurijan defender, Nassim Samir Nejem, headed the ball home to score the dramatic winner for Barmos United.

While that was the marquee matchup of the weekend, there were still other good ones as well. Cerenus United hosting Sororo City was highly anticipated among regional league fans as well, though Cerenus United pulled ahead with a relatively easy 1-0 vicotry on their own home field. Jaribga Soccer Club had a major upset, defeating Duntho Sporting Club, who are the defending champions of the Northern League, by a score of 2-0 on Duntho’s own ground.

The last game of note was Bwubanza City Soccer Club, adjusting to the life of a regional league squad, hosting the Mukegara Warriors. Their losing streak continued to 16 in all competitions, dating back ot last season, as they fell at home in extra time to the Mukegara Warriors by a score of 2-1.

RBSA Cup Round 2
Dodoma City SC 0–0 Tripoli Foresters (0–1 AET)
Mukegara Warriors 0–0 Okakameb City (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Corizova United 1–2 AFC Okahavi
Ogbordu Diamond FC 3–1 Djoro Athletic
Thayaferu United 3–0 Umbazi FA
Baleweye FC 0–1 Abomfa United
Suwawa FC 3–2 Nsade United
Jaribga Soccer Club 1–0 Kwadama Dojo
Cerenus United 2–2 Barmos United (4–2 AET)
Nanami Dragons 0–1 Kigagana Mountaineers
Capitol City FC 0–0 Eastern Moravica FC (2–0 AET)
AFC Kosactus 3–3 Koksho City (3–4 AET)

Round 2 of the cup, when it’s decided who will compete for the chance to compete against, and potentially, slay, a giant. The tournament’s structure is heavily favored for BSL sides, with rest and the fact that they aren’t playing these preseason games, but it is what it is. All of these teams want a chance to slay a BSL squad, and frankly, who wouldn’t? Upsets are what the game is all about.

The first team to clinch its chance to go to the 3rd round of the RBSA Cup was the Tripoli Foresters. An Islander club, they were 0-0 for 108 minutes in Dodoma City, but striker Darmal Chughtai headed home on a counter attack to give the Foresters the lead, and the win. One of their new players, 18 year old goalkeeper Kylian Jawara, stood on his head during the match, saving a penalty in the 64th minute as well as making a number of other strong saves.

Another exciting result was Koksho City’s 4-3 stunning away win to clinch a spot in the RBSA Cup Round of 32. They had actually stormed out in front, taking a 3-0 lead by halftime. But it all fell apart in the second half. The host side, AFC Kosactus, was going to come back, and striker Olebogeng Bakang caught fire. He had a second half hat trick. He converted a free kick in the 63rd, then scored on a corner in the 68th, and then tied the gaem in the 81st from 20 yards with a stunning strike. Forcing extra time, they seemed to have all the momentum.

Against the run of play, however, Koksho City had a deadly counter in the 97th minute, and a goal then was enough to put Koksho City into the Round of 32 of the RBSA Cup. An entertaining, and frankly, an exciting battle. Capitol City FC took care of business at home in extra time as well, winning 2-0, with goals scored in the 95th and 98th minutes for them to punch their ticket, and give the possibility of a Capitol Derby. Suwawa FC took care of business, 3-2 at home against Nsade United, and the squad that is in the Serie B Champions Cup is also still in the RBSA Cup.

The match of the day, however, was Cerenus United hosting Barmos United. Two excellent squads, both with title ambitions, but only one could move on. With Cerenus United at home, they opened the scoring, but Barmos scored two just before halftime to take a 2-1 lead into the break. Cerenus United pushed, and pushed hard, for a while, before finally achieving the equalizer in the 77th minute.

They put the game away in extra time, scoring the winning in the 102nd minute, and burying the hatchet in the 114th minute, clinching their own berth in the Round of 32. The aforementioned teams will be joined, of course, by the Kigagana Mountaineers, Jaribga SC, Abomfa United, Thayaferu United, Ogbordu Diamond, AFC Okahavi, and Okakameb City. We’ll see which of these teams, if any, can pull off what would surely be a massive upset over a BSL squad in the next round, and create a magical run.

And now, with the first two rounds of the RBSA Cup completed, we are ready to have our regional league season preview! And, of course, the stakes are the highest- one of these 48 teams, next season, will be plying their trade in the Banijan Soccer League, as opposed to being a full-fledged member of the regional league system.

Northwestern League

Per the usual, we’ll start with the Northwestern League. The league consisting of 8 teams from the Moravica region, and four teams from the Busoga Islands. You cannot do a preview of who is going to win this league, however, without talking about Corizova United. The back to back champions of the league in Season 1 and Season 2, a third straight championship would have seen them win an automatic promotion to the BSL, without having to go to the playoffs. However, Corizova United could not pull that off, falling and only finishing in third, behind Barmos United and the eventual champions, Suwawa FC. However, they are a team that remains strong. Even if their manager for that run, Al Iska, is now in the BSL, his replacement was his assistant at the club- Samba Kouyaté. They are in an interesting situation, having loaned out Equestrian striker, the 17 year old prospect, Kody Hansen, for the season- he will go back to the Equestrian States at the end of the season. A rare occurence, as single season loans are traditionally not done in Banija, but we'll see how this one plays out.

You have to talk about Suwawa FC as a potential contender. They did, of course, win the title last season. But the difference is, they have many more games to play. Not only did they make it to the group stages of the Serie B Champions Cup, which means that they have a guaranteed 6 extra international matches, but they also are continuing in the RBSA Cup. Those trophies are valuable- but will they take their tool on this team? They are going to play a guaranteed 51 during this season in all competitions, while Corizova United, only left in the league, will play 46. That might take its toll- will it allow Corizova United a crack at their third title in four seasons?

The team we haven’t talked about with title aspirations are Barmos United. They haven’t won it since the Northwestern League came under the umbrella of the Royal Banijan Soccer Association. But their ambitions are high. With Bergoglio entering his fourth season, he is of the belief that winning the league title is, in his words, ‘absolutely possible’ this season. The confidence is there in Moravica- can they pull out a league title? Those are the three teams that we deem to be competitive enough to win the title, but which ones will pull it out? We’ll have to wait and see.


Lower Coastal League
Now, for the Lower Coastal League. Kabakono City, the defending champions, lost their manager, Alan Bettles, to the Kitara Athletic Association. This means, of course, that there is an opening at the top of the league, and a void that needs to be filled. Kabakono City has struggled in their competitive matches leading up to the league season so far, with early elimination from both the RBSA Cup and the Serie B Champions Cup preliminary rounds.

Kabakono City, then, even as the defending champions, will likely not be the favorites to win the Lower Coastal League this season. That will fall to Capitol City Football Club, a team that has been clamoring for a championship, and did successfully navigate to the last 32 of the RBSA Cup. Akhona Joyi is in his first season at the helm, being hired from coaching Northern Moravica women’s varsity soccer. He has plenty of talent at his disposal. With Solomon Devonte at the front, and other talented youngsters like Jabril Guissé available to him, the chances of them making a run for the league title are certainly strong.

Southern League

And now, for the Southern league. This league will see change, as they are the beneficiaries of promotion and relegation. The Hawabark Boulders, their champions last season, actually won the Promotion Playoff, and by virtue of being champions of the promotion playoff, are now in the Banijan Soccer League. In to take their place is Bwubanza City Soccer Club, who spectacularly were not on most people’s radar, but after a so and so start to the season, completely collapsed, winning just 1 of their final 23 games, including losing the last 15 games of the season to fall quickly towards relegation. A mess of a season for Bwubanza City SC, and we are about to see how hard it is to climb back up to the BSL.

They have a number of talented players on their team, so Bwubanza City SC should be considered at least a contender for the Southern League. Who else are contenders for the throne? Sororo City must be mentioned. A talented side, led by Italo Cola, the Juvencus national. In his third season, he has established Sororo City as a perennial contender to finish at the top of the table in the Southern League. With players like Jerold Ferguson, his left back from the Equestrian States, and Al Qurijan wide midfielder Mus'ad Asad Abdulrashid, Sororo City will always be competitive.

Northern League

And now, for our final preview- the Northern League. Duntho Sporting Club are the defending champions, and therefore, they are listed at the prohibitive favorites to win the League once again. They were the highest rated regional league side in the Serie B Champions Cup, and therefore, only enter the competition in the final qualifying round, simply needing to win one tie to qualify for the group stages of the Serie B Champions Cup- something that they did, indeed, accomplish. They have a new manager, Chydey Obasey, who is only 39 years old. He has been empowered to spend, and brought in a player on the international market, signing Radek Lawniczak of Soute. The young striker is expected to make an impact straight away, as they begin their title defense.

Cerenus United is also another team that is always competitive in Banija’s North. In the central midfield, they have a pair of new, young midfielders who will have the eyes of quite a few scouts on them. One is Chi Chibueze, and the other is Awa Ekoto. They won a pair of tough games as well, in the RBSA Cup, to get to the Round of 32, and get the chance, maybe, to go after one of the BSL squads. A former league champion, they now know what’s at stake if they win it this season- a spot in the Promotion Playoffs, and potentially a spot in the Banijan Soccer League. They are going to go all in, and we’ll see if any other teams from the North surprise this year.

[Banija]

The Banijan Soccer League - Season 8 Part I

And the season is underway! Kicked off, of course, with the Kabaka's Cup- the defending BSL champions against the defending RBSA Cup champions. A small note from the magazine, as well, in regards to the scores. International club competition matches are played midweek. UICA Globe Cup fixtures on Thursdays, AOCL matches are played on Wednesdays, while Vilitan Cove International matches are on Tuesdays. The BSL plays on Saturdays and Sundays. These matches are listed on the matchday they precede. So, for example, the Champions group stage match listed under Matchday 3 happened in the week leading up to Matchday 3, after Matchday 2.

Kabaka's Cup
Istria City FC 1–2 Busukuma AC
Busukuma AC is the Season 8 winner of the Kabaka's Cup

The season kicked off at the Stadium of the Restoration, where Istria City FC, the defending RBSA Cup champions, and Busukuma Athletic Club, the defending league champions, descended upon the national stadium for the new Stadium of the Restoration's first ever club game. It, of course, was torn down and rebuilt for World Cup 81, which Banija was a co-host of. It hosted a number of matches, including the opening ceremonies and opener of the tournament, as well as one semifinal. But this is the first club game at the new, larger stadium, and Banija's national stadium was full for this one.

It was Assefa Yitebarke who scored the opener, and gave Istria City FC a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. However, Alanso Tamba struck twice for the champions- once in the 23rd to equalize, and once in the 32nd to take the lead. An early 2-1 lead for Busukuma AC, and they held on to become the first ever BSL side to win a game at the new Stadium of the Restoration.

Istria City FC 1–5 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Aissa United FC 0–0 Askatasuna FC
Lakiska SC 0–4 Rukunbi FC
Busukuma Force 1–2 Lwanga Lions
Mynda Electra 1–1 Busukuma AC
Dukuma SC 0–0 Isipongo Flash
Hoima Warriors 1–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Bunyoro RSC 4–1 Jinja City FC
Hawabark Boulders 0–1 Kitara AA
Herzegovina City FC 2–1 Herzegovina Phoenix

The opening game of the season saw Istria City FC host Umbazi Metropolitan SC. And this is how you know this season's going to be a crazy one- this result was an absolute stunner. We, at this magazine, of course picked Istria City FC as the favorites to win the league, and after watching this one, we may regret that pick. It's only one game, of course, and even though it's the opener, it's the 12th game of the young season for the Istria side. We don't know if it was fatigue, or something. But they got shellacked in a way that nobody saw coming at Kabonero III Field. They lost by a stunning score of 5-1, at home, to Umbazi Metropolitan. Demetro Laterza scored a hat trick as they stomped all over Istria City in a result that nobody saw coming.

There were other upsets this weekend as well. Bunyoro RSC, led by Adam Jeffreys on the touchline, played their first game at the brand new Paa Nyeupe in style, winning 4-1 over Jinja City FC. Reden Omar, the phenom prospect from Velestria, opened his own scoring account today, and each member of Bunyoro's front four scored a goal. Even the Hoima Warriors, the team that always fails to meet its high expectations, crashed and burned in a 3-1 home loss. All this chaos at the start of a season- what more do you expect? Mynda Electra even earned a draw against the defending champions. The Hawabark Boulders, in their first ever BSL game, lost a tight one, by a score of 1-0, to Kitara AA.

Could this be a rare weekend where not a single team in the Super 5 won a game? The game on Sunday night was Herzegovina City FC against the Herzegovina Phoenix- the scheduling Gods treating us to the Herzegovina City derby to open the season. The stakes are always high in this fierce derby, and this one did not disappoint. Record signing Rosie Tyler, who was brought over for a stunning $10 million NSDs, made her impact on this match. She assisted both Jackson Oglobelo and Ennis Leishmann to help the team take a 2-0 lead at halftime, and they withstood a Phoenix rally, highlighted by a 82nd minute Alemane goal, to earn victory on opening day by a score of 2-1.

A chaotic opening day, to say the least.

Umbazi Metropolitan SC 1–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Kitara AA 3–1 Herzegovina City FC
Jinja City FC 1–0 Hawabark Boulders
Busembe Timberwolves 2–0 Bunyoro RSC
Isipongo Flash 1–2 Hoima Warriors
Busukuma AC 1–0 Dukuma SC
Lwanga Lions 1–0 Mynda Electra
Rukunbi FC 0–0 Busukuma Force
Askatasuna FC 0–1 Lakiska SC
Istria City FC 2–0 Aissa United FC

Coming off of a crazy week 1, this week brought us back to normalcy. Umbazi Metropolitan SC, coming off of what has to be the worst day for bettors of the season, received a standing ovation from their fans when they entered the pitch at their own home stadium, for their massive upset win over Istria City. They followed it up with a tough, 1-0 win at home over the Phoenix. There were upsets on this day too, however- Alan Bettles got his first big win at Kitara AA, with a 3-1 victory over Herzegovina City FC. Big first step, of course, to building on last season's successes.

Despite Herzegovina City FC's loss, there was a return to normalcy. Jinja City FC earned a 1-0 victory over newcomers Hawabark, while Hoima earned their first win of the season, recovering from their opening home loss to win, 2-1, away from home in Isipongo. Busukuma Athletic Club did its part, as the defending champs earned their first victory of the young season by dispatching DUkuma SC by a score of 1-0, thanks to a goal by Alex Sandoval, the striker from Baker Park.

The nightcap of the week gave us Istria City FC at home, once again, trying to recover from their embarassment at the hands of Umbazi Metropolitan SC. This time, they were able to do so. Torvald Royle and Jermaine Poole were both able to open their league scoring accounts for Istria City FC, as they cruised to a relatively easy 2-0 win.

Aissa United FC 1–0 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Lakiska SC 1–0 Istria City FC
Busukuma Force 5–0 Askatasuna FC
Mynda Electra 0–1 Rukunbi FC
Dukuma SC 0–1 Lwanga Lions
Hoima Warriors 1–0 Busukuma AC
Bunyoro RSC 1–0 Isipongo Flash
Hawabark Boulders 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina City FC 1–3 Jinja City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–0 Kitara AA

UICA Globe Cup Group H Matchday 1
Istria City FC 0-1 Slateport Bulls(VLD)

This week, on the THursday before the weekend's play, saw the start of the Globe Cup group stages. Istria City FC hosted the Slateport Bulls, of Valladares. A raucous crowd at Kabonero III Field was not enough to put Istria City FC over the hump in this one, as they played strong and played well, including generating a number of opportunities for both Yitebarke and Royle, but both strikers seemed to have left their finishing boots at home, as nobody could hit the net. Istria City FC was dominant for most of the game, but allowed what could be described as an unlikely goal, and fell 1-0.

What else happened around the league? Istria City FC, tired from playing just a couple of days before, fell in their trip to the South Island, falling 1-0 to Lakiska SC. The Busukuma Force won emphatically during the day on Saturday as well, winning 5-0 over Askatasuna FC. The bright part about the weekend, though, is that it treated us to not one, but two Super 5 matchups- the Hoima Warriors hosting Busukuma AC, while Herzegovina City FC played host to Jinja City FC.

The Warriors earned their first signature win of the season, winning 1-0 at home over the defending champions. Mark Grayson earning his first signature as the Warriors manager, with Ozolx-Mazur Guv scoring a goal. And in the other Super 5 matchup, Herzegovina City FC fell, 3-1 at home, to Jinja City FC. Alexander Bumba's side always comes to compete, and they are one of the toughest outs in the game. Malachi Gallagher had a great man of the match performance, and the 33 year old lead all players in total distance run.

Umbazi Metropolitan SC 0–0 Kitara AA
Jinja City FC 1–2 Herzegovina Phoenix
Busembe Timberwolves 1–6 Herzegovina City FC
Isipongo Flash 0–1 Hawabark Boulders
Busukuma AC 3–1 Bunyoro RSC
Lwanga Lions 1–4 Hoima Warriors
Rukunbi FC 1–0 Dukuma SC
Askatasuna FC 1–1 Mynda Electra
Istria City FC 1–0 Busukuma Force
Aissa United FC 0–1 Lakiska SC

How do Jinja City FC follow up their big win at Star Field in Herzegovina City? Two weeks in a row, two trips to the same city, albeit against different teams. WHile they did good in the city proper, they could not replicate their performance in the suburbs, as they fell, 2-1, to the Herzegovina Phoenix. That said, Herzegovina City FC recovered big time from their loss, winning by a whopping score of 6-1 in the city of Busembe, at the Wolf's Dens, against Zachary Sols' Timberwolves.

In other news, the Hawabark Boulders finally got their first win of the campaign, winning by a score of 1-0 against the Isipongo Flash, away from home. Busukuma Athletic Club took care of business at home, dispatching Bunyoro RSC easily by a score of 3-1, while the Warriors ran away from the Lions, winning by a score of 4-1, absolutely emphatically. The Warriors seem to be finding a groove, with the front trio of Ozolx-Mazur, Emenanjo, and Josef Lawerenz seeming to gel.

Lakiska SC 0–2 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Busukuma Force 2–1 Aissa United FC
Mynda Electra 1–3 Istria City FC
Dukuma SC 2–0 Askatasuna FC
Hoima Warriors 0–2 Rukunbi FC
Bunyoro RSC 5–2 Lwanga Lions
Hawabark Boulders 0–3 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina City FC 2–0 Isipongo Flash
Herzegovina Phoenix 2–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Kitara AA 1–0 Jinja City FC

Cygnus Cup Winners Cup First Round First Leg
Istria City FC 1-1 1093 Club de Atlantea(TAE)

This was the week of the first leg of the Cygnus CUp Winners Cup. Istria City FC, of course, was drawn with 1093 Club de Atlantea of Taeshan, with the leg being played at Kabonero III Field. MOst unfortunately for the Banijan side, Club de Atlantea opened the scoring, in the 34th minute, to not only go up 1-0, but to get that crucial away goal that could serve as the backbreaker to Banijan dreams. While Istria equalized, they could not take the lead, and though level on the scoreboard, Atlantea will go back to Taeshan with the advantage because of their away goal. Now Istria City FC must find a way to score in the second leg if they are to have any chance at all of advancing.

What else happened? Well, Mynda Electra got beaten by Istria City FC at their home field, by a score of 3-1. Jermaine Poole, Assefa Yitebarke, and Torvald Royle all scored a goal in that one. THe defending champs, Busukuma AC, emphatically won 3-0 at the Olympic Stadium, taking away what small amount of momentum the Hawabark Boulders actually had. ANd Herzegovina City FC, of course, defeated the Isipongo Flash by a score of 2-0 at home, while the Hoima Warriors actually lost at home, to Rukunbi FC, by a score of 2-0.

The nightcap saw Kitara Athletic Association, a surprise from last season, host Jinja City FC. They added yet another signature win to their belt this season, winning 1-0 at home, under the lights, against a team that has championship apsirations. How good is Alan Bettles making this team? Ikshu Amitabh scored the game's lone goal, a penalty in the 57th, but they were deserved winners on the night, having more possesion. Is Kitara AA better than we thought? Was last season not an abberation?

Umbazi Metropolitan SC 1–2 Jinja City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 1–3 Kitara AA
Isipongo Flash 2–3 Herzegovina Phoenix
Busukuma AC 3–0 Herzegovina City FC
Lwanga Lions 1–0 Hawabark Boulders
Rukunbi FC 2–1 Bunyoro RSC
Askatasuna FC 0–3 Hoima Warriors
Istria City FC 3–0 Dukuma SC
Aissa United FC 2–1 Mynda Electra
Lakiska SC 1–0 Busukuma Force

Matchday 6! Rukunbi FC, once again, running out winners- this is, quietly, their fourth victory in a row for the other team from Istria. Elsewhere, other Super 5 teams had strong performances. Istria City FC hosted Dukuma SC, and won easily by a score of 3-0. The Hoima Warriors paid a visit to St.Sava Park, and won by a score of 3-0 as well. Jinja City FC had a tougher time with it, visiting Umbazi Metropolitan SC, but they came out on top as well, winning 2-1.

THe weekend had one Super 5 matchup with it, and it saw the defending champions face Herzegovina City FC. And this was a surprising result- the defending champions dominated play, and won 3-0. There's a reason, of course, as to why they are defending champions, and they showed it in their best performance of the season so far. Baslios Temesgen was particularly inspired, as he scored twice, both quite unexpectedly- with one being a stunning bicycle kick that nobody saw coming. An entertaining win, quite a spectacle, for the defending champs.

Busukuma Force 1–0 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Mynda Electra 0–0 Lakiska SC
Dukuma SC 0–0 Aissa United FC
Hoima Warriors 1–6 Istria City FC
Bunyoro RSC 1–2 Askatasuna FC
Hawabark Boulders 0–1 Rukunbi FC
Herzegovina City FC 2–0 Lwanga Lions
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–2 Busukuma AC
Kitara AA 1–0 Isipongo Flash
Jinja City FC 2–1 Busembe Timberwolves

UICA Globe Cup Group H Matchday 2
Namiri Forest 0-3 Istria City FC

This week saw the second matchday of Group H- Istria City FC taking a trip to Namiri Forest. Istria City FC went into this game with confidence, and came out with swagger- a massive 3-0 win in the group stages of this competition meant to send a message to the rest of the group. The team at Kabonero III Field intends to compete to get out of this group, despite the opening home loss. They made up for that loss and then some. Atsushi Ryu was breaking down the left flank, and repeatedly creating chances, while Ablie Kah, the young central midfielder, scored one of the team's three goals. It was a thoroughly dominant performance, one that Istria City FC should be proud of.

Istria City FC then came home, and kept the momentum going. They had a big Super 5 matchup with Mark Grayson's Hoima Warriors, but with this one in Hoima. Hoima was looking to line up another big time victory under Mark Grayson's reign, in front of their home fans, but they could not do so.

Umbazi Metropolitan SC 1–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Isipongo Flash 0–2 Jinja City FC
Busukuma AC 1–0 Kitara AA
Lwanga Lions 3–1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Rukunbi FC 1–0 Herzegovina City FC
Askatasuna FC 0–2 Hawabark Boulders
Istria City FC 2–0 Bunyoro RSC
Aissa United FC 3–2 Hoima Warriors
Lakiska SC 2–1 Dukuma SC
Busukuma Force 2–2 Mynda Electra

League Standings after Matchday 8

Banijan Soccer League          Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
 1 Rukunbi FC                   8    7   1   0    12    1  +11    22
 2 Busukuma AC                  8    6   1   1    14    4  +10    19
 3 Istria City FC               8    6   0   2    18    8  +10    18
 4 Kitara AA                    8    5   1   2     9    4   +5    16
 5 Lakiska SC                   8    5   1   2     6    7   −1    16
 6 Jinja City FC                8    5   0   3    12   10   +2    15
 7 Lwanga Lions                 8    5   0   3    11   13   −2    15
 8 Herzegovina City FC          8    4   0   4    14   12   +2    12
 9 Herzegovina Phoenix          8    4   0   4    11   12   −1    12
10 Hoima Warriors               8    4   0   4    14   16   −2    12
11 Busukuma Force               8    3   2   3    11    7   +4    11
12 Umbazi Metropolitan SC       8    3   2   3    10    6   +4    11
13 Aissa United FC              8    3   2   3     7    8   −1    11
14 Busembe Timberwolves         8    3   1   4    11   15   −4    10
15 Bunyoro RSC                  8    3   0   5    13   14   −1     9
16 Hawabark Boulders            8    2   0   6     3    8   −5     6
17 Dukuma SC                    8    1   2   5     3    8   −5     5
18 Askatasuna FC                8    1   2   5     3   15  −12     5
19 Mynda Electra                8    0   4   4     6   11   −5     4
20 Isipongo Flash               8    0   1   7     3   12   −9     1

RBSA Cup Round of 32

RBSA Cup Round of 32
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–0 Rukunbi FC
Koksho City 2–4 Cerenus United
Mynda Electra 1–3 Bunyoro RSC
Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Thayaferu United
Lwanga Lions 4–2 Isipongo Flash
Jaribga Soccer Club 2–0 Busukuma Force
Istria City FC 0–4 Herzegovina City FC
Lakiska SC 1–1 Hawabark Boulders (1–1 AET) (6–7 pen.)
Capitol City FC 3–1 Suwawa FC
Kigagana Mountaineers 1–1 AFC Okahavi (1–2 AET)
Ogbordu Diamond FC 2–1 Abomfa United
Tripoli Foresters 0–2 Jinja City FC
Okakameb City 0–0 Aissa United FC (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Dukuma SC 2–0 Hoima Warriors
Busukuma AC 2–4 Kitara AA
Umbazi Metropolitan SC 2–4 Askatasuna FC

[Banija]

The Banijan Soccer League - Final

And the season is complete! Here is the complete list of standings for the RBSA's competitions this season.

Banijan Soccer League

Banijan Soccer League         Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina City FC         38   25   3  10    89   44  +45    78 - League Champion, qualifies for UICA Champions Cup and AOCL
 2 Bunyoro RSC                 38   25   2  11    62   43  +19    77 - Qualifies for UICA Globe Cup
 3 Istria City FC              38   21   9   8   100   56  +44    72 - Qualifies for UICA Globe Cup
 4 Jinja City FC               38   18  10  10    62   48  +14    64 - Qualifies for UICA Globe Cup
 5 Lakiska SC                  38   18   8  12    40   33   +7    62
 6 Hoima Warriors              38   18   7  13    58   47  +11    61
 7 Rukunbi FC                  38   17  10  11    47   36  +11    61
 8 Kitara AA                   38   16  12  10    51   37  +14    60
 9 Herzegovina Phoenix         38   17   9  12    41   37   +4    60
10 Busukuma AC                 38   16  10  12    57   39  +18    58
11 Lwanga Lions                38   16   8  14    44   57  −13    56
12 Busukuma Force              38   15   9  14    43   46   −3    54
13 Mynda Electra               38   13  13  12    43   41   +2    52
14 Busembe Timberwolves        38   12  10  16    45   55  −10    46
15 Aissa United FC             38   11  11  16    43   63  −20    44
16 Umbazi Metropolitan SC      38    9  12  17    43   52   −9    39
17 Hawabark Boulders           38    9   8  21    35   60  −25    35
18 Isipongo Flash              38    8   7  23    37   49  −12    31
19 Askatasuna FC               38    6   9  23    26   80  −54    27
20 Dukuma SC                   38    2   9  27    23   66  −43    15 - Relegated to Regional Leagues

RBSA Cup Scores

RBSA Cup Round of 16
Capitol City FC 3–3 Askatasuna FC (3–3 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Ogbordu Diamond FC 1–6 Herzegovina City FC
Bunyoro RSC 3–0 Cerenus United
Dukuma SC 0–3 Jaribga Soccer Club
AFC Okahavi 0–0 Hawabark Boulders (1–0 AET)
Jinja City FC 4–1 Kitara AA
Busembe Timberwolves 0–0 Aissa United FC (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 Lwanga Lions

RBSA Cup Quarterfinals
Herzegovina City FC 0–0 Jinja City FC (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Lwanga Lions 0–0 Capitol City FC (0–1 AET)
Bunyoro RSC 3–2 AFC Okahavi
Jaribga Soccer Club 1–0 Aissa United FC

RBSA Cup Semifinals
Jaribga Soccer Club 6–3 Bunyoro RSC
Herzegovina City FC 0–1 Capitol City FC

RBSA Cup Final
Jaribga Soccer Club 1–0 Capitol City FC
Jaribga Soccer Club has qualified for the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup

Regional Leagues

Northwestern League           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Corizova United             44   23  11  10    90   54  +36    80 - League Champion, Qualifies for Promotion Playoffs
 2 Suwawa FC                   44   18  17   9    69   53  +16    71
 3 Barmos United               44   20   8  16    69   58  +11    68
 4 Koszagard City              44   17  16  11    75   65  +10    67
 5 Jaribga Soccer Club         44   17  13  14    66   65   +1    64
 6 Eastern Moravica FC         44   17  13  14    64   65   −1    64
 7 Nezrouch Rovers             44   15  16  13    79   64  +15    61
 8 Slobochia Bears             44   14  15  15    60   73  −13    57
 9 Taramazna United            44   12  14  18    46   68  −22    50
10 AFC Kosactus                44   12  13  19    67   66   +1    49
11 Tripoli Foresters           44   10  14  20    64   83  −19    44
12 Tezirbu Foxes               44    9  10  25    48   83  −35    37

Northern League               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Duntho Sporting Club        44   24  15   5    95   63  +32    87 - League Champion, Qualifies for Promotion Playoffs
 2 Thayaferu United            44   22  10  12    75   58  +17    76
 3 Cerenus United              44   21  12  11    89   69  +20    75
 4 Luguyala Patriots           44   20  11  13    77   62  +15    71
 5 Igulu City FC               44   20  10  14    64   50  +14    70
 6 Garixas City                44   20   8  16    84   82   +2    68
 7 Okakameb City               44   15  13  16    70   65   +5    58
 8 Nanami Dragons              44   11  20  13    62   65   −3    53
 9 Koksho City                 44   12  13  19    61   80  −19    49
10 AFC Okahavi                 44   11  13  20    53   67  −14    46
11 Selekawe Knights            44   13   6  25    55   82  −27    45
12 Gadive City                 44    4  11  29    51   93  −42    23

Lower Coastal League       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Baleweye FC                 44   25   8  11    73   60  +13    83 - League Champion, Qualifies for Promotion Playoffs
 2 Kabakono Citiy              44   22  11  11    73   52  +21    77
 3 Capitol City FC             44   21   9  14    66   57   +9    72
 4 Zakuta Citiy                44   17  14  13    67   64   +3    65
 5 Dimbogourou SC              44   17  11  16    56   47   +9    62
 6 Djoro Athletic              44   18   6  20    64   63   +1    60
 7 Ogbordu Diamond FC          44   16   9  19    59   59    0    57
 8 AFC Akwadua                 44   15  10  19    56   60   −4    55
 9 Mamari City                 44   13  14  17    57   64   −7    53
10 Kwadama Dojo                44   12  14  18    53   67  −14    50
11 Kiala Athletic Society      44   12  13  19    52   63  −11    49
12 Nsade United                44   11  11  22    52   72  −20    44

Southern League               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Bwubanza City SC            44   29   6   9    95   56  +39    93 - League Champion, Qualifies for Promotion Playoffs
 2 Dodoma City SC              44   26  12   6    75   37  +38    90
 3 Amaku City FC               44   21   9  14    74   77   −3    72
 4 Sororo City                 44   19   8  17    69   59  +10    65
 5 Kigagana Mountaineers       44   19   6  19    69   65   +4    63
 6 Boufaya Ravens              44   18   8  18    67   62   +5    62
 7 Abomfa United               44   16  13  15    55   51   +4    61
 8 Umbazi FA                   44   15   8  21    61   72  −11    53
 9 Busemlu Park SC             44   15   8  21    62   74  −12    53
10 Byakado City                44   14  10  20    53   58   −5    52
11 Mukegara Warriors           44   14   5  25    40   67  −27    47
12 Pumbasa Boars               44    7   9  28    45   87  −42    30

Promotion Playoffs

First Leg
Bwubanza City SC 0–2 Duntho Sporting Club
Corizova United 6–2 Baleweye FC

Second Leg
Duntho Sporting Club 4–2 Bwubanza City SC (Duntho Sporting Club advances 6-2 on aggregate)
Baleweye FC 0–3 Corizova United (Corizova United advances 9-2 on aggregate)

Promotion Playoff Final
Duntho Sporting Club 0–1 Corizova United (Corizova United is promoted to the Banijan Soccer Leauge)

[Banija]

The Season 9 Owners Meetings end with a pair of unanimously passed proposals


BSL owners take a picture before entering Season 9 RBSA Owners meetings

BUSUKUMA- Randolf Cherry, the BSL Commissioner, walked out of the owners meetings with a massive smile on his face. Corraling a bunch of sports owners into agreement on one issue was a tall enough task, in and of itself. But to do it for two? Well, it either speaks to the issue at hand, or the skill of the guy gathering the votes. And this, was a little of both. Randolf Cherry has been here for a number of his seasons now, since shortly after his firing as the manager for the Kadongo Kamu, and has largely been regarded as a success. THe league is both making money and becoming more competitive on an international basis, with respect slowly being garnered for the league from across Atlantian Oceania, and elsewhere across the multiverse.

We usually provide coverage of the Owners Meetings from both before and after the meetings, but with the relative ease of which these pair of motions were passed, it all went so fast. We'll go into depth for each of them, but first, we'll quote the Commissioner directly. "We have, today, ensured that the game, after contentious fighting about these sorts of issues, can focus not on those in this room, but on the product on the field. We are focusing, tirelessly, to improve the product on the field so that fans, both at home and abroad, can see the best that this country has to offer. The unity here for this pair of commonsense proposals shows that we can meet our large ambitions, both as individual teams, and meet them as a league as a whole."

And, of course, you're wondering- what the heck are these proposals? Let's dive right into them.

Fuzpon Qusma-RBSA-BISA Coaching Academy Partnership

An issue, not often talked about, but one that BSL Commissioner Randolf Cherry described as an 'urgent matter', concerned the lack of domestic coaching talent in the game. "It is worrying," Randolf Cherry said, "that there are so few Banijan managers in the system. Out of 68 managers for all the clubs in the pyramid, exactly one is from the Busoga Islands- a country which provides the second most players to the pyramid, and, of course, 6 club sides. While there are plenty of Banijan managers in the regional leagues, the numbers dry up when you get to the top flight. We have just 7 Banijan managers in the top flight, and obvioulsy, none from the Busoga Islands. We only have two Banijans managing abroad- one in Darmen, and one in Taeshan. That is a problem that needs to be addressed, and quickly."

Other Banijan managers, like Jinja City manager Alexander Bumba, spoke about this in the leadup to the owners meetings. "The fact that I am the lone Banijan manager, out of the managers of the Super 5 clubs, is absolutely problematic." Bumba said. "We need talented local managers if we really want our game to be taken to the next level. If we don't have strong local coaches coming down the pipeline, how do we develop talent at a young age? The lack of talent at the top suggests the lack of talent below- the fact of the matter is, not enough Banijans are good enough to manage in the big leagues. And if that's true, that means our kids aren't getting good instruction, which then less talent for both the BSL and the national team. Meaning that, pretty soon, we'll become less competitive internationally, and the quality of play will go down, both at the club and international level."

The Commissioner announced the complex initiative, but one that does not have a formal title. They have recognized their need for help, and have partnered with none other than Fuzpon Qusma, the governing body for the sport in Qusmo. Qusmo is, while a relatively fresh on the international scene in terms of the sport, already has a number of managers abroad. The manager of the Vijana Kadongo Kamu at the most recent Di Bradini Cup, and the men's U23 national team at the Summer Olympics, Forzu-Denir Ono, was from Qusmo. THe manager of Lakiska SC, who saved them from relegation in Season 7 and led them to their stunning 5th place finish in Season 8, Winad-Lenpi Xlo, is also from Qusmo

BSL Commissioner Randolf Cherry spoke in glowing terms about the partnership. "We admit there is a problem, and this is one that we all agree that we need to be proactive to solve. In conversations with Fuzpon Qusma leadership, it is not simply a coincidence that the country has so much management talent. It takes intentionality and dedication to develop management, and by that, we'll ensure that we'll develop talent on the pitch as well. You have to have talent on the sidelines to have talent on the field, and this partnership will ensure that we can do that."

The Coaching Academy will be an Academy, opened in Busukuma by the end of Season 9, that will do what you'd think it would- train and develop coaches. Fuzpon Qusma has appointed Otoln-Xilit Lec, a former Pug Qusmyra manager who oversaw a successful promotion campaign, as well as developing the Qusmi manager who won the 25th UICA Youth Cup, Brelk-Xeral Erv. The academy, of course, will be funded by the RBSA and the Busoga Islands Soccer Association, or BISA. Entrance into the academy will be for those aged between 18 and 40, open to both men and women, and, of course, with preference to former players. The academy calls for '70 to 90%' of the members to be Banijan nationals, and '10 to 30%' of the members to be nationals of the Busoga Islands. It is unknown how many people it will accept, and it is ambitious- but we'll see if this brings results.

Randolf Cherry expressed his excitement at this arrangement. "I've had the fortunate opportunity to meet with Otoln-Xilit Lec, and I am very excited for this appoint. Even at the age of 80, Otoln-Xilit is still full of energy, and excited for the new opportunity to help develop management and coaching talent. Otoln-Xilit will be coming to Banija fairly soon, and with the tri-partnership between the RBSA, BISA, Fuzpon Qusma, and of course the Banijan Soccer League, this will ensure the development of local coaching talent in both the Busoga Islands and Banija, which will lead to improved talent, and results, on the field over the long-term. I cannot wait."

Commonwealth Marketing Initiative

This proposal also passed unanimously. It is to increasing the marketing of the UICA'S only product in the Commonwealth, to the rest of the Commonwealth. It is, indeed, about the BSL's ability to make cash. They have spent significantly, of course, over the years, even developing more financial muscle than Brenecia and Pasarga, much bigger nations. And while we don't have access to the revenue numbers, you can imagine it is putting a decent financial strain on a number of Banijan clubs, especially the midlevel clubs. Reaching abroad to get managers like Brian Emerson to Herzegovina City will also cost a decent chunk of change.

Randolf Cherry said that when you look at a 'natural market' for the product, you must look at the Quebecois Commonwealth. Now, before we really dive into the proposal, you must ask- what is the Quebecois Commonwealth? This is a voluntary association, of 16 nations, who all, at one point or another, had a constitutional connection with the crown of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec- yes, the same country that was co-hosts of World Cup 77. They colonized many nations back in history, including Banija, and this how all these nations link with each other. Many cultural events, including annual meetings of heads of government, and the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.

"This is a natural market because we share a culture, and a history." The BSL Commissioner said. "The shared history of these nations through the Quebecois crown, who introduced the sport to many of our nations, including this one. While, of course, COCANEFA was the dominant domestic league, that has been dormant for a few years now. Commonwealth citizens everywhere are looking for a league to support- why not the BSL? The cultural connection is already there, we're the sole league in the Commonwealth that still competes in the UICA, and we have a competitive enough product on the field to fit the market."

He went into the details throughout the press conference of the initiative. He would work with local footballing associations to stage preseason friendly matches through the Quebecois Commonwealth, including and especially the Royal Kingdom of Quebec itself, the center of this enterprise. These preseason friendlies, of course, would occur both between BSL sides and local sides, and between pairs of BSL sides themselves. This would include media presences throughout the Commonwealth, and the aggressive direct marketing of the league, both as a whole and as individual teams, to ensure media rights contracts throughout the Commonwealth.

Is it ambitious? Yes. Are the owners struggling? Well... It's hard to say. Everyone is keeping the lights on, so to speak- but the RBSA, and that means many owners, spent significant amounts of cash to host World Cup 81, and with spending on the domestic game rising, tapping a new potential revenue source makes a lot of business sense. We'll have to see if the idea is successful.

[Banija]

The Banijan Soccer League - Season 9 Basic Information Part I

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association is proud to present the Banijan Soccer League to the sporting world for its 9th season. This is the top division of soccer in both Banija and the Busoga Islands, competing with gridiron football to be Banija's most popular sport. The Banijan Soccer League consists of 20 teams, and for the second season in a row, there is another newcomer into the ranks, as Corizova United will experience their first season of top flight football, at the expense of Dukuma SC. The Banijan Soccer League is a double round-robin league-style competition. The other major competition that BSL teams compete in is the RBSA Cup, which is a single-elimination knockout tournament with all 68 professional clubs in Banija & the Busoga Islands- the 48 in Banija's regional league system, as well as the 20 in the Banijan Soccer League.

There is limited promotion/relegation within the league- the best regional league champion, as decided in a playoff, is promoted, and the last place team in the Banijan Soccer League is relegated every season. The format followed for the RBSA Cup is each round the opponents are randomly drawn against each other, with one side randomly being picked as the home side. All 48 regional league sides are entered first, with a one-off match in the 1st round to whittle them down to 24, and then another one off match to whittle them down to 12. Then the 20 BSL sides are entered at this stage, with 32 teams in general in the competition, and it is a single elimination competition where each match must have a winner, with the final played at the Stadium of the Restoration, the national stadium. The winner of the previous Banijan Soccer League and the RBSA Cup open each season with the Kabaka's Cup, which is the Banijan supercup. The game's competitors this year will be Herzegovina City FC, making their record 5th appearance in the game, and Jaribga Soccer Club, making their inaugural appearance in the Kabaka's Cup. That will mark, of course, the first ever Busogan side to play in the Kabaka's Cup.

In terms of international club tournaments, the Banijan Soccer League currently competes in the UICA Champions Cup, the UICA Globe Cup, the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup, the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, and the Vilitan Cove Invitational. If the Kabaka's Cup winner does not qualify for the Cygnus Cup or UICA competition, they will qualify for the Vilitian Cove International. If they do qualify for another international club competition, per VCI rules, the RBSA will select the most improved team from the previous season, by points, for the VCI. Even though 6 of the league's clubs come from the Busoga Islands, which is an independent nation, all 68 clubs are full members of the Royal Banijan Soccer Association, and therefore the league does not form a multi-associational league, as defined by the UICA.

The league is traditionally dominated by the 'Super 5' clubs- Istria City FC, Herzegovina City FC, Busukuma AC, Hoima Warriors, and Jinja City FC, that are Banija's 5 biggest teams in Banija's 5 biggest cities. Last season saw a number of upsets to that traditional balance, with Lakiska SC and Bunyoro RSC barnstorming the top 5 league spots, and a regional league side, Jaribga Soccer Club, winning the RBSA Cup. On the by and large, however, the Super 5 are the wealthiest, most well-supported, and generally the most competitive teams within Banija.

Teams in the BSL-
1. Herzegovina City Football Club. HZCFC. Location(city, region): Herzegovina City, Moravica. Colors: Blue & Gold.

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Star Field, Capacity of 62,600.

2. Jinja City Football Club. JCFC. Location: Jinja City, Hangaza. Colors: Green & White.

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BCEL Stadium. Capacity of 52,400.

3. Busukuma Athletic Club. BAC. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region. Colors: Red & White.

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Lukwago Field, Capacity of 37,000.

4. Hoima Warriors. HOI. Location: Hoima, Ankole. Colors: Red & Silver.

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PG Arena, Capacity of 44,500.

5. Mynda Electra. MSC. Location: Mynda, Aksum. Colors: Forest Green.

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Kawesa Stadium. Capacity of 41,000.

6. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club. UMSC. VFC. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Colors: Pink.

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Buganda Regional Stadium, Capacity of 29,000.

7. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club. BRSC. Location: Dodomo, Bunyoro. Colors: Blue.

Stadium- Albert III Stadium. Capacity of 48,600.


This stadium was built brand new for World Cup 81, and with the end of that tournament, Bunyoro RSC have become the stadium's full time tenants. It was originally named Paa Neupe, but with the recent death of Kabaka Albert III, it was renamed in the honor of the previous monarch.

8. The Lwanga Lions. LLSC. Location: Lwanga, Buganda. Colors: Orange.

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Lwanga City Arena, Capacity of 26,500.

9. Askatasuna Football Club. AFC. Location: Askatasuna, Aksum. Colors: Green & White.

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St. Sava Park, Capacity of 37,500.

10. Kitara Athletic Association. KAA. Location: Sisonke, Kitara. Colors: Blue & white.

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Sisonke City Park, Capacity of 31,000.

11. Istria City Football Club. RFC. Location: Downtown Istria, Moravica. (Neighborhood in the center of Istria in the National Capitol Region). Colors: Orange & Black.

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Kabonero III Field, Capacity of 48,000.

12. Aissa United Football Club. AUFC. Location: Aissa, Hangaza. Colors: Blue & white.

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Hangaza Unified Stadium, Capacity of 55,000.

13. Isipongo Flash. IF. Location: Isipongo, Buganda. Colors: Black & white.

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Isipongo City Field. Capacity of 27,000.

14. Corizova United FC. CUFC. Location: Corizova, Moravica. Color: Gold.

River Corizova Stadium
Capacity of 8,900.

15. Rukunbi Football Club. RFC. Location: Istria, Moravica. Located in Western Istria, the largest of the 5 districts of Istria with 38% of the city's population and generally considered to be culturally distinct from the rest of the city. Colors: Light Green & White.

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Eastern Stadium. Capacity of 37,000.

16. Lakiska Sporting Club. LSC. Location: Lakiska, Busoga. Colors: Red & black.

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Lakiska City Field. Capacity of 31,000.

17. Busukuma Force. BKF. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region. Colors: Sky Blue

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Mugisha III Memorial Stadium, capacity of 49,000

18. Herzegovina Phoenix. Location: Vidizi, Moravica(suburb of Herzegovina City). Colors: Purple.

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Phoenix Stadium. Capacity of 25,000.

19. Busembe Timberwolves. BT. Location: Busembe, Kitara. Colors: Gray, Black, and White.

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The Wolf's Den. Capacity of 44,000.

20. Hawabark Boulders. HWB. Loction: Hawabark, Buganda. Colors: Red.

Olympic Stadium
Capacity of 17,800. This is where Banijan outdoor olympic summer qualifiers are held.

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National Stadium
The Stadium of the Restoration

The National Stadium. Location: Busukuma. Capacity: 91,835.

The national stadium is the center of the Banijan sporting universe. Built on the site of the first restoration of the Banijan monarchy, it is both a great piece of sporting architecture, as well as a place meant to honor Banija's monarchy. Therefore, the funerals and coronations of monarchs all happen at this stadium. The old stadium at the site held all kinds of matches, including, but not limited to, the World Bowl 34 Final, the NSCF 17 Championship Game, and a UICA Globe Cup Final. The building also serves as the home stadium for both the national soccer team and the national gridiron team. In anticipation for Banija co-hosting World Cup 81, the stadium was rebuilt by a Siovanijan & Tueslander firm, to make it state of the art to host the opening match of the most popular tournament in the multiverse. As the national stadium, the RBSA Cup Final, the Promotion Playoff Final, and the Kabaka's Cup are all held at this stadium on an annual basis.