NationStates

Before the start of the season, the teams in the Gridiron Football League of Banija(the GFLB) participated in the Champions Bowl for the second time. The UICA or IDLO equivalent for international professional gridiron, it brings the best teams from the multiverse's top professionional gridiron leagues, into a competition to see who is the top domestic professional side in the entire multiverse. This happens, of course, as the action that kicks off the domestic gridiron season, at least within Banija. The Champions Bowl ends just weeks before the start of the season, giving those teams participating extra practice time, and, of course, the ability to compete for a top tier trophy.

Let's just get started, shall we? We'll do a team by team review of Banija's four participants in the competition.

Busukuma Athletic Club

The only first-time entrant among Banija's teams in the Champions Bowl, as the Suns, Black Mambas, and Lwanga Rhinos all returned for their second seasons. They replaced the Busembe Timberwolves as Banija's participant, as they made a run to the semifinals of the GFLB season. And almost right away, they faced a challenge. Starting this season with a home game against the Bloomer Bulldogs of Darmen, they knew that they would be in for a tough matchup. For Busukuma AC fans, gridiron has been the focus in recent years, as the soccer team has really struggled on the pitch. And Busukuma AC did not disappoint in their opening round matchup. They took the game to their Darmeni opponents, especially in the second half. The offense was seemingly warming up in the first half, as they had long drives, but stalled deep in Bulldogs territory multiple times. They took just a 9-3 lead into halftime, and it was truly a close one. But the offense came out like gangbusters in the second half. They had an opportunity to seize the initiative, and boy, did they take it. They did go three and out on their first drive of the half, which led to a Bulldogs field goal. But after that, they scored on five consecutive possesions, four of them touchdowns, to really put the game out of reach. It was a great performance, and one that put them into the next round with ease.

In the Round of 16, they paid a visit to Mayara to take on the Destroyers of Ko-oren. Of course, times were high-flying for Ko-oren(off the field, at least). Their national team is the defending champions of the World Bowl! With their title, naturally, being won in Busukuma. But this was not national teams- this was a club matchup. And these two really went at it. On just the game's second drive, Busukuma AC was able to earn a safety. They had driven to the Mayara 35 yard line, but then took an 8 yard sack on 3rd and 8. Forced to punt, they pinned the home team at their own 2 yard line, and an explosive pass rush forced a safety. On the ensuing Busukuma AC drive, Babou Ceesay took a bubble screen pass 29 yards to the house, to make it 9-0. And from then on, the Banijan capitol side more famous for the other code of football had really taken control of the match. They went into halftime up 16-3, after a 3 yard touchdown run, and they eventually led 23-3 before giving up 10 points in garbage time. Still, a 23-13 win, and a trip to the Champions Bowl quarterfinals!

In the quarterfinals, they had another long flight, but this time to Abanhfleft to play the Effelenendro Bombers. Now, of course, you know they always say that too many field goals will hurt you in the end. And that was not more true than this game, where Busukuma AC finally got eliminated. They kicked six field goals, including attempting and converting four inside the 10 yard line. The red zone offense was terrible on this day, even though between the 20s the team was dominant. It was a strange game. Busukuma AC had more total yards, more first downs, better on third down. But, here was the key stat- 0/6 on third down inside the Bombers 30 yard line. The Bombers bent, but they certainly did not break, as they held out. Their offense got touchdowns on four different big plays, and that was the difference. In desperation time, they forced a safety in the end zone, and that was the end of Busukuma AC's run- 30-25 in favor of the Bombers.

Busukuma Suns

Now time, of course, for the other capitol side. The Suns! They, unfortunately did not get any home games during the Champions Bowl this past season, but their second effort in this tournament should not be seen as a failure. Kausu Sanneh being the quarterback. people thought that their offense could make a difference. And in their opening game, an exhilarating, back and forth contest between Lebes Light and the Suns in Seraxinborough, they needed him for every minute. It was a tight one throughout- each team landing big punches, but neither getting the knockout blow. Sanneh, in a 20-20 game in the last 2 minutes, led a final drive to put the Suns in field goal. And even though the crowd was cheering against him, and the head coach iced him, a 49 yard field goal to win the game went through the uprights on the game's final play. The Suns were moving on, and to Pridnestrovia they would go.

Pridnestrovia would prove to be a far less enjoyable experience for Suns fans. It was a slow paced, defensive struggle, where the Suns were totally and completely outmatched. It was only an 11 point loss, but it honestly felt like the Suns were never in the game. A pair of punt returns gave them good field position for field goals, but their offense did absolutely nothing the entire game. Physically, along the line of scrimmage, they were thoroughly dominated all the way through the game. They couldn't do anything, and only had 2 first downs the entire game. It was all their defense could do to only give up 17 points, but they got no help from the offense. Not the best way to go out, but sometimes you tip your cap- the home side was thoroughly better, and deserved the win. Not the best way for the defending champions of the GFLB to go out, but that's how it goes.


Lwanga Rhinos

This team, just last season, went all the way to the semifinals of the Champions Bowl, as well as the National Championship Game. It's crushing, of course, to go so far in a season and come up with nothing, but to come so close to trophies in two competitions, and yet, to not end up with anything in the trophycase, is just a lot to handle for some. So the Rhinos are coming out this season, full of confidence and believe that they are the best team in the Heartlands Conference, and that they will be contenders once again. And that would be launched in the Champions Bowl. THey came out in their opening match, against the Casnea Cougars of Seraxinborough, and thoroughly dominated their hosts. THey took an early 14-0 lead, scoring touchdowns on their first two drives, and that absolutely deflated the hosts. They never looked back, the Cougars never sniffed the end zone, and they won rather easily, by a score of 24-9.

The next game was against the Acton Vale Maple Leafs of Jaspec. The Rhinos came exploding out of the gate in that one as well, taking an early 14-0 lead, and this time, of course, it was at home at the Watering Hole. But, unfortunately for the Rhinos, the Maple Leafs didn't roll over. Even though this was their first ever Champions Bowl, they would fight to stay in it. They added a field goal at the very end of the first quarter to make the score 14-3. And they kept slowly clawing their way back. They hit two more field goals in the second quarter to make it 14-9, while they completely stopped the Rhinos offense. They added another field goal to make it 14-12, and the Rhinos scored with four minutes left to make it 17-12. But the Leafs were undeterred- they drove down the field, scored the go-ahead touchdown with a minute left to make it 18-17. They were flagged for excessive celebration, and the coach chose to apply it on the PAT. Since they weren't going to go for two from the 18, they just kicked the single pointer to make it 19-17. And on the first play from scrimmage for the Rhinos, an interception sealed it.

Istria Black Mambas

Now, for the Black Mambas! From Banija's biggest city. They lost in the semifinals of the GFLB playoffs last season, and are trying to come for one more. And boy, did they come for it. Champions! Winning five consecutive games to get there. Scoring 19 in their first game to barely escape at home, and then, they really hit their stride. Scoring 33 in the ROund of 16, 37 in the Quarterfinals, and 40 in the semifinals- that would be an average of 36+ points per game. It was a crazy run on the offensive side of the football, as they were just unstoppable. And getting into the Final, with their offense rolling like that, they were always going to be the favorites.

In the Final, at the Stade sur la Baie in Aminey, Ko-oren, they took on the Dorfdifving Destroyers of Abanhfleft. And their offense did not slow down. Although a few more drives stalled out than they would have liked, the backbreaker was running back Jalang Tiyana. He rumbled through the Destroyers defense, carrying for 212 yards on 29 carries and 3 touchdowns, just wearing down the opposing defense. He's a big back, hard to bring down who busts through arm tackles, and he was named the MVP of the Champions Bowl. What a tournament it was for the Black Mambas! The first Banijan winners of the Champions Bowl.

Not only have sides from Banija now won both the NSCF and the Champions Bowl, the City of Istria has the argument of being the center of the gridiron world. The University of Loyola-Istria has two NSCF titles, and now their professional team has a world title as well- a true city of champions! (in this sport, anyways). We'll see if they can carry that forward into the GFLB regular season.

Matchday by Matchday Scores
*Non-Conference play takes place on Matchdays 11 and 12, with Coastal Conference teams playing at home on Matchday 11 and Heartlands Conference teams playing at home on Matchday 12. There is also a bye week for all teams between Matchday 10 and Matchday 11.



Final Regular Season Standings

Heartlands                  Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD 
 1 Bunyoro RSC               16   11   5   419  296 +123 - Conference champion, first round bye, Champions Bowl berth
 2 Jinja City Springboks     16   11   5   428  265 +163 - Playoff Berth
 3 Mynda Gorillas            16    8   8   371  354  +17
 4 Hoima Zebra               16    7   9   345  392  −47
 5 Lwanga Rhinos             16    6  10   347  307  +40
 6 Umbazi Metropolitan SC    16    6  10   378  464  −86
 7 Askatasuna Wildcats       16    6  10   311  383  −72
 8 Aissa Crocodiles          16    4  12   233  520 −287

Coastal                     Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD 
 1 Istria Black Mambas       16   12   4   460  335 +125 - Conference champion, first round bye, Champions Bowl berth
 2 Busukuma Athletic Club    16   10   6   392  257 +135 - Playoff Berth
 3 Busembe Timberwolves      16   10   6   369  356  +13 - Playoff Berth
 4 Herzegovina City Cobras   16   10   6   364  317  +47 - Playoff Berth
 5 Rukunbi Wizards           16    9   7   415  328  +87
 6 Busukuma Suns             16    9   7   294  290   +4
 7 Sisonke Leopards          16    8   8   318  300  +18
 8 Dukuma Dragons            16    1  15   186  466 −280

Playoff Standings
Each conference champion clinches a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and a home game in the Playoff Semifinals. The next best four non-champions, by record, regardless of conference, get the next four slots in the playoffs, by record.

GFLB Playoff Standings     Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD 
1 Istria Black Mambas       16   12   4   460  335 +125
2 Bunyoro RSC               16   11   5   419  296 +123
3 Jinja City Springboks     16   11   5   428  265 +163
4 Busukuma Athletic Club    16   10   6   392  257 +135 
5 Busembe Timberwolves      16   10   6   369  356  +13
6 Herzegovina City Cobras   16   10   6   364  317  +47

Playoff Structure
In the quarterfinals, the top two seeds get a bye. The top two sides must be conference champions, regardless of record.
In the quarterfinals, the 6 seed will play away at the 3 seed, and the 4 seed will play away at the 5 seed.
The lowest remaining seed will play away the #1 seed in the semifinal, and the highest remaining seed will play away at the #2 seed in the semifinal.
The winners of the semifinal will meet in the National Championship Game at the Stadium of the Restoration.

Quarterfinals

Jinja City Springboks 3–7 Herzegovina City Cobras
Busukuma Athletic Club 61–17 Busembe Timberwolves

Semifinals

Istria Black Mambas 51–21 Herzegovina City Cobras
Bunyoro RSC 38–26 Busukuma Athletic Club

National Championship Game

Istria Black Mambas 30–10 Bunyoro RSC @ The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija

The two conference champions, plus the two winners of the quarterfinal playoff games, earn the GFLB's four berths in the Champions Bowl.

BUSUKUMA- After a quiet set of owners meetings last season, the big ticket items are back up for discussion going into Season 11 of the Banijan Soccer League. And there will be a real challenge for this league to solve- BISA's quite controversial proposal to have the 6 Busoga Islander sides compete in their own domestic cup competition, outside of, separate from, and instead of, the RBSA Cup. We will dive into that proposal later in this article, talking about its chances of passing at the Owners Meetings. Especially with the new voting methods that the RBSA have agreed to implement heading into these owners meetings.

While that is the headline grabber, there are a couple of smaller, much more minor issues that will be discussed at these owners meetings. First, of course, they are expected to officially vote on putting the Stadium of the Restoration forward to host the IFCF Champions League Final. It has long been a goal to bring club football's most prestigious match to Busukuma, although that is a goal shared by a number of stadia across the multiverse. Whether we'll win such a bid or not is up in the air, but the decision to bid is expected to pass without any kind of substantial opposition, and probably has a strong chance of garnering the support of each and every one of the 68 clubs represented at these meetings.

The next, of course, regards the powers of BSL Commissioner Randolf Cherry. He was given the power last season, with the sea change in club football from the UICA, to the Dwile Invitational as a stopgap, and eventually to the IFCF, to make an executive decision to enter Banijan clubs into international competition. With the IFCF seemingly set to be the premier international club competition for the long-term, RBSA ownership is expected to officially vote on sending teams long-term to the IFCF, and rescinding the executive power to the Commissioner's office to make decisions. Randolf Cherry, the BSL Commissioner, himself expressed support for the move, with the Drawkland native saying that maintaining those powers was 'no longer necessary' for Banijan football.

And, of course, the most controversial move- negotiations between BISA and the RBSA to establish an all-Islander cup competition. This has been a long-stated goal of the Busoga Islands Soccer Association, And after intense negotiations between BISA and RBSA Chairman Robel Ezera, they have announced a proposal that they, via Jaribga Soccer Club, will bring to the table at these owners meetings. Presently, of course, there are no "all-Islander" or "all-Banijan" competitions. The 68 clubs are all full and equal members of the RBSA, and compete in the same competitions. However, BISA, while understanding that their interests are best served by competing in Banijan league competitions, believes that it would be good for their clubs to also have an all-Islander competition to compete in.

"We are trying to grow this sport on the Busoga Islands." Said a spokesman for the Busoga Islands Soccer Association. "We are doing well, we are getting stronger, but we can always look to take that next step. And we feel that the next step is to create a seperate, knockout stage cup competition for the six Islander sides." And the proposal, itself, is ambitious. Rumors reported that they wanted to secure a berth to the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup via that competition, and that the 6 Islander sides would no longer compete in the RBSA Cup. While the BISA Chairman would not confirm, RBSA Chairman Robel Ezera was reportedly 'very opposed' to the idea and said that the only way he would support a separate cup competition for Islander sides would be if the competition did not act as a qualifier to any international competition.

Robel Ezera spoke in support of the proposal. "The development of the sport and the teams on the Busoga Islands are good for the long-term health of football in Banija. And we support efforts to do that- we are constructive partners. However, I have always said that the unity of our setup cannot be threatened. If establishing a separate cup competition for Islander sides is best for football there, so be it, but we must remember that the BSL is not a multi-associational league, like they have with the United Hoofball Association or in the Vilitan Cove. And we don't want our pyramid to be, either. Any qualifiers to any international competitions must be through RBSA competition. And since that has been maintained, I can support the proposal. Of course, the RBSA Cup winner will still go to the Cup Winners Cup."

This has, of course, created controversy. The 5 Islander sides in the Northwestern League have expressed their support for such a proposal. But the only top-flight club in that country, Lakiska SC, has been lukewarm on the proposal. One observer said that they don't want to stake out a 'public position' against the other Islander clubs, but don't necessarily feel that taking away a path to international competition is in their best interest. We'll have to see how they vote. And it has caused division within Banija. Clubs like Herzegovina City and Mynda Electra are seen to be strong supporters of the proposal, while opposition is coming from the capitol clubs, as well as the Busembe Timberwolves.

The BSL Owners Meetings, of course, have new voting procedures. It makes it slightly easier to pass a proposal. Any proposal must garner the support of at least 6 clubs from each of the four regional leagues, as well as at least 14 clubs in the Banijan Soccer League. It is a tough threshold, and it is why many controversial proposals get tabled before they come to a vote. But it seems as if this proposal will come to a vote. Can BISA get the support it needs to establish its own club competition? We'll find out in the coming days as the big wigs discuss the future of football in Banija.

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA) is proud to present the Banijan Soccer League to the sporting world for its 11th season. The Banijan Soccer League was formed after Banijan entry into WCC competition. After nearly 70 years of state leagues, it was demanded that Banija's football system needed to 'catch up' to the rest of the world, and their abomination in their first ever World Cup competition, a winless World Cup 73 cycle where the national team lost all 12 Qualifying matches, saw that demands were reasonable. Therefore, the RBSA, which had not sponsored national competition up to this point, decided to back the creation of a national league. Originally titled the Premier Soccer League, before being retitled to the Banijan Soccer League, they picked the 16 'financially strongest' teams to compete in the league, and added four in Season 2, to make it a 20 team league. While national competition is still quite fresh in Banija, the league has quickly risen up the charts, as the league's quality and rather aggressive marketing tactics seem to be paying off.

The Banijan Soccer League, 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 fourth season in a row, there is another newcomer into the ranks, as the newly promoted Capitol City FC will replace the Lwanga Lions, who were relegated. After four BSL seasons, the RBSA moved to streamline state leagues and form four regional leagues, and add them to the official RBSA Banijan soccer pyramid. The Banijan Soccer League is a double round-robin league-style competition. The 68 teams will also compete in the RBSA Cup, the single knockout cup competition for this pyramid.

The format for the RBSA Cup has not changed. The 48 regional league sides will compete in the the tournament's preliminary rounds, two knockout rounds before the season starts. The 12 survivors will join the 20 BSL sides in the Round of 32, and it shall remain a single knockout competition all the way through the Final. Each round, besides the final, has opponents that are decided completely at random, and with the home side being chosen randomly as well. The Final will be held, after the conclusion of the league season and the BSL Promotion Playoffs, at the Stadium of the Restoration, as the final game played of the domestic season every year. A BISA(Busoga Islanders Soccer Association) proposal to establish separate cup competitions for Banija and the Busoga Islands garnered enough strong opposition that it was withdrawn before it was taken to a vote.

There is limited promotion/relegation within the league- the best regional league champion, as decided in a playoff between the four regional league champions, is promoted, and the last place team in the Banijan Soccer League is relegated every season. However, there is a rule known as the Corizova exception- if the same team wins their regional league for three consecutive seasons, they will earn automatic promotion to the Banijan Soccer League, and the BSL Promotion Playoff will not occur. 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 Jinja City FC and Rukunbi FC. This will be the first time in four seasons that both teams in this game are BSL sides. Per agreement, this will be the second consecutive season where this game is held on foreign soil. It will be held at the Samseongoloondongjang in Montreal, Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Last season's, of course, was held in Rosaria, Eshan.

In terms of international club tournaments, with international competition in flux, this upcoming season, Banijan clubs will participate in IFCF competition, the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, and the Vilitan Cove International, as well as be eligible to qualify for berths in any of those competitions. Clubs will be able to qualify for the Vilitan Cove International for next season- the Kabaka's Cup winner will go if eligible, and if not eligible, then it will be the most improved side in the BSL table. 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 IFCF.

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. On the by and large, the Super 5 are the wealthiest, most well-supported, and generally the most competitive teams within Banija.

List of BSL champions
Season 1- Jinja City FC
Season 2- Hoima Warriors
Season 3- Herzegovina City FC
Season 4- Herzegovina City FC(Second League Title)
Season 5- Istria City FC
Season 6- Herzegovina City FC(undefeated; Third League Title))
Season 7- Busukuma AC
Season 8- Herzegovina CIty FC(Fourth League Title)
Season 9- Herzegovina City FC(Fifth League Title)
Season 10- Jinja City FC(Second League Title)

List of Kabaka's Cup Champions
Season 2- Jinja City FC
Season 3- Hoima Warriors
Season 4- Herzegovina Phoenix
Season 5- Herzegovina City FC
Season 6- Istria City FC
Season 7- Herzegovina City FC(Second Title)
Season 8- Busukuma AC
Season 9- Jaribga Soccer Club
Season 10- Herzegovina City FC(Third Title)

List of RBSA Cup Champions
Season 1- Hoima Warriors
Season 2- Askatasuna FC
Season 3- Herzegovina Phoenix
Season 4- Jinja City FC
Season 5- Herzegovina City FC
Season 6- Busembe Timberwolves
Season 7- Istria City FC
Season 8- Jaribga Soccer Club
Season 9- Dukuma SC
Season 10- Rukunbi FC

List of teams by UICA/IFCF Group Stage Appearances
UICA Champions Cup 71- Herzegovina City FC
UICA Globe Cup 69- Istria City FC
UICA Champions Cup 73- Herzegovina City FC
IFCF Champions League 1- Jinja City FC
IFCF Challenger's Cup 1- Herzegovina City FC

Notable runs in non-UICA/IFCF international competitions
AOCL XXXII- Herzegovina City FC reaches the Final and falls, 1-0, to AC Izotz Zubia of Audioslavia





List of BSL records- For this, records only count from a 38 game season, so stats from Season 1 are not considered. Records count from league games only.
Most Individual Goals in a season: 30. Xilit-Zaxac Yol(QUS), Jinja City FC in Season 10.
Most Individual Assists in a season: 19. Aaron Aiza(EQS), Herzegovina City FC in Season 5.
Most wins in a season: 31. Herzegovina City FC, Season 6.
Most points in a season: 100. Herzegovina City FC, Season 6.
Most Team Goals For in a season: 108. Herzegovina City FC, Season 4.
Largest title winning margin: Herzegovina City had a 21 point gap over second place Jinja City FC in Season 6.
Smallest title-winning margin: Hoima Warriors level with Busukuma AC at 88 points in Season 2. Won league based on goal differential(+57 compared to +55).
Most Draws in a season: 18. Umbazi Metropolitan SC, Season 4.
Best Goal Difference in a season: +67. Herzegovina City FC, Season 4.
Fewest Losses in a season: 0. Herzegovina City FC, Season 6.
Fewest Team Goals Allowed in a season: 19. Herzegovina City FC, Season 6 & Busukuma AC, Season 7.
Fewest Team Goals For in a season: 22. Lakiska SC, Season 7.
Fewest wins in a season: 2. Dukuma SC, Season 2 & Dukuma SC, Season 8.
Fewest points in a season: 14. Dukuma SC, Season 2.
Most Team Goals Allowed in a season: 111. Dukuma SC, Season 2.
Most Losses in a season: 28. Dukuma SC, Season 2.
Worst Goal Difference in a Season: -60. Dukuma SC, Season 2.



Istria City Derby between Istria City FC and Rukunbi FC

This is a derby within Banija's biggest city, and it is the country's oldest rivalry- Istria City FC and Rukunbi FC both having played each other a number of times, well before the establishment of the Banijan Soccer League. There is no love lost between these pair of crosstown rivals. Istria City FC is the bigger side, the fancier and glitzier side, with a league title under its belt, an appearance in the UICA Globe Cup knockout stages under its belt, and competing every season to be the best. It has prime real estate on the coastline, and one of the newer stadiums in Banija, in Kabonero III Field. As for Rukunbi FC, they play in the Rukunbi District, which is the Eastern part of town, and the lower income part of the city. Their fans are known for making an intimidating home atmosphere, and are certainly considered Banija's most violent fanbase. So it's always a fun one when these two meet.

The first BSL high point of this rivalry came in Season 6, when Rukunbi FC beat Istria City FC 2-0 in a massive upset at home, and the fans, excited over the major victory, stormed the field. They had to, after that, play a game behind closed doors on their home field. The two clubs also tangled, of course, when both put their stadiums forward to host matches in World Cup 81, though it was Kabonero III Field that won out over Eastern Stadium, whcih is an older stadium. Expect fireworks every time these two play, cause you'll never know what you'll get. Season 10 saw the rivalry reach a peak again. A large 6-1 win early in the season by Rukunbi FC over their hated rivals stunned observers as Rukunbi FC were shockingly threatening to make a title challenge. While they considerably cooled in the league race, the two teams met in the RBSA Cup Final, with Rukunbi FC triumphing at the Stadium of the Restoration by a score of 2-0. Istria is theirs, for now.

Battle for Hangaza's Soul between Jinja City FC and Aissa United Football Club

This is a hot blooded rivalry between the two BSL sides from the Hangaza region. Jinja City FC, the region's big and historically dominant side, from the region's largest city and one of Banija's largest city's in general, and the team from Aissa United FC, the regional capital, and a much smaller city. The rivalry, as one might imagine, is usually dominated by Jinja City FC, but arguably the rivalry's most famous moment came courtesy of Aissa United.

In Season 5, the title race was coming down to Jinja City FC and Istria CIty FC. On the second to final matchday, Istria City FC had 82 points, while Jinja City FC had 83. Istria City FC had a draw- so entering the nightcap, a Jinja City FC victory would leave them needing only a draw on Matchday 38 to win the league. However, Aissa United, away from home, stunned the league leaders 1-0, who then finished in second place on goal difference. A mere point in this game, then, would have won them the league- and that's the closest they've come to their second BSL title since, which is a considerable point of pride for Aissa United. Their matches, since then, have always been high intensity.

The Southern Rumble between Busukuma Athletic Club and the Hoima Warriors

The Southern Rumble is a rivalry between the two Super 5 clubs in the southern part of the country- Busukuma AC and the Hoima Warriors. With Hoima really bereft of a local derby, and Busukuma AC not paying much attention to their local rivals in the Busukuma Force, this one has emerged as the chief rivalry for both teams. They compete on and off the fields, especially in the SOuthern Ankole region, for fans, for players, for all kinds of ways to demonstrate their supremacy.

Busukuma AC, of course, at least has won a title in the past five seasons- the Warriors cannot say the same. There's not really a defining moment in this rivalry, as they've never really competed for trophies at the same time, nor has one side derailed the other in a title race, or anything of that sort, but we know that all this rivalry needs is a spark. Once you lit the match, it can really come off here between two of Banija's Super 5 clubs.

Herzegovina City Derby between Herzegovina City FC and Herzegovina Phoenix

The Phoenix were one of the four expansion sides in Season 2,and they immediately developed a rivalry with the other local club side, Herzegovina City FC. Since, over the course of the last 6 seasons, Herzegovina City FC have almost certainly been Banija's most dominant side, with 4 league titles and a pair of UICA Champions Cup group stage appearances in that era, the Phoenix have been chasing. They've played in numerous high profile matches, especially in Seasons 6 and 7, when the Phoenix were in regular contention for the top four.

The most famous moment on the Herzegovina City side, is when they clinched the league title against the Phoenix in Season 6, with a stunning victory on Matchday 33 over their archrivals, en route to the BSL's only ever undefeated season. For the Phoenix, it probably had to be a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Kabaka's Cup that kicked off Season 4, to earn a trophy for the 2nd season in a row, but this one at the expense of their city archrivals.

North v. South Battle between Istria City FC and Herzegovina City FC

This is part of the larger rivalry between the cities of Istria and Herzegovina City, the two largest cities, and two epicenters, of the Moravica region. Istria, Banija's largest city, and Herzegovina is the oldest city- and the regional capital. The rivalry is perhaps best expressed in the college sports edition of the rivalry, when Northern Moravica, from Herzegovina City, and Loyola-Istria, from Istria, play against each other. But that rivalry is part of the rivalry between the two cities in general, and how can it ever be expressed better than on the pitch?

The high point of this rivalry is probably Season 5, when Istria City FC ended Herzegovina City's quest for a three-peat in the league, by winning their first, and to date, only BSL title. In the RBSA Cup Final that same season, they met in the Final, with Istria City FC looking to become the first ever BSL side to complete a league/cup double. This was not going to happen, however, as the two played a 4-4 thriller, with then Herzegovina City manager Kolt Freegan lifting the trophy high after winning on penalties. Their rematch in the Kabaka's Cup to open the next season saw Istria City FC take its revenge, with the rivalry being solidified between two of the league's top sides.

Battle of the Islands between Dukuma SC and Lakiska SC

This is the rivalry between the two sides from the Busoga Islands- Dukuma SC, and Lakiska SC. Historically, these were the only two sides from the islands to be in the Banijan Soccer League, and even with the addition of the pyramid, and the independence of the Busoga Islands as their own country, this remained to be true. However, these two teams usually hovered towards the bottom of the league table, and therefore ,the rivalry, while fierce locally, has never had any real national implication.

Of course, things are going to change. While in Season 7, they both survived, they took wildly divergent paths in Season 8. While Lakiska SC rose a stunning 12 spots up the table, into 5th, it was Dukuma SC who descended, once again, and only won 2 games out of 38 on the season. Earning only 15 points, they finished last, and were the sole team relegated. The path up is brutal, as only one of the 68 get promoted on annual basis. And, of course, Dukuma SC is an utter and absolute mess, as was seen last season. Who knows when Dukuma will get promoted again to renew the rivalry? That is unknown, but Lakiska is now primed to be the lone Islander side in the top flight for a number of years, and we'll see what that means the next time this rivalry is renewed, at whatever point that might be.

Capitol City Derby between Busukuma Athletic Club, Capitol City FC, and Busukuma Force

With Capitol City Football Club having finally been promoted to the big-time, where they've long felt they've belonged, the three capitol city sides are going to be in the middle of a fight for who will rule Busukuma. Busukuma Athletic Club has all the obvious advantages- the money, the history, the prestige(they've got that fancy BSL Season 7 trophy that cannot be taken from them). Busukuma AC and Capitol City FC are historic rivals, playing each other fiercely before the establishment of the Banijan Soccer League took the game national. They've always had vastly different cultures, with Capitol City FC being more of a countercultural, extremely left-wing club. Some would call them similar to Rukunbi FC, but that would be a lacking comparison.

They are liked by lots of young people, and have one of the few fanbases in the BSL that are avowedly left-wing politically. They were very radically anti-Matthias Mutebi when he ruled in Banija, and while they don't go so far as calling for secularization of Banija, many of their fans consider themselves strong economic leftists. Their diverse fanbase has made large in-roads to the Farfadillis refugee population living within the country. But the impetus for this three way rivalry has to be Season 2. When the BSL, after a successful first season of national play, expanded from 16 teams to 20, it was always clear that the capitol would get a second club. But instead of Capitol City FC getting the spot, an expansion club was started that was called the Busukuma Force, who have maintained a BSL spot ever since. Capitol City FC hasn't played either capitol side in almost two decades, and the Force they've never played.

But now that they are finally up, they have bones to pick. Capitol City FC against the Force, as Capitol City believes they should have been up this whole time. Capitol City against Busukuma AC, as that is the historic capitol derby. And, of course, Busukuma AC against the Busukuma Force, as that rivalry has grown as they've played each other at least twice a season for the last 9 seasons, including last season where the Force almost finished ahead of Busukuma AC in the league table for the first time ever. Three sides who seem tailor made not to like each other. When the top flight derbies really get going, it will be that much more interesting.

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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




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




14. Igulu City Football Club. ICFC. Location: Igulu, Hangaza. Colors: Blue.




15. Rukunbi Football Club. RFC. Location: Istria, Moravica. Located in Eastern 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.




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




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




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




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




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



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. This stadium has also hosted a Baptism of Fire Final, a Cup of Harmony Final, and the World Bowl XXXVII Final as well.

Teams in the BSL-
Underlined players are Banijan internationals.
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). 82 years old, 6th season at club.
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
GK #16 Francois Tantoh. Age 27. 2nd season at club. Came on a free transfer from Duntho Sporting Club in the Southern League.
LB #3 Felix Millar. Age 29(Brenecia).
CB #5 Danijel Brymora. Age 31(Nephara). 2nd season at club. Came on a $4.5 million NSD transfer from Brinemouth(Nephara).
CB #4 Lukas Kayserling. Age 21(Recuecn). 2nd season at club. Came on a $4.75 million NSD transfer from Hesse Sporting.
RB #2 Obey Chidiebere. Age 32. 2nd season at club. Came on a $2.5 million NSD transfer from Bunyoro RSC.
LCM #14 Harald Fireblade. Age 28(Cosumar).
RCM #7 Dennis Brotzmann. Age 31(Siovanija & Teusland). Captain.
RAM #22 Meghan Walcott. Age 23(Cassadaigua). 1st season at club. Female.
CAM #10 Rosie Tyler. Age 28(Equestrian States). Female.
LAM #17 Marcel Roux. Age 27(Eshan).
ST #9 Christos Tsiavis. Age 30(Nephara).

2. Jinja City Football Club.
Manager: Mór Császár(Pasarga). Former Pasarga NT manager; Copa Rushmori winner. Age 53, 2nd season at club.
Formation: 4-3-1-2
GK #1 Iiro Pakanen. Age 26(Savojarna). 2nd season at club. Came on $2 million NSD transfer from Energie Thorsborg(Savojarna).
LB #2 Lama Nyang. Age 22. 1st season at club. Came on $1.5 million NSD transfer from the Busukuma Force.
CB #15 Jio Eyawanifamni. Age 34(Abaja).
CB #13 Jalang Ba. Age 33. Captain.
RB #18 Jinkzta Ulcviecel. Age 33(Squornshelan Remnant States).
LM #7 Garvan Braehead. Age 30(Brenecia). 1st season at club- transferred from Busukuma Athletic Club(BNJ).
CM #10 Musa Gaye, Age 21. Came from Djoro Athletic. Member of Sporting World Cup 8 championship team and DBC 47 team.
RM #23 Theresa Lubalo. Age 22. Female. Graduate from University of Ankole. 1st season at club.
CAM #8 Vatan Ercetin. Age 26(Timuria). 2nd season at club. Came on $6.5 million NSD transfer from Demirspor(Timuria).
RS #9 Marcus Rose. Age 30(Commonwealth of Baker Park). 1st season at club. Came on free transfer from Monmouth Park FC.
LS #11 Xilit-Zaxac Yol. Age 28(Qusmo).

3. Busukuma Athletic Club.
Manager: Andrea Vardalos(Female, Nephara). 55 years old, 1st season at club.
Formation: 4-1-4-1.
GK #1 Althea Taliadoros. Age 29(Nephara). 1st season at club. Came on $4.5 million NSD transfer from Raven River(Nephara).
RB #2 Lupe Enriquez. Age 29(Cassadaigua). 1st season at club.
CB #15 Esther Vannatter. Age 29(Nephara).
CB #5 Obadiah Parrott. Age 28(Ko-oren). 2nd season at club. Came on a $5.75 million NSD transfer from Cirelbourne(Ko-oren).
LB #6 Celty O'Mercury. Age 30(Cosumar).
CDM #18 Phumelele Stofile. Age 33. Captain.
RM #11 Samba Ogunsola. Age 20. 1st season at club. Came on transfer from Rukunbi FC. Played on DBC 47 Team.
CM #12 Gudrun Crowley. Age 33(Nephara). 2nd season at club. Came on $3.1 million NSD transfer from Pelethas United(Cosumar).
CM #8 Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì. Age 27(Farfadillis). 1st season at club. Came on transfer from Dí Maozöxê(Farfadillis).
LM #7 Adama Coote. Age 21. Signed from Umbazi Metropolitan SC.
ST #9 Alex Sandoval. Age 30(Commonwealth of Baker Park)

4. Hoima Warriors.
Manager: Mark Grayson(Nephara). 52 years old, 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-2-1-3
GK #1 Hibbaan al-Shareef. Age 32(Busoga Islands).
LB #3 Daluxolo Matshikiza. Age 33. Captain.
CB #2 Kawsu Kaba. Age 29.
CB #4 Wenceslaw. Age 34(Cosumar).
RB #19 Uzoma Iruka. Age 25. 1st season at club. Came on transfer from Lakiska SC. Female.
LCM #14 Robert Craig. Age 26(Schottia). 2nd season at club. Came on $3.75 million NSD transfer from Cornellians(Schottia).
RCM #13 Ilona Duerden. Age 26(Nephara). 1st season at club. Came on $5 million NSD transfer from Brinemouth(Nephara). Female.
CAM #10 Angelique Underwood. Age 29(Commonwealth of Baker Park). 2nd season at club. Came on $2.75 million NSD transfer from Shiloh Ladies FC(Baker Park).
LW #6 Ozolx-Mazur Guv. Age 32(Qusmo).
ST #7 Chizoba Emenanjo. Age 30(Cobrio).
RW #11 Josef Lawerenz. Age 21(Equestrian States).

5. Istria City Football Club.
Manager: Alvin Burnsides(Cosumar), Age 64. 4th season at club.
Starters: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Joan Martinez Alpacia. Age 34(Eshan). Female.
RB #2 Filije Condé. Age 26.
CB #5 Alanso Tibamba. Age 23. 1st season at club. Rookie.
CB #4 Filije Kolley. Age 32(Busoga Islands).
LB #18 Anwar Petata. Age 29.
RM #11 Jermaine Poole. Age 30(Equestrian States/Yttribia).
CM #19 Murray Hunnisett. Age 26(Hapilopper). 1st season at club. Came on $1.5 million NSD transfer from West River(Hapilopper).
CM #15 Ablie Kah. Age 29.
LM #7 Atsushi Ryu. Age 31(Dunnes).
RS #9 Assefa Yitebarke. Age 34. Captain.
LS #8 Torvald Royle. Age 29(Freeport).

6. Herzegovina Phoenix.
Manager: Jehan Blair(Cosumar). 67 years old. Former Amazonesta National Team manager. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-1-3-2.
GK #1 Mustafa Taal. 19 years old. 1st season at club. Signed from Moravica Regional Academy. (Busoga Islands/Banija dual-national)
RB #2 Fafa Ngom. 19 years old. 1st season at club. Signed from Moravica Regional Academy.
CB #3 Eindride Cleary. Age 32(Freeport).
CB #5 Mohan Thakshak. Age 29(Busoga Islands).
LB #4 Fekati Abdi. Age 29. Captain.
RDM #15 Gibril Kargbo. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from Moravica Regional Academy.
RM #14 Vidyo Avramov. Age 22(Siovanija & Teusland).
CM #8 Lucia Silkemark. Age 29(Nephara).
LM #7 Julian Turner. Age 30(Dunnes).
RS #9 Daba Kuta. 21 years old. 1st season at club. Member of DBC 47 team. Signed from Kitara Athletic Society in the Lower Coastal League.
LS #11 Jery Bostun. Age 32(Qasden).

7. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club.
Manager: Felipe Bergoglio(Amazonesta). Age 61. Second season at club. Spent previous six seasons at Barmos United in the Northwestern League. Fired after Matchday 32. Mukasa Bukanda(Season 10 interim manager for Busukuma AC) hired to finish out the season.
Starters: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Sulayman Diawara. Age 20. 1st season at club. Member of DBC 47 team. Signed from Corizova United.
RB #2 Ifa Irbuu. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Bunyoro Regional Academy.
CB #3 Idirissa Ogoo. Age 23. 2nd season at club.
CB #5 Axel Fauler. Age 30(Nephara).
LB #14 Gugulethu Feza. Age 31.
RM #7 Antu Ouattara. Age 22. 2nd season at club.
RCM #12 Aaron Starkey. Age 29(Blaneu).
LCM #11 Paula Farquhar. Age 30(Brenecia). Female. Captain.
LM #8 Davide Waguespack. Age 25(Gloriax).
ST #10 Guillame Fontanils. Age 23(Acronius).
ST #9 Andrey Soltykov. Age 31(Arioslavia).

8. Capitol City Football Club.
Manager: Akhona Joyi. 50 years old, 4th season as manager.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Aman Melku. Age 29.
RB #2 Malik Secka. Age 35. Captain.
CB #5 Makang Darboe. Age 23.
CB #4 Faraba Coote. Age 24.
LB #3 Sulayman Bajo. Age 26.
RM #17 Berrëngüé Lé Méjî. Age 27(Farfadillis). 1st season at club.
CM #18 Nancy Sparkman. Age 27(Baker Park). Female. 1st season at club. Came on free transfer from Newmarket Ladies FC.
CM #14 Immaculate Kaba. Age 20. Female. 2nd season at club. Member of DBC 47 team.
LM #7 Jabril Guissé. Age 25.
RS #9 Kausu Dione. Age 20. 2nd season at club. Member of DBC 47 team.
LS #10 Zema Biruh. Age 25. Female. 2nd season at club.

9. Askatasuna Football Club.
Manager: Al Iska, 60 years old. 4th season at the club.
Starters: 5-3-2
GK #1 Raphael Yaremka. Age 24(Silver Beach). 2nd season at club.
RWB #2 Sociga Ngolomingi. Age 26.
RCB #5 Ekwueme Ikenna. Age 28.
CB #6 Assan Sanneh. Age 30. Captain.
LCB #4 Akumjeli Chinua. Age 28.
LWB #18 Sarah Williamson. Age 25. Female. 2nd season at club
LM #17 Mesuli Ncita. Age 23.
CM #15 Mazzi Ketobo. Age 24. 2nd season at club.
RM #12 Martin Lucey. Age 25(Dunnes).
RS #7 Amanuel Wakeyo. Age 22. Rookie.
LS #11 Kiros Abdella. Age 23. Rookie.

10. Kitara Athletic Association.
Manager: Alan Bettles, 69 years old. 4th season at club.
Starters: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Sodo Nagatomo. Age 29(Kita-Hinode)
RB #2 Yuri Poltoranin. Age 33(Arioslavia).
CB #15 Mamadi Sillah. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed out of Kitara Regional Academy.
LB #19 Abraham Godefai. Age 33.
CDM #14 Thomas Owen. Age 30(Audioslavia).
RM #8 Anwar Dawit. Age 21. 2nd season at club. Captain of DBC 47 team..
LM #11 Ahmad Abdullah. Age 29(Abaja)
CAM #10 Jackson Oglobelo. Age 29(Abaja).
LW #7 Nick Haller. Age 29(Commonwealth of Baker Park). Captain.
ST #9 Ikshu Amitabh. Age 28(Busoga Islands).
RW #8 Betanni Jetvanni. Age 18(Starblaydia). 1st season at club. Came from the Foxchester Raiders(Starblaydia).

11. Mynda Electra -
Manager: Daniel Lucas(Chromatika). 43 years old, 2nd season at club.
Starters: 4-2-3-1.
GK #1 Tore Delgado. Age 21(Darmen).
RB #2 Helek-Evela Mal. Age 18(Qusmo). 2nd season at club. Signed out of Aksum Regional Academy.
CB #4 Ousman Mansaré. Age 29.
CB #5 Jibrin Ouattara. Age 22. 2nd season at club
LB #3 Isaka Karamba. Age 24. 2nd season at club
CDM #15 Abesalom Yitay. Age 30.
CDM #12 Essa Kama. Age 30.
RAM #17 Xavier Melchoir. Age 24(Taeshan). 1st season at club. Came on free transfer from Lwanga Lions after they got relegated.
CAM #11 Troy Luck. Age 34(Equestria). 1st season at club. Captain. Signed for $1.25 million NSDs from CF Outineau(Kelssek).
LAM #8 Fakebba Ouattara. Age 29.
ST #9 Suliven Roagart. Age 26(Schottia). 1st season at club. Signed for $2 million NSDs from Marionville(Schottia).

12. Aissa United Football Club.
Manager: Travis Kadongo. 44 years old. 2nd season at club. Former assistant at Jinja City FC under Alexander Bumba; graduate of the joint Fuzpon Qusma-RBSA-BISA Coaching Academy.
Starters: 5-4-1
GK #1 Mohammed Daramy Age 33. Captain.
RWB #2 Pablo Castroneves. Age 31(Marianne).
RCB #15 Hassan Thiaw. Age 23(Busoga Islands). 2nd season at club
CB #15 Alanso Sidibeh. Age 22. 2nd season at club
LCB #17 Bezerra Lemos. Age 34(Amazonesta). 1st season at club. Came on free transfer from Lakiska SC.
LB #7 Oaitse Lekgotla. Age 29.
RM #18 Lallo Jarju. Age 22. 2nd season at club.
CM #8 Asanda Nombem. Age 25.
CM #10 Nweke Obasee. Age 29.
LM #23 Jajah Chee. Age 29.
ST #9 Kawsu Mamela. Age 26.

13. Isipongo Flash.
Manager: Lallo Jobateh. 46 years old. 1st season as manager. Former Head coach of Northern Moravica men's soccer team. Graduate of the joint Fuzpon Qusma-RBSA-BISA Coaching Academy.
Starters: 3-4-3.
GK #1 Essa Kama. Age 30. Captain.
RB #2 Yashpal Gopaal. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
CB #4 Dungan Dozabotanon. Age 21(Kita-Hinode). Fresh Graduate of Hylia University in Kita-Hinode. Rookie.
LB #5 Eduardo Val De La Salles. Age 34(Amazonesta). 1st season at club. Came on free transfer from Aissa United.
RM #7 Mandla Pukwana. Age 25.
CDM #18 Orin Set. Age 31(Silver Beach). 2nd season at club.
CAM #10 Assan Sanneh. Age 27.
LM #17 Baluta Sonko. Age 25.
RW #8 Lelethu Pukwana, Age 27.
LW #11 Jelany Beluchi. Age 23.
ST #9 Juka Ndour. Age 20. Played 2 seasons at University of Loyola-Istria. Female. Rookie.

14. Igulu City FC
Manager: Abraham Akampurira. 47 years old. Former Men's National Team Player. 6th season as manager.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Leonard Patterson. Age 34(Audioslavia). 2nd season at club. Came on free transfer from the Chenoworth Harriers(Nephara).
RB #2 Ijeawele Chi. Age 22.
CB #5 Adinew Bullo. Age 23.
CB #4 Belai Mulu. Age 26.
LB #3 Gachanja Mwai. Age 34. Captain.
RM #11 Kóri Vacík. Age 28(Equestrian States)
CM #14 Chyke Obasie. Age 27.
CM #18 Alanso Suso. Age 23. 1st season at club. Rookie.
LM #7 Udo Obasie. Age 30.
RS #11 Benedicto Montoya. Age 34(Darmen). 2nd season at club. Came on $250,000 NSD transfer from Romanopolis United(Darmen).
LS #9 Kenyatta Mũraya. Age 34.

15. Rukunbi Football Club.
Manager: Teague Spanos. Age 71, 13th season at club.
Starters: 4-3-3
GK #1 Jelanee Jideofor. Age 29.
RB #2 Chizoba Uwaezuoke. Age 31.
CB #5 Nwabudike Uchechie. Age 26.
CB #3 Soli Souba. Age 27.
LB #12 Ayele Zekalu. Age 28.
LM #13 Bubacar Kujabi. Age 24. 2nd season at club(rookie.)
CM #8 Demetrio Arroyo. Age 32(Osarius). 2nd season at club. Free transfer from Lotus Park(Brenecia).
RM #6 Upanshu Paramartha. Age 28(Busoga Islands). Captain.
LW #11 Mariam Guiss. Age 22. 1st season at club. Female. Graduate of Northern Moravica University.
ST #9 Tyrone Barrett. Age 19(Hapilopper). 2nd season at club. Signed out of Washington State College(Hapilopper).
RW #24 Ramatoulie Condé. Age 23. 1st season at club. Female. Graduate of Hangaza Tech.

16. Lakiska Sporting Club.
Manager: Winad-Lenpi Xlo(Qusmo). 5th season at club. Hired midseason in Season 7.
Starters: 4-5-1
GK #1 Carlton Sandt. Age 20(Sarzonia). 1st season at club. Signed out of Woodstock City College(Sarzonia).
RB #2 Ingmar Linderood. Age 31(Ko-oren).
CB #5 Donnie Armistead. Age 31(Hapilopper). 1st season at club. Came on $2.5 million NSD transfer fee from Hapilopper City Highway Patrol.
CB #4 Govind Nigam. Age 22(Busoga Islands). 2nd season at club. Signed from the Islander Regional Academy.
LB #19 Mohammed Gassama. Age 21(Banija/Busoga Islands dual-national). 2nd season at club. Member of Banijan DBC 47 team.
LM #7 Barkha Visariya. Age 21(Busoga Islands). Female. 2nd season at club. Signed from the Islander Regional Academy.
CM #15 Utpal Ishan. Age 29(Busoga Islands). 2nd season at club. Came on free transfer from the Hoima Warriors.
CDM #18 Joseph Williamson. Age 35(Busoga Islands). Captain.
CM #14 Chad Duquez. Age 33(Royal Kingdom of Quebec). Came on a free transfer from Blue Coast 1981(Schottia).
RM #8 Ibrahim Fatah. Age 27(Busoga Islands).
ST #9 Ousman Babaja. Age 34(Busoga Islands).

17. Busukuma Force.
Manager: Brun Kissinger(Nephara), 55 years old. 4th season at club. Rejected an offer from a club in Havynwilde to renew his contract here.
Formation: 4-1-4-1.
GK #1 Wanda Kouyaté. Age 21(Female). 2nd season at club. Member of Banijan DBC 47 team.
RB #13 Bridie Gryforth, Age 28(Brenecia). 1st season at club. Came on free transfer from Pikemouth(Brenecia).
CB #5 Madu Chi. Age 30.
CB #4 Kemo Jobe. Age 24.
LB #14 Ousman Coote. Age 23.
CDM #8 Alieu Mendy. Age 29.
RM #17 Vanza-Vlont Bel. Age 20(Qusmo).
CM #14 Uzochi Okparro. Age 25.
LCM #15 Fabio Hamamura. Age 34(Amazonesta). Captain.
LM #11 Kabiru Kouyaté. Age 28.
ST #9 Fara Keita. Age 22. 2nd season at club.

18. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club.
Manager: Juma Ouattara. 45 years old. 2nd season at the club. Spent prior 2 seasons at Kabakono City in the Lower Coastal League.
Starters: 4-4-2
GK #1 Amat Turay. 26 years old.
RB #2 Simon Johnson. Age 32(Schottia). 2nd season at club. Came on $2.25 million NSD transfer from The Warriors(Schottia).
CB #5 Araiy. Age 27(Dainer).
CB #3 Hatabu Ouattara. Age 34. Captain.
LB #12 Wasa Dibba. Age 31.
LM #25 Asa Sylla. Age 29.
CM #8 Gared Kuepher. Age 28(Nephara). 2nd season at club. Came on free transfer from Bishop(Nephara).
CM #14 Tamba Kama. Age 22. 2nd season at club(rookie.)
RM #17 Kemo Kuyateh. Age 23. 1st season at club. Rookie.
LS #7 Baboucar Biri. Age 26.
RS #11 Demetro Laterza. Age 34(Juvencus).

19. Busembe Timberwolves.
Manager: Bøb Übermanager(Equestria). Age 40(maybe?). 1st season at club. His history is unknown, but his boisterous and aggressive personality is seen to fit the club trying to climb the table.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK #1 Edgar Farsal-Smith. Age 25(Mercedini).
RB #2 Berihu Temesgen. Age 34.
CB #4 Nkemdilim Jel. Age 28.
CB #5 Emeka Jajah. Age 29.
LB #3 Valentina Fairbairn. Age 29(Qasden). 2nd season at club. Free transfer from Diamondqueen(Nephara).
CM #19 Mazi Chidea. Age 29.
CM #8 Jombo Sillah. Age 23. 1st season at club. Rookie.
LAM #8 Madhav Oojam. Age 28(Busoga Islands).
CAM #12 Kiggwe Basamula. Age 26. Captain. Former national team player.
RAM #7 Uchey Nwankwo. Age 27.
ST #9 Jeff Finte. Age 24(Chromatika). 2nd season at club. Signed after graduation from Eyrods Tech University(Chromatika).

20. Hawabark Boulders
Manager: Kiggwe Kabelo. Age 44. 2nd season at club. Spent prior season as assistant manager at Herzegovina City FC.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Giovanni Falco. Age 24(Freeport/Equestrian States).
RB #2 Abdullah Guennoun. Age 23(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Chinou Chydey. Age 27.
CB #4 Jiba Nzuza. Age 30.
LB #3 Fyodor Khalturin. Age 35(Arioslavia). Captain.
RM #11 Kairaba Kujabi. Age 35.
CM #14 Chi Chibueze. Age 28.
CM #10 Suhayl Mostafa Ahmed. Age 31(Al Qurija)
LM #19 Madu Okparra. Age 25.
RS #7 Boto Mboge. Age 25. 2nd year at club- free transfer from Busembe Timberwolves.
LS #12 Neil Richards. Age 32(Commonwealth of Baker Park). Came on free transfer from the Busembe Timberwolves.

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 of the four leagues are fully professional.

This will be the seventh season of full integration of the Regional League System into the Banijan soccer pyramid. These are the leagues where RBSA participants in the IFCF Liga B Champion's Trophy 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. AFC Kosactus competes outside of their assigned region(Moravica) by competing in the Northern League, while Abomfa United will now compete in the Lower Coastal League instead of the Southern League due to the promotion of Capitol City FC to the BSL, and the relegation of a club(the Lwanga Lions) that is assigned to the Southern League.

The Northwestern League
Regions- Moravica & Busoga Islands
1. Corizova United FC. CUFC. Location: Corizova, Moravica. Color: Gold.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


THe Lower Coastal League
Regions: Ankole, Kitara, National Capitol Region(+1 team from Buganda; no teams from National Capitol Region)
1. Kwadama Dojo. KWD. Location: Kwadama, Ankole. Colors: Red.

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

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

4. AFC Akwadua. AKW. Location: Akwadua, Kitara. Colors: Blue.
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5. Dimbogourou Sporting Club. DSC. Location: Dimbogourou, Ankole. Colors: Purple.
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6. Kiala Athletic Society. KAS. Location: Kiala, Kitara. Colors: Pink.

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

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

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

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

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

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


Northern League
Regions: Hangaza & Aksum(+1 team from Moravica).
1. AFC Kosactus. AFCK. Location: Kosactus, Moravica. Color: Red.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Pumbasa Boars. PUM. Location: Pumbasa, Buganda. Colors: Orange.
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8. Byakado City. BYK. Location: Byakado, Bunyoro. Colors: Orange.

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

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

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

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

Banijan Regional League System - Season 7 Rosters

Underlined players are Banijan internationals.
Nationality is listed if they are not Banijan.
Players are male unless specified otherwise.
Italicized players are internationals for a foreign country.

The Northwestern League
1. Dukuma Sporting Club.
Manager: Yaser Karimi(Al Qurija). 69 years old, 6th season at club(member of Karimi family, owners of Dukuma SC)
Starters: 4-4-2 diamond.
GK #1 Ayman Jawdat Sultan. Age 29(Al Qurija)
RB #14 Haresh Kekade. Age 25(Busoga Islands)
CB #5 Sarah Ward. Age 32(Osarius). 2nd season at club. Came on free transfer from Crawford City(Cosumar).
CB #6 Bunama Hairte. Age 25.
LB #23 Tansu Mirani. Age 20(Busoga Islands). 2nd season at club. Signed out of Islander Regional Academy.
CDM #21 Vyomaang Yuval. Age 28(Busoga Islands).
LM #7 Kinuthia Warari. Age 25(Busoga Islands)
RM #18 Kekoto Hairte. Age 26.
CAM #10 Jay Khano. Age 27(Busoga Islands).
RS #19 Reece Gorbell. Age 21(Eshan). 2nd season at club. Signed out of Moravica Regional Academy.
LS #9 Kurtis Southwell. Age 32(Brenecia). Captain.

2. Barmos United.
Manager: Sukai Corr. Age 46. Female. 2nd season at club. Former head coach of Northern Moravica University Women's Soccer.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Anti Kandeh. 28 years old (Female).
RB #20 Nirav Sopar. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
CB #4 Andy Brownlow. Age 25(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
CB #5 Nassim Samir Nejem. Age 29(Al Qurija).
LB #3 Lale Korkmaz. 18 years old(Busoga Islands). 1st season at club- signed from the Islander Regional Academy. (Female)
RM #14 Daniyal Zubairi. Age 19(Busoga Islands).
CM #23 Derell Montilibac. Age 22(Eshan).
CM #10 Burama Jawo. Age 26.
LM #12 Bassirou Jarju. Age 23.
RS #15 Yaya Kama. Age 27.
LS #7 Fara Sey. Age 25.

3. Corizova United
Manager: Samba Kouyaté. 48 years old. Fourth season at club.
Formation: 5-3-2
GK #1 Harry McPherson. Age 19(Schottia). From Marionville, Schottia. 1st season at club, signed from Hangaza Regional Academy.
RWB #2 Sara Diene. Age 25. 2nd season at club. Female. Graduate of Northern Moravica University.
RCB #5 Dike Ikem. Age 33.
CB #3 Yoro Janneh. Age 33. Captain.
LCB #4 Kekoto Gassama. Age 27.
LWB #6 Zamile Nkuhlu. Age 27.
LM #17 Ogbonna Chioke. Age 30.
CM #10 Okparo Oluchi. Age 29.
RM #8 Gola Torsaray. Age 22(Nephara).
RS #11 Kaddy Sohnaur. Age 25. 1st season at club. Female. Graduate of the University of Loyola-Istria.
LS #12 Hilde Hayate. Age 21(Kita-Hinode). 1st season at club. Female. Graduate of National Institute of Ressearch and Knowledge of Robotics(Kita-Hinode). Has two prostetic legs.

4. Suwawa FC.
Manager: Estève Palomer. Age 63(Nuovo Juvencus). 6th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1.
GK #1 Ohlud Venzi. Age 32.
LWB #13 Bala Bah. Age 17. 1st season at club. Signed from Moravica Regional Academy.
LCB #4 Fanding Jobateh. Age 26.
CB #5 Jabril Faye. Age 23.
RCB #16 Uchechee Agu. Age 26.
RWB #19 Ilman Jagne. Age 24. 1st season at club. Played at Loyola-Busukuma.
LM #17 Babaja Mansaré. Age 23.
CM #8 Kun Kuya. Age 26.
CM #15 Reginius Kunst. Age 22(Cosumar).
RM #14 Seako Mothibi. Age 35. Captain.
ST #12 Sarika Birla. Age 20(Busoga Islands).

5. Tezirbu Foxes
Manager: Abadar Al-Jeafar. Age 44. Longtime goalkeeper, son of previous manager Mohammad Al-Jeafar. 1st season at manager.
Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond.
GK #1 Arin Al-Jeafar. Age 24(Twin sister of Guney Al-Jeafar, daughter of manager Abadar Al-Jeafar and granddaughter of former manager Mohammed Al-Jeafar). Graduate of North Busoga University. (Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Qaasin Hussein. Age 33. (Busoga Islands)
CB #4 Fihr Muhammed Bousaid. Age 32(Al Qurija). Captain.
CB #5 Chandan Somani(Busoga Islands/Banija dual-national). Age 19. Played two seasons at Islander Regional Academy.
LB #3 Makang Jallow. Age 22.
CDM #18 Abbas Behdad. Age 24(Busoga Islands).
LM #17 Mashhur Al-Jeafar. Age 27(first son of manager Abadar Al-Jeafar and grandson of former manager Mohammed Al-Jeafar). (Busoga Islands)
RM #8 Freydoun Rezghi. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Shakeel el-Salih. Age 32(Busoga Islands).
RS #11 Guney Al-Jeafar. Age 24(Twin sister of Arin Al-Jeafar, daughter of manager Abadar Al-Jeafar and granddaughter of former manager Mohammed Al-Jeafar). Graduate of North Busoga University. (Busoga Islands).
LS #9 Kabeer al-Sadri. Age 33(Busoga Islands).

6. Eastern Moravica FC
Manager: Oscar Boateng. 7th season at club. 63 years old.
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
GK #1 Rohey Bajo. 28 years old (Female).
RB #2 Madoda Hani. Age 34. Captain.
CB #5 Ebrima Kabba. Age 22.
CB #4 Yakube Kinte. Age 23.
LB #3 Karafa Kinte. Age 22. 1st season at club. Rookie.
RDM #8 Cevdet Engin. 20 years old(Busoga Islands). 1st season at club. Signed out of Isander Regional Academy.
LDM #14 Cyper Touray. Age 25.
RAM #11 Sevil Basturk. Age 25(Busoga Islands). Female. 1st season at club. Graduate of the Islamic University of Busoga.
CAM #10 Momodou Sene. Age 23. 1st season at club. Signed out of Moravica Regional Academy. Member of DBC 47 Championship team.
LAM #7 Jamang Baldeh. 18 years old. 1st season at club. Signed out of Moravica Regional Academy.
CF #9 Khuzani Nzo. Age 32.

7. Jaribga Soccer Club
Manager: Ermacora Dinapoli. Age 68(Juvencus). 6th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 diamond.
GK #1 Tansel Ozgen. 17 years old(Busoga Islands). 1st season at club. Signed out of Islander Regional Academy.
RB #2 Jamaal Khalid Tawfiq. Age 30(Al Qurija)
CB #5 Behzad Bina. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
LB #35 Naaji al-Azam. Age 30(Busoga Islands).
CDM #14 Gotay Ajaay. Age 34(Busoga Islands).
LM #17 Davoud Qasemi. Age 25.
RM #8 Ramazan Erdogan. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Ismaela Sohna. Age 23.
LW #11 Foday Jallow. Age 21(South Detroit).
ST #9 Frederico Troncosco. Age 26(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
RW #7 Adam Akar. Age 19(Busoga Islands). 1st season at club. Signed out of Islander Regional Academy.

8. Slobochia Bears.
Manager: Travis Yeste. Age 59. 9th season at club.
Formation: 3-1-3-2-1
GK #1 Ashwin Ghatori. Age 20(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Anuj Mundra. Age 21(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Gianfranco Malvos. Age 22(Sticiano).
LB #3 Sarjo Diene. Age 20.
CDM #6 Ebrah Corr. Age 33.
LM #17 Buzwe Ntshona. Age 29.
CM #8 Carl Stieber. Age 31(Equestrian States). Captain.
RM #7 Karamba Tityana. Age 26.
LAM #10 Mangaliso Mandela. Age 36.
RAM #14 Ermias Dibaba. Age 29.
ST #9 Dingindawo Pokwana. Age 35.

9. Koszagard City
Manager: Karafa Dibba. Age 44. Third season at club.
Formation; 4-2-4.
GK #1 Mantek Ranwa. Age 29(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Abdoulaye Condé. Age 23.
CB #5 Karamo Bajo. Age 21.
CB #4 Suntukung Sohna. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed out of Moravica Regional Academy.
LB #3 Wendimu Retta. Age 30.
CM #8 Thamsanqa Pukwana. Age 34. Captain.
CM #14 Sizamile Siganeko. Age 33.
LW #11 Mzwakhe Siwani. Age 30.
RS #9 Reza Freydooni. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
LS #10 Victor Frost. Age 34(Ethane).
RW #7 Manlafi Singhateh. Age 23.

10. Nezrouch Rovers
Manager: Alberto Cuandro(Age 64). Amazonesta. Sixth season as manager at the club.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK #1 Zigar Singh. Age 35(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Jamaal el-Akhtar. Age 36(Busoga Islands). Captain.
CB #15 Sirvan Rahnema. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
CB #29 Aziz Dehghan. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
LB #3 Ala al-Din Mahomet El-Hashem. Age 27(Al Qurija)
CM #8 Jallal Abbasi. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
CM #18 Osman Baykal. Age 19(Busoga Islands). 1st season at club. Signed from Islander Regional Academy.
CAM #10 Logan Mabiala. Age 25.
LW #11 Dileep Fulzele. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
ST #12 Arjun Singh. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
RW #7 Masud Latif. Age 31(Busoga Islands).

11. Taramazna United.
Manager: Yasser Qadir. Age 69(Al-Qurija). Sixth season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Njongo Jabavu. Age 30.
RB #2 Yekile Nzo. Age 34.
CB #5 Sevgi Inal. 20 years old(Busoga Islands). 1st season at club. Signed from Islander Regional Academy. (Female)
CB #4 Fanding Jobateh. Age 24.
LB #3 Parviz Blourian. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
RM #7 Bayou Melkamu. Age 21.
CM #14 Mzwandile Tyali. Age 36
CM #8 Baboucar Daramy. Age 22.
LM #23 Bekila Abdime. Age 24.
LS #9 Natalie Lachman. Age 19(Silver Beach). Female.
RS #12 Qondile Gomay. Age 28.

12. Tripoli Foresters
Manager: Josiah Buba(Busoga Islands). 47 years old. Former Banijan men's national team player. Sixth season as coach. Born & raised in Tripoli.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Kylian Jawara. Age 24(Busoga Islands).
RB #2 Karim Shahi. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
CB #5 Gul Dall. Age 29(twin brother of Sahar Dall). (Busoga Islands)
CB #4 Sahar Dall. Age 29(twin brother of Gul Dall). (Busoga Islands)
LB #13 Raj Potrick. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
LM #17 Kiran Sapar. Age 23(Busoga Islands).
CM #8 Juba Marakinda. Age 21(Banija/Eshan dual national).
CM #10 Qusay Binyamin Ajam. Age 27(Al Qurija). Captain.
RM #7 Saikou Darboe. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed out of Moravica Regional Academy.
RS #9 Nese Celebi. Age 22(Busoga Islands). Female. 1st season at club. Played two years at Northern Moravica University before deciding to go pro.
LS #11 Samsor Lanjwani. Age 30(Busoga Islands).

Lower Coastal League
1. Kabakono City
Manager: Jared Clotterman. Age 37(Schottia). Former player for the Isipongo Flash.Second Season as manager.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Karafa Touray. Age 30.
RB #12 Hagos Zewedu. Age 22.
CB #4 Fumnanya Chukwuma. Age 27.
CB #5 Paboy Mansaré. Age 23.
LB #2 John Balong. Age 27.
RM #11 Senay Dejene. Age 30.
CM #10 Oby Uchee. Age 24.
CM #8 Bahij Wafi Saab. Age 34(Al Qurija). Captain.
LM #7 Olcayto Aldemir. Age 19(Busoga Islands). Signed from Islander Regional Academy.
RS #10 Sajo Dieye. Age 27.
LS #9 Yivix-Nexev Opu. Age 19(Qusmo).

2. Abomfa United.
Manager: Jongwe Diindingwe. Age 66. 7th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Mbingeleli Mhlaba. Age 26.
RB #21 Lemuel Elshaday. Age 28(Busoga Islands).
CB #30 Chinwendu Ibezimako. Age 21.
LB #25 Nyaniso Thovela. Age 24.
CDM #24 Jongikhaya Nqakula. Age 28.
RM #17 Baturou Danso. Age 26.
LM #31 Hardy Pedersen. Age 29(Equestrian States). Captain.
CAM #34 Paulos Bogale. Age 20.
RW #39 Mpumelelo Najeke. Age 28,
ST #9 Beselot Aman. Age 22.
LW #45 Sidima Ngubenani. Age 25.

3. Baleweye Football Club
Manager: Lukas Bornas. 69 years old. 11th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3 false nine
GK #1 Bassam Harith Boulos. Age 27(Al Qurija).
RB #2 Paboy Saidykhan. Age 32.
CB #5 Baboucar Ba. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from Ankole Regional Academy.
CB #4 Elgin Boztepe. Age 19(Busoga Islands). 1st season at Club. Signed from Islander Regional Academy. Female.
LB #3 Jombo Ogoo. Age 25.
CDM #14 Bouba Ceesay. Age 29.
RCM #18 Cyper Corr. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from Ankole Regional Academy. Member of DBC 47 Championship team.
LCM #8 Nirav Pat. Age 27(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Kebaneilwe Omolemo. Age 25.
LW #7 Alec Pogbranovic. Age 21(Eshan).
RW #11 Mohammed Beatar. Age 27.

4. Zakuta City
Manager: Al Thompson. 69 years old. 13th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3.
GK #1 Isaac Ngulu. Age 23.
RB #2 Wassa Thiaw. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed out of Ankole Regional Academy.
CB #4 Petros Obi Joas. Age 21.
LB #3 Karafa Sarr. Age 19(Busoga Islands/Equestria dual-national). 1st season at club. Signed out of Ankole Regional Academy.
RM #17 Baturou Jawara. Age 38. Captain.
CM #18 Yohannes Asmelash. Age 29.
CM #14 Ugonna Uche. Age 27.
LM #11 Idris Nur ad-Din Naaji. Age 28(Al Qurija)
RW #7 Ablan Jaye. Age 22.
ST #9 Madu Okparra. Age 25.
LW #19 Sirach Gaye. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed out of Ankole Regional Academy.

5. Djoro Athletic
Manager: Pilate Esters. 59 years old. 8th season at club.
Formation: 4-5-1 Diamond.
GK #1 Aron Hassan. Age 28.
RB #2 Lafi Ngum. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.
CB #5 Anders Janssen. Age 30(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
CB #4 Laity Touré. Age 21.
LB #3 Orjea Agu. Age 25.
RM #17 Karafa Ngum. Age 36. Captain.
RCM #14 Tolla Amde. Age 20.
CM #8 Wasa Conateh. Age 18. 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.
LCM #18 Robert Kabuja. Age 22.
LM #19 Baturu Njie. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.
CF#9 Rasheed Munir Al-Mufti. Age 34(Al Qurija)

6. Ogbordu Diamond Football Club
Manager: Lionel Bosta(Amazonesta). Age 53, 3rd season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Yankubah Colley. Age 31.
RWB #2 Chinwe Akabueze. Age 26.
RCB #5 Chijioke Okorie. Age 26.
CB #4 Izuchukwu Zebenjo. Age 27.
LCB #3 Sama Mboob. Age 33.
LWB #20 Orji Mazzi. Age 25.
RM #7 Kabiru Mendy. Age 24.
CM #10 Bassi Kayode. Age 25.
CM #8 Obasey Jideofor. Age 26.
LM #11 Wassa Kairaba. Age 35. Captain.
CF#9 Umar Thamir Nagi. Age 29(Al Qurija)

7. Nsade United.
Manager: Mbasi Niang. Age 49. Female. 3rd season at club. 1st ever female manager in the RBSA on a co-ed team.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Ostis Pialo. Age 21(Sticiano).
RB #2 Chydea Ijeawele. Age 25.
CB #5 Chima Ekenedilichukwu. Age 24.
CB #4 Awa Sene. Age 20. Female.
LB #3 Issa Tegene. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.
LM #7 Amanuel Selassie. Age 22.
CM #10 Thembalethu Mthobeni. Age 35. Captain.
CM #8 Sonwabo Najeke. Age 35.
RM #17 Yakuba Guissé. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.
RS #11 Maduabuchim Ndulu. Age 24.
LS #9 Finnr Beckert. Age 22(Equestrian States)

8. AFC Akwadua
Manager: Kidane Chirkos. 55 years old. 6th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Sutay Sowe. Age 27.
RB #2 Laity Corr. Age 26.
CB #5 Chidie Obyke. Age 26.
LB #3 Sajo Marong. Age 23.
CDM #4 Ya Kambi. Age 29.
RM #8 Aramata Condeh. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed out of Ankole Regional Academy.
LM #7 Alanso Jallow. Age 35. Captain.
CAM #10 Abigail Admassu. Age 19. Female. 1st season at club. Signed out of Kitara Regional Academy. Member of DBC 47 Championship Team.
RW #11 Mohammed Ogunsola. Age 27(Busoga Islands).
ST #9 Wandi Jagne. Age 27.
LW #19 Sara Yieshak. Age 25. Female. Graduate of the University of Moravica.

9. Kitara Athletic Society
Manager: Harold Lisle. 59 years old. 12th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK #1 Luzuko Botile. Age 36.
RB #2 Sulayman Keita. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Ankole Regional Academy.
CB #5 Mnyamezeli Ntlokwana. Age 35. Captain.
CB #4 Kawsu Mboge. Age 20 1st season at club. Signed from the Ankole Regional Academy.
LB #3 Idirissa Guiss. Age 23.
RM #17 Obasi Chinasa. Age 22.
CM #10 Lifa Tyali. Age 35.
LM #19 Fundani Mabandla. Age 35.
LW #11 Jonathan Rosenstein. Age 19(Silver Beach). 1st season at club. Signed from the Aksum Regional Academy.
ST #12 Daba Kuta. Age 21.
RW #7 Madu Okparra. Age 25.

10. Kwadama Dojo
Manager: Kiggwe Spanos. 41 years old. Son of Rukunbi FC manager Teague Spanos. 3rd season at club.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
GK #1. Frederick Beech. Age 37. Captain.
RB #21 Ceylan Hussein. Age 25(Busoga Islands). Female. 1st season at club. Graduate of the Islamic University of Busoga.
CB #3 Chizoba Madukaife. Age 26.
CB #4 Xolani Ntini. Age 26.
LB #22 Biran Ogunsola. Age 22.
RM #17 Ejigu Meekhbeb. Age 29.
CM #14 Mũrĩranja Nyoike. Age 36
CM #15 Markos Ghidewon. Age 21.
LM #11 Mũhũri Wachira. Age 35.
CF #12 Gibril Jarju. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.
ST #9 Hassan Dione. Age 19. (Busoga Islands/Equestria dual-national). 1st season at club. Signed from the Kitara Regional Academy.

11. Mamari City
Manager: Noah Chernebereck. Age 41. 2nd season at club. Former assistant at Hawabark Boulders in the BSL.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Desta Zalelew. Age 25. 2nd season at club. (rookie.)
RB #2 Ilman Savaneh. Age 26.
CB #5 Bulelani Komani. Age 36. Captain.
CB #4 Sedef Talay. Age 19(Busoga Islands/Equestria dual-national). 1st season at club. Signed from Ankole Regional Academy. (Female)
LB #3 Sawan Zantye. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
RM #17 Melumzi Kolisi. Age 32.
CM #18 Ndothusile Mandela. Age 33.
CM #14 Andile Sandile. Age 33.
LM #11 Mthuthuzeli Mbeki. Age 32.
RS #9 Anil Sakar. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
LS #11 Menas Bara. Age 38.

12. Dimbogourou Sporting Club
Manager: Andrew Less. 64 years old. 7th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Hank Llordan. 36 years old. Captain.
RB #2 Ifean Chikwu. Age 24.
CB #5 Uchechi Ijea. Age 25.
LB #3 Chuks Okparra. Age 23.
CDM #4 Ibezi Mako. Age 29.
RM #17 Mxolisi Thovela. Age 33.
LM #11 Bantu Qoboza. Age 34.
CAM #10 Fekadu Belendia. Age 21.
RW #7 Amazu Jelaney. Age 23.
ST #9 Sabelo Ngxanga. Age 35.
LW #19 Chibueze Yobachukwu. Age 25.

Northern League
1. Cerenus United
Manager: Teoflyos Asres. 67 years old. 9th season at club.
Formation: 3-5-2.
GK #1 Azah Ewale. Age 26.
RB #2 Kabiru Sowe. Age 21.
CB #5 Naseer Ashfaq Alfarsi. Age 31(Al Qurija)
LB #3 Nkechi Ogbonnia. Age 23.
RM #17 Sirif Jassey. Age 21.
CDM #15 Thomas Kinchie. Age 18(Schottia). 2nd season at club. Came to club on free transfer from Stalker Bay(Schottia).
CM #14 Madou Okella. Age 22.
CM #18 Yama Dabo. Age 22.
LM #11 Xolile Kani. Age 35. Captain.
RS #9 Sulayman Guiss. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Aksum Regional Academy.
LS #7 Ifeatu Chika. Age 28.

2. Garixas City
Manager: Thembinkosi Siwani. Age 48. 8th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Tinkarun Naonlingun. Age 19(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
RWB #2 Halim Obea. Age 24.
RCB #21 Bantu Mvovo. Age 34. Captain.
CB #5 Sani Jameel Hussain. Age 26(Al Qurija)
LCB #17 Dikgakgamatso Mosweni. Age 23.
LWB #3 Sarah Kargbo. Age 20. 2nd season at club- second season of a now 3 season loan from Aissa United.
RM #11 Nfansu Touré. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed out of Hangaza Regional Academy
CM #14 Tapiwa Lenthabetse. Age 27.
CM #18 Sulayman Dieye. Age 22. 2nd season at club. Signed out of Hangaza Regional Academy by Jinja City FC- second season of a 2 season loan from Jinja City FC.
LM #7 Galeage Omphile. Age 26.
CF #9 Jebel Ndour. Age 21. 2nd season at club. Signed out of Hangaza Regional Academy.

3. Koksho City
Manager: Adamu Demessie. Age 55. 7th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Abel Amare. Age 19.
RB #2 Rizwan Sulaiman Ahmad. Age 30(Al Qurija). Captain.
CB #5 Baluta Mendy. Age 21.
CB #4 Emeka Jelan. Age 25.
LB #3 Obasee Uchechi. Age 26.
RM #11 Nwankwo Chukwu. Age 29.
CM #14 Ziko Akuchi. Age 24.
CM #18 Constantin Mouktar. Age 27.
LM #7 Roberto Tsothe. Age 31.
RS #9 Chuks Uzochi. Age 25.
LS #11 Tirelo Tiiso. Age 28.

4. Nanami Dragons
Manager: Nyaniso Mazwai. 61 years old. 10th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Madoda Jabavu. Age 37
RB #2 Amat Gassama. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Hangaza Regional Academy.
CB #5 Mabhuti Makwetu. Age 34. Captain.
CB #4 Jibril Kouyaté. Age 22. 2nd season at club. Signed by Jinja City FC out of the Hangaza Regional Academy. On a second one year loan from Jinja City FC.
LB #3 Boutros Hussain Kader. Age 25(Al Qurija)
LM #8 Chinasa Munachiso. Age 29.
CM #6 Amazu Udeg. Age 27.
CM #10 Isago Pusoetsile. Age 25.
LM #11 Sevet-Blonz Wek. Age 18(Qusmo).
RS #11 Sarah Baldeg. Age 20(Banija/Equestria dual-national). (Female). 1st season at club. Signed from the Hangaza Regional Academy.
LS #9 Stella Baldeg. Age 18(Banija/Equestria dual-national). (Female). 1st season at club. Signed from the Hangaza Regional Academy.

5. Duntho Sporting Club
Manager: Chydey Obasey. 45 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Carson Coleman. Age 20(Union of Quincy). 2nd season at club. Came on free transfer from Shin Yu United(Union of Quincy).
RB #2 Kenosi Moreri. Age 24.
CB #5 Chinese Chi. Age 27.
CB #6 Njaũ Waita. Age 36. Captain.
LB #3 Morwadi Tsholofe. Age 25.
RM #11 Lekgotla Mofhenyi. Age 25.
CM #13 Thaddeus Mutebi. Age 24.
CM #10 Rasim Murtaza El-Amin. Age 29(Al Qurija)
LM #7 Kimaru Njoroge. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Hangaza Regional Academy.
RS #9 Radek Lawniczak. Age 24(Soute).
LS #12 Lamarr Watkins. Age 16(Cobrio). 1st season at club.

6. Okakameb City
Manager: Ekene Chee. 46 years old, 3rd season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3 attacking.
GK #1 Retta Paulos. Age 33.
RB #2 Sabelo Mbeki. Age 32.
CB#4 Obasey Ogbonna. Age 24.
CB #5 Matanzima Ndodana. Age 36. Captain.
LB #3 Alan Turbo. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Hangaza Regional Academy.
CM #8 Hatabu Biri. Age 21.
CM #6 Lallo Daramy. Age 21.
CAM #10 Faraba Touré. Age 21.
RW #7 Kumba Marong. Age 21.
ST #9 Ontlametse Motheo. Age 25.
LW #11 Mabhuti Komani. Age 35.

7. AFC Kosactus.
Manager: Elijah Bryan. Age 57. 10th year at club.
Formation: 3-5-2.
GK #1 Jacob Yusai. Age 31.
RB #2 Amadou Jawara. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Aksum Regional Academy.
CB #5 Chukwudi Oby. Age 30.
LB #4 Ayele Gizaw. Age 27.
RDM #18 Ebrahima Kandeh. Age 23.
LDM #14 Ismaela Guissé. Age 25.
LM #17 Rebatho Magosi. Age 36. Captain.
RM #8 Lama Diouf. Age 24.
CAM #8 Alaji Ouattara. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Hangaza Regional Academy.
RS #10 Roi Rodela. Age 27(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
LS #9 Cody Ichibashi. Age 17(Xiaolin). 1st season at club.

8. AFC Okahavi
Manager: Markos Yideg. 69 years old. 7th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Nebiyou Alemayehu. Age 35. Captain.
RB #2 Arno Regnard. Age 31(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
CB #5 Yessuf Hailu. Age 35.
LB #3 Nenge Kabange. Age 25.
CDM #8 Malik Ndiaye. Age 20.
LM #6 Siyaya Dandala. Age 29.
RM #19 Zukisani Mtoto. Age 30.
CAM #10 Ed Maestri. Age 27(Equestrian States).
LW #11 Lafi Faye. Age 20.
ST #9 Madoda Kwenkwe. Age 28.
RW #7 Shemsia Yaee. Age 24.

9. Luguyala Patriots
Manager: Kidane Einku. Age 66. 11th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Beluchi Obasey. Age 25.
RWB #2 Mbingeleli Makwetu. Age 34.
RCB #3 Zere Tedros. Age 26.
CB #5 Lemuel Kebede. Age 27.
LCB #4 Nqabisile Mda. Age 35.
LWB #6 Jacob Asres. Age 25.
RM #17 Amazu Chikelu. Age 25.
CM #8 Abdullahi Abanda. Age 26.
CM #14 Paulos Mulugeta. Age 25.
LM #11 Dumile Siwani. Age 34. Captain.
ST #9 Mathéo Dika. Age 26.

10. Gadive City
Manager: Ngozi Okafo. 47 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3.
GK #1 Armani Kaleb. Age 25. Female. 2nd season at club. Graduate from Wild Valley University.
RB #2 Matos Chernebereck. 25 years old.
CB #21 Abdel Selassie. 28 years old.
CB #29 Motuma Abdella. 26 years old.
LB #3 Vile Thovela. Age 34. Captain.
RM #7 Elsa Jawara. Age 21. First season at club. Played one season at University of Ankole.
CM #6 Melesse Tesfahun. Age 24.
LM #8 Ibea Buch. Age 26.
LW #11 Jamie Nde. Age 23.
ST #9 Fara Sohna. Age 21. 1st season at club. Signed out of Hangaza Regional Academy.
RW #12 Grégory Mvondo. Age 27.

11. Thayaferu United
Manager: Liben Dessalegne. 61 years old. 7th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond.
GK #1 Lebna Werkneh. Age 24.
RB #2 Fikre Nahum. Age 29.
CB #5 Kiros Yieshak. Age 25. Twin brother of Tedros Yieshak.
CB #4 Tedros Yieshak. Age 25. Twin brother of Kiros Yieshak.
LB #3 Emeka Ndidi. Age 26.
CDM #6 Jelan Okparo. Age 27.
RM #7 Mzwakhe Ntini. 37 years old. Captain.
LM #11 Siphelele Xingwana. 23 years old.
CAM #10 Zandisile Siganeko. 30 years old. Son of Xolisa Siganeko.
RS #8 Luyolo Makinana. 35 years old.
LS #9 Makuto Diouf. Age 20.

12. Selekawe Knights.
Manager: Raphael Ezana. 46 years old. 2nd season at club. Former assistant at Lakiska SC.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Thokgamo Gaolathe. Age 29.
RB #2 Fungile Calata. Age 29.
CB #5 Maikutlo Tumelano. Age 26.
CB #4 Asrat Atatafi. Age 29.
LB #3 Thusego Tshenolo. Age 30.
RM #17 Goitseone Sebaga. Age 29.
CM #14 Emerta Sito. Age 27.
CM #18 Ousman Sohna. Age 19(Banija/Busoga Islands dual-national). 1st season at club. Signed from the Aksum Regional Academy.
LM #7 Ookeditse Mothudi. Age 35. Captain.
RS #9 Theofilo Loeto. Age 28.
LS #00 Sesupo Kenanao. Age 27.

Southern League
1. Bwubanza City Soccer Club.
Manager: Chika Oluchi. 47 years old. 4th season at club.
Formation: 3-1-3-3
GK #1 Bobby MIkelson. Age 25(Mercedini).
RB #14 Belaye Asres. Age 28.
CB #4 Wasif Chraïbi. Age 24(Busoga Islands).
LB #18 Uchea Chuks. Age 30.
CDM #21 Mazi Chinweuba. Age 28.
RM #17 Assi Fassil. Age 24.
CM #18 Odion Obasea. Age 31.
LM #12 Chika Akachi. Age 30.
RW #7 Jelani Orjey. Age 29.
ST #9 Manasses Teshome. Age 34. Captain.
LW #11 Torrey Mugabe. Age 28.

2. Sororo City
Manager: Italo Cola. Age 59(Juvencus). 6th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-3 Diamond.
GK #1 Zikora DoDimma. Age 21.
RB #2 Okechukwu Jelani. Age 20.
CB #5 Ami Biri. Age 25(Banija/Busoga Islands dual national). (Female). 2nd season at club. Graduate from The Islamic University of Busoga.
LB #3 Jerold Ferguson. Age 32(Equestrian States). Captain.
CDM #6 Sutay Camara. Age 26.
RM #17 Kamara Hairte. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Bunyoro Regional Academy.
LM #11 Mus'ad Asad Abdulrashid. Age 30(Al Qurija)
CAM #10 Netali Rosenberg. Age 32(Silver Beach). Female. 1st season at club.
RW #7 Bailo Camara. Age 34.
ST #9 Obea Dike. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Bunyoro Regional Academy.
LW #20 Ixaka Hamutal. Age 33(Silver Beach). 2nd season at club.

3. Umbazi FA
Manager: Isa Guissé. 50 years old. 7th season at club.
Formation: 5-4-1
GK #1 Abigail Naoed. Age 25. 1st season at club. Graduate of Kizza I College.
RWB #2 Sirif Njie. Age 24.
RB #4 Paoboy Sesay. Age 26.
CB #5 Gisbert Irving. Age 33(Equestrian States). Captain.
LB #6 Wandi Singhateh. Age 25.
LWB #3 Bubacar Kah. Age 24.
RM #17 Kausu Suso. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from Buganda Regional Academy.
CM #14 Lazari Di Campata. Age 22(Sticiano).
CM #18 Ekwueme Obasie. Age 29.
LM #11 ZeMicahel Susenyos. Age 22.
CF #9 Zaki Hameed Karimi. Age 26(Al Qurija)

4. Pumbasa Bears
Manager: Edrissa Condeh. 64 years old. 6th season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2.
GK #1 Mekuria Negus. Age 24.
RB #2 Onuchukwu Chydie. Age 28.
CB #5 Thorley Ralston. Age 26(Equestrian States).
CB #4 Kabiru Ngum. Age 36. Captain.
LB #3 Ermias Aregawi. Age 25.
RM #11 Narciso Campo. Age 28(Al Qurija)
CM #10 Anwar Trefe. Age 26.
CM #14 Jalal Idrissi. Age 22(Busoga Islands).
LM #17 Fabba Fadika. Age 31.
RS #9 Kunta Ogoo. Age 32.
LS #12 Esra Einku. Age 22.

5. Dodoma City SC
Manager: Yohannes Wagaye. Age 48. 3rd season at club.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK #1 Selam Lemma. Age 24
RB #2 Alemu Mebreatu. Age 22.
CB #5 Kenshin Joshizawa. Age 26(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
CB #4 Chioke Uchie. Age 21. 1st season at club. Signed by Bunyoro RSC out of the Bunyoro Regional Academy. On second consecutive single season loan to Dodoma City SC. Member of DBC 47 Championship Team.
LB #3 Yankubah Thiaw. Age 25.
RDM #6 Alfred Cooper. Age 32(Equestrian States). Captain.
LDM #13 Sirak Hailu. Age 23.
LAM #8 Raphael Senay. Age 27.
CAM #10 Boro Kabba. Age 26.
RAM #11 Luthando Gaika. Age 27.
CF #9 Botros Hanif Saqqaf. Age 34(Al Qurija)

6. Busemlu Park SC
Manager: Jonathan Hamilton(Silver Beach). Age 48. 4th season at club.
Formation: 4-3-3 Defensive.
GK #1 Luthando Gaika. Age 27.
RB #2 Ugonna Okeli. Age 21.
CB #5 Gizaw Negasi. Age 27. Twin Brother of Lema Negasi.
CB #4 Lema Negasi. Age 27. Twin Brother of Gizaw Negasi.
LB #3 Bouba Savaneh. Age 21. 2nd season at club. Signed by Mynda Electra out of Aksum Regional Academy, on second season of two season loan to Busemlu Park SC.
CDM #6 Chibuzo Chidie. Age 20.
RCM #14 Fion Fiedler. Age 28(New Cloudsdale)
LCM #18 Bai Sanyang. Age 33. Captain.
RW #11 Asrat Daniachew. Age 24.
ST #10 Pateh Coulibaly. Age 27.
LW #7 Mengistu Kebede. Age 26.

7. Boufaya Ravens
Manager: Esra Tamrat. Age 56. Third season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Foday Kuyateh. Age 34. Captain.
RB #2 Zakhele Nokwe. Age 30.
CB #5 Sonwabile Botile. Age 31.
CB #4 Ijeawele Jelanie. Age 22.
LB #3 Dumisani Vavi. Age 28.
RM #11 Chinasa Uzoch. Age 21. Female.
CM #8 Jato Kolley. Age 27.
CM #14 Iyoas Aman. Age 25.
LM #7 Pa Mansaré. Age 25(Busoga Islands).
RS #9 Elesbaan Tesfaye. Age 28.
LS #12 Abebe Gebre. Age 24.

8. Mukegara Warriors
Manager: Lwazi Feza. 45 years old. 3rd 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 Cebo Bhekizizwe. Age 24.
RB #2 Leonard Thulasizwe. Age 27.
CB #5 Sarah S'kulekile. Age 25(Female).
CB #4 Janet Mgwazeni. Age 27(Female).
LB #6 Fokazi Dundu. Age 35. Captain.
RM #11 Iwe Samkange. Age 34.
CM #14 Lungelo Ntlokwana. Age 22. 1st season at club. Rookie.
CM #18 Impi Zishwezi. Age 25.
LM #7 Senzile Matshikiza. Age 23. 1st season at club. Rookie.
RS #9 Vala Mkhumbuleni. Age 29(Female).
LS #10 Busiso Muzikayise. Age 21. 1st season at club. Rookie.

9. The Lwanga Lions.
Manager: Songezo Calata. Age 44. 1st season at club. Former assistant manager at the Hoima Warriors. Graduate of the joint Fuzpon Qusma-RBSA-BISA Coaching Academy.
Starters: 4-2-1-3
GK #1 Eric Tarbowza. Age 27.
RB #2 Eider Ishikawa. Age 21(Kita-Hinode). 1st season at club. Signed out of Basque University in Kita-Hinode.
CB #4 Idirissa Dieye. Age 27.
CB #5 Karamba Camara. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Buganda Regional Academy.
LB #6 Jato Ceesay. Age 27.
RCM #20 Ablanjaye Guiss. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Bunyoro Regional Academy.
LCM #25 Karamba Fatty. Age 26(Busoga Islands).
CAM #10 Demba Ceesay. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Buganda Regional Academy.
LW #7 Phineas Antwell. Age 27(Cosumar)
ST #9 Karamba Biri. Age 25.
RW #11 Samba Singateh. Age 28.

10. Amaku City FC
Manager: Kirabo Besigye. 54 years old. 8th season at club.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
GK #1 Lelissa Lencho. Age 19. 1st season at club. Signed from the Bunyoro Regional Academy.
RB #2 Matanzima Ntsokwana. Age 24.
CB #5 Koofrey Orjie. Age 33. Captain.
LB #3 Madu Akubundu. Age 22. 1st season at club.
RM #11 Chiamaka Ifeany. Age 21. Female.
CM #14 Bouba Ngum. Age 25.
CM #18 Barnabas Negus. Age 28.
LM #17 Ifammah Zebenjo. Age 21. Female.
CAM #10 Chukwuma Akubundu. Age 29.
RS #9 Mazo Okoye. Age 22.
LS #12 Saihou Jammeh. Age 25.

11. Byakado City
Manager: Mesuli Sontonga. 45 years old. 3rd season at club.
Formation: 5-1-2-1-1
GK #1 Yuuzou Arare. Age 17(Osarius). 1st season at club. Female.
RWB #2 Chibuzo Chydy. Age 36. Captain.
RCB #5 Uzoma Uchey. Age 22.
CB #4 Karamba Kayode. Age 25.
LCB #3 Yonas Dula. Age 26.
LWB #6 Okechukwu Chineze. Age 21.
CDM #8 Gerol-Kresp Yet. Age 20(Qusmo).
RM #11 Jelanee Chinelo. Age 35.
LM #7 Lamin Turay. Age 20. 1st season at club. Signed from the Bunyoro Regional Academy.
CAM #10 Bekele Dawit. Age 25.
CF #9 Ilman Sowe. Age 25.

12. Kigagana Mountaineers
Manager: Ekene Afamefula Jr. 46 years old. Son of previous manager. 3rd season at club.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK #1 Randall Kabunka. Age 27.
RB #2 Masane Touray. Age 26.
CB #5 Ishmael Lachman. Age 19(Silver Beach). Twin brother of Natalie Lachman.
CB #4 Naveen Tayal. Age 20(Busoga Islands).
LB #3 Isaak Ledman. Age 29(Ko-oren). 1st season at club.
RM #7 Bassirou Kandeh. Age 29.
CM #18 Mzukisi Yoyo. Age 26.
CM #14 Dalumzi Jabavu. Age 27.
LM #11 Samba Kaba. Age 29.
RS #10 Jelanee Chinuah. Age 37. Captain.
LS #9 Addo Ndiaye. Age 29.

HOIMA, ANKOLE- What are the highlights for this summer? Well, of course, with the IFCF up and running, it was the preliminaries of international club competition! IFCF competition, as well as the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, Cygnus Cup Winners Cup, and the Vilitan Cove International all kicked off in the summer. It was quite the summer for Banijan clubs. Let's get right into it!

And without further ado... Your summer roundup!

1. Jinja City FC

IFCF Champions League Preliminary Rounds
Jinja City FC earned a bye from the First and Second Preliminary Rounds. Will enter competition in the Champions Path.
Third Preliminary Round- Champions Path
Opponent- Duncanshire FC of Melayu Archipelago. First Leg: Jinja City 2-1 Duncanshire FC. Second Leg: Duncanshire FC 0-3 Jinja City. 
Jinja City FC advance 5-1 on aggregate to the Playoff Round of the Champions League. Duncanshire are eliminated from the Champions League and advance to the Playoff Round of the Challenger's Cup.
Playoff Round- Champions Path
Opponent- AC Pomena of Juvencus. First Leg: Jinja City 0-0 AC Pomena. Second Leg: AC Pomena 0-2 Jinja City.
Jinja City FC advance 2-0 on aggregate to the group stages of the Champions League. AC Pomena are eliminated from the Champions League and advance to the group stages of the Challenger's Cup.
Atlantian Oceania Champions League
Jinja City FC earned a bye from the AOCL Preliminary Rounds, into the competition proper. Therefore, did not compete in the summer in this competition.

And to start off with the defending champions! The former Pasarga national team manager and Copa Rushmor winner Mór Császár led Jinja City to a league title in his first season at the helm, and now they come looking for international success. The base goal? Of course, reach the group stages of the inaugural IFCF Champions League. The goal behind that? Reach the knockout stages of the IFCF Champions League. Herzegovina City remains the only Banijan club to ever reach the UICA Champions Cup group stages, and now in the successor competition, Jinja City looks to follow in their footsteps. They were helped, of course, by earning a bye from the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, meaning a little less fixture congestion for the offseason. They also got byes from the first two preliminary rounds of the IFCF Champions League, meaning they'd enter via the Champions path at the Third Preliminary Round.

Their opponent for the Third Preliminary Round was Duncanshire FC, of the Melayu Archipelago. Now, many of us may not be familiar with the Melayu Archipelago- But their champion had put on a good show in the IFCF Champions League so far. They played all the way back in the First Preliminary Round of this competition, and took Polkopia's champions, FC Dovogo, to the cleaners, winning 4-0 in the first leg in Polkopia, putting the tie to bed before it was even halfway done. In the Second Preliminary Round of this competition, they came to the Glorious Southwest to take on the Cloudsdale Flyers, of Equestria. And they pulled off a big upset, earning a stunning 1-0 win in Cloudsdale before finishing the job with a 2-0 win at home. So while this wasn't a major team yet, Jinja City FC was wary going into the tie. Mór Császár told reporters that even though his squad were favorites, that 'absolutely nothing' could be taken for granted in a competition as important as this.

So when Jinja City FC came out for the first leg, at a packed BCEL Stadium, they were ready. They were focused and driven, and wanted to put their opponents to the sword early on. Jinja City started off aggressively- Xilit-Yazac hit the crossbar in just the 5th minute, showing everybody that the game was indeed, truly on. New signing from the capitol, Garvan Braehead, was able to force a spectacular diving save from Duncanshire's goalkeeper in the 11th minute. But it would only be a matter of moments before Banija's standard bearers could score. A shot on goal from Vatan Ercetin in the 19th minute was parried to the side, but reigning Di Bradini Cup champion Musa Gaye was there for the rebound, slotting it into the bottom corner and giving Jinja City a 1-0 lead, his first goal at BCEL Stadium. Ercetin doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 30th minute, and things were going great until they conceded, on a corner kick, in the 70th minute. Duncanshire only trailed by one and had their away goal, meaning they'd only need one goal to knock off Jinja City. But Jinja City held in the Archipelago. Their defense was suffocating for the first half, and as Duncanshire continued to stretch themselves, Jinja City's counter-attacking prowess was fully on display. Three counter-attacking goals in the second leg, from Ercetin, Xilit-Yazac, and Jinkzta Ulcviecel, saw them win the second leg 3-0 and advance 5-1, on aggregate.

That meant there was just one two-legged tie left, in the Playoff Round, between Jinja City and the Champions League group stages. Their opponent would be AC Pomena of Juvencus. An interesting draw- AC Pomena being a talented side, in and of themselves. The Sonnel club is an interesting one to follow. Of course, the Campionato di Juvencus just passed a rule only allowing talent from Juvencus, Al-Qurija, and Oscioru to play in their league. So basically, the league is strictly locally based players. That stands in stark contrast to Jinja City, who in this upcoming season will have players from 8 different nations in their starting XI. AC Pomena's attack centers on Patxi Etxeberria, who scored an astonishing 36 goals in league play, just shy of a goal per game. Jinja City's strategy, naturally, focused on shutting him down. Even with the veterans at center back, they were able to shut him down in both legs, and especially in the first leg. They didn't allow him any sort of space to operate, with Jalang Ba, Jio Eyawanifamni, and Jinkzta Ulcviecel shadowing him the entire time.

That left JInja City as the aggressor in the first leg, which was at BCEL Park. However, even though they did not concede the away goal, they couldn't break down their opponents in front of their own fans either. The Ercetin to Xilit-Zaxac connection that was the engine of their title run last season, was snuffed out. AC Pomena was well disciplined in the back- they seemed to know what Jinja City wanted to do. In the second leg, of course, a home win for AC Pomena would knock Jinja City down to the IFCF Challenger's Cup. But that's not what they wanted to happen. Both Ercetin and Xilit-Zaxac were having trouble finding space to operate, and Iiro Pakanen had to make a number of important saves to keep his side in the game. But on a corner kick that was earned largely against the run of play, Theresa Lubalo bent in almost a perfect ball to find the head of the reigning league MVP, Xilit-Zaxac Yol, who smashed it home into the upper corner. It was 1-0 50 minutes in, and considering the away goals rule, that meant the home side would need to score twice to eliminate Jinja City. They came hard after them, but a counter-attacking goal by Marcus Rose in the 65th took the wind out of AC Pomena's sails, and buried the tie. The game finished 2-0, and that put Jinja City FC into the IFCF Champions League group stages for the first time ever. It won't be easy there, however- they will be in a group with Tanrısal of Pasarga, Olympia FC of Eastfield Lodge, and Sabrefell Athletic of Nephara. Could they shock the world in that brutal group?

2. Herzegovina City FC

IFCF Champions League Preliminary Rounds
Herzegovina City FC earned a bye from the First and Second Preliminary Rounds. Will enter competition in the Non-Champions Path.
Third Preliminary Round- Non Champions Path
Opponent- Kingsgrove of Brenecia. First Leg: Kingsgrove 3-1 Herzegovina City. Second Leg: Herzegovina City 0-0 Kingsrove.
Kingsgrove advances to the Playoff Round of the Champions League, 3-1 on aggregate. Herzegovina City is eliminated from the Champions League and advances to the Challenger's Cup Playoff Round.
IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Playoff Round
Opponent- Utica United of Osarius. First Leg: Utica United 1-4 Herzegovina City. Second Leg: Utica United 2-1 Herzegovina City.
Herzegovina City FC advances to the Challenger's Cup Qualifying Round, 5-3 on aggregate. Utica is eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.
Qualifying Round
Opponent- Dí Maozöxê of Farfadillis. First Leg: Herzegovina City 2-0 Dí Maozöxê. Second Leg: Dí Maozöxê 1-0 Herzegovina City. 
Herzegovina City FC advances to the Challenger's Cup Group Stages.

Over the past 10 seasons, there is no doubt that Herzegovina City has been Banija's most prestigious and celebrated club. 5 league titles in 10 seasons will do that to you. They were the beneficiary of the second Champions League berth that the BSL had for the first time ever, as they entered Champions League qualifying in the Non-Champions path. This path, of course, can be absolutely brutal. The quality of teams here are high-level, and they have those expectations. Fortunately for Herzegovina City, like Jinja City, they got byes from both the first and second preliminary rounds, entering via the Third Preliminary Round. And they got a terribly tough opponent- Kingsgrove. The 3rd place team in a top 4 association. It was an unfortunate draw. But as Brian Emerson put it, 'if you want to be the best, you need to play the best, and you need to beat the best'.

The first leg against the Royals was at Royal Park. In front of their home fans, Kingsgrove were dazzling. There are plenty of talented players on their squad, and they were dominant. It was 2-0 at halftime in favor of the home side, and the final score ended 3-1. The saving grace for Herzegovina City FC was the Christos Tsiavis goal in the 51st minute, which had made it 2-1 and had briefly given Herzegovina City a chance. But the opponent proved too tough, the challenge proved too great. They'd need to win 2-0 at Star Field, and Kingsgrove were just as suffocating on the back end in the second leg as they were clinical in the front end in the first leg. Herzegovina City simply could not break down Kingsgrove's defense, and they dropped down to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Playoff Round. They'd need to win a pair of high intensity two-legged ties to advance to the IFCF Challenger's Cup group stages.

Their first opponent? Utica United, of Osarius. They had a long summer up to this point. They had played in the first three preliminary rounds of this competition. They beat RCD San Rafael of HUElavia in both legs, winning 4-1 on aggregate. They then rode a dominant home first leg to a 3-1 aggregate victory over AC Picilia of Juvencus. And lastly, survived a penalty shootout in Timuria, defeating Hisar FK on penalties after a pair of 2-2 draws. So they had momentum entering this clash with Herzegovina City FC. But Herzegovina City were up for the challenge. The first leg, of course, occurred in Utica, known by many Banijan NSCF fans as home of the University of Utica, the pre-eminent NSCF blueblood. Herzegovina City FC, not to mince words, ran rampant at the The Ursinopolis. While Utica United scored first, in the 21st minute, Herzegovina City dominated from that point onward. Meghan Walcott scored her first goal for Herzegovina City, while Rosie Tyler scored twice and Harald Fireblade scored once in a 4-1 win away from home. The three goal margin, with the four away goals, meant that the tie was essentially over before the second leg began, since Utica United would have to score at least four goals at Star Field to advance. While they scored an early goal, Tsiavis equalized, and even though Utica United had a nice 2-1 win on the day, it would be Herzegovina City advancing, 5-3 on aggregate, to the Qualifying Round.

Their next opponent would also be in Atlantian Oceania- but much closer. Dí Maozöxê of Farfadillis would be their next opponent. Of course, Farfadillis just won the freaking World Cup. Does that confidence extend all the way down the pyramid? Hard to say. But considering the proximity of the two nations, it made the matchup that much more intriguing. Our national teams just faced off in the World Cup. The rather large Farf community that lives in Banija(though they aren't in Herzegovina City). A short trek for fans to make. The game at Star Field had quite an atmosphere, as both teams were ready to put it all on the line to get to the group stages. The Siovanija & Teuslander captain, Dennis Brotzmann, scored the game's opening goal in the 15th minute, which set the stage for the game. He drilled a cracking volley to make it 1-0, and put the Farf squad on the offensive(although for them, that's normal). Dí Maozöxê scored over 200 goals in 39 league games between the Rulandese State League and the FFL last season, so they were not fazed. Herzegovina City had a challenge trying to contain them, and they rode their home fans in their highly entertaining match. They played a high press to try and force errors in the back, and the strategy largely worked. Be disruptive in the midfield, don't let the pressure get to the back four.

And, of course, highly physical. Brian Emerson normally doesn't go to physical tactics, but he's an innovator above all else- that's how he's earned so many accolades in his first 5 season at the club. Well timed tackles, using your shoulders, etc... Herzegovina City prevented Dí Maozöxê from getting into any kind of rhythm. Still, you can't shut them down forever. Francois Tantoh making 8 saves on the night, including a few at full stretch, was key. A counter-attacking goal by Fireblade made the score 2-0, and that was the score headed to Farfadillis. Of course, they tried similar strategies at the Rulandese club's home ground. It worked mostly but when Dí Maozöxê scored on the stroke of halftime, there were nerves from the travelling support. The home side would need just one more to equalize. But that goal would not come. Francois Tantoh, once again, made a series of strong saves, and Kayserling even had a goal line clearance. The Herzegovina City defense held in the face of overwhelming pressure from Dí Maozöxê, and although they lost 1-0 in the second leg, they advanced, 2-1 on aggregate, to the IFCF Challenger's Cup. That puts them in a Challenger's Cup group with Port Sebastian of Schottia, where Demba Kinteh plays, the Coret Hawks of Nephara, where Kizza Okafor plays, and Eastal Lunar of VIlita. An intriguing group, is it not? If you looked at these names at first glance, you'd assume this was a Champions League. It's a tall order for Herzegovina City- can they do some damage in this group?

3. Hoima Warriors

IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Hoima Warriors earned a bye from the First and Second Preliminary Rounds.
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- Whitetail HC of Equestria. First Leg: Whitetail HC 1-3 Hoima Warriors. Second Leg: Hoima Warriors 2-2 Whitetail HC.
Hoima Warriors advance to the Playoff Round of the Challenger's Cup 5-3 on aggregate. Whitetail HC are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.
Playoff Round
Opponent- Sparta Kuban of Baranail. First Leg: Hoima Warriors 3-0 Sparta Kuban. Second Leg: Sparta Kuban 1-1 Hoima Warriors.
Hoima Warriors advance to the Qualifying Round of the Challenger's Cup 4-1 on aggregate. Sparta Kuban are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup. 
Qualifying Round
Opponent- Lonngeylin Coast of Vilita. First Leg: Hoima Warriors 1-2 Lonngeylin Coast. Second Leg: Lonngeylin Coast 1-1 Hoima Warriors.
Lonngeylin Coast advance to the group stages of the Challenger's Cup 3-2 on aggregate. Hoima Warriors are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.

The Hoima Warriors! Last season, they ended their long time away from international competition, getting to the Dwile Invitational and being the Banijan standard bearer in that competition. They're the only Banijan team that got to the knockout stages of the Dwile Invitational, the competition that served as a bridge competition between the UICA Champions Cup and the IFCF Champions League. With Mark Grayson at the helm again, they are looking to challenge Herzegovina City and Jinja City for a spot in the Champions League this upcoming year. And this competition, of course, can set the tone. Will the season bring success? Who knows? But the effort will most certainly be there.

Their central midfield partnership of Mzukisi Nzo and Robert Craig was the key to their success last season, as Nzo rode it to becoming a fixture in the Kadongo Kamu Starting XI, as well as a big payday, as he has now left the club to compete in the Taeshan Premier League. They looked to reinvest that money wisely, as Mark Grayson looked no further than his home nation to sign Ilona Duerden, on a $5 million NSD fee, from what one might say is the largest club in the multiverse- Brinemouth. Their first look at the new central midfield duo, then, was against Whitetail HC in the Third Preliminary Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup. Of course, the game took place in Equestria, the club renewal of one of international football's strongest rivalries- Banija v. Equestria. The first leg, of course, occurred in Whitetail. The Warriors put on a clinic in Whitetail, winning 3 goals to 1 away from home to take a big lead in the tie, and with 3 away goals as well. Whitetail HC would need at least three goals at Mavuto Field to advance, and they could not get them, with the teams battling out a 2-2 draw in Hoima's home leg for the Warriors to advance to the next round.

In the Playoff Round, they faced Sparta Kuban of Baranil. Their previous tie had shown the importance of getting off to a strong start- pyschologically, winning that first leg can you do a world of wonders, and allow you to dictate the terms of the second leg as the game must be brought to you. But the Warriors were excellent in the first leg of this tie. A 3-0 home win in the first leg, that prevented Sparta Kuban from getting any away goals on the board, and that allowed Ozolx-Mazur Guv, Lawerenz, and Underwood to all get onto the score sheet, was enough to essentially put the tie to bed. While Sparta Kuban took a 1-0 lead just before halftime, the captain, Daluxolo Matshikiza, headed home in the 55th minute to put any faint hopes of the home team coming back to bed. There would be one more tie that would seperate Hoima from the group stages.

Their opponent? Lonngeylin Coast of Vilita. Not an easy draw at all. There are excellent players across the board from the Vilitan side, with Cilamara Issah leading the charge in goal, and players like Dilon Bánach rating near the top of their league. With the first leg at Mavuto Field, however, the Warriors had to do whatever they could to try and go with the advance back to Vilita. They even opened the scoring, with Chizoba Emenanjo heading home a cross from Josef Lawerenz, the Equestrian international, to make it 1-0 in the early going. But in the second half, Lonngyelin Coast showed why they were favorites in this tie to begin with. A 64th minute strike from Dilon Bánach made it 1-1, with the visitors advantaged because of the away goals rule. A 78th minute hit from the same player made it 2-1, as the Warriors would now need to score at least twice in the return leg to have a chance at making the group stages. It was tough. Karisto Monafog scoring in the 17th minute to make it 3-1 on aggregate seemed to put away the tie early, but Ilona Duerden scoring her first goal in Hoima colors gave her side life. They needed just one more, and tried repeatedly to push for it. Cilamara Issah was dominant in net, however, and could not beaten a second time. The Warriors, after a grueling summer, found themselves just a goal shy of the group stages, but will not be in the group stages of international competition this year.

4. Herzegovina Phoenix

IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Herzegovina Phoenix earned a bye from the First Preliminary Round.
Second Preliminary Round
Opponent- Olask Islanders of Cosumar. First Leg: Herzegovina Phoenix 2-2 Olask Islanders. Second Leg: Olask Islanders 0-2 Herzegovina Phoenix
Herzegovina Phoenix advance to Third Preliminary Round of the Challenger's Cup 4-2 on aggregate. Olask Islanders are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- Eastburg United of the Whirl Islands. First Leg: Herzegovina Phoenix 3-2 Eastburg United. Second Leg: Eastburg United 0-1 Herzegovina Phoenix.
Herzegovina Phoenix advance to the Playoff Round of the Challenger's Cup 4-2 on aggregate. Eastburg United are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup
Playoff Round
Opponent- Northern Union of Brenecia. First Leg: Herzegovina Phoenix 2-1 Northern Union. Second Leg: Northern Union 1-1 Herzegovina Phoenix.
Herzegovina Phoenix advance to the Qualifying Round of the Challenger's Cup 3-2 on aggregate. Northern Union are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup
Qualifying Round
Opponent- Revolutionaries of Eura. First Leg: Herzegovina Phoenix 2-2 Revolutionaries. Second Leg: Revolutionaries 2-2 Herzegovina Phoenix (5-4 pen) 
Revolutionaries advance to group stages of the Challenger's Cup on penalties. Herzegovina Phoenix are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.

What a whirlwind of a summer that the Phoenix had. They played 8 different competitive matches- 4 sets of two-legged ties. It was quite a ride, an entertaining one, as Jehan Blair tried to equal his Cosumarite Herzegovina counterpart and get to the group stages of this competition. Who did they play in the second preliminary round? None other than the Olask Islanders of Cosumar. Way early on in the summer, this squad lined up knowing the challenges that they would face trying to get all the way to the group stages, but they sure were up for the challenge. Things did not start off as they wanted them to, at Phoenix Stadium however. The Olask Islanders actually got off to a quality start, as they tore apart Fafa Ngom on the right side of the back line. The youngster, replacing Sorcha Lonergan of Brenecia, struggled in his Phoenix debut. He was beat on both of their goals, for the Cosumarite side to go up 2-0 at halftime. But the formerly veteran laden squad is all of a sudden very young- four starters, 20 years or younger, making their top flight debuts on this day. Longtime winger Julian Turner scored the first goal of the second half, while veteran Qasden striker Bostun converted a penalty in the 88th minute.

That was good for the Phoenix, who still trailed, but had some momentum and went to Cosumar only needing one. And after pressing for a while, they got that goal. S&T national Vidyo Avramov scored in the 33rd minute of the second leg to make it 1-0 on the day and 3-2 in the tie, and U21 World Champion Daba Kuta scored in the 58th to put it really out of reach. Jehan Blair's return trip to his home country was an absolute success, as the 2-0 win put them into the Third Preliminary Round. In this round, they'd pair off with Eastburg United of the Whirl Islands. Another first leg at home, but yet, this one did not faze the Phoenix like the Islanders matchup. They played competitively, and the two teams seemingly traded goals, with Silkemark, the Nephara national who plays central midfield, scoring the game winner. In the second leg, it was a cagey affiar- Eastburg knowing that they only needed a lone goal to eliminate the Banijans. But as time kept ticking, they could not get that goal. Mustafa Taal stood tall on the day, denying shot after shot, and it would be Julian Turner who put the tie to bed, in the 81st minute.

And then, of course, yet more games. The Phoenix were matched up with Northern Union. Where Lonergan was now playing after her single year stint in Moravica. Northern Union is one of the strongest sides in the multiverse- they went to the quarterfinals of the Dwile Invitational. She was applauded by fans in her return to Phoenix Stadium. The season prior to that, they went to the final of the UICA Champions Cup. In comparison, the Phoenix have never been to the group stages of a IFCF/UICA competition? It's poor luck they were here at all, drawing Crisisbless in the Third Preliminary round of the Champions League, in a matchup that could have easily been a Champions League quarterfinal. However, here they were, trying to prove that they were men among boys. But then, of course, the Phoenix went on about stunning the world. Julian Turner and Daba Kuta each scoring in the first half to take an early 2-0 lead, and them holding on for a historic, 2-1 win at Phoenix Stadium.

But that meant that they'd have to figure out how to hold onto that in Brenecia. Northern Union only needed a lone goal. Mustafa Taal, the Phoenix goalkeeper, was only 19. But with great leaders on the team, like Thakshak, Abdi, and Silkemark, these players figured it out. They were a stone wall. The veterans on this team got this team prepared, and they were ready. And when Thakshak powerfully headed home in the 51st minute, to make it 3-1 on aggregate, the belief was truly there from travelling support. And even when Camden's side made it 3-2 on aggregate, it was still there. But Redemption Park would not celebrate a second time- the Phoenix, against all odds, stunned the multiverse and won, 3-2 on aggregate, to knockout the mighty Northern Union. An elimination nobody saw coming, one that sent shockwaves through the multiverse- the BSL was still rising.

They'd have one more tie, and it would not get any easier- they'd have to play the Revolutionaries of Eura. With players like Alexander Jager of Pasarga on their team, they were also favorites, but of course, so much belief was flowing through this Phoenix side after they beat Northern Union. But even though the Revolutionaries have all the structural advantages- the money, the talent, the history- the Herzegovina Phoenix held their own. The Phoenix battled out a 2-2 draw at home, with the away goals rule meaning that they were trailing. Many wrote them off after Jager's stunning 90th minute equalizer at Phoenix Stadium, believing that there's no way they could do any sort of meaningful damage at Sasky Rising Memorial. But damage they did do. Even though Jager put the home side up 1-0, the Banijan club not only equalized, but even took the lead in the 74th. While the Revolutionaries quickly replied, the two teams went to a penalty shootout with the stakes high- the group stages were on the line.

The penalty shootout was absolutely clinical. The Phoenix shot first, and we made our first 3. The Revolutionaries made their first 3 as well. Vidyo Avramov hit the first penalty, Abdi hit the second, and Bostun hit the third. Fourth would be Daba Kuta. The tension was rising- both teams efficiency meant that even one mistake could eliminate either side. And Daba Kuta, although a world champion(at the youth level), was still very young at 21. He let the pressure get to him, unfortunately. He stepped up and blasted his penalty well over the bar, into the fifth row. Revolutionaries fans cheered, sensing that was nearly it. The Revolutionaries hit their next penalty, then Julian Turner buried the fifth one, but the Revolutionaries hit their last shot to get to the group stages. What a summer run for the Phoenix, to fall just short on the cruelness of penalties against one of the richest clubs in the multiverse. No matter- it should mean lots of good things coming this season.

5. Kitara Athletic Association

IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Kitara AA earned a bye from the First Preliminary Round.
Second Preliminary Round
Opponent-Pistoleros de Manzanares of San Felix. First Leg: Pistoleros de Manzanares 1-2 Kitara AA. Second Leg: Kitara AA 1-1 Pistoleros de Manzanares
Kitara AA advances to the Third Preliminary Round of the Challenger's Cup 3-2 on aggregate. Pistoleros de Manzanares are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- Miradela GD of Ko-oren. First Leg: Kitara AA 3-4 Miradela GD.  Second Leg: Miradela GD 1-1 Kitara AA
Miradela GD advance to the Playoff Round of the Challenger's Cup, 5-4 on aggregate. Kitara Athletic Association are eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.

The Kitara Athletic Association was making their first international club competition appearance. It was their second consecutive year qualifying, but since they finished fifth the year prior and with the demise of UICA, they could not compete anywhere as the Dwile Invitational took just four clubs from each nation. Not to be outdone, they reached new heights once again, getting back to a good place within the league. They were here. That is a major accomplishment, in and of itself. But a team that people believe can actually break the stranglehold the Super 5 have had on the league, was the least accomplished Banijan side of the summer. Of course, they advanced past the Second Preliminary Round. But they could not go further than that.

It was an interesting second tie, against Miradela GD of Ko-oren. The first leg was an absolute stunner. 7 goals between the two sides, with the visiting side scoring four and the home side scoring three. It was an absolute thriller. This Kitara side added Betanni Jetvanni, who looks to be a great fit in Sisonke already. Jetvanni, the first Starblaydian to play in the BSL, scored their first goal for this club. And while there was a lot to show in that first leg on the offensive side, the defense could use a lot of work. It's a 3 man backline- a pair of older wing backs, and a very young center back, a teenager who is just coming out of the academy. It gives them a challenge, although the team is certainly talented ahead of them. But allowing four away goals in the first leg will doom even the best of teams, and they couldn't crawl out of the hole they had dug themselves, as the two sides battled it out to a 1-1 draw at Estádio Fortaleza, with Nick Haller, the new captain, scoring the goal for the visitors as Kitara Athletic Association ended their maiden international summer run. The question is, of course, will there be more to come from them in future seasons?

6. Rukunbi FC & Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club

Rukunbi FC earned a bye from the Preliminary Round of the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup, and did not compete in the Summer. There were no preliminary rounds for the Vilitan Cove International, therefore there was no summer competition for Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club.

7. Dukuma SC, Bwubanza City SC, and Duntho SC

Duntho Sporting Club received a bye from the first 3 preliminary rounds of the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy, won their playoff round tie 6-3 on aggregate with the Mercedini Armed Forces, to advance to Group B of the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy.
Bwubanza City received a bye from the first 2 preliminary rounds of the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy. They won their third preliminary round tie with Inzon Hawk of Cobrio, 3-0 on aggregate. They then won their Playoff Round tie with Viltvodle City, of the Squornshelous Remnant States, 6-3 on aggregate, to advance to Group F of the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy.
Dukuma SC played in the 1st Preliminary Round of the IFCF LIga B Champions Trophy. They lost their tie with National Brewery of the Cross Islands, 2-1 on aggregate, and were eliminated from IFCF competition.

The 11th season of the Banijan Soccer League is almost upon us. And now, of course, we are set to launch our team-by-team season preview of the upcoming Banijan Soccer League season! It promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in years. After Season 9, Jinja City FC leadership was determined to end Herzegovina City's breathtaking run of 5 league titles in the past seven seasons. They swung for the fences, and perhaps made the most important hire in BSL history post-Emerson, as Mór Császár, the celebrated who has won the Copa Rushmori, led the Hangaza side to glory. But now they've got the target on their backs. Can Herzegovina City come back and win their sixth title? Other challengers are raring up for their chance to win the trophy- the Hoima Warriors have a talented side, Istria City wants to get back into IFCF contention, and can everybody's favorite sleeper pick, Kitara AA, work their way into the Champions League?

Of course, we will do a 2 part preview, team by team. Like last season, we will do it in reverse order. So we'll start with the team that we believe will finish 20th(and be relegated), and go down in descending order all the way until we predict our league champion. Without further ado!


20. Isipongo Flash

The Isipongo Flash had a disastrous campaign last season. They weren't expected to be great, with most expecting them to finish in the bottom third of the table. But it was much worse than anybody could have ever expected. They spent a solid majority of the season in the league's sole relegation spot, and it was due to a late season surge, plus a complete collapse by the Lwanga Lions in the second half of the season, that allowed them to survive. Forzu-Denir Ono, the former Banijan Olympic manager, was fired after Matchday 24, when many thought that their season was almost lost. While the Amazonestan, Enrique Gonazlez, navigated them out of the basement of the Banijan Soccer League and into 19th place, to save them, they did not stick with him long-term.

The problem for the Flash, is that they did not make any serious work on updating their roster and adding a bunch of new talent. They're essentially running it back with most of the same roster, plus a couple of unproven rookies from the college system in Banija and the college system in Kita-Hinode. Maybe nobody got the memo to club leadership on how the team couldn't even hit the 30 point mark, but considering how bad it was last year and their lack of major signings, and even lack of effort to make those signings, they've got to be the most serious option for relegation. Jobateh, the new manager, is making a big leap going from the college game straight to the Banijan Soccer League. It honestly seems like the perfect storm for relegation, so we'll see what happens from here.

19. Igulu City FC

Igulu City actually had a fairly strong season last season! Their first season up since they were promoted, and they finished 15th- a solid four place, and 14 points, out of Banija's one-team relegation zone. Their promotion was a surprise, as people can remember, and while their staying up wasn't exactly a surprise, per say, a fifteenth place finish was probably at the high end of their best expectations for this season, and they did not disappoint. That's something that can be built upon, if the manager is willing to make the adjustments to improve the team.

But it seems as if Igulu City kind of rested on their laurels. Abraham Akampurira did not make a single major signing in the offseason, and they are returning 10 out of 11 starters. Continuity, of course, is a good thing. But settling and relaxing is not a good thing when you are trying to climb the league table, and that's what it seems like Abraham Akampurira is doing. Now that their spot is more secure in the BSL, you would have thought that they would have gone after better players to try and rise up the table. There were rumors that Igulu City wanted the Farf World Cup winner Berrëngüé Lé Méjî on their team, but Capitol City FC was more determined to earn his services, and Igulu CIty never ended up making a former for the world champion. That kind of stuff can come back to bite. They, of course, had the extra motivation of this being their first year up. But now, the shine has worn off. We think that this club will regress, and they have a serious chance of getting relegated.


18. Askatasuna FC

This is a team that keeps defying the odds. Four seasons in a row, have we picked the side that plays at St. Sava Park to finish in Banija's lone relegation spot. We did it before Season 7, Season 8, Season 9, and Season 10. Each of those seasons, we took a look at what the men in green and white were bringing out there, and we thought that they'd get relegated. And yet, each of those four seasons, they've proven us wrong- clearly avoiding relegation. We aren't about beating that dead horse anymore, so we've moved them up a couple of spots in the preview rankings- to 18th, ahead of two teams.

17th is right where they finished last season, and they seem likely to chase after that spot once again. Al Iska, the former manager of Corizova United, certainly has a task and a challenge in front of him to try and keep his team well ahead in the race to avoid relegation. They stem from similar challenges faced by the Flash- an uninspiring season followed by a lack of change almost anywhere on the roster, besides some uninspiring rookies. It might be a rough season at St. Sava Park, but it seems unlikely if that they will finish bottom of the table. We wonder what that means for the future of Al Iska? He was brought along to stabilize the club and try to bring them to the top half of the table. But being stabilized in the bottom quintile of the league is not what leadership had in mind. If Al Iska can't get any meaningful improvement in the league table, we imagine that this season will be his last in Aksum.

17. Capitol City Football Club

Ah, Capitol City FC. Their promotion has arguably been a long time coming. Formerly fierce rivals with Busukuma Athletic Club, as the two capitol clubs competed in the Kitara State League, with a fanbase that is fiercely left-wing, politically. When the Premier Soccer League was created out of the state leagues, and 16 teams were chosen, there was no surprise that Busukuma AC got a nod. They were disappointed that they didn't get one, but it was what it was. But Capitol City FC have been burning with injustice since Season 2- when the PSL was rebranded as the Banijan Soccer League and expanded by four teams. The Busembe Timberwolves, not that far north from Busukuma, were granted an expansion franchise. And then, of course, Banija's capitol was granted a second franchise- but not the team with the passion and history. No, the Busukuma Force, an expansion franchise drawn out of, what Capitol City FC fans would call thin air, were granted the other slot.

And there was no promotion or relegation on the cards then. People thought their chances of ever getting a team died that day. But Capitol City FC continued to promote itself as a counter-cultural club, and fight for the addition of Promotion/Relegation. They finally got their wish in Season 7, and then they had to go out and actually earn promotion. They got close, establishing themselves as one of the stronger teams in the Lower Coastal League. But last season, they finally did it. And they aren't here for the sights- their manager, Akhona Joyi, declared they were 'here to stay'. And their roster is certainly intriguing. They picked up Nancy Sparkman as a free agent, from Baker Park. They've got 2 starter from the Di Bradini Cup championship team- Immaculate Kaba in the central midfield, and Kausu Dione playing as the #9.

The biggest signing, of course, was for the first time promotees to sign a world champion to their squad. By all accounts, they are the favorite club of the Farf refugee community in Busukuma. After their World Cup 84 title, stock is through the roof for Farf players. And Berrëngüé Lé Méjî is one of those players. He could have played at big clubs in a lot of places. Probably could have played at a bigger club right here in Banija. And yet, Lé Méjî is going to play at the Capitol Grounds. That kind of aggressiveness from their front office shows that Capitol City FC is ready for their time in the top flight. Of course, get promoted is always a challenge. We expect them to struggle, and linger toward the bottom, but not that far down where last place is realistic. We imagine that after a year up here, maybe next season can be their breakout season.

16. Aissa United

Eastern Hangaza's favorite club. The Hangaza Regional capitol, and Jinja City's biggest local rival, Aissa United has never really had that much success. They are one of those middling lower mid-table clubs, who don't make a ton of noise, but safely remain in the league each and every season. And that is probably true of Aissa United this season. They've brought in Pablo Castroneves, of Marianne, to play right back at the club. They, of course, loved to try beating Jinja City FC, so we'll see if they can slow down somebody like Ercetin in that game. This honestly might be the shortest preview of any of the teams, but there isn't much to say about Aissa United. They're decent, they're good enough to stay up every year and really avoid the relegation battle, but not much else. We'll see if they can find a way to break into the headlines this season.

15. Rukunbi FC

What a magical season that Rukunbi FC had last season. They finished in their highest BSL finish in a long time- 8th place. But, more importantly, they brought home their first trophy of the national era of football in Banija as they won the RBSA Cup Final last season. And to make it that much better, they won against their bitter crosstown rivals, Istria City FC. Rukunbi has always been the working class side of Istria- the factory workers live there while Istria City FC fans live more around Downtown, right on the water. Loyola-Istria, just 8 miles from their stadium, seems extremely far away. Places like Istria City College are much closer, and much more catering.

They've built a reputation as tough, nitty and gritty. And now that they've declared themselves kings of Istria, with their trophy earned over their richer archrival, the immovable Teague Spanos, who is the only coach or player to have been in the Banijan Soccer League for all 11 of its seasons, has decided that he will retire at the end of the season. Now that he's won his trophy, and against the hated Istria City FC side no less, he'll be happy. They've got international competition this year as well- the Cup Winners Cup is always a tough one, so we'll see what kind of damage they can do there. Now, the question is bound to be asked- why do we predict a 7 place drop for Rukunbi? That would be more falling back in line with the mean. They've traditionally finished around this slot, and we think last season was an abberation. Now, of course, there was a good mix of young, talented players who are returning, like Tyrone Barrett. But with important players like Ogunsola leaving, it will be hard. No matter- the farewell tour of Banija's longest tenured manager will be interesting. With all that, they will regress, but we'll see if the club's next manager can reset expectations.

14. Hawabark Boulders

The Hawabark Boulders! They, as many readers know, were the first ever Banijan team to earn promotion via merit, all the way back when they won the first-ever BSL Promotion Playoff. They've seen exactly how tough it is to survive in this league, but they've managed to push their way into being seen as a fixture in this league. The more seasons they are in the top-flight, the harder it will be to think of them as anything but a top-flight club, and ultimately, that's what matters, right?

Last season, they struggled a lot- finishing in just 18th place in the league table, just five points ahead of the relegated Lwanga Lions. But they didn't do much to improve their roster either, which is a little bit worrying. They have the strike pair of the Busembe Timberwolves from just a couple of years ago. It would be extremely unlikely for them to really threaten for relegation. The Timberwolves, even though they opted for very little change, do have some decent pieces in front of them. Players like Giovanni Falco, Fyodor Khalturin, and Neil Richards are valuable commodities. While they need some youth injected into their team, for this upcoming season, we think that they have enough talent to get themselves into that second quartile of teams.

13. Busembe Timberwolves

And now, time for the Timberwolves. They made a splashy hire this year- Bøb Übermanager, aged 40, out of the Equestrian States. It's interesting, of course, that he got a job in the Banijan top-flight at all. Nobody knows his history. His official biography is strangely blank. And yet, he projects a brashness and confidence that probably suits Busembe in one has to be one of the toughest markets in Banija to manage in. There are 3 capitol clubs that are just over an hour away- far, but not that far. And then, of course, there's Kitara Athletic Association, although they are way in the north of Kitara, while Busembe is in the South. Unfortunately for Bøb Übermanager, his hiring process took so long that there was not time for him to improve the squad before the window closed.

No matter- he's projecting confidence anyways. Take this quote from his introductory press conference. "I'm stoked to be in Busembe." He said. "And Busembe should be stoked to have me- I am, of course, 'Der Übermanager'. I'm the greatest thing this country's ever seen, and the Timberwolves are going to crush souls and take names next season. We finished 13th last year? Embarrassing. Never again. We're too damn good. We're going to light up Banijan scoreboards like they've never been lit up before. We're gonna score so much, you'll get tired of it." Boy, will it be a fun season for local reporters on the Timberwolves beat in Southern Kitara.

12. Busukuma Force

And for the Busukuma Force. They had their golden opportunity to take advantage of Busukuma AC'S stunning slide down the table since their Season 7 league table, but unfortunately, could not take advantage of it to finish ahead of Busukuma AC for the first time ever. The two sides actually played on Matchday 38, with the Force needing a win, but they could not get one. Of course, the race between the then two capitol sides in the BSL was for 11th and 12th- not exactly the most inspiring. But it was something that was important to the Force- taking their chance to finish as the highest ranked team in Banija's capitol city. Now, it will be that much harder to do so next season. Busukuma AC is, naturally, restocking and reloading, with a near complete revamp on the football side of things to get them back into the top half of the table. A bottom half finish, for a club with their resources, is awful. The worst Super 5 season in BSL history.

They brought back Brun Kissinger for a fourth season. Not before he got a big-time offer from Halvynwilde, however. While there were rumors briefly that Kissinger would leave, the Force and Kissinger had a joint statement, saying that he was 'staying' for the foreseeable future. It is a tough market now. Now manager of the 3rd BSL team in this city, what was he supposed to do? They've got a lot of the returning cast from their 12th place finish last season- although Wanda Kouyaté, their starting goalkeeper, comes back as a U21 world champion. What will certainly be interesting, is how their matchups with Capitol City FC go. They've developed a strong rivalry with Busukuma AC, and Capitol City FC and Busukuma AC are historic blood rivals. But Capitol City FC fans don't like the Force, either. It will be fun to see how that rivalry develops, considering they've never played each other before.

11. Mynda Electra

And now, for Mynda Electra. Their season last year was highly disappointing- they had reasonable ambitions for the top half of the table, but unfortunately, they finished in the bottom quartile, finishing in just 16th place. Daniel Lucas, out of Chromatika, is a young manager, and it was a disappointing debut in the BSL. But those trying seasons for managers can be where they learn the most. He did not sit on his hands, he did not get discouraged- he coached as hard as he could, throughout the whole season. And this offseason, he went to work with the budget that Mynda Electra gave him and worked away on improving his squad.

Mynda made a trio of key signings. The first signing was Xavier Melchoir. The talented Taeshani attacking midfielder has spent a number of years in Lwanga, as they were looking to build a youth movement. As he looked good there, however, the youth movement in general was disastrous. Simon Wanjala was not the person to lead it, and it culminated in relegation. Melchoir had an exit clause in his contract if the team got relegated, and he was able to go to Mynda, for free. Daniel Lucas is expected to get much more out of this player who is expected to be a key contributor. Lucas wasn't done there, however, He wanted a season veteran, a professional, to help establish a winning culture in Mynda. And he found Troy Luck for that. The Equestrian attacking midfielder won the 27th Di Bradini Cup, and although he never broke through to the senior side, he's had a solid career in a lot of places. He's going to bring leadership both on and off the field, and will be key in helping lead this young squad. You can tell the respect his teammates have for him, as even though he has yet to play a game for the club, the veteran has been named the team captain.

Suliven Roagart is the last key signing. Just 26, he is a pacey striker from Schottia, who came to the club for just $2 million NSDs. A relative bargain, considering how badly this team needed a #9. Last season, they were awful in front of goal, scoring just 38 goals in 38 league games. Lucas made it a point to improve the talent up top, and he has, with this signing. With players like Troy Luck and Xavier Melchoir feeding him the ball, he should have plenty of opportunity to put one or two into the back of the net.

And that is Part I of the preview! Part 2, where we predict teams 10-1 and the champion, will be coming to you soon!

The 11th season of the Banijan Soccer League is almost upon us. And now, of course, we have Part 2 of our preview! Who do we think will qualify for IFCF competition next season? Who does this magazine think will be champion?


10. Umbazi Metropolitan SC

In Juma Ouattara's first season as the head man at this club, the Buganda side saw a massive improvement in the club's fortunes. They went from 17th to 7th place- jumping half the table as they moved up 10 points. It's a crazy improvement that made Juma Ouattara such a hot managerial commodity this summer- if he can do that at an under-resourced side from Buganda, who knows what the man can do if he's at a club where they'd invest in him? He declined to head towards the international transfer market, however, as he only took one interview- an interview from Busukuma Athletic Club. While he ended up not getting that job, as the club went with Andrea Vardalos from Nephara, he's committed to remaining at Umbazi for the 'foreseeable future'. IT's not a bad gig- that huge one year improvement he brought the club, in his first season in charge, put them into the Vilitan Cove International, where they will get a taste of international football for the first time during the season.

We think that they are a top half of the table club, still. However, we do not think that they are capable of seriously challenging for an IFCF spot this season- and that they'll regress just a little bit this year. This is a club littered with scrappy veterans that do the little things to go out and win games. It starts with Hatabu Ouattara, the center back. 34 years old, full of energy, the do-it-all defender. He's everywhere on the back end, and he makes life absolutely miserable for any of his opponents. But it gets better. Look at Simon Johnson, the Schottian right back who they signed last year. Physical. High work rate. A perfect culture fit here in Uganda. Keupher, out of Nephara, was a great signing as well, as the player, finally staying healthy for the first time in his career, had a quality season in midfield. But they don't have the firepower up top. Laterza is getting old, at 34, and Baboucar Biri is not exactly the most talented striker. That will hold them back, but a second straight top half finish for Ouattara will be good, and any sort of cup run in the Vilitan Cove International would be a welcome bonus.

9. Bunyoro RSC

Ahh, Bunyoro RSC. It wasn't that long ago that they were challenging for the league title, was it? In Season 8, they finished in a shocking second place, just one point behind Herzegovina City, the eventual league leaders? It's absolutely crayzy. Then, of course, they went back to their old ways, of being a team that hovers somewhere between 6th and 8th each season. Not a bad look for this that, honestly, might be more famous for its ridiculously dominant lacrosse team than it is for the club's primary sporting team. This is Bunyoro RSC- a top half finish for this club is almost certainly a given. And hey, they signed the backup goalkeeper on the U21 World Champion Vijana Kadongo Kamu squad, Sulayman Diawara.

But what is it about this team- there's really no it factor there? No really major or eye-popping signings from Felipe Bergoglio, as he opted to stick with his current squad. The Banijan Soccer League now has that 2nd Champions League spot- while Bunyoro RSC is never a serious challenger for that, that means the fifth place team can qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup, which is a big prize. Fans will be disappointed in club ownership's lack of investment in the team, opting for cheaper signings and not looking for more help. Maybe it'll be next season when they'll chase a spot in the Challenger's Cup. But for now, they're good enough to finish in the top half, but not good enough to get anywhere close.

8. Herzegovina Phoenix

The Herzegovina Phoenix are about to go through some challenging times. Now, of course, they already share a city with the singular defining club of the BSL era- Herzegovina City FC, who has won half of this league's titles across its first 10 seasons. But with those challenges, they've always managed to compete with their crosstown rivals, put quality teams on the field. Never finished ahead of HZCFC, of course, but at least they've done something. They navigated a brutal schedule in the IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds, and came oh so close to actually making the group stages for the first time. They eliminated one of the giants of world football, Northern Union, in the playoff round, accentuated by a historic 2-1 home win at Phoenix Stadium. They went toe to toe with the Revolutionaries, not only earning a 2-2 draw in Banija, but earning a 2-2 draw in Eura as well, and only falling on penalties. A whirlwind of a summer- but motivation for the season.

Unfortunately, we don't think that will carry on to this season. Now, we've been wrong before- we don't have the all-knowing eye. But it is going to be tough for them. Losing someone like Sorcha Lonergan absolutely hurts. With Orion Etzebeth and Corvid Alemane retiring as well, they lost quite a few key contributors, and it will be tough to replace. They initially signed Idi Mboge, who switched national allegiances at the U21 World Cup, out of the Moravica Regional Academy. However, shortly after signing with the club, he got a big money offer from Baker Park, and the Phoenix sold his services for $5 million NSDs. Mustafa Taal playing his first season in goal, and this team is weak up front, and replacing a key leader like Etzebeth? While that summer run was quite nice, it's probably the high point of their season. Expect them to regress. However, we imagine they won't be down for long- they've long been conscious about Herzegovina City, and certainly next summer they will invest to try and get back into IFCF competition.

7. Lakiska SC

And now, time for Lakiska SC. The Islander club, managed by Winad-Lenpi, the Qusmi manager whose teams always play ferocious defense. They're set, once again, to have a strong defense, which will essentially be leading the team from the back. Carlton Sandt, the young, Sarzonian goalkeeper, will be headlining for the team in goal. And they've made some interesting, and strong, signings to help keep their team in a good place. First, they didn't look far to sign a center back- grabbing Donnie Armistead, from Hapilopper. While the player has been injury-plagued, he's made a few appearances for the national team, and wanted a change of scenery from the Hapilopper City Highway Patrol. Joining him will be Ingmar Linderood, from Ko-oren. Another veteran player, he was let go from Busukuma AC as the capitol side cleaned house at the club.

Once again, they expect to have one of the toughest back lines in the league- though they'll be challenged on that front by Busukuma AC(more on them, next). But it's the lack of offense that gets them usually. They are certainly capable of putting together that defensive masterclass, but they struggle going forward, they struggle trying to get that counter-attacking goal sometimes. They've got some older central midfielders as well, which does not help with the effort. There's talent on this team, and a good mix of young and old. But they'll have to improve at key positions, like the #9, before they get back to IFCF competition.

6. Busukuma AC

And now, time for Busukuma AC. It's been a disastrous few years for the Super 5 club, the once mighty great power. It took them a while, as they were the last Super 5 club to do so, but just a few seasons ago, they won their first(and only) BSL title in Season 7. It was a great season- 87 points, won the title by 8 points, clinched on a magical Friday night at their home stadium, as they took apart Lakiska SC by a score of 3-0. But ever since that title, they've essentially immediately become a disaster. Who knows what happened? In the last 3 seasons, since their title, their league position has been the following- Season 8 they were 10th, Season 9 they were 10th, Season 11 they were 11th, and almost finished behind the Busukuma Force. They knew that, three seasons removed from their league title, and that since then they've essentially been overtaken by the likes of Kitara Athletic Association, and even Bunyoro RSC, they've finally understood that they needed drastic change.

Out with the old, in with the new. Andrea Vardalos, from Nephara, was hired as the club's first ever female manager, and indeed, the first ever female manager for any Super 5 club. She was hired, of course, to fix things. And as the former Manager of the Season award winner in the Nepharim Premiership, she's certainly got the talent. She's gotten woefully underresourced clubs to perform above their normal potential. Now, of course, a (relatively) well-resourced club shes is in charge of. She'll, of course, have to put out fires here. But this is a club that expects to be competing for titles. And now, with Capitol City FC's promotion to the BSL, competition within Busukuma is that much tougher, she'll install a defensively disciplined side. Look at these defenders. Signing Lupe Enriquez, from Cassadaigua. Signing Althea Taliadoros, a shot stopping specialist who, while undersized, is capable of making an impact. Stofile at Defensive Midfielder, the everyman. It's a scrappy setup. But unlike Lakiska SC, there's offense too. Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì, a world champion, was signed to be the engine of that offense. He can fly forward, especially on the counter-attack, and will essentially have the keys to this counter-attacking setup, pushing on towards goal. She might need one more transfer window to truly get the squad where she wants it, but they shouldn't be in mid-table anymore. They should compete strongly for an IFCF berth, and while they probably won't get there, they'll show enough to make them a trendy pick probably for Season 12, for even a Champions League berth.

5. Kitara Athletic Association

And now, for the team that we believe will finish fifth! We're in the top quartile now- aka, the five teams we believe will be playing in IFCF Competition this season. Alan Bettles is in his fourth season at the club, and has secured fourth placed finishes for this team two seasons in a row. They are not a team that spends a ton of money in the transfer market- but they have, slowly, and quietly over the past couple of years, put together quite a roster. Look at their roster. Former Sporting World Cup winner and aspiring Starblaydia international, Betanni Jetvanni, who is just 18 years old, joins the team and has honestly looking like a future star for that national team. Jetvanni likely won't be in Banija for long- the best youngsters often go to the biggest leagues after the BSL. Amitabh, the starting striker, is 28 years old, in his prime. Their starting right midfielder, Anwar Dawit, is just 21, and just captained the U21 team to winning the 47th Di Bradini Cup. Nick Haller, the winger opposite Jetvanni, is a club mainstay now and in his prime for club and country.

The offense is ready for a break out year- to truly try and challenge for a berth in the Champions League. But the defense maybe is not. A pair of 33 year olds at each wings back position- maybe they should have tried to sign somebody. It seems as if they are on the verge of truly breaking through and challenging for that, but we do not believe that they will be tight enough in the back to do that. Their lone center back, Mamadi Sillah, was playing in the academy system last season- not the greatest sign. Thomas Owen has been good for a number of years, but now is on the wrong side of 30. This is a roster good enough to get back to the IFCF Challenger's Cup, and we believe that it will. But the Champions is just slightly out of reach- they need one or two more major signings before they can truly challenge the big boys.

4. Istria City FC

The biggest team from Banija's biggest city. Istria City FC- all the glitz and the glamour that is at the center of this club. They've always been about relentless attacking football, and considering that's the style that just won the damn World Cup, maybe it's time for them to get back. They did not have a bad season last year- indeed, their defeat of Herzegovina City on Matchday 37 prevented Brian Emerson's side from winning the BSL threepeat. Their sixth place finish was a surprise, considering they were a team that scored 90 goals, good for third most in the BSL. But then you look at the shambles of their defense- they allowed a stunning 69 goals. Tied for second worst in the BSL, they allowed 8 more goals than the Lwanga Lions, who were relegated. The only team that conceded more times than Istria City, is the Isipongo Flash, who finished in 19th.

The offensive numbers have been consistent the last few years- they always score lots of goals. The defensive numbers never impressive, but conceding almost 70 goals is almost atrocious. But Istria City said that they got unlucky a number of times last season. Alvin Burnsides, the 64 Cosumarite, told reporters that he 'had faith' in the players in his back line. We'll see how that pans out, since the offense is always ready to compete for titles. Alanso Tibamba is the only new signing, a rookie who will be thrown in at Center Back. WE don't think they'll concede almost 70 goals for a second straight season, as that would be downright stunning. However, after a surprising 6th place finish, the pressure is on Burnsides. The expectation here is the IFCF, at least. That loss to Rukunbi FC in the RBSA Cup Final last year, against their crosstown rivals, was brutal. If he misses the IFCF for a second straight season, that could be it. We think he'll save his job, but he's gotta do something about that backline. Conceding that many times, at a big club like this, is completely unacceptable.

3. Hoima Warriors

And now, for the Hoima Warriors. It was hard to pick between them and Istria City for third place- but the Warriors, we feel, are good enough to get third place again. They had the dynamic partnership at central midfield last season, between Robert Craig and Mzukisi Nzo, that propelled the team to a brief title challenge but ultimately a very strong third place finish. Of course, it would be impractical for them to keep that partnership together, and tried as they might, they were given 11 million reasons to break it up- as Mzukisi Nzo was able to get a big money move to Taeshan. The key this season, of course, will be their strong backline. Uzoma Iruka has been signed to play the right back spot, coming from Lakiska SC. With three national teamers on the back line, and Wenceslaw, even at age 34, still manning one of the center back spots, it will be a tough line to break through.

Who is attacking for this team though? They have talented central midfielders. Ilona Duerden has been signed to replace Nzo. And while they are not the same player, Duerden is plenty talented in her own right. A solid distributor, she'll work well with almost anyone in the central midfield, and many scouts believe she's a good fit besides Robert Craig. Much of the core has returned as well up top- Underwood is still an attacking midfielder, Josef Lawerenz is playing on the wing for the Equestrians, with Ozolx-Mazur and Emenanjo rounding out the attack. They are talented, and work well together. This team is good enough, maybe not quite yet for a serious, sustained title challenge, but they are the best outside of Banija's present top two sides- Jinja City and Herzegovina City. A trip to the IFCF Challenger's Cup is certainly the baseline for this club, and it should be achieved with relative ease.


2. Jinja City FC

They were at the winning end of a thrilling title chase last season. Mór Császár, the former Copa Rushmori winner, surprised observers when he decided to go to Jinja City, and thrilled watchers of the BSL when one of their biggest teams was able to sign a manager of his pedigree. The only manager in the BSL who, of course, had won a major international tournament as both a player and manager. A victory for the league, but especially one for JInja City. And it paid off, with their first league title in almost a full 10 years- and they did it in emphatic style. Only getting past Herzegovina City on the penultimate Matchday of the season, they needed a win on the final day to clinch. And they did so emphatically, put nine goals past Umbazi in emphatic fashion. And they followed that up with a strong summer- they defeated both Duncanshire FC of Melayu Archipelago and AC Pomena of Juvencus to reach the IFCF Champions League group stages for the first time in Champions League/Champions Cup history.

Learning how to juggle multiple competitions is what the best teams always must do. And they, alongside Herzegovina City, will be doing so- they're in a group with Tanrısal of Pasarga, Olympia FC of Eastfield Lodge, and Sabrefell Athletic of Nephara. That's six games, none of which are even against teams from Atlantian Oceania. And then, of course, the AOCL as well. But they believe that they are ready. They have a stacked roster once again. Xilit-Zaxac Yol, the 28 year old Qusmi striker, flying up front. Vatan Ercetin, the Timurian international who combines so well with Xilit-Zaxac. Of course, they did replace most of the midfield- Musa Gaye, the U21 World Champion, will play in the central midfield spot. Graven Braehaed will play on the left, and Theresa Lubalo on the right. This team will be strong, and we anticipate another title race down to the wire- but while we're confident in their ability to get to the Champions League, we don't think they will necessarily be champions. We believe that will be...


1. Herzegovina City FC

Who else! It's hard to pick against Herzegovina City FC. The strength and consistency in this team is always strong. Look at their reaction to not winning a title, when they were simply a game away from capturing what would have surely been a historic threepeat. With Lucas Lucius Vit, a longtime attacking midfielder, deciding to go back to Natanians & Nosts, Brian Emerson was not going to be silent. He looked far and wide, and settled on Meghan Walcott- an attacking midfielder, from Cassadaigua. She has been a talented player for Cassadaigua's national team, and it was seen as a steal to get her to play in Banija- a country, culturally, that's very far removed from her own. And other than that, they're re-loading. Their strong players are coming back, they had a good run in the IFCF Challenger's Cup- them only conceding one in Farfadillis, against Dí Maozöxê, was absolutely seen as a win.

They'll be in the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup. They've led the way historically for Banija in international competition- first Banijan side to reach the group stage of the Champions Cup/Champions League, first Banijan team to reach an international final(AOCL), and now, they will try to reach the knockout stages. But think of their strength in the league. They've always been strong domestically, and that should continue this season. Brian Emerson wants to make sure things are right in the world, and win his record-setting fourth league title since his arrival at Herzegovina City. There's a reason Herzegovina City have largely defined the Banijan Soccer League- and they aren't going to go down swinging. As long as Emerson is on the touchline, they have as good of a chance as anyone to win this league. And we believe, of course, that this year is their year.

There you have it! The preview for the Banijan Soccer League. Check back here- the Kabaka's Cup is coming soon!

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- The first round of the RBSA Cup means that the domestic season is officially(technically?) underway! As everyone knows, Banija's 48 regional league sides sides enter the RBSA Cup in its opening rounds, being whittled from 48 to 24, and then again from 24 to just 12, before the BSL sides enter into the tournament. While, of course, BSL sides enter later, it is a tournament where chaos can reign- Rukunbi FC's victory last season was the first time a BSL side won the cup in three seasons. So there is certainly a decent chance that a team playing on opening weekend can be lifting the trophy at the Stadium of the Restoration at the end of the season.

RBSA Cup 1st Round
Pumbasa Boars 1–3 Baleweye FC
AFC Kosactus 0–1 Nsade United
Bwubanza City SC 8–3 Dodoma City SC
Luguyala Patriots 1–0 Tezirbu Foxes
Abomfa United 2–2 Byakado City (3–3 AET) (1–4 pen.)
Duntho Sporting Club 0–3 Zakuta City
Gadive City 1–1 Dimbogourou SC (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Koksho City 2–2 Garixas City (3–2 AET)
Kwadama Dojo 0–1 Suwawa FC
Koszagard City 2–1 Ogbordu Diamond FC
Okakameb City 0–1 Cerenus United
Kabakono City 2–2 Selekawe Knights (2–2 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Lwanga Lions 3–1 Taramazna United
Boufaya Ravens 3–4 Nezrouch Rovers
Mamari City 1–0 Thayaferu United
Eastern Moravica FC 2–4 Jaribga Soccer Club
AFC Akwadua 1–0 Dukuma SC
Umbazi FA 2–3 Slobochia Bears
Sororo City 4–1 Corizova United
AFC Okahavi 2–1 Tripoli Foresters
Mukegara Warriors 3–5 Barmos United
Busemlu Park SC 1–2 Kigagana Mountaineers
Kitara Athletic Society 0–1 Amaku City FC
Nanami Dragons 4–2 Djoro Athletic

RBSA Cup 2nd Round
Kigagana Mountaineers 1–0 Koksho City 
Cerenus United 3–2 Zakuta City
Barmos United 1–0 Nezrouch Rovers
Baleweye FC 0–3 Bwubanza City SC
Byakado City 0–2 Jaribga Soccer Club
Amaku City FC 0–1 Mamari City
Dimbogourou SC 2–0 Nsade United
AFC Akwadua 1–4 Koszagard City
Lwanga Lions 0–0 Nanami Dragons (1–0 AET)
Slobochia Bears 1–2 Luguyala Patriots
AFC Okahavi 3–0 Selekawe Knights
Suwawa FC 2–0 Sororo City

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Banijan Regional League System - Season 7 Preview

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- And with the first two rounds of the RBSA Cup played, we've seen all these teams play once. Some of them twice. It's hard to know what to gauge from this limited sample, but this is what we have so far. And now, it's time to preview the regional leagues. Of course, this season, the Corizova rule will not go into effect this season. This rule states that if a team wins its regional league for three consecutive seasons, then the Promotion Playoff will be cancelled. But the only repeat league winner was Capitol City FC, who ended up winning last season's Promotion Playoff anyways. So we are guaranteed to have another Promotion Playoff this year.

Northwestern League

This league is going to be tough to pick a winner out of. There are three excellent sides whom most observers believe will compete for this league's trophy, and with it, a spot in the Promotion Playoffs. Those three sides would be as follows- Dukuma SC, last year's winner, Suwawa FC, who won it the season before, and Corizova United, whom won this league so many times before the establishment of promotion/relegation, that the Corizova Rule was both named and designed after their successes. Dukuma SC does have a strong roster coming back for this title chase- namely Jay Khano, their starting attacking midfielder, who also startings for the Busoga Islands national team. And there are strong pieces elsewhere, as well. Kurtis Southwell, the team's longtime veteran striker from Brenecia, returns, and he wants to ensure that the team can get back to the top flight. Reece Gorbell, out of Eshan, is the other striker, and they look to be prolific up front. While they did not play well in the Liga B Champions Trophy, falling 2-1 on aggregate in the first preliminary round, there's still enough there for them to get to the next round.

Corizova United will be the next team that we talk about. Corizova United has the talent to do this- they've won this league in four of its first five seasons since they were formally incorporated into the pyramid by the Royal Banijan Soccer Association, which eventually ended with them earning promotion to the BSL. While their stay in the top flight saw them get last place and come tumbling right back down, the small town club, having tasted the top flight, has designs to get back there. They were disappointed with their finish last season, in the mid table. Of course, that can happen when it's your first season down, and all the chaos that comes with relegation. But they should be settled from that, and have added some decent young pieces to help them compete. Harry McPherson, the 19 year old Schottian goalkeeper from the Hangaza Regional Academy, will be their new goalkeeper. Their most interesting signing, however, has to be Hilde Hayate- a 21 year old striker, who has not one, but two prosthetic legs. Her reel is intriguing enough for Corizova to commit to her in the starting XI, but it's the first time, that we can think of, where we've seen prosthetic legs used at a professional level in Banija. We'll see if she can thrive in Moravica.

The last team, of course, is Suwawa FC. Estève Palomer, out of Nuovo Juvencus, will be in his sixth season at the helm, in a very successful tenure. He's got a pair of league titles to show for his efforts. It will be interesting to watch them this season. Sarika Birla, the young striker who is turning heads in the Busoga Islands national team circles, will be up top. They've got a pair of new wingbacks, but otherwise, it's largely running it back with their team from last season. Ultimately, out of these 3, we'd peg Corizova United as the favorites to win the league, with Suwawa close behind them in second, and Dukuma in third. But hey, it's as wide open as its ever been this year- maybe somebody else, like Barmos, can surprise storm their way to the top?

Lower Coastal League

The Lower Coastal League's champion, Capitol City FC, is now playing in the bigs! They've earned promotion to the BSL, and since they had won the league twice in a row, the league is now wide open. They're out of the capitol for now, with all three Busukuma sides in the bigs, and a whole wide range of teams will be trying to compete for a title. This is Banija's most wide open competition- who do we think will be competitors to triumph out of this league this season? Jared Clotterman's Kabakono City is a popular choice to take the crown. Although the former Isipongo Flash midfielder's side lost on penalties in the first round of the RBSA Cup, they still bring a fairly talented side to the table that is capable of running up and down the Lower Coastal. They are a side that's always been strong, although they are hoping that Yivix-Nexev can really fill out their potential leading the team's front lines.

Another team that we believe will be strong is Baleweye Football Club. The Ankole side won the league three seasons ago, before Capitol City FC went on a tear throughout the league for two consecutive seasons. Lukas Bornas, their manager, is one of the longest tenured managers anywhere in Banijan football, as the 69 year old will be in charge for his 11th season. They've got a U21 World Champion on their team, in the name of Cyper Corr- the 19 year old central midfielder played some crucial minutes off the bench in the Di Bradini Cup, especially since Idi Mboge ditched the team for Mriin. They've also signed two more players from the academy system- both their center backs, Baboucar Ba, and Elgin Boztepe, are just 19 years old. There's risk in putting so much responsibility on your youth, but the reward is there as well. Also know that they should be really going for it- 11 season is a long time for Bornas to be in charge, and time is running out for their manager to ever take this team to the BSL.

Otherwise, a whole host of teams could challenge. Zakuta City? Mamari City? It will be a fun season, and we'll see what kind of excitement the Lower Coastal League can bring us once it kicks off.

Southern League

And now, to the South. Buganda & Bunyoro- who will win out here? Bwubanza City, out of Bunyoro Region, has to be the odds-on favorite to win this league. Why? Let's go all the way(aka, not that far) back to earlier this summer, when the preliminary rounds of the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy. First, they had to play against Inzon Hawk from Cobrio, but they won the tie 3-0 on aggregate to advance to the Playoff Preliminary Round, They were fearless there as well, doubling up Viltvodle City of the Squornshelous Remnant States, 6-3 on aggregate, to advance to the group stages of the Liga B Champions Trophy. It shows their talent that they do well against international competition. However, that does mean an extra competition for them- can they handle the stress of juggling two competitions at once, while having success in both?

If they can't, there are teams lying, just waiting to strike on weakness. Sororo City has a fairly well rounded team- scouting in far corners of the multiverse to fill out their starting XI. A pair of veterans on Silver Beach's national team, Netali Rosenberg and Ixaka Hamutal, are going to play in key roles for Sororo City this season. Now, remember, Silver Beach does not participate in WCC-sanctioned competition- they compete in the IAC, as well as any Sonnel tournaments. And it was the Sonnel Regional championships, where they were coached by Kiggwe Mavuto, a Banijan, where they were deemed talent enough to play out here. Take veterans like that, mix them with young academy grads like Obea Dike, and they are certainly capable of anything.

Northern League

Duntho Sporting Club had its best chance of promotion two seasons ago- but unfortunately, they stumbled at the final moments, right before they would have secured the first ever activation of the Corizova rule by winning their league for the third season in a row. Last season, however, they went right back to what they were used to doing, and that was racking up league titles- their third in four seasons, enough to, once again, get to the BSL Promotion Playoff and then, once again, choke their way out of actual promotion to the BSL. It's brutal to be in the regional leagues in this country- 48 teams, four go to the promotion playoff, only one gets the coveted spot in the top league. And Duntho Sporting Club, with so much recent success and yet, no promotions, knows better than anyone how hard it is to get promoted in this country. It'd be foolish to pick against them to win the league, but can they win promotion?

Who are their challengers this season? Cerenus United is traditionally a solid team, but in recent seasons they've fallen off. Teoflyos Asres has been there 9 seasons. Cerenus United ownership has committed to him for a while, and after so many seasons, you think he's essentially there forever. But he's in an interesting situation- the rare manager who is in his contract year. They haven't renewed him, they are letting him finish out the season. They hate Duntho's recent run, and with Igulu City out of the way, they expect to compete for a regional league title, and a spot at the most coveted prize in tier 2 football all over the multiverse- a chance at tier 1 football. The pressure is being ratcheted up on Asres, and it will be interesting.

Duntho SC is our prediction here- but any slip-ups, and a team like Cerenus United will be able to take advantage.

That wraps it up for our previews! Preliminary rounds are over, previews are all written, and our next update will mean the start of games in the Banijan Soccer League! Who's ready?

And the season is underway! Kicked off, of course, with the Kabaka's Cup- the defending BSL champions against the defending RBSA Cup champions, so Jinja City FC will play Rukunbi FC at the Stadium of the Restoration. A small note from the magazine, as well, in regards to the scores. International club competition matches are played midweek, listed in the week prior to league fixtures. So, for example, IFCF Champions League matches listed on Matchday 3 happened the Tuesday before Matchday 3 in the BSL. Both Atlantian Oceania Champions League and IFCF Champions League matches are played on Tuesdays, Cygnus Cup Winners Cup and Vilitan Cove Invitational matches are on Wednesdays, while IFCF Challenger's Cup and IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy matches are played on Thursdays. The BSL plays on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The first match listed is a Friday, the next 6 matches are played on Saturday, and the last 3 are on Sunday.

Without further ado!

Kabaka's Cup
Held at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region(Capacity 91,835)
Rukunbi FC 2–0 Jinja City FC
Rukunbi FC is the Season 11 winner of the Kabaka's Cup

And with this, the top flight is underway! Remember, per Banija's television agreements in Eshan and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, the Kabaka's Cup is scheduled to be played in both places. Last season was played in Eshan, with this season returning to Banija- and next season, the plan for the Banijan Soccer League is to return to the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Rukunbi FC, of course, ended the season here at this stadium last season, when they won the RBSA Cup.

Even though both teams are located far away, the stadium was packed to the brim- both teams winning silverware for the first time in quite a while last season, both looking to get off to a strong start this season. Jinja City, especially, looking to kickoff their league title defense in a strong fashion. But that was not to be. The Ercetin to Xilit-Zaxac connection that punished so many defenses was simply not to be found, as Teague Spanos' back line held under the onslaught. It would be Tyrone Barrett that opened the scoring in the 55th minute, and then Mariam Guis who buried the game in the 76th minute. A victory for Rukunbi FC, a trophy for the 'other' Istria side, the very first one of Season 11.



And we're off! The first game of the season would be a repeat of the final game of last season- Jinja City, the defending champions, opening the season against VCI participants Umbazi Metropolitan SC. Of course, the last time they played, to end Season 10, JInja City emphatically won the title in Umbazi with a 9-0 win over the hosts. The opener of the new campaign, of course, was a decent one. It would be Marcus Rose who'd score the opening goal of the BSL season, scoring in the 31st minute to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead. But Laterza equalized in the 47th minute, and the season's opening game was a 1-1 draw.

That was actually the story of the weekend- six of the 10 games, including all three Sunday games, finished in draws. Not much separation after Matchday 1. Herzegovina City won 4-2, with Meghan Walcott opening her league scoring account for the side, alongside Rosie Tyler, Fireblade, and Tsiavis. Istria City went to Hawabark and actually dropped their season opener, losing 3-1 to the Hawabark Boulders. The same problems that plagued them last season seem to have returned- porous defending, not great goalkeeping. The Hoima Warriors were able to grind out a win away from home, earning a 1-0 victory over Igulu City when Josef Lawerenz struck home in the 65th minute.



And now, the Vilitan Cove International. There are enough international competitions this year, where Banijan clubs qualified for the competition proper, that we'll have at least one mid-week competition each week for a couple of months in a row. And of course, first is the Vilitan Cove International- Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club earning a spot in the competition after jumping 11 places in the table from Season 9 to Season 10. The first leg of their competition was in Banija, and they played a side that's not that far away- Crystopolis City, from the Crystal Empire. Although they were on their heels for most of the match, Amat Turay made a number of fine saves, and goals off of corner kicks by Hatabu Ouattara and Tamba Kama ensured that the Buganda side would take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of the tie. A win, no away goals for the other side- that's all you can ask for. A lot left to do, but first step towards the next round.

Time for the league! A Super 5 matchup early on in the season- Jinja City's first league home game since winning the title. Their opponent, of course, would be a new look Busukuma AC. Andrea Vardalos would surely be looking for her first big win as Busukuma AC manager. Jinja City would be looking to show off in front of their fans as they officially raised last season's title banner. But it would be the Farf central midfielder, Wijini, who would score his first goal for the capitol side. A brilliant counter-attack was started via an interception from Phumelele Stofile, who was able to play a brilliant overhead ball to U21 World Champion Samba Ogunsola. Ogunsola cut in, behind the defense, and shot the ball, that was saved. However, Wijini was there for the rebound, and in the 37th minute, he pounded that rebound into the back of the net. Busukuma AC withstood the onslaught from Jinja City, and the game would go down as the first 'big' win of the Vardalos era in Busukuma- 1-0 to Busukuma AC.

That wasn't the only big game of the weekend, of course. The Isipongo Flash, who barely stayed up last season, managed to dominate the Sunday nightcap, quite easily swatting Askatasuna FC to the side in a 3-0 win for the Flash. The Herzegovina City derby was played this weekend- with Herzegovina City playing host to the Phoenix. Star Field was packed to the brim for this fixture, and it was Herzegovina City that pulled off the 3-1 win against their suburban rivals, much to the delight of their fanbase. The Hoima Warriors won by a single goal for the second time in as many weeks, with Emenanjo scoring the winning penalty in the 81st minute. Istria City FC was also able to pull off a win, a 2-1 win over Umbazi Metropolitan.



With two teams in the group stages of IFCF competition, it is going to be an exciting ride. First, on Tuesday- the Champions League! Jinja City's first ever group stage Champions League game. Who would be their opponent? None other than the heavily favored Namakula Kawesa and the defending Pasarga champions, Tanrısal. The two teams played a 9 goal thriller. Unfortunately, 2/3s of those goals were scored by the hosts, as Tanrısal had a 6-3 win over the Banijan champions. On Thursday, in the Challenger's Cup, Herzegovina City faced Banijan national teamer Demba Kinteh and Port Sebastian, of Schottia. The two sides drew 1-1, with Tsiavis scoring the goal for the Banijan hosts.

What about the league? Herzegovina City continued its hot start to Season 11, by notching their third straight victory in this young campaign, by earning a tough, 2-0 win over Bunyoro RSC, away from home. Grinding out those tough road wins is always important in a title campaign, and Herzegovina City, a team that feels it should be champion every year, is extra motivated after faltering at the end against Jinja City last season. It's the early goings, but they look strong so far. Jinja City earned its first win in 5 games(in all competitions) by defeating Kitara Athletic Association, 2-1 at their own stadium. Braehead scored his first goal wearing Jinja City colors, and Xilit-Zaxac scored as well for the defending champions.

Busukuma AC had a big win last week going to Jinja City, going to BCEL Stadium, the home of the defending champions, and leaving with all three points, thanks to the goal of their World Cup winner. But it is not just about moments- it is about putting things consistently together over the course of the season. And Istria City, porous as their defense is, has long had a devastating attack. If you aren't careful, things could go downhill very fast, and they did for Busukuma AC, as Istria City FC paid them a visit and won by a stunning score of 5-1. Yitebarke led the way with a brace himself, as the Busukuma AC, just as it started to leave the station, grinded to a quick halt. They aren't a one season fix, and their lack of ability, at this point, to compete with their peers in the Super 5, week to week, shows. Everyone knew that this was a long-term job though- Yitebarke and co. just provided a very emphatic reminder, lest anyone get carried away by one good game.



Rukunbi FC, the holders of both the RBSA Cup and the Kabaka's Cup, welcomed Energie Thorsborg of Savojarna into town for the first round of the IFCF Cup Winners Cup. Well, the first leg of the 1st round, that is. A packed house, a standing ovation for their longtime manager, Teague Spanos- it was going to be an entertaining spectacle, to see this happen. The excitement of what was known as the BSL's most rowdy fanbase was through the absolute roof, even if it was 'just' the Cup Winners Cup. Bars packed, smoke, marches, songs. And they were treated to an entertaining match. Upanshu Paramartha, the club's captain and Busoga Islander international, scored both goals in Rukunbi FC's 2-0 win over the Savojarna side.

Back to the league of course! Kitara Athletic Association notched an important win, quieting down Istria City's strong attack for a 1-0 road win. It was a strong performance all-around for the Kitara Athletic Association, who had Nick Haller, the Baker Park international who serves as the club's captain, score an extremely late winner with the Starblaydian young gun Betanni Jetvanni providing the assist. It was a quality result for them on a chaotic- not a single member of the Super 5 won a game on this weekend. Kitara Athletic Association helped deliver that blow, of course, by downing Istria City themselves.

But otherwise, it was a terrible matchday for any preseason favorites to qualify for IFCF competition. Herzegovina City dropped points for the first time all season, as they struggled mightily in a 1-1 draw with Aissa United. The Hoima Warriors and Busukuma AC played, the third consecutive Super 5 matchup for the capitol side. They battled it out to a 0-0 draw at Mavuto Field. And of course Jinja City, who hasn't gotten off to the strongest of starts, played Rukunbi FC at home in a rematch of the Kabaka's Cup, in what was another 0-0 draw. The Isipongo Flash were also able to notch a win, knocking off Bunyoro RSC.



Another IFCF Matchday upon us! Matchday 2 this week for both Jinja City and Herzegovina in their respective competitions. FIrst, in the IFCF Champions League- Jinja City played host to Olympia FC of Eastfield Lodge, in what is certainly an extremely tough group for Jinja City FC. Although Vatan Ercetin scored a free kick, goals on either side of halftime saw Jinja City have their 2nd straight loss in the competition. As for the Challenger's Cup, Herzegovina City cruised at Star Field against Eastal Lunar of Vilita. A stunning 6-0 win, highlighted by a Rosie Tyler hat trick, sent a message to the rest of the group- Herzegovina City is certainly a contender to get out of this group.

Kitara Athletic Association had another big game against a Super 5 opponent, this time the Hoima Warriors. The Warriors are hoping to challenge for an IFCF Champions League berth this season. But look at what the Kitara Athletic Association has done. They just silenced an Istria City offense that was riding extremely high. Now, it was their offense who rode high, in a 5-0 win over the Warriors that put the league on notice that Kitara AA isn't simply aiming for the top 5 anymore- they may be going for the Champions League? Nick Haller is playing the best football of his BSL career, and Betanni Jetvanni, just 18, has been an instant hit. It was Oglobelo's beautiful free kick in the 54th minute, however, that made it 4-0 that showed you the true quality of Kitara AA. It's early, we're only 5 weeks in. But they've beaten two of the league's top teams in back to back weeks, in style. Can this form be sustained?

More disappointing results for this season's IFCF teams. Both Herzegovina City and Jinja City went away from home looking for three points, and both came back with just one. Herzegovina City had a 1-1 draw against Igulu City, while the defending champions, Jinja City, had a 1-1 draw away to the Busukuma Force. Elsewhere, Busukuma AC got back to winning ways, when Wijini assisted Alex Sandoval for the lone goal of the match in their 1-0 home victory against Lakiska SC. And last but not least, the Istria City derby was played as the Sunday nightcap. Rukunbi FC, of course, playing host. While Rukunbi FC had a 1-0 lead at halftime, and were leading that way at the hour mark, Assefa Yitebarke scored twice, and Murray Hunnisett once, to drive a stake in the hearts of their crosstown rivals.



And now, time for the Atlantian Oceania Champions League! It's been a struggle since the season has gotten underway for Jinja City- just one win in all competitions since they qualified for the IFCF Champions League group stages. Jinja City would be matched up with the Maal Dæmons of Mriin. And the first leg was to be played at BCEL Stadium in Jinja City. The fans turned out, wanted to turn around the poor fortune that they've had thus far. And, at least for one night, their slow start was forgotten. Both of their stars, Vatan Ercetin and Xilit-Zaxac, scored on what was a strong 2-0 win at home. In the home first leg, they won, and kept a clean sheet. An away goal should put them through to the next round.

As for the league? Herzegovina City had drawn two games in a row, after winning their first 3. But no longer. They hosted the Hawabark Boulders and absolutely shredded them, earning their second 6-0 victory of this young season. Brian Emerson's side has all the talent and all the strength, it's always been about the heart and emotion for this team. But in this game, they put it all together. It's terrifying what this side can do when it is at its best- it's why they are always at or very near the top of the table. On Friday night, the first installment of the original Capitol City derby in over a decade came, when Busukuma AC paid a visit to Capitol City FC. It was quite an environment, between these two old rivals. One of Banija's oldest rivalries is back, and it's made new. Now, of course, Capitol City's politically left-wing fanbase making a seen, and even with Farf flags in their section, considering the team's support by the city's Farf refugee population. While we're all glad this rivalry is back, Busukuma AC showed they were the better team, as World Cup winner Wijini converted a free kick while U21 World champion Ogunsola scored a penalty to give Busukuma AC the 2-0 win.

What else happened here? Kitara Athletic Association won their third consecutive match, traveling to a notoriously tough place to win, Lakiska SC, and breaking down the Islander side twice to take all three points on the South Island. A 60th minute goal from Jetvanni was the equalizer, and Amitabh scored the winner with 15 minutes to play. Jinja City could not notch another win in league play, as they settled for yet another draw, this one a 2-2 draw with Mynda Electra, as Daniel Lucas' side got goals from both Troy Luck and Xavier Melchoir to make Jinja City's early 2-0 halftime lead disappear into a 2-2 draw. THe Hoima Warriors won 1-0 in their match, while Istria City FC put 5 goals past their opponents. Quite the weekend in the BSL.



Two second legs played this week! The first, in the Cup Winners Cup. Rukunbi FC traveling to Energie Thorsborg in Savojarna, holding a 2-0 lead on aggregate in their back pocket. Energie Thorsborg scored first, in the 30th minute, making the traveling fan section nervous. The tension built as the home side took that lead into halftime, and continued to mount pressure. But Rukunbi withstood attack after attack, until they finally went on the counter. It would be the little known youngster Ramatoulie Condé who would score the counter-attacking goal, in the 73rd minute. That made it 3-1 on aggregate, and with the away goal in hand, the home side went from needing one to needing 3. They were deflated, and Rukunbi held on to advance. As for the Vilitan Cove International, Umbazi had a similar situation- holding a 2-0 lead. But Umbazi never let the hosts get back in the tie- an 11th minute goal off of a corner kick made it 3-0 on aggregate, and in the 34th minute, they scored again to make it 4-0 aggregate and put the tie to bed. A good day for the BSL- two teams advanced to the next round of international competition!

Now, back to the league. Kitara Athletic Association's 3 game winning streak, small as it was, was broken on this day. By who? None other than Capitol City FC. In Sisonke. Shocking, isn't it? But Le Meji, a Farf World Cup winner, had quite a match on this day. He was almost unstoppable on the flanks- he was able to cut in and through the defense, create a whole host of chance. He scored the game's lone goal in the upset victory for Capitol City. Not the only surprising result of the weekend. Herzegovina City suffered their first loss of the campaign in Umbazi, an Umbazi side riding high from their VCI tie earlier in the week. They earned a 1-0 win over Herzegovina City, that gave them a crucial three points. All sorts of surprises this weekend- Kitara AA losing at home, Herzegovina City losing to Umbazi, what else happened?

Well, in the Sunday nightcap, Jinja City played host to Istria City FC. We've talked about how Jinja City has not had the best start to the season. Just one win in league play so far. Until this week. They've needed somebody to take out their frustrations on for quite a while, and Istria City, an up and down team if you've ever seen one, was the opponent. And it was a thrashing. 5-1 at BCEL Stadium. Ercetin and Xilit-Zaxac each scoring twice, as right back Jinkzta Ulcviecel scored the other goal in Jinja City's route. Maybe that's what they needed- some sort of a wakeup call to get back in the groove again? The Isipongo Flash, quietly, have had a much better start to this season than last season's- earning yet another win. That's their fourth of the season in just 7 games. By comparison, last season they won six games across the entire campaign, and spent a majority of the season in the cellar.



The halfway point of IFCF group stage competition! Matchday 3 in both the Challenger's Cup and the Champions League. Jinja City was riding high after their big win against Istria City on Sunday night- but Sabrefell Athletic was an altogether different level of opponent. If Jinja City was going to run, they were going to run riot, and they did. Their first ever IFCF Champions League group stage victory, and they did it in style at home- with Vatan Ercetin getting a hat trick, and even an applause, from the visitors from Sabrefell. What a win it was. Herzegovina City took a flight to Nephara, to play the Coret Hawks. Herzegovina City got their second straight win of the IFCF Challenger's Cup group stages, with a 2-0 win in Nephara, thanks to goals from Walcott and Lukas Kayserling.

What happened in the league then? Jinja City, off of a pair of consecutive big wins, were feeling confident getting out to Hoima. However, the Warriors were ready for them. Emenanjo and Ilona Duerden both scored as the home side turned down the defending champions, 2-0 at Mavuto Field. Kitara AA, after a tough loss last week, went right back to their winning ways as they went across the Kitara region, south to Busembe, and downed the Timberwolves by a score of 3-1. Herzegovina City played host to a Busukuma AC team who was looking, once more, to prove themselves against a top opponent. While Herzegovina City got an early lead and held onto it with their lives, it was Wijini who broke down Herzegovina City defenses and scored the equalizer in the 90th minute. It took Herzegovina City down from the top of the table, and in their place rose... Kitara AA?

Elsewhere, the Isipongo Flash, who have had such a strong start to the season, cooled off themselves as they fell 4-0, on their own field, to Umbazi Metropolitan SC. We thought their start was too good to be true. But still- a start this strong means they'll likely avoid a second straight season of the relegation battle, and a season of where they'll fall around the mid-table. But of course, right now, they find themselves in line for an IFCF berth, so who knows? Mynda Electra took on Istria CIty at home on Friday night this weekend, and Mynda Electra were taken down by a score of 2-1, as two first half goals by Assefa Yitebarke proved too much for Electra to overcome.

And here, of course, is the league table at this point.

League Standings after Matchday 8

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

Of course, as always, in the beginning of the season, there are a number of reactions and overreactions. The league table is chaotic, conclusions are being drawn, nobody knows what the hell is going on with the standings. And this season, there is no exception. The Flash in teh IFCF? Jinja City in the bottom half? That is why we will have reaction v. overreaction- what is a legitimate reaction, what is an overreaction after 8 games?

1. This season's Jinja City squad is a far cry from last season's- and has no chance of defending its league crown.. Status: Overreaction

Of course, any Jinja City fan will admit the following- the start to the season has not been ideal. Two wins in 8 games? Just one win out of three in the IFCF Champions League group stage? That's not how they wanted to start their title defense campaign. But look at this honestly. Their Champions League group is brutal. Olympia FC? Sabrefell Athletic? Tanrısal? And, of course, their first time ever in the group stages of the IFCF Champions League/UICA Champions Cup. There's a reason there's so much money for qualifying for this stage of the competition, and there's a reason it is so valued- the competition is intense. Especially their first time in, they might have to take it on the chin this season. What matters, is that they got there, and that they put themselves in a position to get back next season.

That last part, of course, is not what they are doing. They find themselves 11th, with just 10 points. However, the table barely matters right now- they're just two games off the pace being set by Kitara Athletic Association(more on that, below). They are almost there, as it has shown in their draws. They've looked the stronger side in almost all of their league games so far. As soon as they put that last piece together, they can start stringing together wins to get those important points to rise up the league table. The talent is there. The coaching is there. They had a number of roster changes, like adding Braehead and Musa Gaye, and it can take time for everyone to get comfortable. But they will be fine, and we think there's no reason to say they aren't favorites to return to the IFCF Champions League next season.

2. The Isipongo Flash are good enough to challenge for an IFCF berth.. Status: Overreaction

The Isipongo Flash, to the surprise of almost everybody, have gotten off to a ridiculous strong start this season. They find themselves in fourth place in the league right now- good enough for a berth in the IFCF Challenger's Cup. What the heck happened? Well, of course, the managerial changes- Lallo Jobateh is running the show now for the Flash. They are much improved, even if the roster did not change all that much. But Jobateh is able to get much more out of his players than the previous coaching staff.

However, you need to have the talent to be able to sustain this kind of record over 38 games. Challenging for a league title is hard- that's why so few teams can do it. That's why the league table at the end of the season almost never reflects the way it looks after Matchday 8. You need to have a combination of things to do that, and one of those is talent. The Flash just don't have the top line talent for this to be anything other than a nice start. Getting to IFCF competition with Jelany Beluchi and Juka Ndour leading your attack? Please. It'll be an improvement from last season's 19th place finish, as it looks like they won't even been in the relegation conversation- but we would be shocked if they finished anywhere higher than 10th.

3. Kitara AA are good enough to actually win the whole damn league this season.. Status: Legitimate reaction

Everyone's favorite dark horse has had an absolutely wonderful starting to Season 11 of the BSL. The Kitara Athletic Association finds itself in first place after just 8 games, and it is absolutely well deserved. A fifth place finish in Season 9, and then a fourth place finish in Season 10- both strong finishes. But they've been building out the roster over the years, and on the cheap, they've gotten some very talented players. They're not the richest club, as they are not from that big of a market in Sisonke. But it is about finding talented players who can buy in.

All smaller market clubs want that. But very few can build something successful, something that lasts. But Alan Bettles, here in his fourth season at the Kitara Athletic Association, has this side dreaming of the Champions League and beyond early on. Look at who he's found. Nick Haller on one wing, playing excellently. Swooping in and signing Betanni Jetvanni out of Starblaydia at just 18 years old. Jackson Oglobelo, playing attacking midfielder, a signing from Herzegovina City. Even their #9, Ikshu Amitabh, is a starter for the Busoga Islands national team. And Anwar Dawit, their right midfielder, who was the captain of the U21 World champion Banija team.

Many thought they'd have problems in the back. But so far, they've been strong back there. Playing 3 in the back, Yuri Poltoranin and Godefai have been strong and everywhere, even though they are both 33 years old. And Mamadi Sillah has had a strong start to the season, playing center back. But can this be sustained? While their offense can keep scoring, we aren't sure if their defense can sustain their current high level of play. No team from outside the Super 5 has won the BSL after 10 seasons of play, and there's a reason why. Can Kitara AA keep up their strong play and shatter that record?

RBSA Cup Round of 32
Jaribga Soccer Club 4–3 Aissa United FC
Dimbogourou SC 2–2 Koszagard City (3–2 AET)
Barmos United 2–0 Luguyala Patriots
Busukuma Force 0–1 Capitol City FC
Jinja City FC 2–0 AFC Okahavi
Bunyoro RSC 4–3 Igulu City FC
Isipongo Flash 3–0 Istria City FC
Rukunbi FC 2–2 Askatasuna FC (2–2 AET) (3–0 pen.)
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–0 Lwanga Lions (1–0 AET)
Busukuma AC 1–2 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Mamari City 1–0 Lakiska SC
Suwawa FC 3–5 Herzegovina City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 3–1 Kitara AA
Hoima Warriors 0–0 Mynda Electra (1–0 AET)
Bwubanza City SC 4–1 Hawabark Boulders
Cerenus United 1–1 Kigagana Mountaineers (3–1 AET)

The 3rd Round! The Round of 32. Where the 12 remaining regional league sides join the 20 BSL sides, and introduce true chaos into Banija's domestic cup format. While, of course, we can't give a sypnopsis of all 16 games, what were the most interesting games? What were the best results?

We'll start from the top, shall we? The very first game of the 3rd round saw our first regional league over BSL upset, as Jaribga Soccer Club, former winners of this tournament, won 4-3 over Aissa United. Now, it's been a rough season for Aissa United in general, as the Hangaza side find themselves at the very bottom of the table in the BSL, with 4 draws, 4 losses, and no wins. But then a loss to a regional league side? Even if its one of the better ones. We'll see what kind of panic buttons they press.

Another enticing matchup was the Busukuma Force hosting Capitol City FC. Two teams in a three-way rivalry, two fanbases who really do not like each other. Capitol City FC is finally at their level, however, by being in the BSL, and they showed it by winning the first installment of this rivalry, 1-0. World Cup winner Le Meji's cross to U21 world champion Kausu Dione saw the Banijan striker head the ball into the back of the net, and that was enough to be the difference. Capitol City fans will surely relish being the side to knock Busukuma Force out of this tournament.

There were other curious results. Herzegovina City and Suwawa FC played an 8 goal thriller, at the home stadium of the latter team. Suwawa FC just didn't have the firepower to deal with the North Moravica side, as Brian Emerson's team eventually overwhelmed them. The Isipongo Flash shock off a 4-0 loss in league play just last week to have a 3-0 victory over Istria City, and knock them out of the first round of the RBSA Cup. Mamari City and Bwubanza City, both regional league sides, knocked out BSL sides at home.

16 sides remain in Banija's domestic cup. What will the matchups be? Which teams can advance to the quarterfinals and truly give themselves a shot at silverware? We will see very, very soon.

We're closing in on the halfway mark of the Banijan Soccer League! Matchdays 9-16 are here. What does the league table look like? Have the league's title contenders declared themselves yet?

Without further ado!



And here, we start with the Atlantian Oceania Champions League! The second leg- JInja City won the first leg at BCEL Stadium, 2-0, in front of a raucous home crowd. Considering that advantage, they were the favorites to get out of Maal and get to the next round, considering the fact that even with a loss, they'll get through. And in the first half, even though the Dæmons were dominant, the two teams would go into halftime level at one goal a piece. An early goal by Uugueth Tilanii gave the home side the impetus, but a counter-attacking away goal by Lama Nyang, 3 minutes into first half stoppage time, seemed to put the tie to bed. But that was not to be. A result that will live on in infamy in Jinja City- the chance that got away? The home side needed 3 second half goals to progress, while conceding none. A Murgen Knox header made it 2-1 on the day 60 minutes in, Tilanii made it 3-1 in the 80th minute, and in the 88th minute, Tilanii caused all kinds of scenes scoring the match winner as Maal started partying. Mór Császár's side, stunned at the last, could not believe what they were seeing. A famous day for the Mriin side, but a moment that will leave in infamy in Central Hangaza.

Back to the league then, right? This weekend brought us an unexpected top of the table clash- Kitara Athletic Association, presently atop the BSL, against Herzegovina City, presently in 2nd place. 1 versus 2. Lots of good games on this Matchday, of course, but this meant that all eyes were on Sisonke. Every last seat was filled in this stadium, as Kitara AA fans set an attendance record, looking for what would surely be a historic victory, if they could pull it off. They started off well enough, with a flurry of attacking play allowing Betanni Jetvanni to open the scoring 32 minutes in. But you've gotta bury a team like Herzegovina City- and Kitara AA could not land that crucial second goal. Eventually, Herzegovina City crawled back into the match, and it would be Marcel Roux, the Echani attacking midfielder, who would equalize in the 80th minute. The spoils were split evenly in Sisonke.

But this was an excellent weekend of matches even beyond that top of the table clash. Busukuma AC played at home against an Isipongo Flash side who had a surprisingly strong start to the season, and then dropped them by a score of 3-0. Wijini scored once and assisted Sandoval, and the back line, led by Obadiah Parrott and Cassadaigua national teamer Lupe Enriquez, suffocated their opponents. Many were excited for the Busukuma Force and Capitol City FC to play, though they only played to a 0-0 draw. Jinja City, still licking their wounds from their tough mid week loss in Maal, hosted Lakiska SC, and were able to earn a 2-1 win at the death, with an 88th minute header from Jalang Ba sealing things. But the match of the week, was Istria City hosting the Hoima Warriors. Istria City took a 1-0 lead into halftime, courtesy of their longtime star Assefa Yitebarke. But they came out swinging in the second half- Robert Craig opened the scoring for the visitors, with Lawerenz giving them the lead and Ozolx-Mazur planting the dagger. An important win for the Warriors.



Time for the second round of the Vilitan Cove International! Umbazi Metropolitan SC, having advanced 4-0 on aggregate from the 1st round, was looking to build on the momentum from their first ever international competition. Juma Ouattara's players flew out to Audioslavia, to take on Cazadores Cathair. Unfortunately for them, the Audioslavians simply outclassed them, earning a 2-0 win at home. They were seemingly under siege all game, and the home side could have easily won 3 or 4-0. But that's what is was- Umbazi has a small, but certainly possible, chance of advancing to the next round with a strong return leg.

What about the league? Well, Busukuma AC has seem to find its groove, winning by three goals for a second straight week- this time, against Askatasuna FC. Wijini once again provided an offensive spark to the Busukuma AC side, as he is beginning to truly find a groove and pair very well alongside Gudrun Crowley. Wijini did not score himself, but assisted twice and provided a major spark to their offense, which created all sorts of opportunities at St. Sava Park, while converting four of them. Herzegovina City returned to their winning ways of old by burying Rukunbi FC at home, by a final score of 4-1.

Jinja City earned their second straight win in the league by flying down to our nation's capitol and shredding Capitol City FC, winning by a scoreline of 5 goals to 1. Their offense also seemingly operated at will, doing whatever it wanted against an overmatched home side. It was the type of performance that reminds you just how good the defending champions can be when they are on top of their game. As for the other two Super 5 sides, draws were the name of the game, as Istria CIty and the Hoima Warriors both earned 1-0 draws on the road, against Lakiska SC and Mynda Electra, respectively.



Matchday 4 for IFCF competition! Jinja City made the flight to Sabrefell, to take on Sabrefell Athletic- one of the biggest clubs in the multiverse's strongest league. The two teams were in for an important clash- it was already growing likely that those two would be the bottom two in the group. The winner would have the inside track on at least the Challenger's Cup knockout stages, or maybe even catching up in the Champions League group. Jinja City's fate seemed to be sealed, however, with this 1-0 loss. Just 3 points from the opening four matches. They played their hearts out, but the other teams in this group simply have more talent. Harsh, but true. Helps remember how far they have to climb.

Now, off to the league. Herzegovina City scored yet another strong win in the league, winning 3-1 in the nation's capitol, against the Busukuma Force. Busukuma AC had a tough home game against the Herzegovina Phoenix, a team that is always fierce defensively. The Phoenix have traditionally been a tough opponent to try and beat, because they're always strong in defense, and have the ability to counter. Without Corvid Alemane, that ability to go the other way has suffered. Still, they are difficult to break down on the other end. It would be U21 World Champion Samba Ogunsola who would score the deciding goal, late in the 86th minute, to have Busukuma AC take yet another win in the league.

What else? Jinja City dominated proceedings against the Timberwolves, but their finishing was extremely poor. 14 shots, and they only put 4 on goal, plus another that hit the crossbar. They created good scoring opportunities, but they simply could not find the frame of the net, and therefore, although deserving all three points, tied 0-0. Istria City FC had quite the opposite with Capitol City FC. It was an entertaining six goal thriller, where the goals and points were split equally among the sides. Istria City's repeated issues in the back reared their head once again, as they suffered a number of defensive breakdowns. The Warriors took early goals from Duerden and Ozolx-Mazur to crusie to a 2-1 win on Sunday night against Lakiska SC.



And now for the IFCF Cup Winners Cup! Rukunbi FC at home, facing a heavily fancied Hellenic Rouge of Pasarga. Once again, a packed stadium, as Teague Spanos brings out 'the only Istria side to qualify for international competition this season'(yes, that whole thing was written on the cover of the Rukunbi match programme). Unfortunately for Rukunbi FC, they simply did not have the firepower to try and defeat the Hellinic Rouge. The visitors got their away goal relatively early on, in the 21st minute. With the away goal and the lead, they simply sat back, absorbing pressure. Rukunbi did not have the ability to break them down, and now they've got a lot to do in the second leg in Pasarga.

What happened in the league? Well, the Hoima Warriors beat Capitol City FC, 1-0, in Busukuma. It was a tightly contested game. However, an Angelique Underwood penalty, in the 13th minute, was enough to separate the two sides. The early goal gave the Warriors the initiative, and they put the squeeze on their hosts, who could not really find a groove in this game. A rematch of last season's title race, however, was the highlight going into the weekend- Herzegovina City hosting Jinja City. The two Champions League participants, doing battle for the first time this season. And it would be Herzegovina City that would triumph, and by a lot- they stunned the defending champions by logging a 4-0 win over them at Star Field. Meghan Walcott was the star of the show, scoring three times as the Herzegovina City faithful chanted her name at the end of the match.

Elsewhere? Kitara Athletic Association took a trip to Vdizi to take on the Herzegovina Phoenix, and it would be the hosts who would emerge victorious, as the Herzegovina Phoenix were 1-0 winners. It was an unfortunate own goal by Mamadi Sillah that was the difference. Istria City FC ran riot in Busembe, defeating the Busembe Timberwolves by a score of 5-1. Busukuma AC's small hot streak was put on hold in Bunyoro, as Bunyoro RSC held their opponents to a 1-1 draw. It was a good weekend for, however, Mynda Electra, who were able to win 1-0 against Lakiska SC after a strong performance in net from Tore Delgado.



Matchday 5! Jinja City at home, this time against Olympia FC of Eastfield Lodge. The talent gap between these two sides was once again too large to be bridged- while Jinja CIty held out for a half, they couldn't hold out for 90 minutes, as a trio of second half goals meant that Eastfield Lodge defeated the defending BSL champions by a score of 3-0, at BCEL Stadium. Meanwhile, the Challenger's Cup was the opposite- a great day for the Banijan side. Herzegovina City went to Vilita to take on Eastal Lunar, and took the hosts apart, with Brian Emerson's side winning 4-0.

There were a number of interesting games this weekend. The Timberwolves took on the Hoima Warriors, in Hoima, on Sunday. Of course, Bøb Übermanager made headlines before the match. "Put it on the front page, back page, colum 1, column 2, headlines, hell, your advertisements- I will lead us to victory in Hoima." The often boisterous Timberwolves manager took the headlines for the move, and the fans were sure to let him know about it. The Warriors won, 3-0 on the day, thanks to a pair of early goals, and then an early second half goal. Towards the end of the match, all of Mavuto Field was chanting "Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!" at the Equestrian manager.

Elsewhere, Istria City took on Herzegovina City in a renewal of the North v. South rivalry that these two cities have. Last season, these two teams met on the season's penultimate matchday, and Istria City knocked Herzegovina City off of first place, a place they would not recover the next week. Once again, Kabonero III Stadium would be the site of an Istria City victory over Herzegovina City, as Assefa Yitebarke hit the back of the net in the 64th minute. Busukuma AC went back to their winning ways on this matchday, defeating Aissa United at home by 3 goals to 2. Jinja City took their Champions League frustrations out on the Isipongo Flash, knocking them out by a score of 4-0.



The return leg of the Vilitan Cove International! Umbazi Metropolitan SC playing host to Cazadores Cathair of Audioslavia. Like we said last time out, the Audioslavian side was clearly the better team in Audioslavia, and that was not going to change in Buganda. The visitors buried any doubts about this tie with a 25th minute free kick. Umbazi got a goal of their own, but the visitors scored twice more in the second half to advance 5-1 on aggregate. All in all, a decent showing in the VCI by Umbazi.

In the league, there was another exciting clash. Two contenders facing off towards the top of the table- Herzegovina City, forever the league's strongest side, against the Hoima Warriors. A big game for two teams with serious title hopes- and it being early enough in the season where both teams have legitimate claims. But this was probably one of the most shocking results of the season. You rarely, if ever, see Herzegovina City get truly manhandled by their opponents, especially at Star Field. It seemingly never happens in the league. But the Hoima Warriors sent shockwaves throughout the league on this matchday. They did not just triumph at Star Field- they dominated in every which fashion. You've never seen a Herzegovina City side lose this badly in the Brian Emerson era. The Warriors finished with 15 shots(10 on target) to just 2 for Herzegovina City(both on target). The Warriors had 59% possesion. And they won 4-0, with Underwood, Lawerenz, Emenanjo, and even the captain, Daluxolo Matshikiza, getting in on the fun.

That was a huge game for the Warriors. After the game, pundits throughout Banija were talking about it. Mark Grayson told reporters postmatch that they proved they belonged towards the top of the table, that they belonged in discussions about the Champions League. How could you not listen to them after that performance? Elsewhere around the league, other clubs made statements too. Kitara Athletic Association also won 4-0 away from home, but in Aissa. Jinja City won 5-1 in Askatasuna. Istria City FC won a 7 goal thriller in Isipongo, with Jermaine Poole scoring the match-winner. Busukuma AC had a strong performance, but they could not get the second goal and conceded an equalizer in the 6th minute of stoppage to Igulu City- the latest goal of the season, scored by veteran striker Kenyatta Mũraya. But still- this was the Warriors weekend, and everybody knew it.



In the Cup Winners Cup, the second leg of the second round occurred on this day. Rukunbi FC faced off against the Hellenic Rouge of Pasarga. The Istria side was no match in the home leg, and in the return leg in Pasarga, goals in the 18th and 31st minutes quickly put the tie to bed, with the Pasarga side triumphing by a score of 2-0 on the day, and 3-0 on aggregate. Still, Rukunbi fans, recognizing that their team wasn't quite at the level to compete in international competition, gave Teague Spanos and his players a standing ovation for their run over the past two seasons- cup run last year, defeating their hated crosstown rivals Istria City in the final, and then getting the Kabaka's Cup as a bonus this season. That run is over, but a job well done for a club that's generally middling.

Mynda Electra had a great day on Friday night- flying out to Umbazi, Daniel Lucas' Mynda Electra side took the game to Umbazi Metropolitan SC, winning by a score of 6-0. Xavier Melchoir of Taeshan, who has had a quiet start to the season, had his coming out part in Mynda colors in this game- scoring a hat trick, with the last goal being the bending in of a free kick, to the delight of the traveling faithful from Aksum. It was an interesting weekend for Banija's big clubs. JInja City's been up and down this season- just when you think they've finally put it together for their title defense campaign, they take a step backward. THey won by four goals last week. And while they were deeply unlucky this week, finishing with more shots, more shots on goal, and far more possesion(56%) than their opponents, they still lost by a 3 goals to a devastatingly efficient Phoenix side, by a score of 4-1.

Istria City fell at home to Askatasuna FC, by a score of 4-3. That's two Super 5 sides who fell at their home fields. And then it was a bad weekend for Herzegovina City as well. Last week, they lost 4-0 at home to the Warriors. They went to Lakiska SC, hoping to put the bad taste of last week's loss out of their mouths. But they couldn't do much against an organized Lakiska SC defense- and they suffered a 3-0 loss in the Busoga Islands. That's 3 losses for Super 5 sides just in the weekend. It would be the Warriors and Busukuma AC who would take advantage. The Hoima Warriors, returning home to a raucous Mavuto Field after their takedown of Herzegovina City last week, ramped up their offensive attack with a 4-2 win over the Isipongo Flash. Josef Lawerenz made his mark, with a 2-2 halftime score being broken by his second half brace. Busukuma AC made quick work of their opponents themselves, defeating Isipongo 3-0.



And now, time for the final day of the group stages of both the Champions League and the Challenger's Cup! FIrst, for the Champions League. Like we've said- for a lot of the group stage of this campaign, Jinja City have been largely overmatched by their opponents. It makes sense- a group with Tanrisal, Sabrefell Athletic, and Olympia FC was always going to be quite an ask for JInja City to get out of. And the campaign ended largely as expected, with a 4-1 loss in Pasarga and a last place finish, meaning the end of the ride for Jinja City. STill, not a bad one- it was their first ever Champions League/Cup group stage appearance. And to hear them tell it, they plan on returning. As for the Challenger's Cup. Herzegovina City took a flight out to Schottia to take on Port Sebastian. Away from home, when it mattered most, they stepped up. It would be Lukas Kayserling of all players to open the scoring, with a 61st minute header. Meghan Walcott and Rosie Tyler both scored counter-attacking goals in the second half as well, and Herzegovina City recovered from their two recent losses in league play to win 3-0. That not only meant they won the day- they won the group as well. Off to the knockout stages for them, as the BSL's last team in international competition.

Back to the league. Herzegovina City has struggled the last two weeks in league play, losing their last two BSL games by a combined score of 7-0. But they used their Challenger's Cup group stage match to get themselves right back into the thick of things. THey won 3-0 at home against a struggling Capitol City FC side, riding their momentum from their win in Port Sebastian to get back to their winning ways. The Hoima Warriors continued their recent hot streak by going to St. Sava Park in Askatasuna, and winning by a score of 2-0. They've won 6 games in a row, and 9 of 10 in all competitions, the only blemish in their last 10 being a 1-1 draw with Mynda Electra on Matchday 10. They've rode that streak to the top of the table as they approach the halfway mark of the season.

Jinja City won 3-0 in Bunyoro. The two most impressive results of the weekend, however, were The Phoenix defeating Istria City by a score of three goals to 1, while Busukuma AC went to Umbazi Metropolitan SC and won by a score of 5-1. That win for the Phoenix was a strong one against a particularly talented attacking side. As for Busukuma AC, their win showed exactly what they are capable of at their best. Wijini and Crowley playing well off of each other, a player like Lupe Enriquez able to fly up and down the right flank, and quality young players like Coote and Ogunsola getting involved. They're making a serious title challenge themselves, and find themselves in second place. It's a tight table beyond those two. There are exactly 0 points that seperate fourth place Jinja City from 8th place Phoenix- that's right, five teams, at this point of the season, have 26 points. All challenging for berths in IFCF competition. It's an incredibly close league up and down the table this year, so far, with not much separation found between many clubs.


League Standings after Matchday 16

Banijan Soccer League          Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
 1 Hoima Warriors              16   11   3   2    27   13  +14    36
 2 Busukuma AC                 16    9   6   1    27   12  +15    33
 3 Herzegovina City FC         16    8   4   4    33   18  +15    28
 4 Jinja City FC               16    7   5   4    31   20  +11    26
 5 Kitara AA                   16    7   5   4    25   14  +11    26
 6 Mynda Electra               16    7   5   4    22   14   +8    26
 7 Istria City FC              16    8   2   6    38   31   +7    26
 8 Herzegovina Phoenix         16    6   8   2    15    8   +7    26
 9 Hawabark Boulders           16    7   3   6    18   19   −1    24
10 Rukunbi FC                  16    6   5   5    17   15   +2    23
11 Lakiska SC                  16    6   4   6    14   10   +4    22
12 Igulu City FC               16    5   6   5    14   11   +3    21
13 Isipongo Flash              16    5   5   6    18   24   −6    20
14 Umbazi Metropolitan SC      16    4   4   8    15   25  −10    16
15 Busukuma Force              16    3   6   7    12   25  −13    15
16 Busembe Timberwolves        16    3   6   7    12   27  −15    15
17 Askatasuna FC               16    4   3   9    16   33  −17    15
18 Bunyoro RSC                 16    3   5   8    13   21   −8    14
19 Capitol City FC             16    2   5   9     9   23  −14    11
20 Aissa United FC             16    1   6   9    13   26  −13     9

Chaos is starting to play itself out- we're about to hit the halfway point of the season. The good teams and the bad teams are starting to create separation from each other, although not much separation between various good teams, or various bad teams, has happened yet. This is the point where we try to take our best stab at predicting the future. What are our four fearless predictions for the end of the season?

Prediction #1- Herzegovina City will find its way back to the Champions League.

Herzegovina City is Banija's biggest club. That much, of course, is pretty much beyond dispute. Now, of course, the BSL is not a league with one massive club and a bunch of other small ones- the Super 5 are named that for a reason. But it is beyond a doubt who the biggest club is, and that is the one with 5 league titles in the last 8 seasons of this competition. There are plenty of other on field reasons for it, of course, but that illustrates the point clearly enough on its own.

Therefore, it follows that Herzegovina City is the league's biggest draw. It has the league's biggest stars, like Aaron Aiza in the past, or Rosie Tyler and Meghan Walcott now. So to see them 5 points off the pace for Banija's second Champions League spot is a little weird. Where are they? They haven't a bad season- it's just that the two teams above them, especially Hoima, are on fire. They always seem to round it into form and get to the multiverse's most prestigious competition. They've finished top two in four of Brian Emerson's five seasons at the helm(Season 6; Season 8-10), and still should be favorites to do so.

Prediction #2- Busukuma AC is good enough to qualify for next season's IFCF Challenger's Cup- and that is exactly what they'll do

Now, of course, we were there before the season saying that Busukuma AC was a season away from IFCF competition, but we were wrong. Andrea Vardalos has absolutely hit the ground running here. She's been one of those managers who has always been a firefighter- always managing undermanned teams. And while Busukuma AC has less resources than the average Nepharim Premiership club, it also has more resources than all but four other BSL sides(Herzegovina City, Istria City, Hoima Warriors, Jinja City).

She was given big roster control, and hit the ground running. Made intriguing signings from countries BSL sides generally don't get players from- the highlight of which was signing Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì, who had just won the World Cup with Farfadillis. She had also signed Lupe Enriquez from Cassadaigua. Add in players like Obadiah Parrott, who cost nearly $6 million NSDs before Season 10 but who has risen his level of play this season, and you can understand why Busukuma AC finds itself in 2nd in the table. There's a strong team there- it's clear they are ready for IFCF competition now, even if they haven't been in international competition since their Season 7 BSL title. Obviously, their eyes are on the Champions League- we think they'll go to the Challenger's Cup. Still, that would be a great finish for a team that's been solidly mid-table for each of the last 3 seasons.

Prediction #3- If Istria City FC misses IFCF competition for a 2nd straight season, Alvin Burnsides is gone

Of course, there's a five-way tie right now for the BSL's last two Challenger's Cup places- and it's even competitive behind that, as the Boulders sit just two points behind the logjam, with Rukunbi FC and Lakiska SC just behind them. There hasn't been much separation in the top half of the BSL table yet, which means we're in for quite a delicious second half of this league season. Istria City finds itself right in the heart of that logjam- one of five teams that has 26 points.

So of course, we'll have no idea where they'll finish. They've got the firepower to finish at the top of that, but at the same time, their defense is so poor that they could easily finish at the bottom of it. But know this. Istria City was surprised that they missed the IFCF last season. But they didn't want to panic- they let Alvin Burnsides have another year at the helm. However, he needs to deliver this season. This much is clear to anybody who is an observer of that club- they don't want to miss a second straight season. The money's important, the prestige- it's harder to attract the best players when you are consistently missing IFCF competition. If they don't finish in the top 5, Burnsides is almost certainly finished.

Prediction #4- Capitol City FC won't fire Akhona Joyi- they'll ride with the manager that brought them to the BSL, no matter what

"There's no loyalty in professional sports" has been a true saying the moment this sport discovered money. It is not a bad thing- the commercialization and professionalism of this sport has brought us many things. There was just a bunch of state leagues in Banija before the BSL. Think a national league starts if money didn't exist. No. But we aren't here to debate the virtues of profit and dollars and football. We're here to talk about the original saying. Capitol City FC of course exists in this dynamic, but they've always been a little different. Their fans are a little more chaotic, their fans are reliably and loudly left-wing, and they've always been focused on the grassroots.

Those are the type of clubs where loyalty can get ingrained. And while they are currently in the thick of a relegation chase, Akhona Joyi has a lot of favor with club leadership. Even as they just sit two points above the BSL's one team relegation zone, Joyi remains a fan favorite. He's popular- he's one of those managers who is always in with his fans. He attends supporters group events, drinks with fans, can even be found at local bars in neighborhoods throughout Busukuma. It's quite possible Capitol City FC gets relegated this season- the bright lights of the BSL may be too much for them. But regardless of whether they do or don't, Joyi won't be going anywhere for a long time.

RBSA Cup Round of 16
Busembe Timberwolves 2–0 Jaribga Soccer Club
Cerenus United 1–3 Bunyoro RSC
Dimbogourou SC 1–3 Isipongo Flash
Mamari City 2–1 Barmos United
Rukunbi FC 0–2 Herzegovina Phoenix
Umbazi Metropolitan SC 1–0 Bwubanza City SC
Hoima Warriors 3–1 Capitol City FC
Herzegovina City FC 2–1 Jinja City FC

And now time for the Round of 16 in the RBSA Cup! Always entertaining to see who will make the last 8. The Busembe Timberwolves had the backing of their manager in a boisterous prediction before their match- Bøb Übermanager told reporters that they "would shred the regional league side so badly, they'll have wished they never made the flight over." And although they did not quite live up to that, a comfortable 2-0 win saw the Timberwolves make the quarterfinals of Banija's domestic cup. Bunyoro RSC and the Isipongo Flash also both put away regional league sides, both winning by 3 goals to 1 away from home.

Mamari City then became the only regional league side to punch a ticket to the quarterfinals, winning 2-1 over Barmos United. The other teams to make the quarterfinals were expected. Rukunbi FC lost at home, by a score of 2-0, to the Herzegovina Phoenix. Umbazi Metropolitan SC defeated Bwubanza City SC by a score of 1-0, and the Hoima Warriors, league leaders, won 3-1 over Capitol City FC. The game of the week, however, was Herzegovina City against Jinja City. The two teams who were top of the table last year, clashing in a winner-take-all knockout match. There must be a winner, and Christos Tsiavis provided it, scoring twice, once in the 71st and for a second time in the 77th, to make a first half strike from Vatan Ercetin mean almost nothing as Herzegovina City advanced to the last 8.

The quarterfinals! Seven BSL sides, plus Mamari City. A pair of Super 5 clubs getting this far. The Timberwolves, with the boisterous Bøb Übermanager, getting themselves this far. It will surely be an interesting adventure in the last 8, to see which teams can make their way to the Final Four.

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- The Banijan Collegiate Sports Group, today, after heated debate, has come out with a compromise regarding the International University Challenge Championships. The tournament, essentially is the intercollegiate version of the IFCF Champions League. Kinda like the NSCF, or the NSCAA. Of course, college sports, including soccer, are not regulated by their normal sporting governing bodies in Banija- they are regulated by the Banijan Collegiate Sports Group, or any subgroups under them. 59 schools make up BCSG membership.

There's always been controversy about sending Banijan college sports team to international competition. The BCSG even stopped doing so, effectively banning Loyola-Istria and Northern Moravica for two seasons from the NSCF. So there was no surprise when the BCSG's biggest schools proposed entering IUCC competition. They felt as if college soccer in Banija deserved the international exposure from such a competition. But the debate was fierce. Smaller schools, like Buganda Coastal University, said that the proposal would 'continue us on the path of destroying amateurism in athletics for dollars'.

Banijan athletic directors, at their semiannual conference in Busukuma, heavily debated the topic. The RBSA, in a statement, endorsed BCSG participation in the IUCC, although acknowledging that the decision was at the 'sole discretion of University presidents and athletic directors'. They came down to a rough compromise- schools that were willing would be able to organize a spring competition(from April-June), outside of the regular BCSG season(August-December). And then, at the end of the next season, the BCSG would 're-evaluate their position'.

10 different schools announced that they'd join the competition. College soccer in Banija, like all college sports, are gender segregated. However, college soccer in Banija is on the women's side. Women's teams have always been more popular. Most Banijan men who play professional soccer in the country don't go via the college route- they go to the Youth League, and then go professional directly. So college men's soccer has mostly been ignored. It is to the point where men's college soccer is on life sport. A few years back, the Government enacted Amendment 3, guaranteeing equal funding for men's and women's college sports. Many schools chose to cut their men's soccer programs entirely at the time. For many years, women's soccer has been the country's highest level of women sports. People follow it intensely- many schools see average attendances over 10,000 per game.

58 of the 59 member schools of the BCSG have women's teams- the sole exception being Loyola-Busukuma, who has a men's theological seminary for the Mormon church does not have any female students. There are 10 schools that will participate in what will be called the 'Big Dreams League'- Northern Moravica, Loyola-Istria, Kizza I College, Hangaza Tech, University of Moravica, University of Ankole, University of Hangaza, Istria City College, Moroni Arts College, and University of Aksum.

   Big Dreams League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 University of Hangaza             18   10   5   3    22   13   +9    35 - League Champion, qualifies for IUCC
 2 Moroni Arts College               18    8   5   5    18   16   +2    29 - Qualifies for IUCC
 3 Istria City College               18    9   1   8    22   18   +4    28 - Qualifies for IUCC
 4 Kizza I College                   18    7   7   4    23   22   +1    28
 5 Hangaza Tech                      18    8   2   8    24   24    0    26
 6 University of Ankole              18    7   4   7    23   20   +3    25
 7 University of Aksum               18    7   3   8    29   28   +1    24
 8 Northern Moravica University      18    7   3   8    22   24   −2    24
 9 University of Loyola-Istria       18    4   5   9    16   22   −6    17
10 University of Moravica            18    2   7   9    14   26  −12    13

And we're now over halfway through the season! We're over 3/5s of the way done with this campaign- and the league table is beginning to take shape. Are the Warriors still in first? Is Busukuma AC still on pace for the Champions League? Has Herzegovina City stormed back up the table to earn Brian Emerson yet another title? We'll find out here very quickly!


Without further ado!




This is the first week since Matchday 1 that a Banijan side has not been involved in a midweek international competition. That's right- 15 consecutive weeks, in-season, somebody in the BSL has been playing in some international competition- from the IFCF Champions League and Challenger's Cup, to the Vilitan Cove International, to the Cup Winners Cup. An impressive run. But now, time for the league. We'll start off with the Battle for Hangaza's Soul, the annual rivalry game between Jinja City and Aissa United. A Jinja City side that's largely been up and down this season, and just eliminated from the IFCF Champions League, buried their regional archrivals by a score of 4-1.

What else happened this weekend? Two teams with surprisingly strong starts, Busukuma AC and Mynda Electra, met on a Friday night. Troy Luck, the Equestrian captain for Mynda, skied a penalty as the visitors rued the missed opportunity, as the two sides drew by a score of 0-0. There were a number of 0-0 draws on the day. The league leaders, the Hoima Warriors, took on a tough, disciplined Herzegovina Phoenix side, and they also drew by a score of 0-0. Lakiska SC drew 0-0 at home against Askatasuna FC.

Capitol City FC, in a relegation race, got a much needed three points when they dropped the Isipongo Flash at home, by a score of 2-0. Le Meji scored the opener, with Kausu Dione scoring the game winner. The match of the weekend, however, was the Sunday nightcap- Herzegovina City flying out to Busembe, to take on the Timberwolves. This was the wildest night in BSL history. With the Ubermanager talking up his usual storm, you'd know the game would be interesting. And with his attacking side putting five past Francois Tantoh, you would've thought this would be a stunning win for the Timberwolves. But it wasn't. Herzegovina City scored eleven goals in one of the wildest nights in BSL history. Eleven! Incredible. Everybody got their moment. The team had 9 different goal scorers- Tsiavis had a hat trick, and every other field player besides Danijel Brymora scored once(Brymora did not get a goal). What a wild night at the Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den.



And on the heels of winning their group, Herzegovina City move onto the IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 32. They wouldn't have to go far to find an opponent- La Nueva Avenida of Farfadillis, one of their closest neighbors, would be the opponent they were drawn up against. Many were excited for this matchup. Another Farfadillis opponent for Herzegovina City, not a long flight, the two teams in the same time zone- a good matchup. La Gran Avenida was packed to the brim for the occasion. But the matchup on the field was even better. Not for its closeness and excitement, but for Herzegovina City's dominance. They just came off scoring 11 goals, of course. So they were already in the mood. And Victoria Lago would be the new sight, and it did not dent this side- they pulled off a stunning 4-0 victory. Everything working, the captain, Brotzmann, getting a brace. Suddenly, it's Brian Emerson's side that's the hottest in the BSL, They had two consecutive blowout losses on Matchday 14 and 15. And it pissed them off. This 4-0 dispatching of La Nueva Avenida, at their own stadium, was their fifth victory in a row in all competitions. This team is a sight to behold when they are feeling, and right now, they are definitely feeling it.

The Hoima Warriors maintained their top spot in the league, by earning three points against Bunyoro RSC in Dodoma. It was a tough game, very physical, mostly played in the midfield, with neither side creating much in the way of chances. Both goalkeepers only had one save in the entire match, which showed, from a neutral perspective, just how boring it was. But it would be a late winner for the visitors. An 86th minute free kick was bent almost perfectly into the box, as Cosumarite center back Wenceslaw rose up and smashed the header into the back of the net. 86 minutes gone before the opening goal, and it was decisive. They want to win the league, they've got to win ugly. And that was an ugly win.

Herzegovina City extended their winning streak to three games in the league, and six in all competitions, by defeating a tough Mynda Electra side by a score of 2-0, in Aksum. That was never going to be an easy win. While Mynda Electra finished well below expectations last season, Daniel Lucas certainly improved the team over the offseason players. Adding players like Troy Luck, Xavier Melchoir, and Suliven Roagart give them an attacking dimension that they did not have last season. But Francois Tantoh was a brick wall- he had 7 saves, including an incredible diving save against a wicked bending free kick from Melchoir. Herzegovina City won anyways, with Rosie Tyler scoring in the 47th, and Walcott burying the game in the 81st. Elsewhere, Jinja City lit up the scoreboard once again, putting five past Igulu City in a 5-2 pasting. They played the league's other Hangaza sides these past 2 weeks, and their dominance gave the answer to the question that everybody already knew- they are the best team in Hangaza, and by a lot. Vatan Ercetin scored twice to lead the way for the champions.



You know, the league's two preseason favorites- Jinja City and Herzegovina City- are both playing their best football right now, looking borderline unstoppable. Herzegovina City on this weekend won their 7th game in a row in all competitions, and by a score of 6-1. The most impressive part about that winning streak- six of the seven wins have been by multiple goals, the only one goal affair against, of course, Jinja City in the RBSA Cup. They're scoring all kinds of goals right now. But don't let that take away from Jinja City. They've won their fourth in a row in the league. And the streak has looked like this. 0-3 win in Bunyoro. 4-1 at home over Aissa. 2-5 win in Igulu. And 4-0 win at home against Hawabark. All lighting up the scoreboard, all of them the team was decisive. Don't sleep on Mór Császár because his side had a slower than expected start. They are fully in the mood now, and it is excellent football to watch.

What else happened in the league? Well, Kitara Athletic Association met with Mynda Electra. Kitara AA, of course, certainly hopes to get back into IFCF competition for a second straight season, while Mynda Electra is trying to get there for the first time. They had a tightly contested affair in Sisonke. However, it would be the Kitara Athletic Association that would triumph, with Nick Haller scoring the ultimately decisive goal in the 55th minute. Istria City delivered Igulu City their second straight blowout loss, with a brace from Yitebarke leading his side to a 4-1 victory. The Hoima Warriors got another home win, continuing to look strong. But Jinja City and Herzegovina City are closing in as we reach the halfway point of the season.



Welcome to the 2nd half! We go back to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 32 Second Leg. The second leg, practically a formality- a 4-0 away victory meant that the chances for La Nueva Avenida to advance would be very, very slim. That's a near impossible hole to climb out of, as Herzegovina City absorbed the pressure from their opponents, and turned them into counter-attacking goals for Tsiavis and Rosie Tyler. It finished 2-0 on the day, and a shocking 6-0 on aggregate. Forever the BSL trailblazer in international competition, they became the first Banijan side to ever win a knockout tie in the IFCF/UICA, just as they were the first Banijan side to reach the knockout stages of IFCF/UICA, and the first Banijan side to make the group stages of the Champions League/Cup. Uncharted waters- can they make a deep run that will shock the multiverse?

Their overwhelming confidence of course spilled over to the league. They continued their absolutely masterful run of form that they are enjoying at the moment, dispatching Askatasuna FC by a shocking score of 5-0. They are simply putting all sorts of goals into the back of the net, and at a stunning clip. But they weren't the only ones to finish with excellence on this matchday. Istria City won by a shocking 6-0- the country's biggest club in the country's biggest city eviscerated the Boulders, continuing to find the back of the net with ease. Ubermanager spoke up loudly in Busembe, saying that his team would 'take apart the league's best defense', and his side actually lived up to his bluster, winning by a score of 4-1.

Jinja City continued to keep pace, winning a close game, 2-1 at home. It would be the Busukuma Derby that would truly shock observers. The Busukuma Force, taking on Busukuma AC. It would be the Force that would win, and win big. Brun Kissinger's side surprised almost everybody in their takedown of Busukuma AC. It wasn't like they had all sorts of possession- but they counter-attacked with devastating effectiveness. Wijini was silenced on the day, as Wanda Kouyaté had a number of wonderful saves. A big win for them in terms of that rivalry, and a win that their fans will enjoy for a long time.



We move forward one more week. The weekend started in Istria, as Rukunbi FC hosted Mynda Electra. Mynda Electra are on the outside looking in, in terms of the IFCF- but they are certainly in the thick of the race, if one or two things break their way. As Rukunbi FC worked to absorb pressure, Mynda Electra were piling it on. They were giving the other Istria side everything they could handle, and yet, Rukunbi FC continued to work. However, they could not hold out forever. A through ball from Xavier Melchoir found the feet of Roagart, who was one on one with the goalkeeper. Roagart chipped it over the goalkeeper's head, and that was that. 1-0 to the visitors.

Another intriguing matchup was Busukuma AC hosting Jinja City FC. Jinja City had been on a roll, of course, but not against the Super 5 teams. The game would be played in the capitol. And this was a back and forth game. Both defenses were quite poor, but the goalkeepers were top class. Wijini hit the post once for the capitol side, and had a hard shot just barely saved by Iiro Pakanen. Meanwhile, a Jalang Ba header had to be cleared off the line by Esther Vannatter after it had beaten the goalkeeper. But in the 70th minute, Ercetin would once again step up. He bent in a beautiful free kick, that beat the goalkeeper, but hit the crossbar. The ball bounced to Marcus Rose, who tapped the ball into the net. The goalkeeper didn't have a chance. 1-0 to the visitors, for a big win.

The other big game of the weekend was the Herzegovina City. The Phoenix playing host to a red hot Herzegovina City. A blitzing attacking side, against a stout, defensive side that absorbs pressure and turns it back. It was going to be tight at Phoenix Stadium. However, Brian Emerson's side completed the season sweep against the Herzegovina Phoenix, by notching a 2-0 win against their crosstown rivals. Danijel Brymora scored just his second goal of the campaign in the 30th, and then an own goal by Fafa Ngom was the game's other goal.



And now, for the IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16! Uncharted territory for Herzegovina City, uncharted territory for the BSL. The league's last remaining iFCF side took a flight out to Zwangzug to take on the Cosmos. Of course, Banija barely beat Zwangzug, 1-0, in the group stages of the World Cup Finals last time around, so there's some history between the national teams. The two teams had quite a battle. The Keppal Cosmos took an early 1-0 lead, and wanted to build upon that, taking a multiple goal lead back to Banija. But after Herzegovina City withstood their siege for the first hour, they started to turn the tide. They were creating chances, and although they left it late, they scored, with Tsiavis being taken down in the box in the 88th minute, and Rosie Tyler burying a penalty to get that crucial away goal. The two sides are level on aggregate, with Herzegovina City having the advantage in away goals, making their second leg in two weeks have everything to play for.

It was a tough, draining, grind it out type of game. And when they came back to take on Bunyoro RSC at home on the weekend, you could tell that the previous match was energy draining. They didn't have the same type of energy, pep in their step, we've seen in the past few weeks. Still, just as they can take about just about any team in this country, they can still get 3 points when they are at less than 100%. And that's what they had to do- Meghan Walcott scoring in the 64th minute to give the side a 1-0 win. Elsewhere, Jinja CIty had another tough matchup at home, against Kitara Athletic Association. Nick Haller scored in the 42nd to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. But it's tough to divert Jinja City forever- Xilit-Zaxac equalized in the 54th, and then scored the winner in the 68th.

What happened elsewhere? Well, Busukuma AC had another game against a Super 5 opponent- this time, the free flying Istria City FC side. However, Istria CIty definitely got the better of their capitol counterparts, as they won 3-0. The Hoima Warriors played Umbazi at home. They could not get much separation from the Buganda side, and they split the spoils, 1-1. Mynda Electra were able to clinch a 1-0 victory away from home, thanks to the efforts of Xavier Melchoir. And, lastly, the Phoenix were able to earn a 2-0 victory, with their defense clamping down yet again.



The most exciting game of the weekend was in the early timeslot on Saturday. Jinja City going to Istria, to take on Rukunbi FC. This was a 9 goal thriller- and both teams were absolutely at the top of their game. It would be Rukunbi who'd get off to an early 2-0 lead, with Tyrone Barrett and Mariam Guiss both scoring inside 20 minutes to give the team a 2-0 lead. But then, Jinja City woke up. Theresa Lubalo, Xilit-Zavac, and Marcus Rose all scored before the half, making the score 3-2. But that wasn't it. It would be Tyrone Barrett, once again who'd step up in the second half. A 52nd minute strike would make it 3-3, adn then he assisted Arroyo's goal to make it 4-3 in the 65th. But even that wasn't the final say. Xilit-Zavac scored again in the 79th to make it 4-4, and then, in the 1st minute of stoppage, Braehead put the winning goal in the back of the net. A cruel twist of fate for Rukunbi fans, but ecstasy for Jinja City in a wildly entertaining matchup.

Of course, there were other entertaining games on the weekend. Aissa United put Herzegovina City on upset alert as well, as they took a 2-0 lead at the half. But Brian Emerson's side stormed back in the second half, scoring four times to give his side a 4-2 victory, and all three points. Kitara Athletic Association took on Istria City FC and was declared the winner after a great effort, winning 4-2 against the free wheeling Istria side. Capitol City FC, in their race to avoid relegation took three points, winning 1-0 in Hawabark. It was a tight game, but a Le Meji cross found Immaculate Kaba, who volleyed it into the back of the net in the 44th minute.



And now, time for the second leg! Everything was left to play for- Herzegovina City had a slight advantage from the first leg, with the away goal, but there was still everything left to play for. If nobody scored, Herzegovina City would advance, but just a lone goal by the Cosmos could turn the tie on its head. Herzegovina City, uncharacteristically, sat back and chose to try and absorb pressure and simply counter with power and pace. As they went into the 2nd half, their defense started to crack. They were wearing down, and many feared that the Cosmos would score. Herzegovina had a great chance to score on the counter, but Tsiavis blasted the ball over the net in the 65th. He would rue that miss, as the Cosmos would strike from an 80th minute free kick. 1-0 to the visitors on the day, 2-1 on aggregate for the tie, and that was it. Brian Emerson's side, eliminated.

And that took us to the league. What was the game of the weekend? It, undoubtedly, had to be the Istria City derby. Istria City FC v. Rukunbi FC. Always a fun game. This game taking place at Kabonero III Stadium. And the goals were absolutely getting lit up. It's crazy that this game wasn't the highest scoring game of the past 8 days. But the derby lived up to its promise- a total of 12 goals between the two sides. However, it'd be Istria City who would get the last laugh in this rivalry, as the capitol side scored a stunning 8 goals against their crosstown rivals.

Herzegovina City and Jinja City both extended their league winning streaks to 9 games, as the former won 3-0 at home against Igulu City, while the latter won 2-0 at home against the Busukuma Force. Both impressive streaks in their own right, and the fact that they are being done at the same time- astounding. Elsewhere, the Busembe Timberwolves beat the Boulders 4-0, taking their attacking style of play to score all sorts of goals. Capitol City FC picked up 3 points for a second consecutive weekend, with Le Meji scoring the game winner in a 2-1 win over Umbazi Metropolitan. Busukuma AC was able to pick up three points as they look to turn around a poor run of form, as they had earned just 5 points over their last 7 games after earning 33 across their first 16. Both goals came from Alex Sandoval as they look to put that poor run of form behind them and get back to challenging for an IFCF place.

Here, of course, is the table.

League Standings after Matchday 24

Banijan Soccer League         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina City FC         24   16   4   4    67   26  +41    52
 2 Jinja City FC               24   15   5   4    56   29  +27    50
 3 Hoima Warriors              24   15   5   4    35   18  +17    50
 4 Kitara AA                   24   13   5   6    38   21  +17    44
 5 Istria City FC              24   13   3   8    68   43  +25    42
 6 Busukuma AC                 24   11   8   5    30   22   +8    41
 7 Mynda Electra               24   10   7   7    28   22   +6    37
 8 Herzegovina Phoenix         24    9  10   5    21   16   +5    37
 9 Busukuma Force              24    9   6   9    26   31   −5    33
10 Lakiska SC                  24    8   8   8    19   15   +4    32
11 Busembe Timberwolves        24    7   9   8    35   46  −11    30
12 Rukunbi FC                  24    7   7  10    28   33   −5    28
13 Isipongo Flash              24    7   5  12    22   40  −18    26
14 Igulu City FC               24    5   9  10    18   28  −10    24
15 Umbazi Metropolitan SC      24    6   6  12    22   38  −16    24
16 Hawabark Boulders           24    7   3  14    19   40  −21    24
17 Askatasuna FC               24    6   5  13    25   46  −21    23
18 Capitol City FC             24    5   7  12    14   28  −14    22
19 Bunyoro RSC                 24    4   9  11    19   28   −9    21
20 Aissa United FC             24    3   7  14    21   41  −20    16

We're at that point. Everyone's played everybody at least once. What are the biggest surprises of the campaign? What unexpected has happened?

1. Mynda Electra's climb up the table- the year 1 to year 2 improvement under Daniel Lucas has been vast.

Mynda Electra is having a rejuvenation under Daniel Lucas. Last season, of course, was disastrous- a 16th place finish is way below where this team should be, which is generally firmly in the mid-table. But they lacked attacking options, and were especially young in the back- with three first year players on their back line age 22 or under, including a rookie goalkeeper from Darmen who was 20- playing his first season in the BSL. They especially struggled going forward. Daniel Lucas, who had the backing of ownership who knew this was a long-term rebuilding project, went to the transfer market to try to fix that. He got Xavier Melchoir, who had a non-relegation clause in his contract, for free from Lwanga. He signed Troy Luck, and then signed Roagart.

And, of course, those defenders now have a season of experience under their belt. And Tore Delgado is a year older. And while 16th was their worst BSL finish in quite a while, they had faith in their manager, and it is paying off. They are in 7th right now- while on the outside looking in terms of IFCF, it would be a great finish for this team if they coudl hold on. Xavier Melchoir, who struggled for an extremely poor Lions side last season, looks rejuvenated in Mynda, playing alongside Troy Luck and with Roagart in front of him.

2. Bunyoro RSC in 19th- a season with some hopes turning into a worst case scenario

Was it not just 4 seasons ago that these guys were challenging for a title? Bunyoro RSC is a side that we expect to generally be in the spot where Mynda Electra is right now- one of the better non Super 5 sides, hovering around to beat some bigger sides occassionally. But this season has been disastrous. In Season 8, they finished with 77 points, the best ever finish by a non Super 5 side, and in second place- just one point behind the pace set by Herzegovina City. In Season 9, they finished with 64 points, in 6th. In Season 10, in 9th. Pattern is competitive, strong, and in a good year, can challenge for glory.

But what the heck is happening for them right now? Bunyoro RSC, in the relegation race? Am I reading the table right? It's shocking. They've only got 21 points on the season. The attack has essentially died, only scoring 19 league goals in 24 games. The offense isn't scoring anything. Bergoglio is almost certain to be fired. While we don't think they can actually get relegated(c'mon guys, right?) this is a disaster for them on such a scale where we imagine they'll clean house. And if they get relegated, well... It'd be the most shocking relegation in BSL history.


3. The Warriors title challenge is a welcome development- can it be sustained?'

Well, after 16 games, the Hoima Warriors were at the top of the table, with points. Now, they are two points off the pace set by Herzegovina City, as the Warriors have 50 points. It is hard to win a league title- and it is best evidenced by Herzegovina City and Jinja City, who are both blazing through league play right now. Both teams are scoring large amounts of goals, and have such momentum in league play. Look at the challenge Hoima faces. It is one thing to have to win the title against two other strong sides. But they are competing for the title against two teams that are both on a 9 game winning streak in the league right now.

It speaks to the strength of their start that they are able to keep pace with those two, as they keep winning at a ridiculous rate. Those streaks can't go on forever(in theory at least), and the Hoima Warriors just have to keep in spitting distance, and ready to take advantage when one of those two eventually slips. We think that they are capable of keeping pace, but they are going to have to score more goals. 35 goals for isn't bad at this stage, but Jinja City have 56, and Herzegovina City has almost doubled their goals output at 67.

4. Excellence at the top of the table- a pair of 9 game winning streaks in the league sets stage for the title race

Jinja City and Herzegovina City, last season, had a title race for the ages, as Jinja City passed Herzegovina City on the penultimate matchday, and then put a pasting on Umbazi Metropolitan SC on the final matchday to win the league title. And now, these two sides have matched each other in excellence. Both teams on a 9 game winning streak. Both playing great, attacking football, overwhelming opponents.

It will make for an entertaining title race. These winning streaks can't go on forever, but it'll be a three horse race between the two aforementioned contenders, and the Warriors. We don't see anybody pulling away until very late, considering the lack of separation we have right now. That makes for a much better title race, and who is the real winner there- the fans, of course.

RBSA Cup Quarterfinals
Busembe Timberwolves 6–0 Bunyoro RSC
Herzegovina City FC 3–1 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Mamari City 3–1 Isipongo Flash

And now, time for the quarterfinals. The first? The Busembe Timberwolves taking on Bunyoro RSC, at home. Bøb Übermanager talked the talk before this match, telling reporters that he "guaranteed" that they'd beat Bunyoro RSC so bad, they'd quit to play the other code of gridiron. While the beatdown obviously wasn't that bad, it was close. The Timberwolves won 6-0, absolutely shredding Bunyoro RSC. They were up 4-0 inside the game's first half hour, and they switched to cruise control after that. They emphatically were the first team to clinch a spot in the semifinals.

Herzegovina City has had quite a draw for the RBSA Cup so far. First, they had to take on Jinja City last week, and they defeated them by a score of 2-1. Secondly, they then had to take on the Hoima Warriors right here. Two consecutive Super 5 teams, although both at home. And for the second consecutive time, Herzegovina City triumphed. 2 early goals from Tsiavis gave the side a 3-1 win over the Hoima Warriors, and put them into the semifinals as well.

Umbazi Metropolitan SC took a trip out to Northern Moravica, to play the Herzegovina Phoenix. And although the Phoenix were favorites, it would be Umbazi that would triumph. They tasted international play this season after qualifying for the VCI, and they want the same for next year- but adding a trophy. Laterza scored the game's only goal. The last team to clinch their spot in the semifinals, was Mamari City. This run has come out of nowhere- they've never been considered to be particularly strong, even for a regional league side. They finished 9th last season in the Lower Coastal League. But the Kitara side has stunned the country by consistently winning games in this tournament. They will be the fourth side in the semifinals, defeating the Flash 3-1.

That leaves four sides left- Herzegovina City, Mamari City, Umbazi Metropolitan, and the Busembe Timberwolves. Who will play who? Which 2 sides will get a chance to play for glory at the Stadium of the Restoration? We'll find out just in a couple of weeks.

The Banijan Youth League is a relatively new creation by the Royal Banijan Soccer Association, and it is in its fifth season. It was created at the Season 7 owners meetings, with many owners worried about the development of talent within the national pipeline. With all 68 teams in the pyramid having youth teams being financially unfeasible, the Royal Banijan Soccer Association commissioned the creation of 8 regional youth academies- one for each of the 7 regions of Banija, plus one for the nation of the Busoga Islands, whose clubs participate in the Banijan soccer pyramid.

Players from the National Capitol Region, the only region to not have its own academy due to its size, are eligible to play in either the Kitara and Ankole regional academies. Each academy only has one team, and accepts players as young as 14, and as old as 18 years old. Each academy, of course, is required to have at least five members of its starting XI from the home region where it is based- while both the Kitara and Ankole regional academies are also required to each have one member of the starting XI from the National Capitol Region, coterminous with the city of Busukuma.

In terms of player eligibility, all players must maintain amateur status, as defined by the Royal Banijan Soccer Association, to maintain membership. This means, prior to them arriving at the regional youth academy, they cannot have played full-time professional soccer anywhere else, though they could have been in a foreign youth academy. Players are encouraged to participate in youth international tournaments if they are selected, like the Di Bradini Cup and the Sporting World Cup, as well as the Summer Olympic Games. Amateur status is maintained if the player participates in a Baptism of Fire. However, participation for the senior national team in a competitive match outside of the Baptism of Fire- defined as the RBSA by a World Cup Qualifier, World Cup Finals Match, a Cup of Harmony match, or a senior regional tournament match/Independents Cup match, shall be deemed as having lost their amateur status. Maintaining amateur means that, upon graduation, they can play college soccer within Banija if they are not signed professionally.

The regional academies are maintained, financially, by the clubs that are in that region, both in the BSL and the regional leagues. Therefore, those teams are the only ones within Banija who have the eligibility to sign players from that regional academy. There is a bidding process at the end of the season for any players, and they can start playing in matchday 33 of the corresponding season. A player, of course, can decline his bid if he wishes to stay within the regional academy. The academies also provide a secondary education for all students, with people who finish their time at the academy, at the end of their age 18 season, also earning a high school diploma that is recognized throughout Banija. Players who do not go on to play professionally anywhere by age 21 are then eligible to admission to universities throughout Banija.

The league's commissioner is Sarh Sane. The former 16 year manager at Busukuma Athletic Club, he left the club after Season 5. He then held the title of assistant manager for the senior national team before accepting the offer to become Commissioner of this league. He also holds the titles of Youth Development Director of the Royal Banijan Soccer Association.=

Team Information
*Should be noted that all players are assumed to be the following unless otherwise specified- Banijan nationality, male, and in their first season at the academy.

1. Moravica Regional Academy
This is the regional academy for Banija's richest region, the Moravica region. Located in the country's Northwest, the academy serves some of the country's biggest clubs- like Istria City FC, Herzegovina City FC, and Istria City FC. The academy itself is located in the regional capitol, in Herzegovina City. Considering the teams that participate in funding it, it is expected to be Banija's most prestigious youth academy- they have the resources,

The only problem with this youth academy, of course, is that there are strong regional rivalries within Moravica that they will have to bridge. Specifically- the Northern part of Moravica, anchored by Herzegovina City, is far different than Greater Istria, anchored by Banija's largest city in Istria, a city of three million people. There were talks, of course, of dividing this into two academies- but they decided against it, at least, for now. We'll see, however, if they can last. This academy also serves as a feeder to more clubs than any other, with 12 clubs eligible to draw players from it.

AFC Kosactus, even though they were moved to the Northern League due to Corizova United's relegation, still draws from the Moravica Regional Academy, making this the only feeder academy to teams in three different leagues.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Herzegovina City FC, Istria City FC, Rukunbi FC, Herzegovina Phoenix
Northwestern League: Taramazna United, Eastern Moravica FC, Slobochia Bears, Koszagard City, Barmos United, Suwawa FC, Corizova United
Northern League: AFC Kosactus

Manager: Isaiah Grecos. 47 years old.
Starting XI: 4-2-1-3
GK #1 Sulayman Dione. 18 years old. From Grosse Pointe Farms, Moravica.
RB #2 Wandi Sillah. 16 years old. From Suwawa, Moravica.
CB #4 Wyclif Herd. 17 years old. From Lindmark, Nephara. (Nephara). 2nd season at academy.
CB #5 Malick Colley. 18 years old. From Charlevoix, Moravica.
LB #3 Laity Jallow. 17 years old. From Istria, Moravica.
RDM #17 Sutay Mansaré. 16 years old. From Rukunbi, Istria, Moravica.
LDM #20 Badara Soley. 18 years old. From Slobochia, Moravica.
CAM #10 Karafa Mbye. 17 years old. From Iziarad, Moravica.
RW #11 Bailo Hairte. 16 years old. From Herzegovina City, Moravica.
ST #9 Travis Maxwell. 18 years old. From Marque, Brenecia. (Brenecia). 2nd season at academy. Captain.
LW #7 Baturou Kairaba. 18 years old. From Herzegovina City, Moravica.



2. Islander Regional Academy
This academy services the Busoga Islands, the newly independent nation that spent nearly 200 years as an integral part of Banija. Of course, with independence only declared just a number of years ago, the Busoga Islander Football Association made an agreement with the RBSA to have seperate national teams, and yet, keep the six clubs that are on the Busoga Islands as full members of the Royal Banijan Soccer Association, participating fully in RBSA competitions, and follow all RBSA rules. With the clubs members of the RBSA, the RBSA would continue to operate as a single association entity in terms of entry into UICA and other international competitions.

And, of course, the Busoga Islander Football Association also agreed to not create, nor sanction, its own national club competition. The islander Regional Academy was controversially named- BIFA(Busoga Islander Football Association) wanted to name the academy the Busoga Islands National Academy of Football, while the RBSA wanted them to name it the Busogan Regional Youth Academy. BIFA didn't like the latter name because they were no longer a region- they were a nation, and wanted to reflect that status. The RBSA, meanwhile, didn't like the idea of an academy named the national academy competing with a bunch of regional academies. The Islander Regional Academy name, of course, was the compromise- it would fit alongside the other academy with the word regional, and calling it the Islander Regional Academy was, both sides felt, ambigous enough that it didn't call the Busoga Islands a region directly. The academy itself is located in Dukuma, North Island, the nation's biggest city.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Lakiska SC
Northwestern League: Tezirbu Foxes, Jaribga Soccer Club, Nezrouch Rovers, Tripoli Foresters, Dukuma SC

Manager: David Kamu. 44 years old.
Starting XI: 5-4-1
GK #1 Isa Kayode. 18 years old. From Istria, Moravica.
RWB #2 Darin Nicolas. 17 years old. From Urrheddiao, Chromatika. (Chromatika). 2nd season at academy.
RCB #5 Alay Akarsu. 18 years old. From Lakiska, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands)
CB #4 Kor Basar. 17 years old. From Tripoli, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands)
LCB #6 Fikir Necmi. 18 years old. From Lakiska, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands) (Female)
LB #3 Evin Ozen. 17 years old. From Tezirbu, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands) (Female)
RM #8 Ustol Ertug. 16 years old. From Dukuma, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands)
CM #13 Cicek Aga. 17 years old. From Jaribga, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands) (Female)
CM #17 Nuh Reza. 17 years old. From Nezrouch, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands)
LM #21 Candan Yucel. 18 years old. From Dukuma, Busoga Islands. (Busoga Islands) (Female)
ST #9 Philena Neuheim, 17 years old. From Soessch, Schottia. (Schottia) (Female). 2nd season at academy. Captain.



3. Bunyoro Regional Academy
The Bunyoro Regional Academy services, of course, the Bunyoro region. A rural region in Southern Banija, in the sporting world, the region is famous for its lacrosse team, Bunyoro RSC. Dominant within the club lacrosse scene within Banija, and considered a top club internationally, soccer is still king in this region. The academy is located in Byakado City, a smaller town within the region.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club
Southern League: Dodoma City Sporting Club, Kigagana Mountaineers, Mukegara Warriors, Byakado City, Sororo City, Amaku City Football Club, Bwubanza City Soccer Club

Manager: Leslie Francis. 64 years old.
Starting XI: 4-4-2
GK #1 Sarah Obasea. 18 years old. From Bwubanza City, Bunyoro. (Female)
RB #2 Chidike Madu. 17 years old. From Bwubanza City, Bunyoro.
CB #5 Nadir Kiraz. 18 years old. From Lakiska, South Island. (Busoga Islands). 2nd season at academy.
CB #4 Chinwendu Udo 15 years old. From Sororo, Bunyoro.
LB #3 Beluchi Orjy. 16 years old. From Byakado, Bunyoro
RM #7 Chike Chinese. 18 years old. From Amaku, Bunyoro.
CM #8 Olivia Fearn. 17 years old. From Falkner, Brenecia. (Brenecia) (Female). 2nd season at academy.
CM #17 Chioma Ifeatu. 18 years old. From Lakiska, South Island. (Busoga Islands/Banija dual-national).
LM #11 Obasy Jamuike. 18 years old. From Umbazi, Buganda.
ST #12 Suma Condé. 18 years old. From Debadar, Bunyoro. 2nd season at academy.
ST #9 Odion Dike. 17 years old. From Dodoma, Bunyoro.



4. Buganda Regional Academy
Another Southern region, Buganda Regional Academy services quite a number of teams. The regional academy is naturally located in Umbazi- one of the region's larger cities. Servicing a number of different teams, the Buganda Regional Academy is ran by people who are fiercely proud of being from Buganda, known as the country's poorest region.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Isipongo Flash, Umbazi Metropolitan Soccer Club, Hawabark Boulders
Southern League: Umbazi Footballers Association, Pumbasa Boars, Busemlu Park Sporting Club, Boufaya Ravens, Lwanga Lions
Lower Coastal League: Abomfa United

Manager: Cedric Willingham. 65 years old.
Starting XI: 4-4-2 Diamond.
GK #1 Kresp-Dynom Waz. 18 years old. (Qusmo). 3rd season in academy. Captain.
RB #2 Kausu Mboge. 16 years old. From Umbazi, Buganda.
CB #5 Hasimou Jawara. 16 years old. From Isipongo, Buganda.
CB #6 Mark Gulfery, 18 years old. From Handon, Schottia. (Schottia) 2nd season in academy.
LB #4 Dembo Niang. 18 years old. From Hawabark, Buganda. 2nd season in academy.
CDM #3 Cyper Kama. 17 years old. From Pumbasa, Buganda. 2nd season in academy.
RM #7 Alaji Coote. 18 years old. From Lwanga, Buganda.
LM #11 Isaka Guissé. 17 years old. From Boufaya, Buganda.
CAM #10 Isa Ndaw. 17 years old. From Busemlu Park, Buganda.
ST #12 Karamba Kah. 17 years old. From Istria, Moravica.
ST #9 John Banda. 17 years old. From Birin, Ziwana. (Ziwana) 2nd season in academy.



5. Kitara Regional Academy
Located in Western Banija, this region covers most of the Banijan western shoreline south of the Moravica region. Bordering the National Capitol Region on its Western edge, many suburban areas of the nation's capitol are in this region. It is not a region that is talked about- not a powerhouse economically, athletically, or politically, it is a region that is often ignored, as it is overshadowed by the regions that border it- Moravica to the North, and the National Capitol Region/Ankole region to the west.

As one of the regions paired with the National Capitol Region, of course, all three capitol clubs are eligible to draw from the regional academy, as well as the Ankole Regional Academy. The academy itself is located in Mamari, Kitara.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Busembe Timberwolves, Kitara Athletic Association, Busukuma Athletic Club, Busukuma Force, Capitol City Football Club
Lower Coastal League: Kabakono City, AFC Akwadua, Kiala Athletic Society, Djoro Athletic, Mamari City

Manager: Jombo Ndaw. 53 years old.
Starting XI: 3-6-1 Diamond.
GK #1 Felicia Hill. 16 years old. From Twin Saints, Brenecia. (Brenecia) (Female) 2nd season at club.
RB #2 Idirissa Turay. 18 years old. From Jinja City, Hangaza.
CB #5 Yoro Bajo. 17 years old. From Kabakono, Kitara.
LB #3 Abbas Ogunsola. 18 years old. From Djoro, Kitara.
RDM #4 Pedro Nelson. 16 years old. From Chromatik City, Chromatika. (Chromatika) 2nd season at club.
LDM #6 Suma Daramy. 16 years old. From Akwadua, Kitara.
RM #7 Mustafa Jallow. 17 years old. From Busembe, Kitara.
LM #11 Fafa Singhateh. 18 years old. From Mamari City, Kitara.
RCAM #10 Biran Touré. 17 years old. From Sisonke, Kitara.
LCAM #8 Namakula Sonko. 18 years old. From Busukuma, National Capitol Region. (Female)
ST #12 Ülì Èsàsè. 17 years old. From Busukuma, National Capitol Region. (Farfadillis) 2nd season at club. Native of Xíâxìâ, Rülândéá, in Farfadillis- obtained refugee status in Banja at age 10.



6. Ankole Regional Academy
The region is both North and east of the National Capitol Region, in an area best described as South Central Banija. Home to one of Banija's largest cities in Hoima, located centrally within the nation at the Northern end of the region, the academy is hosted in that city of 1 million+ people. Like the Kitara Regional Academy, all of the capitol clubs are eligible to draw from the Ankole Regional Academy. The Kitara Region, of course, is host to fewer BSL teams than any region in the country- the Hoima Warriors. And with the Warriors also having the resources of being a Super 5 club, that city and that team tends to dominate the proceedings of this academy.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Hoima Warriors, Busukuma Athletic Club, Busukuma Force, Capitol City Football Club
Lower Coastal League: Kwadama Dojo, Nsade United, Dimbogourou Sporting Club, Zakuta City, Ogbordu Diamond Football Club, Baleweye Football Club

Manager: Obasi Ngulu. 47 years old.
Starting XI: 5-2-3
GK #1 Maurice Croix-Pierre. 16 years old. From Z'ai'ai, Chromatika. (Chromatika). 2nd season at club.
RWB #2 Kekoto Soley. 18 years old. From Hoima, Ankole.
LCB #21 Fabba Secka. 17 years old. From Hoima, Ankole.
CB #25 Imago DiNapoli. 17 years old. (Cosumar). 2nd season at club.
RCB #5 Bango Tiyana. 18 years old. From Ogbordu, Ankole.
LWB #14 Kawsu Condeh. 17 years old. From Dimbogorou, Ankole.
RCM #8 Babaja Marenah. 18 years old. From Busukuma, National Capitol Region.
LCM #6 Jessie Lesley, 17 years old. From Huntley, Schottia. (Schottia) (Female). 2nd season at club.
RW #11 Tijan Kaba. 18 years old. From Baleweye, Ankole.
LW #7 Bai Nyang. 18 years old. From Hoima, Ankole.
ST #9 Fang Willette. 18 years old. From Felswyr, Chromatika. (Chromatika). 2nd season at club.



7. Aksum Regional Academy
The Aksum Regional Academy is located in Okahavi, Aksum. One of the two Northern regions of Banija, this is located in Northeast Banija- right alongside the Geisenfred border in the North. This academy is fairly acromonius- teams are known for working together for the common interest in this region, and this is no exception to that rule.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Mynda Electra, Askatasuna FC
Northern League: Luguyala Patriots, Thayaferu United, AFC Okahavi, Cerenus United, Koksho City

Manager: Xavier Best. 41 years old.
Starting XI: 3-1-2-1-3
GK #1 Aadilah Ravina. 16 years old. From Sandheights, Ziwana. (Ziwana). 2nd season at academy.
RB #2 Amadou Mendy. 17 years old. From Mynda, Aksum.
CB #5 Suntukung Njie. 17 years old. From Koksho, Aksum.
LB #3 Jibrin Kabba. 18 years old. From Mynda, Aksum.
CDM #4 Ediresa Sidibeh. 17 years old. From Thayaferu, Aksum.
RCM #6 Yoro Ogunsola. 18 years old. From Cerenus, Aksum.
LCM #8 Tamba Kargbo. 17 years old. From Askatasuna, Aksum.
CAM #10 Landing Guiss. 18 years old. From Okahavi, Aksum.
RW #11 Sainey Danso. 17 years old. From Luguyala, Aksum.
ST #9 Kamara Mboge. 18 years old. From Askatasuna, Aksum.
LW #7 Babaja Singateh. 17 years old. From Jinja City, Hangaza.



8. Hangaza Regional Academy
Located in North-Central Banija, this region is dominated by Jinja City- a city of nearly 2.5 million people. It is Banija's largest inland city, and Banija's second largest city in general- Istria, Moravica, the largest, has 3 million. Of course, the academy is also located in the city.

Teams Serviced: Banijan Soccer League: Jinja City FC, Aissa United FC, Igulu City FC,
Northern League: Nanami Dragons, Selekawe Knights, Garixas City, Okakameb City, Duntho Sporting Club, Gadive City

Manager: Reece Mokaté. 54 years old.
Starting XI: 3-4-1-2
GK #1 Mustafa Kinte. 18 years old. From Jinja City, Hangaza.
RB #2 Kemo Gassama. 17 years old. From Igulu, Hangaza.
CB #5 George Wangolo Jr. 18 years old. Son of former Galactico long lister and former national team defender George Wangolo. From Garixas, Hangaza. 2nd season at academy.
LB #3 Ebrahima Kolley. 17 years old. From Ruwani, Hangaza.
RM #7 Sama Coote. 17 years old. From Jinja City, Hangaza.
CM #8 Lallo Keita. 18 years old. From Okakameb, Hangaza. 2nd season at academy.
CM #13 Kaya Kourdoglou. 16 years old. (Cosumar). 2nd season at academy.
LM #11 Antu Jawara. 17 yaers old. From Duntho, Hangaza
CAM #10 Chenor Kairaba. 18 years old. From Jinja City, Hangaza.
ST #6 Lama Suso. 17 years old. From Aissa, Hangaza.
ST #9 William Bennett. 15 years old. From Gold Coast, Northwest Kalactin. (Northwest Kalactin). Born to a Banijan mother and a Kalactanian father in Gold Coast.

  Banijan Youth League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Islander Regional Academy      28   18   8   2    44   12  +32    62 - Champion, Qualifies for the IFCF Rising Stars Cup
2 Kitara Regional Academy        28   16   8   4    41   21  +20    56
3 Ankole Regional Academy        28   12   9   7    35   24  +11    45
4 Bunyoro Regional Academy       28   13   4  11    31   22   +9    43
5 Buganda Regional Academy       28   10   7  11    30   39   −9    37
6 Moravica Regional Academy      28    9   6  13    27   35   −8    33
7 Aksum Regional Academy         28    4   6  18    16   42  −26    18
8 Hangaza Regional Academy       28    4   4  20    27   56  −29    16

DUKUMA, NORTH ISLAND, BUSOGA ISLANDS- BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION The last two seasons, it has been the Moravica Regional Academy who have proved themselves to be Banija's dominant force. And it makes sense- they are the largest population wise, with two major population centers(Herzegovina City and Istria), as well as being the country's richest region. But, of course, in a youth league, it is nearly impossible to have sustained success- players often there for only one or two seasons, all sorts of roster turnover. And they fell back down to Earth this season, finishing sixth.

That meant that we had to have a new champion, of course. And who would step up to fill the vacuum? None other than Philena Neuheim and the Islander Regional Academy. The Schottian led the league in goalscoring, with 17 goals across 28 games, to lead the Busoga Islands academy to victory, and to a spot in the IFCF Rising Stars Cup. Of course, the question is whether she'll be there or not to reap the fruits of that- as she still technically has one season left of eligibility. But the Islander Regional Academy led the league with 62 points.

The Kitara Regional Academy is the only other league that had a title challenge. Led by Esase, the Farf refugee from the nation's capitol, the Kitara Regional Academy finished in 2nd place with 56 points. Of course, there will be a lot of turnover. But wins and losses aren't why we follow youth leagues. Who are the best prospects? Who is most likely to go pro? We'll go through the league's top 6 prospects, right here.

#6 ST William Bennett(Northwest Kalactin)- Hangaza Regional Academy

The first of a trio of foreign strikers on this list. William Bennett is just 15 years old, and is from Northwest Kalactin. As one of the youngest players in the league, it was a bit of an adjustment for him at first. Over the course of the first third of the season, it was him adjusting to the play style and competitiveness of this league, only scoring once in the first 10 games. But once he settled in, he really got going. He's young- he's going to have to learn consistency.

Unfortunately, it was a disastrous season for the Hangaza Regional Academy, as they finished in dead last. However, Bennett was their only saving grace. They scored just 6 goals over their first 10 games. However, they scored 21 goals over their last 18. Still not great, but Bennett led the way, scoring 9 of those goals. HE showed all sorts of flashes of true star power. Being able to consistently make the right run, the ability to place the ball. But like so many players his age, he lacked consistency. Was that because his lack of talented teammates? Or was that because of him? Regardless, with the right training, the Kalactanian certainly has a bright future ahead of him.

#5 RM Chike Chinese - Bunyoro Regional Academy

Chinese is a solidly talented winger coming out of Bunyoro. 18 years of age, he never really played in local academies- simply playing at his own high school until he was discovered. And then, he was able to showcase his talents very vividly in this league. Bunyoro RSC, currently struggling to get out of the relegation zone, is believed to have their eyes on CHinese.

He's blessed with all sorts of speed- he can really get up and down the pitch in a heartbeat. Maybe the fastest player in the BYL? OF course, he's still a very raw talent- learning to control his physical gifts. When he gets going, he can really get going. However, as such a young player, he often lets his emotions get the best of him. He struggled a number of times to keep his emotions in check, as he received yellows 5 different times during the season for arguing with a referee. He'll be a fun watch for whatever club he ends up at.

#4- CB Malick Colley - Moravica Regional Academy

This is a big center back. He's not thick- he needs to build himself out. But he is both very tall, and very skinny. Coming in at 6'4, he's one of the biggest defenders. And he isn't awkward, either. Colley originally grew up playing basketball, but switched sports at age 13 when he decided that he enjoyed watching the sport more.

IT was a good decision for the young defender, as he quickly caught on even though he only really started playing organized football at age 13. The young boy from Charlevoix has good lateral quickness, thanks to his basketball days, and great agility. He does have weaknesses. For someone of his height, he's generally weaker in the air. And he is definitely a potential guy- he could be a star if he builds himself out, otherwise, coaches feel he could get bullied by bigger strikers because of his weight. Will be interesting to see where he goes.

#3 ST Uli Esase(Farfadillis) - Kitara Regional Academy

And now for Uli Esase! The much hyped refugee prospect from Farfadillis. Came to Banija at the young age of 10, lived in Busukuma ever since- and then was able to show enough on the football pitch to get noticed. Playing high school in Busukuma, he was able to burst onto the scene in the Busukuma Public School League. As a high school sophomore, at age 16, he shredded the league as he led his high school to their first ever city-wide championship. 27 goals in 19 games in his high school season.

The Academy, of course, took notice, and they picked him up. Esase came out here in the BYL and was almost an immediate impact player. In his first season there, he was the league's #2 goalscorer, with 22 goals. Even against better competition, he pretty much picked up right where he left off at the secondary school level. He, of course, combines raw physical talent with good skill levels. He is fast, and he has the footballing smarts to almost always get open.

There are, however, two weaknesses that could keep this prospect from greatness. One, of course, is an unwillingness to pass the ball. Many Kitara Regional Academy coaches expressed 'frustration' that he'd almost continuously try to dribble through multiple defenders at a time, unwilling to give the ball up once he received it, always trying to take it himself. The other is that he needs to muscle up himself as well. Quite a skinny player- although, of course, both attributes can be worked on, with the right coaching. He's got a season of eligibility left in this league- will he come back for one more season, or will he take an offer from one of Banija's lower league sides?

#2 RWB Darin Nicolas(Chromatika)- Islander Regional Academy (Formerly #3)

Not much has changed from his evaluation last season- either a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective. The wing back remains one of the most technically sound defenders in this league. He rarely lets his man beat him on the dribble, can blanket almost anybody, and is competitive in the air. He has versatility to play at the center back position as well, which is certainly a plus. Of course, in the modern game, people may expect someone like him to offer something going forward, which he does not in any meaningful way. Still- if you're looking for a capable, hard-working defender, who will do his job, he is seemingly your man. Of course, at 17, he'll be one of those rare players with an opportunity to get a 3rd season in the BYL- will he take it?

#1 ST Philena Neuheim(Schottia) (Female)- Islander Regional Academy (Formerly #5)

And now, for the league's top prospect. A returning player- Philena Neuheim, out of Schottia. The league's leading goalscorer, with 23 goals scored across the season. The Schottian has shown both an appetite and a flair for goalscoring, and it seems increasingly unlikely that she'll use her third season of eligibility in the BYL. She's simply too good. She helped lead the Islander Regional Academy to their first ever BYL championship, by becoming the center of their attack. She still showed the same quickness and burst that she did last season. She became a better passer this past season, as well- creating more opportunities for teammates.

Where will she go from here? Banijan clubs will be interested in her- it'll be up to her to decide the decision for her future.

OOC Note: In the interest of time with the cutoff just a few days away, I'll have to skip filling out top 6 prospect profiles for now. I will do so after the cutoff, so stay tuned.

And we're almost there! We're really in the stretch run- just six games left to play. Who will play in the RBSA CUp Final? Who's title hopes are still alive with this few games left? Who is competing for an IFCF berth? Find out all that, and much more, of course, below.

Without further ado!




Both Jinja City and Herzegovina City have been blitzing through the league at a crazed pace, with the defending champions and the league leaders each having won 9 games in a row heading into Matchday 25. But, of course, this streak could not continue on forever. They both couldn't win every game forever, and a streak would have to end. It would be Jinja City's streak that would come to a roaring halt. They played at home, at BCEL Stadium, against a strong Mynda Electra side. And Mynda Electra did not want to be added to a list of teams that the defending champs just rolled through. Daniel Lucas' side fought hard, and earned a scoring draw in Hangaza. Roagart was the goalscorer on the night for the visitors, with Braehead scoring for the hosts. Of course, Herzegovina City were the beneficaries, as they won their 10th league game in a row by dropping Hawabark 4-0.

What else happened around the league? Istria City FC got another big win, courtesy of their offense, as they dispatched the Busukuma Force by a score of 6-2. Istria City has always been that kind of side- when they are rolling, they are really rolling and can put a huge number of goals past any defense. Anyways, let's look elsewhere. Bunyoro RSC's season continues to be absolutely shocking and disastrous, as they lost a home game by a score of 2-1 against the Herzegovina Phoenix. Other teams towards the top of the table took care of business today as well. Kitara Athletic Association won 2-0 at home, while Busukuma AC had a derby against Capitol City FC, and came out ahead with Wijini scoring twice. The Warriors won in Rukunbi as well. Aissa United, entering the weekend 5 points from safety, had a massive, potentially season saving win- a 4-0 home win against Askatasuna FC. Can they climb out of the cellar?



Aissa United FC knew that they needed to turn things around at some point. Travis Kadongo, coaching for his job entering last weekend, left it quite late. It had been a surprise that he had made it to that point. But he's found the right button. A shocking 4-0 win at home last weekend. But this weekend, the task was tougher. Travel to Phoenix Stadium, against one of the top defenses in the league. It would not be an easy task. But on this day, they would win a thriller, 3 goals to 2, as Pablo Castroneves picked a great time to score his first goal of the season, heading the winner into the back of the net in the 79th minute. With Bunyoro RSC's draw against Mynda Electra, the two sides are level at the bottom on points.

There were interesting results across the league table on this Matchday. Ubermanager's Timberwolves, of course, play with a very strong attacking style. They go for goal- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't work. They took on a quality Busukuma AC side at home. Remember, Busembe is quite close to the capitol- only about a 45-50 minutes away, northwest of the capitol. SO while these matches aren't quite rivalries, still big games. And the Timberwolves blasted Busukuma AC. Edgar Farsal-Smith saved a penatly, as Basamula scored twice. Herzegovina City extended their league game winning streak to 11, as they had a close, 1-0 victory over Umbazi Metropolitan SC.

And then, of course, we get to Sunday. Some intriguing matchups. First, it would be the Hoima Warriors who would pull off an important 2-1 win at home, against the Busukuma Force. They are, at the very least, trying to get back to IFCF competition next season, if not reach all the way to the Champions League, and challenge for the title, so that's good for that chase. But the nightcap was Istria City FC hosting Jinja City. Not good for Jinja City- as they traveled to Istria, for a big game, and fell, 1-0. Despite the scoreline, this wasn't a grind it out affair- that's not how Istria City plays. This was a wide open, back and forth game- both teams were poor finishing. But Hunnisett got the winner in the 52nd, and it was enough to give Istria City all three points.



This was an important, and indeed, very entertaining weekend. We'll start with the Friday night game. It was a clash between both sides that had 22 points, the two sides tied at the bottom of the table. Aissa United who, after a disastrous start, suddenly had some confidence after winning back to back games against Askatasuna FC and against the Phoenix. Bunyoro RSC looked to take the pressure off Bergoglio by getting a win. They did not get their wish. Aissa United picked up 3 points on a third consecutive weekend, and put Bunyoro RSC in the league's cellar with a 1-0 win. Andrey Soltykov skied a penalty for the visitors, as the BSL's runner-ups from just a few seasons back now sit firmly in the relegation zone. What can be done to right this ship?

This was a fascinating weekend towards the top of the table as well. A lot of intriguing matchups- two Super 5 matchups, alongside Istria City taking on a rising Mynda side. Istria City, at home, had a tough draw against Daniel Lucas' team. It would be Yitebarke opening the scoring in the 14th, but Melchoir equalizing in the 31st. The two teams were battling, back and forth. Daniel Lucas wanted a showcase win, while Istria City wanted the points for their own IFCF aspirations. AN 81st minute strike by Lawerenz gave the home side the lead, and then Jermaine Poole put it beyond doubt in the 85th. An important 3 points for them. Especially with an upset towards the top of the table. Herzegovina City, winners of 11 league games in a row, put their streak on the line against Busukuma AC. But their streak would come to an end in the nation's capitol, with controversy. Wijini assisted Sandoval's go-ahead goal in the 72nd. Meghan Walcott thought she had equalized in the 79th, right in front of hte visiting fan section. However, upon review, the Video Assistant Referee ruled her just a foot offside when the ball was played by Tsiavis. And not by the measurement- no, her literal right foot. Brian Emerson harshly criticized VAR after the match, saying that we should 'eliminate the travesty', but the call stood- 1-0 in favor of Busukuma AC, a big win for the capitol side.

The game of the weekend, however, was the Sunday nightcap. Herzegovina City's winning streak had finally come to an end. The Warriors and Jinja City met, at BCEL Stadium in front of an absolutely packed house. A golden opportunity for either side, if they won, to make up some ground in the title race. Jinja City opened the scoring, when Ercetin hit a shot in the 22nd minute. But that lead did not last long- the Warriors equalized in the 29th, and took the lead in the 33rd. Emenanjo was responsible for both goals. Xilit-Zaxac equalized just before halftime, and it was 2-2. The Warriors started strong in the second half. Ozolx-Mazur scored in the 53rd, and Underwood scored in the 65th, to make it 4-2 to the visitors. But the defending champions roared back. Xilit-Zaxac made it a one goal game in the 78th, and Musa Gaye equalized in the 87th. Robert Craig had an opportunity to win it in stoppage time, freeing himself up on a counter-attack, and beat the goalkeeper with a pacey shot, but could not beat the post as the ball bounced off the post and was cleared. A 4-4 draw. A missed opportunity for both sides to really get bag in the title race.



Mynda Electra hosted a suddenly hot Aissa United side in the Friday night game. Aissa United, winners of 3 in a row in the league to climb back out of the bottom of the table, were looking to continue their hot streak. Leave it, however, to Daniel Lucas. Xavier Melchoir assisted the game's lone goal by Troy Luck, the Equestrian captain. That would be enough, as Mynda's fans were pleased with a 1-0 win. Elsewhere, Busukuma AC continued the momentum brought about from their big time win over Herzegovina City, as they won 2-1 in Isipongo. It was a thrilling, come back win- the Flash made it 1-0 early on, but an 81st minute strike from Sandoval, and 89th minute header from Ogunsola, stole the game very late on.

Felipe Bergoglio, seemingly day to day now at Bunyoro RSC, made an argument in favor of keeping his job as Bunyoro RSC defeated Igulu City FC at home, by a score of 1-0. They're still way under potential though- we imagine that he'll get fired pretty soon here. Jinja City all of a sudden cant' find a way to win- they had their third draw in their last four games in Lakiska, when they had a 0-0 draw against one of the league's tightest defenses on the South Island. Kitara Athletic Assocation was able to notch a big win for themselves- delivering Herzegovina City's second straight loss to them at Star Field, as they dropped Herzegovina City by a score of 2-0. And, on the Sunday nightcap, it would be Istria City that would take three points, dropping the Warriors by a score of 2-0. Two second half goals by Atsushi Ryu and Hunnisett were the difference on the day.



Now for Matchday 29! We're getting close to the end of the season- including this Matchday, there are just 10 games left for each team in the season. And we'll start right when the action started- on Friday Night. Mynda Electra, a side that was in 16th last season but has had a strong time out this season, taking on the Hoima Warriors at Mavuto Field, in Hoima. And this was one of a few upsets this weekend- Daniel Lucas and his side notched another big win this weekend, as they dropped the Warriors 2-1. He made a number of signings at the window that have panned out, and Troy Luck, as well as 18 year old right back Helek-Evela Mal, scored the goals.

The first game on Saturday was yet another upset. Lakiska SC is always a tough side to break down. Say what you like about Winad-Lenpi, but when he got to Lakiska, they were always a prime candidate for relegation. Now, he's built them into a club that's firmly mid-table. They play strong, disciplined defense, and are a nightmare even for the league's best attacking sides. Istria City, of course, is generally the league's best attacking side. And Lakiska SC this weekend won, 1-0, in Istria. Carlton Sandt had 9 saves on the day, and it would be Ingmar Linderood, the Ko-orenite defender, who would score the winning goal.

Jinja City and Herzegovina City both picked this weekend to return to their winning ways. Jinja City, who haven't won since Matchday 24, finally got three points again, as they took apart Capitol City FC in a 4-1 victory. Herzegovina City, losers of two in a row after an even more impressive hot streak than the defending champs, also went down to Istria and win, defeating Rukunbi FC by a score of 4-0. Elsewhere, Kitara Athletic Association and Busukuma AC both kept pace. Busukuma AC won by a score of 1-0, with a 33rd minute header from Obadiah Parrott being the difference. Kitara Athletic Association won 2-0 at home against the Isipongo Flash, with Baker Park international Nick Haller scoring the first and assisting the second.



Some chaotic results on this weekend. Once again, upsets all across the board. First, on Friday night- Mynda Electra, playing host to Igulu City Football Club. And it would be Igulu City FC that would not only win, but cruise- a 4-1 shellacking in Mynda that surprised observers across the country. Abraham Akampurira's side ususally are not capable of wins like this, but this is exactly what we saw. Darmen national Benedicto Montoya had quite a game, scoring a hat trick as an in-form Mynda Electra suffered a serious setback. But there was more elsewhere. Aissa United continued to strengthen their case to stay in the Banijan Soccer League, as they dropped the Boulders 1-0 at home. Bunyoro RSC at least added a point to their cause, as the last gasp effort, by Paula Farquhar, ensured they didn't go home completely empty-handed.

Now, of course, the weekend wasn't all chaos. Herzegovina City, the league leaders, continued to show why they were league leaders by grinding out a 1-0 win over Brun Kissinger's Busukuma Force. A harsh penalty given in the 78th minute after what many felt was an accidental handball by Ousman Coote. However, the referee made his call, and Rosie Tyler smashed home the penalty to give her side a 1-0 victory. Busukuma AC also took care of business in Vdizi. It was a tough game against the Phoenix- their defense suffocating players like Wijini, who are key to their attack. It would be the most unlikely of scorers- former national teamer Phumelele Stofile, finding the winner.

And now, why we're here- what were this weekend's chaotic results? Well, Kitara Athletic Association paid a visit to St. Sava Park, in Askatasuna. And surprisingly, it would be the green and white striped side that would triumph. Goals from Martin Lucey and Amanuel Wakeyo were enough to knock down Kitara. And the chaos did not stop there. Capitol City FC took on Istria City at home this weekend. Trying to dig themselves out of the relegation race, they earned a big win over a big time opponent. Le Meji's pair of first half goals were enough for them to triumph. And while the Hoima Warriors didn't lose, they couldn't break down a Lakiska SC team playing a Super 5 side for the third week in a row. What a three week stretch for Lakiska SC- 0-0 against Jinja City, then 1-0 against Istria City, then 0-0 against the Hoima Warriors. That is a powerful argument over the Herzegovina Phoenix for best defense in the league.



Less chaos this weekend, more results. Mynda Electra was asking some questions after their stunning shellacking at the hands of Igulu City FC. But they proved that loss to be just a minor bump in the road, rather than a downturn for the worse, when they became the first club since Matchday 27 to score against Lakiska in a 1-0 win on the South Island. It would be Abesalom Yitay who would score the lone goal for Mynda Electra, hitting from distance in a spot where a red-hot Carlton Sandt, who had made a combined 14 saves over the past 3 matchdays, could not have saved it. Nobody could have saved it. And yet, that's where they were.

Things began to return to normal. Kitara Athletic Association took on the Herzegovina Phoenix. It was for a few years, probably 4-5 years there, where the Phoenix were firmly considered the best non Super 5 side in the league, alongside Bunyoro RSC. While it's been clear for a while this season, this is where the proverbial torch was passed- Kitara Athletic Association now has that title. A 4-0 route at home over the Phoenix. They lost important players and did not, or could not, replace them. The Kuta-Bostun duo simply doesn't work. Turner has regressed. Avramov, after being strong last season, and strong in the summer, has taken an unfortunate step back. They expect, even with less resources, to be competing for the IFCF year in, year out, and they haven't done that this year. This just a bad year, or is Jehan Blair's side in decline?

Elsewhere, favorites took care of business. The Hoima Warriors dropped Capitol City FC, at home by a score of 2-0. Free-flowing Istria City took on free-flowing Busembe, and the former side took the game to their opponents, winning by a score of 5-1. But the game of the weekend was against the two preseason title favorites- Jinja CIty against Herzegovina City. The game taking place at Jinja City's home field. The excitement beyond comparison. And although it was a tough grind, it would be Herzegovina City that would pull out the win. Leave it to the captain to lead from the front. Dennis Brotzmann scored the winner in the 61st, and Brian Emerson's side got three crucial points away from home. And considering other recent results, it seemingly knocks Jinja City out of the title race, doesn't it?



And now, time for Matchday 32! Mynda Electra took on the Boulders on the first matchup of the weekend. They fell, by a score of 2-1, to the Hawabark Boulders. But there were a lot of interesting results from the weekend- the Mynda loss just seemed to be the canary in the coal mine for the weekend. Aissa United recorded yet another win, their fifth over the last 8 games, as they continued to make their case for safety. The fact that they did it against a Busukuma AC side trying to get into IFCF competition makes it all that much more impressive. Of course, the magic number is 40 points seemingly in most leagues- and in a league where only one team gets dropped, 35 might be enough. But this is a surprisingly strong relegation race(more on that later), and another win or two in the last 6 games may be what they need. After strongly for a solid 60% of the season, though, they seem to be well on their way to safety.

Another side chasing an IFCF berth had yet another disappointing loss. Jinja City took a flight out to Isipongo, and lost there, of all places, by a score of 2-1. The Flash are not known as the strongest side- so the loss is certainly surprising. Of course, that loss means that Jinja City finds themselves on the outside looking in. That's right- the defending champs find themselves in 6th place, just one point behind fifth, and another behind fourth. Istria City earned a 3-3 draw with Herzegovina City. The Warriors and Kitara Athletic Association took advantage of Herzegovina City dropping points by each taking all three- Hoima doing so in Busembe, while Kitara AA did so in Bunyoro.

Bunyoro RSC took the day to fire Bergoglio, unsurprisingly. Mukasa Bukanda, who was interim for Busukuma AC last year, will take the job for the last 6 weeks here. Can he save them from a disastrous relegation?

Here, of course, is the table with 6 games left to play.

League Standings after Matchday 32

Banijan Soccer League         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina City FC         32   21   5   6    82   32  +50    68
 2 Hoima Warriors              32   19   7   6    47   28  +19    64
 3 Kitara AA                   32   19   6   7    52   26  +26    63
 4 Istria City FC              32   18   4  10    89   53  +36    58
 5 Busukuma AC                 32   16   9   7    38   29   +9    57
 6 Jinja City FC               32   16   8   8    66   40  +26    56
 7 Mynda Electra               32   13   9  10    38   35   +3    48
 8 Herzegovina Phoenix         32   11  10  11    29   31   −2    43
 9 Busukuma Force              32   12   7  13    35   42   −7    43
10 Busembe Timberwolves        32   11  10  11    45   55  −10    43
11 Rukunbi FC                  32   10   8  14    34   44  −10    38
12 Lakiska SC                  32    9  10  13    21   23   −2    37
13 Hawabark Boulders           32   11   4  17    28   51  −23    37
14 Igulu City FC               32    9   9  14    32   39   −7    36
15 Umbazi Metropolitan SC      32    9   9  14    30   43  −13    36
16 Isipongo Flash              32    9   8  15    30   53  −23    35
17 Aissa United FC             32    8   8  16    32   46  −14    32
18 Askatasuna FC               32    9   5  18    29   54  −25    32
19 Capitol City FC             32    7   8  17    21   42  −21    29
20 Bunyoro RSC                 32    5  12  15    25   37  −12    27

Of course, many of us are excited for what will transpire at the end of the season. But many are looking beyond- the general managers and stuff who are in charge, for one. How will they look to improve their sides? We'll take a look at a few options.

1. Berrëngüé Lé Méjî(Farfadillis) to Istria City FC?

From World Cup winner to relegation battle. He, of course, had to know the risks when signing with Capitol City FC. But Capitol City FC's offer was enticing all the same. A passionate fanbase, a fanbase with many Farves, and to write yourself into the club's legacy in their first season up. But the season has not been going according to plan for Le Meji. Don't get us wrong- he's had a strong season in the nation's capitol. He's made himself clearly one of the league's indispensable players, and he generates a good chunk of offense for them.

Le Meji is somebody who generally expects success. And he'll be working his tail off to ensure Capitol City FC does not get relegated. But can he prevent a relegation? Who knows? He Probably can't prevent a relegation on his own, and they are just 2 points from the relegation zone. It will be nerve wracking. A team that may be interested in him? Istria City FC. Le Meji would give the league's strongest offensive side yet another attacking option. But would it be a move that is realistic? They may look to move on from Atsushi Ryu, but that'll be tough- he's been there forever, and fans love him. If they don't make IFCF competition, there would be less incentive for him to move, especially if Capitol City FC stayed up. But he'd fit right in, if the stars aligned.

2. Xavier Melchoir(Taeshan) to Herzegovina City?

Many believe that Herzegovina City are going to look to move on from Marcel Roux after the season. He's a strong player, no doubt- but squad changes are always necessary to keep things fresh. They didn't make any after last season, and while that seems like the right strategy right now, Brian Emerson doesn't want things to grow stale. And Roux would make the most sense to walk away- his own contract is up at the end of the season, anyways. It would be him or Chidiebere- or even, potentially both.

Xavier Melchoir has been in Banija for quite a while. He was highly anticipated coming here, but while he showed flashes there, he never truly lived up to the hype in a bad situation in Lwanga. He finally got out after they were relegated, and he's been rejuvenated in Mynda. It's hard for these non Super 5 teams to stay strong- keeping their good young players is almost impossible. Either bigger clubs in Banija, or even larger clubs from outside Banija, come snapping. Melchoir is a key cog of that side's revitalization this season, and he'll likely get looks. While we aren't sure what Herzegovina City's plans are yet, Melchoir would be a quality domestic signing, though we imagine the Mynda side will demand a high price.

3. Kiggwe Basamula to Kitara AA?

The Kitara Athletic Association is trying to fix themselves among the league's best sides. The last two seasons they finished in 5th place, and fourth place, respectively. This season, they are on track to finish in the top 3, their best place ever. They are just a point behind the Champions League berth, and beyond that, five points beyond Herzegovina City. Many believe that they need just a little more firepower behind them to truly make the jump from nice team, from just a solid team, to legitimate title contenders.

And they will look to add that. They've got a good mix of strong players right now. Nick Haller, who's committed to the club for the long-term. Betanni Jetvanni, who may not be here long-term, but many think will be here for at least 2-3 seasons before eventually going for the big payday in a bigger league, to try and break into Starblaydia's senior national side. Oglobelo has had a strong run in the BSL over the years, playing for Herzegovina City and Kitara AA. But he'll be getting up there in years. And tough choices will have to be made if they believe that the stars will align next year for them, to make a title run. Expect them to be aggressive on the international transfer market this offseason, but if Basamula does want to go from the south side of the Kitara region to the North, then we expect the option to be available to him.

RBSA Cup Semifinals
Herzegovina City FC 2–2 Busembe Timberwolves (3–2 AET)
Mamari City 2–3 Umbazi Metropolitan SC

The RBSA Cup Semifinals! Who will advance to the Stadium of the Restoration? It would be Herzegovina City, the league leaders, and the Busembe Timberwolves, who would do battle in the first semifinal. The game was an absolute thriller. Ubermanager talking trash, even yelling across the touchline at Emerson in a surprisingly tense game. The aforementioned Basamula opened the scoring, in the 31st. But the home side responded well, with Tsiavis equalizing in the 47th and Walcott giving them the lead in the 61st. But that left it open to the TImberwolves- and Jeff Finte took advantage, scoring in the 82nd to make it 2-2. The back and forth game was an extremely tight affair. The Timberwolves had a chance to win it in stoppage time, but a free header for Madhav Oojam was brilliantly saved by Francois Tantoh. The home side showed their dominance in extra time, with Meghan Walcott scoring the winner in the 111th minute.

And then, of course, we went on to the other semifinal. Could Mamari City be the third regional league side in the past four seasons to reach the Cup Final? They would try their very best. However, they simply did not have the strength to keep up with Umbazi Metropolitan SC. The talent gap, even if they were playing at the lower league side's home field, was simply too much between these teams. What a run for Mamari City- cup magic struck again as they went all the way to the semifinals. The BSL side was too much though. And now, we know who will finish the season at the Stadium of the Restoration. Herzegovina City, against Umbazi Metropolitan SC. One of those two will be named cup champion. Which one will it be?

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- All 44 games of the regional league season have been played! Now, of course, a refresher- there are four 12 team regional leagues in Banija's second tier, based(mostly) on geography. Each team plays a quadruple round robin within their league, for a total of 44 league games. The four league champions enter into a BSL Promotion Playoff against each other. The champions are randomly drawn against each other- the semifinals are two legs, and the winners of each aggregate tie advance to the BSL Promotion Playoff Final. The winner of the Playoff Final is the sole side promoted to the Banijan Soccer League, while the three champions who didn't earn promotion qualify for the IFCF Liga B Champion's Trophy.

Northwestern League

Northwestern League            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Suwawa FC                    44   25   9  10    82   58  +24    84 - League Champion, Qualifies for BSL Promotion Playof
 2 Barmos United                44   21   8  15    73   67   +6    71
 3 Eastern Moravica FC          44   20  10  14    75   59  +16    70
 4 Dukuma SC                    44   20   9  15    62   50  +12    69
 5 Jaribga Soccer Club          44   20   9  15    60   59   +1    69
 6 Tripoli Foresters            44   17  10  17    67   72   −5    61
 7 Nezrouch Rovers              44   15  15  14    56   48   +8    60
 8 Slobochia Bears              44   14  18  12    65   60   +5    60
 9 Corizova United              44   18   6  20    51   54   −3    60
10 Taramazna United             44   13  10  21    45   70  −25    49
11 Koszagard City               44    9  14  21    65   73   −8    41
12 Tezirbu Foxes                44    7  12  25    51   82  −31    33

And now, for the Northwestern League! It's interesting. Corizova United used to be so dominant in this league- winning four titles in 5 seasons, in the seasons equivalent to BSL Seasons 4-8. But then, of course, they earned promotion to the Banijan Soccer Leauge, were summarily relegated their first season up, and they haven't found that spark. It's not easy to just get back to where they were- a lot of upheaval, going through an emotionally draining relegation. They finished just mid-table last season, and now, they just finished in 9th. That means Samba Kouyaté is fired, and they'll have to go through a lot of change to try and get back to the top flight.

But what happened towards the top of the table? Of course, as we all know, Dukuma SC were the winners last season. But their quest to get back to the Banijan Soccer League was derailed. They were only able to finish fourth. Of course, it was tight in that league. Only 2 points seperated 5th place Jaribga Soccer Club from 2nd place Barmos United. But there was a runaway winner in this league. Suwawa FC, with a 13 point title margin, was far and away the best team in Moravica & the Busoga Islands. Estève Palomer getting another crack to get his side to the BSL. Led by Sarika Birla up front, they took the strength of their offense, 82 goals scored across 44 games, to power them to a title and into the postseason. Birla led the league with 30 goals scored, and she'll be looking to fire a couple more through when they get to the Promotion Playoff.

Lower Coastal League

Lower Coastal League           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kabakono City                44   20  13  11    80   57  +23    73 - League Champion, Qualifies for BSL Promotion Playof
 2 Baleweye FC                  44   19  15  10    66   51  +15    72
 3 Dimbogourou SC               44   17  15  12    70   66   +4    66
 4 Djoro Athletic               44   17  15  12    61   57   +4    66
 5 Zakuta Citiy                 44   16  13  15    71   61  +10    61
 6 Kitara Athletic Society      44   15  13  16    53   52   +1    58
 7 Abomfa United                44   14  15  15    50   59   −9    57
 8 Mamari City                  44   16   8  20    57   64   −7    56
 9 AFC Akwadua                  44   12  18  14    59   61   −2    54
10 Nsade United                 44   11  19  14    50   60  −10    52
11 Ogbordu Diamond FC           44   11  14  19    58   74  −16    47
12 Kwadama Dojo                 44   11  12  21    56   69  −13    45

The title race in this league was exciting! Of course, it is shown by the one point gap in the table at the end of the season. But let's take you through exactly how this went down. After Matchday 42, with just two games left in the league, Kabakono City, managed by a former Schottian BSL player Jared Clotterman, led by just 2 points- 72 points, to Baleweye FC's 70 points. The league was still up for grabs with two games left, and if either side was decisive, they could have grabbed the league by the horns. But that's not what happened. On Matchday 43, Kabakono City actually fell to the bottom of the table Kwadama Dojo, by a score of 2-1.

It was a stunning loss- a last place team upsetting a first place team, who had a chance to put away the title race. Instead, they opened the door for Baleweye FC. Baleweye FC stepped up to take advantage. However, while taking an early 1-0 lead against Nsade United, they could not score a second. A late equalizer by Equestrian striker Finnr Beckert made it 1-1. Baleweye FC could have taken a one point lead in the title race- instead, they only earned one point and closed the gap from 2 to 1. And then, the last game of the season. All games kicking off at the same time. While Kabakono City battled out a 2-2 draw, Baleweye FC kept up the pressure on Djoro Athletic. However, Djoro Athletic simply would not concede, and that 2-2 draw by Kabakono City was enough to win the league title. While backing into the playoff, they, of course, are there, and once they are there, anything is possible, right?

Southern League

Southern League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Lwanga Lions                 44   24   9  11    90   66  +24    81 - League Champion, Qualifies for BSL Promotion Playof
 2 Bwubanza City SC             44   22  10  12    72   62  +10    76
 3 Dodoma City SC               44   23   5  16    70   55  +15    74
 4 Sororo City                  44   21  10  13    99   83  +16    73
 5 Boufaya Ravens               44   21   7  16    70   68   +2    70
 6 Byakado City                 44   19   8  17    64   53  +11    65
 7 Amaku City FC                44   16  15  13    70   61   +9    63
 8 Busemlu Park SC              44   13  15  16    67   79  −12    54
 9 Umbazi FA                    44   13   9  22    53   74  −21    48
10 Kigagana Mountaineers        44    9  16  19    57   71  −14    43
11 Mukegara Warriors            44   10  12  22    65   86  −21    42
12 Pumbasa Boars                44    5  20  19    57   76  −19    35

There are already two former BSL sides in this league. Bwubanza City SC, and now, the Lwanga Lions. They've got a number of young players in the squad, trying to recover quickly and get back to the Banijan Soccer League. It is tough to turn it around fast after relegation- look at Corizova United's example. But Bwubanza City turned themselves into competitors almost immediately after falling down, and credit to Lwanga for not wallowing in their relegation. They focused on getting back up. They kept Phineas Antwell, an important signing, and had other strong performances from academy signings.

They'll try to make it a "one and done" stay in the regional leagues. The teams behind them made a lot of sense. Bwubanza City SC once again turning in a strong performance(although not strong enough). Dodoma City SC right behind them, and Sororo City behind them. The key for the Lions, of course, was offense- they scored 90 goals across 44 games this season, enough to far and away lead the league. Players like Antwell, Samba Singateh, Demba Ceesay, etc... All got their chance to shine, and all put plenty of goals past opposing goalkeepers. The odds are against them in the playoffs, however. In 4 seasons of promotion/relegation in this country, no relegated team has ever been promoted again. It is notoriously tough to earn promotion in this setup, where you've got to win a league and then a playoff, as there is only one promotion spot. But, those records are meant to be broken, aren't they? Is the fifth time the charm?

Northern League

Northern League                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Cerenus United               44   24  10  10    80   44  +36    82 - League Champion, Qualifies for BSL Promotion Playof
 2 Duntho Sporting Club         44   24   9  11    89   62  +27    81
 3 Thayaferu United             44   19  12  13    73   60  +13    69
 4 Okakameb City                44   18  13  13    71   70   +1    67
 5 AFC Kosactus                 44   17  10  17    58   63   −5    61
 6 Luguyala Patriots            44   17   9  18    58   65   −7    60
 7 Nanami Dragons               44   17   5  22    61   74  −13    56
 8 Garixas City                 44   14  13  17    65   66   −1    55
 9 AFC Okahavi                  44   13  15  16    53   57   −4    54
10 Koksho City                  44   15   8  21    65   71   −6    53
11 Gadive City                  44   13   8  23    61   81  −20    47
12 Selekawe Knights             44   11  12  21    51   72  −21    45

The Northern League! Probably the most exciting. Once again, Duntho Sporting Club came into the league as favorites. And why not? They're historically the most dominant team in this league, and have won the league in 3 of the last 4 seasons. And so naturally, they came into this season as favorites. And they led the league for most of the season. But they never were able to *quite* put Cerenus United away. They had a chance to do so on Matchday 43. They went into the Matchday with 81 points, and Cerenus United had 79. Both their games kicked off at the same time. Cerenus United could only earn a lone point against Okakameb City. But Duntho squandered their opportunity to win the league. They had it done- up 1-0 at halftime, against AFC Okahavi. 3 points would win the league. But they could not hold on. Shemsia Yaee equalized in the 55th for AFC Okahavi, and then Madoda Kwenkwe hit the winner in the 62nd for AFC Okahavi.

That meant the league would have a de facto championship game. Matchday 44. Duntho Sporting Club with 81 points, Cerenus United with 79 points. The two teams facing off against each other, in Duntho. A draw or a win for the home side would see them win their second consecutive title, and their fourth in five seasons. Cerenus United has generally been strong in this league, but hasn't won in a while. After going back to back, they haven't won a title in any of the past five seasons. Teoflyos Asres had a tall task in front of him- win, in Duntho, against a team needing a draw, to win the league. But as he'd tell reporters after the game, "all we wanted was a chance. We controlled our own destiny going into the final weekend, that's all we can ask." And they won emphatically. They came out with so much energy. THey took a 3-0 lead by halftime, and sat back. Duntho SC fans, hoping to see their team clinch a title at home, were bitterly disappointed, while the small traveling fan section was ecstatic. Cerenus United now has a chance to earn promotion!

We our four playoff participants. Cerenus United, Kabakono City, Suwawa FC, and the Lwanga Lions. They'll be randomly drawn against each other for a two leg tie. Which three will participate in the IFCF LIga B Champions Trophy? Which one will go to the BSL? We'll find out very, very soon.

IFCF LIga B Champions Trophy
Duntho Sporting Club

Group Stage Matchday 1: Club ESF (VAL) 1-0 Duntho SC
Group Stage Matchday 2: Duntho SC 1-0 Athéna Levanin (OME)
Group Stage Matchday 3: Duntho SC 3-0 Herarte Kyuminato (HIN)
Group Stage Matchday 4: Athéna Levanin (OME) 0-2 Duntho SC
Group Stage Matchday 5: Herarte Kyuminato (HIN) 2-1 Duntho SC
Group Stage Matchday 6: Duntho SC 1-0 Club ESF (VAL)
Duntho Sporting Club win Group B and advance to knockout stages
Round of 16 First Leg: Snowden River (BRE) 1-0 Duntho SC
Round of 16 Second Leg: Duntho SC 1-2 Snowden River (BRE) 
Snowden River advance 3-1 on aggregate to quarterfinals; Duntho SC eliminated from IFCF competition

And now, for this season's IFCF LIga B Champions Trophy. Two of Banija's three entrants made the group stages- Duntho SC and Bwubanza City. And Duntho Sporting Club made a good run of it. They had a tough, 1-0 loss at home to Club ESF, of Valanora, to open the group stages. But then, they got their stuff together and showed exactly how good they were. They earned a 1-0 win over Athena Levanin of Omerica, and then earned a 3-0 home win over Herarte Kyuminato of Hinode. Protecting home field in international competition is extremely important, and they did so successfully. They earned an away win over the Omerica side, before losing in Kita-HIndoe and defeating Club ESF in the return leg to win the group and make the knockouts.

THe opponent? None other than Snowden River of Brenecia. That would be an incredibly tough matchup- Brenecia's top flight is a top 4 league in the multiverse, and the BSL, while quickly rising, is not yet at that level. Of course, it follows that the lower leagues have a similar gap. And Snowden River went to show their dominance over Duntho Sporting Club. The first leg was hotly contested, but they won 1-0 over Duntho Sporting Club. And since they did not allow an away goal, they had the initiative in Banija. They scored first, which really took the wind out of Duntho SC's sails. A 2-1 win for the Brenecia side was enough to make them winners of the tie, 3-1 on aggregate.

Bwubanza City SC

Group Stage Matchday 1: Bwubanza City 0-1 Fevelo Colony (COS)
Group Stage Matchday 2: Samarga United (VAL) 0-2 Bwubanza City
Group Stage Matchday 3: Cranequin Wanderers (NPH) 0-1 Bwubanza City
Group Stage Matchday 4: Bwubanza City 3-0 Samarga United (VAL)
Group Stage Matchday 5: Fevelo Colony (COS) 0-2 Bwubanza City
Group Stage Matchday 6: Bwubanza City 0-3 Cranequin Wanderers (NPH)
Bwubanza City SC win Group F and advance to knockout stages
Round of 16 First Leg: Club ESF (VAL) 3-2 Bwubanza City SC
Round of 16 Second Leg: Bwubanza City SC 0-2 Club ESF (VAL)
Club ESF advance 5-2 on aggregate to quarterfinals; Buwbanza City SC eliminated from IFCF competition

While Duntho Sporting Club extolled the virtues of protecting their home field in the group stages, Bwubanza City took the opposite approach- road warriors throughout the group stages. While dropping home games to Fevelo Colony of Cosumar and the Cranequin Wanderers of Nephara to book end the group stages, they won four in a row, including 3 games away from home. They went to Valanora and defeated Samarga United, by a score of 2-0. They went to Nephara and defeated the Cranequin Wanders, by a score of 1-0. They won the return leg in Banija against Samarga United. And then, they went to Cosumar to drop Fevelo Colony by a score of 2-0.

That put them into the knockout stages. They played Club ESF of Valanora. Yes, the same squad that was in Duntho Sporting Club's group. Club ESF, while generally even with Duntho SC, was much stronger than Bwubanza City. They dropped Bwubanza City SC at home, by a score of 3-2. Of course, that didn't eliminate Bwubanza City. The pair of away goals gave them more than a fighting chance- a 1-0, or a 2-1 win at home would be enough to get them through to the knockout stages. But they could not get past them. Club ESF, playing a more open game at home, clamped down and countered in the Bunyoro Region, and two early second half goals eliminated Bwubanza City.

Two group winners for Banijan regional league sides- not a bad IFCF Liga B Champion's Trophy campaign. Back for more next season, right?

And the league is a wrap! Who is the champion? Who will be playing in the IFCF next season? And who will be returning to the regional leagues? Find out all that, and more, very, very soon.

Without further ado!




And now, for Matcdahy 33! Only so many games left to secure your place in the table. The first game of the weekend, would be Capitol City FC, on Friday night, playing host to Mynda Electra. The capitol side was looking for a big win- increase the gap between them and Bunyoro RSC, give them some breathing room, get one step closer to securing their place in the top flight for next season. And they did so. They were tight in the back, not allowing Mynda Electra breathing space. The engines of Mynda's offense, Xavier Melchoir and Troy Luck, were silence. A Le Meji cross to Nancy Sparkman was the difference, as Sparkman headed true to take Capitol City FC one step closer to safety.

The relegation race is always interesting. But that's not why we're here, right? What happened toward the top of the table? Well, the Hoima Warriors had a major opportunity to take a step forward in the title race. Entering the weekend in 2nd place, four points behind league leaders Herzegovina City, they played host to Herzegovina City on Sunday night. A top of the table clash. A win for the home side would make it just a one point gap, and the title race would be wide open. The Kitara Athletic Association did their part in winning, closing the gap to just two behind Herzegovina City(and technically, leapfrogging the Warriors). But Herzegovina City showed their class on this Matchday. In front of an absolutely packed stadium at Mavuto Field, 75,000 strong, Herzegovina City disappointed nearly all of them by displaying a masterclass performance in Hoima. A stunning 5-0 victory showed why they are considered title favorites, and with that thorough demolition, effectively ended Hoima's title hopes. The gap between them and the league leaders is now 7 with just 5 games remaining, and considering they laid an egg when they had the opportunity to make it just a one point gap, that might be the dagger to their title hopes.

What happened elsewhere in the league? Well, Busukuma AC won in the early game on Sunday, dismantling Igulu City 4-0 at home. They had four different goalscorers on the day, with Wjini, Crowley, Coote, and Sandoval all scoring for the capitol side. Jinja City continued their own struggles, as they split the spoils against Askatasuna FC. Istria City was on the right side of a 10 goal thriller, as they hit six goals past the Isipongo Flash, making up for the four goals that they conceded to the same side. Bunyoro RSC, unfortunately for them, took one step closer to the Southern League in Bukanda's debut, as they lost, 1-0, to Rukunbi FC.



There were some very interesting results this weekend. We'll start from the top, shall we? Every year, of course, there's a team that's picked to play the majority of their games on Fridays. And that team, this year, is Mynda Electra. They're always in that time slot- getting that national exposure, regardless of the convenience(or inconvenience, depending your perspective) for their fans. Regardless, they won, 3-2, against Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club. It was a quality win for the club. Daniel Lucas' side continuing to make strides. The potential for them to reach the Vilitan Cove International is real- them and Busukuma AC are both competing for most improved, and if Busukuma AC get top 5... Then Mynda would get there. It would be a huge accomplishment.

Speaking of Busukuma AC, they took care of business away from home. 2-0 away to the Hawabark Boulders, 1 goal on each side of halftime. Adama Coote scoring before halftime, while Crowley buried the game in the 71st minute to disappoint the fans at Olympic Stadium. But after that, came some real shocking results. First, Kitara Athletic Association decided to be extremely clincial and decisive in Igulu. They went to Hangaza, and flew back to Northern Kitara after scoring 7 times. Everybody got their share- Jetvanni scored, Haller had a hat trick, and Dawit, Oglobelo, and Owen all scored as well. And there was another, probably more shocking blowout. Herzegovina Phoenix- say what you want about them, but they rarely concede in bunches. They're always in the game, always disciplined. Except for this game. Jinja City absolutely shredded them. Poured water all over the Phoenix flame. They also won by a 7 goal margin, winning 8-1 at Phoenix Stadium.

The Busukuma Force put one more nail in what looks certain to be Bunyoro RSC's coffin, as Bukanda can't seem to fix the club. It's no surprise- they waited so long to make the change, he wouldn't have much of a chance to fix them with just six games. And yet, their 4-2 loss was so disappointing- key mental lapses, wearing down late, as Brun Kissinger and the Force did their thing. Capitol City FC, for the second straight week, got 3 more points by beating the Timberwolves. That leaves an 8 point gap between them and last place Bunyoro RSC, which was just 2 points after Matchday 32. It's a disastrous stat for Bunyoro RSC, who are 7 points behind 19th place Askatasuna FC with just four games left. Safety secured for Capitol City FC?

On Sunday, Lakiska SC surprised observers by downing Herzegovina City, by a score of 1-0. With the Warriors winning and Kitara AA winning, it makes it interesting. After this matchday, Herzegovina City sit with 71 points, but KItara AA are breathing down their necks with 69 points, and the Warriors are 4 points behind the league leaders. Will this be a race to the finish line?



It would be an interesting matchup for the early game on Saturday. Capitol City FC, a squad with some momentum trying to take the last step towards safety, against Herzegovina City, who are trying to rebound and reaffirm their grip on the league. It was an entertaining battle between the two sides. Farf World Cup winner Le Meji sent the Capitol Grounds into ecstasy when he bent in a free kick in just the 19th minute, to shockingly give them the lead. Was the upset possible? Brian Emerson's side was not fazed. They scored the next five goals in the match to blow out the hosts. Tsiavis scoring in the 33rd to equalize, and then scoring again in the 42nd to take the lead. Rosie Tyler in the 53rd, Walcott in the 66th, and then Kayserling in the 78th. Immaculate Kaba scored again in the 84th, but the league leaders showed why they were league leaders, putting pressure on their title challengers, Kitara AA and Hoia.

Both of the other competitors for the title actually answered the bell. One in great fashion, and the other, leaving it very, very late. The Hoima Warriors beat Askatasuna FC by a score of 3 goals to 1. Two goals came from Cobrio international Emenanjo, while the other goal came from Jermaine Poole. It made sense- Askatasuna FC has not had a great season either, both entering and leaving the weekend in 19th place. The Kitara Athletic Association had their chance to make a mark, but they were locked in a tight, 1-1 battle. Both goals scored early. Both teams scored headers off of corner kicks, Kitara AA in the 4th, and Hawabark in the 9th. Just as it seemed the Boulders would do enough for a draw, a handball called in the 2nd minute of stoppage. A penalty awarded. And a penalty buried by Busoga Islander #9, Ikshu Amitabh.

What happened elsewhere in the league? Well, Bunyoro RSC, once again, put up a fight. They scored the game's opening two goals at BCEL Stadium, briefly pulling off what would certainly be a shocker. But Jinja City are the defending champions. You can never let up against them, and that's exactly what happened. Bunyoro RSC paid the full price for their decisions, and got hammered, with Jinja City scoring four in a row to further bury their chances of reaching safety. They'd need a miracle at this point to stay in the BSL, right?



This was an unfortunate weekend if you were a fan of Bunyoro RSC. Entering the weekend, they were 7 points behind Askatasuna FC, 8 points behind Capitol City FC, and 9 points behind Aissa United. And while they were at home, they were playing against a free-flowing Istria City side that was right in the midst of a heated competition to qualify for the IFCF. They, with that 7 point gap, would need at least a draw. But if you're a fan of football in Bunyoro, it was a dark day. They were not even competitive. Their last stand, and they got barreled over by Istria City FC. The fans sang after the match, but it will be dark days for football in this region for a while. With the Lwanga Lions of Buganda winning the Southern League, there won't be an opportunity to promote a Bunyoro side. And that means in Season 12, for the first time ever, a region of Banija will not be represented in the BSL, as Bunyoro RSC, the region's last side, joins the Southern League next season.

A sad, disappointing day. Bukanda was asked to do too much with far too little time. But their loss to Mynda Electra was good news for the other three sides in the relegation battle. Istria City's victory meant that Askatasuna FC, Capitol City FC, and Aissa United all clinched their spot in the BSL for next season. It definitely sparked celebrations across those three fanbases. Capitol City FC reflected their excitement on the field, going to the Isipongo Flash and defeating them by a score of 1-0. Aissa United played in their rivalry, the battle for Hangaza's Soul. Unfortunately for them, they fell to their archrivals, 2-0.

Kitara Athletic Association had a big time stumble, falling away to Umbazi Metropolitan SC by a score of 2-1. That gave an opportunity for Herzegovina City to put more distance between themselves and their title challengers. It also gave more opportunity for the Warriors to leapfrog Kitara Athletic Association for the league's second Champions League berth. The Warriors took care of business. The Phoenix, always so strong in the back, looked off once again. Just after allowing 8 goals to Jinja City, they allowed 4 at home to the Warriors. Not a good look, once again. And Herzegovina City, in a rematch of the RBSA Cup Semifinal, won against the Timberwolves. That puts them four points ahead on their nearest challengers(Hoima) with just 2 games left. They could clinch the league next week.



The league could be won on this Matchday! Herzegovina City, in their final home game of the season, on Friday night, with an opportunity to win the league. Star Field was packed for the occasion. A chance for Brian Emerson to get his fourth ring, for Herzegovina to continue their run of dominance over the years in this country. Against a strong side, too- Mynda Electra was not going to roll over and play dead as part of the trophy celebrations. But a Herzegovina City team with their eye on the trophy, with Commission Randolf Cherry in the building with the trophy, was not going to blow this opportunity. Tsiavis opened the scoring, as Brotzmann, Fireblade, and Tyler all scored as well as they put their hands on the trophy. The celebrations went into the night- the party will be long for them.

The title race is over. The relegation race is over. And that turns everybody's attention to the other key battles. The battle, specifically for a berth in IFCF or other international competition next season. KItara Athletic Association and the Hoima Warriors in fierce battle for the Champions League spot. KItara Athletic Assocation has never made the Champions League, and Hoima hasn't been since Season 2- it'd be a big deal for whoever gets there. Hoima, slightly ahead in this race, had a surprisingly tough battle with an already relegated Bunyoro RSC. They actually put up a real fight, and played with fight they hadn't had in weeks, when it actually mattered. However, a late free kick was curled in by Underwood to give the Warriors a 1-0 win. Kitara Athletic Association, on the other hand, faced off at home against Busukuma AC. Entering the weekend just one point behind Hoima, and needing three to keep pace with them, they could not break down Busukuma AC. Busukuma is in their own race(more on that momentarily), but a stumble to make that gap from 1 to 3. While they've got a much better goal differential than Hoima, this still makes it just that much harder for them to make the Champions League.

The other race, of course, is for the IFCF Challenger's Cup. The loser of the battle between Hoima and Kitara AA will make the Challenger's Cup. That leaves two places left among three contestants- Istria City FC, JInja City, and Busukuma AC. They entered the weekend with little to no separation- the first two having 66 points, Busukuma AC one point behind with 65. Istria City and Jinja City both took care of business at home, the former winning 3-0 and the latter winning 2-0. That put a heaping of pressure on Busukuma AC for the Sunday nightcap. Busukuma AC, fighting for their first IFCF berth in quite a while, and Kitara AA, fighting for a Champions League berth. The two teams split the spoils, which meant both lost ground towards their goals, with only one game left.

The other race, is for the Vilitan Cove International. Busukuma AC is slightly ahead, at +18 points from last season, while Mynda Electra is one behind, at +17. It is interesting though- even if Busukuma AC has the highest improvement, but they finish fifth, VCI does not let IFCF participants into their competition, so their spot would default to Mynda Electra. Even with the first and last slots in the table settled, still a lot to play for on Matchday 38.



This season, there are a few changes to Matchday 38. First, all 10 games will occur, not with staggered start times on the same day, but they will all occur at the same time. BSL Officials said that the table 'simply made sense to do it this way', with the huge number of games effecting each other in the race for IFCF Berths. All games, of course, kicking off at 3:30 local time. We ran a live blog of all 10 games, at once, since they all kicked off at the same time. We'll show you a couple of excerpts from there.

Remember, entering the day, here are all the teams that are alive for IFCF places.

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3:30 PM- Games are kicking off around the country as the Final Day finally reaches the BSL!

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3:45 PM- Aissa United, almost relegated, takes a 1-0 lead at home against the Hoima Warriors. A loss for the Warriors, coupled with a Kitara AA win, knocks them out of their Champions League place. Aissa's goal courtesy of a Kawsu Mamela penalty. Yellow card for Wenceslaw.

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3:50 PM- Celebrations in Mynda as Mynda Electra score to take a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute over Kitara AA. Remember, Mynda Electra is borderline for a berth in the Vilitan Cove International- a win, with some help, can put them through. Kitara AA currently has the help it needs to get to the Champions League, but they'll need Aissa United to score and to score twice.

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4:00 PM- The champions, Herzegovina City, are down 2-0, after Orin Set and Juka Ndour score within the first half hour. Istria City FC also score almost simultenously, and take one step closer to the Challenger's Cup with their 1-0 lead.

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4;10 PM- Jinja City take a 1-0 lead in Hawabark, courtesy of Xilit-Zavac. Meanwhile, the score at Lukwago Field for Busukuma AC v. Rukunbi FC remains at 0-0.

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4;22 PM- All games have reached halftime. At this point, the traffic for our live blog was so high, it almost crashed the site. So instead of one for all 10 games, we split at this point into three live blogs- one for the Champions League race(covering the Kitara AA and Hoima Warriors games), one for the IFCF Challenger's Cup race(covering Istria City, Jinja City, and Busukuma AC's games), and one for all the other games. The remaining excerpts in this article are from the Champions League race blog.

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4:35 PM- The second halves of all games have kicked off by now. High Intensity.

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4:37 PM- Penalty! Six minutes into the half, Jetvanni fouled inside the box, NIck Haller awarded a penalty. He buries into the back of the net, grabs the ball, and races it back to the restart spot. 1-1 in Mynda.

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4:50 PM- Things go from bad to worse for Hoima, as Wenceslaw picks up a second yellow card. Foul on the edge of the box, but shot parried away. By goalkeeper. Hoima still trails 1-0, and now, down to 10 men. However, if scores hold, they still qualify for the Champions League.

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4:56 PM- Kitara Athletic Association, buoyed by their earlier goal, keeping up the pressure. They cannot find a way through for a second goal, and still are level, at 1-1. Kitara AA fans are singing loudly now.

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5:02 PM- Absolutely stunning! With just 15 minutes left, the Warriors had a perfect opportunity to put fate in their own hands. A bouncing cross from Lawerenz to Emenanjo, who missed an empty net from 3 yards. A howler of the highest order. Would they pay for it? The score still 1-0 in favor of Aissa United.

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5:07 PM- Kitara AA score! Anwar Dawit, the captain of Banija's DI Bradini Cup winning squad, hit a beautiful cross to Oglobelo, who headed home and the goalkeeper did not have a chance. 2-1 to Kitara Athletic Association. If scores hold, Kitara AA and Hoima would be level at 76 points a piece, and Kitara AA would advance on overall goal differential. 11 minutes left in Mynda, plus stoppage.

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5:15 PM- Late drama in Aissa! The Warriors thought that they had scored the goal to take them to the Champions League. But the sideline referee had his flag up- and normally calm Mark Grayson is as angry as we've ever seen him. The visiting fans are absolutely letting the referee have it, though their cries are drowned out by taunts of Aissa United fans.

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5:18 PM- Full time is called in Aissa! A 10 man Hoima Warriors fall to Aissa United, by a score of 1-0. But there are 4 minutes of stoppage in Mynda. Can they get a miracle from Daniel Lucas' team?

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5:21 PM- It's a stunner! They've stolen it at the death! In a scramble off of a rebound after a corner kick in the box, Xavier Melchoir finds the ball and buries it into the back of the net. The crowd is happy. Kitara AA fans are dejected.

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5:23 PM- Full-time is called. 2-2 in Mynda. That will mean the Hoima Warriors will take the BSL's second Champions League spot.

Below is the final table.

 Banijan Soccer League        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina City FC         38   25   6   7   100   39  +61    81 - League Champion, qualify for AOCL and IFCF Champions League 
 2 Hoima Warriors              38   23   7   8    59   36  +23    76 - Qualify for IFCF Champions League
 3 Kitara AA                   38   22   8   8    66   31  +35    74 - Qualify for IFCF Challenger's Cup
 4 Istria City FC              38   21   7  10   106   62  +44    70 - Qualify for IFCF Challenger's Cup
 5 Jinja City FC               38   20  10   8    85   46  +39    70 - Qualify for IFCF Challenger's Cup
 6 Busukuma AC                 38   19  12   7    48   32  +16    69 - Most Improved Side(+21 points), qualify for Vilitan Cove International
 7 Busukuma Force              38   16   9  13    47   47    0    57
 8 Mynda Electra               38   15  11  12    46   45   +1    56
 9 Lakiska SC                  38   12  12  14    27   27    0    48
10 Herzegovina Phoenix         38   12  12  14    35   48  −13    48
11 Busembe Timberwolves        38   12  11  15    51   64  −13    47
12 Umbazi Metropolitan SC      38   12  10  16    39   51  −12    46
13 Rukunbi FC                  38   12   8  18    39   54  −15    44
14 Igulu City FC               38   10  11  17    36   53  −17    41
15 Aissa United FC             38   10   9  19    38   56  −18    39
16 Isipongo Flash              38   10   9  19    39   70  −31    39
17 Capitol City FC             38   10   8  20    29   51  −22    38
18 Askatasuna FC               38   10   8  20    35   62  −27    38
19 Hawabark Boulders           38   11   5  22    33   63  −30    38
20 Bunyoro RSC                 38    5  13  20    31   52  −21    28 - Relegated to Southern League

Of course, with limited editorial space, there isn't much time to do a deep dive. But, for record keeping purposes, we'll go through how we did, just briefly, on our mid-season predictions.

Prediction #1- Herzegovina City will find its way back to the Champions League. Verdict: True

Prediction #2- Busukuma AC is good enough to qualify for next season's IFCF Challenger's Cup- and that is exactly what they'll do Verdict: False

Prediction #3- If Istria City FC misses IFCF competition for a 2nd straight season, Alvin Burnsides is gone Verdict: Non Applicable(they qualified for IFCF)

Prediction #4- Capitol City FC won't fire Akhona Joyi- they'll ride with the manager that brought them to the BSL, no matter what Verdict: True

And the season is a wrap! Players are starting to head home, fly back to their countries and prepare for the regional tournaments, which kick off quite soon. THere are just a couple of games left to play here- the BSL Promotion Playoffs, and, of course, the RBSA Cup Final.

And now, time for the postseason. Which regional league champion will replace Bunyoro RSC in the Banijan Soccer League? Which of Herzegovina City or Umbazi Metropolitan SC will obtain the RBSA Cup? Find out, here!

BSL Promotion Playoff Semifinals- 1st Leg
Cerenus United 1–2 Suwawa FC
Kabakono City 1–2 Lwanga Lions

And time for the first leg of the BSL Promotion Playoffs. It would be Cerenus United, the Northern League champions, hosting Suwawa FC, the Northwestern League champions. It was a tight game, and fairly uneventful in the first half, as it was 0-0. Cerenus United scored the opener, to make it 1-0 in favor of the home side. However, Sarika Birla had other ideas. Birla struck home twice in the second half, as Suwawa FC secured a come from behind win. And with the away goal, making it extremely tough for Cerenus United. The Northern League champions would need to score at least twice in Moravica.

And time for the other first leg. Kabakono City, of the Lower Coastal League, managed by Schottian Jared Clotterman, hosted the Lwanga Lions, who were trying to get back to the BSL. Both teams had a great battle. HOwever, it would be the Lwanga Lions who would be in firm control of this one. Their opening goal in the 33rd minute set the tone. While Kabakono City equalized in the 53rd, the away goal for the Lions made Kabakono City push that much more, and the Lions exploited them on the counter-attack. 2-1 to the visitors in this one too. Do we already know our finalists?

BSL Promotion Playoff Semifinals- 2nd Leg
Suwawa FC 1–1 Cerenus United (Suwawa FC advances 3-2 on aggregate to BSL Promotion Playoff Final)
Lwanga Lions 1–1 Kabakono City (Lwanga Lions advance 3-2 on aggregate to BSL Promotion Playoff Final)

Neither second leg was that eventful. The home sides in both legs knew that they didn't need to do much, while both visiting sides knew that they needed two. The ties were essentially put away in the first halves- Suwawa FC taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, and the Lions doing the same in their game, ensured that their visitors never really had a chance to get going and have enough time to get that second goal. That meant we had our Promotion Playoff Finalists- Lwanga Lions, against Suwawa FC, at the Stadium of the Restoration.

BSL Promotion Playoff Final
Suwawa FC 0–0 Lwanga Lions (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Suwawa FC are champions of the BSL Promotion Playoff and win promotion to the Banijan Soccer League

The Playoff Final! Now, they say that sometimes, in finals, nerves can take over and it can be quite boring. Whoever said that probably got that from watching this game. It was an extremely boring affair. Neither team went forward much, and neither team risked much. Neither wanted to do anything to become the wrong kind of goat, neither side wanted a player who wanted to be the one that messed it up. Whether it's the right approach or the wrong approach, is the eternal debate, but one cannot deny that it was the approach. Therefore, this resulting in a shootout was not surprising.

Both teams hit their first penalties, with Suwawa FC shooting first. Then, time for the second shot. Suwawa FC hit their penalty. But when it came time for Lwanga to take their penalty, they missed, as a player sent his penalty into the fifth row. 2-1 Suwawa FC after two shots. But that's when Suwawa FC messed it up. With a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the shootout, as Lions goalkeeper Eric Tarbowza made a big save to keep his team in the shootout. But the save turned out to be for nothing, as the Lions missed again. The fourth shot, Suwawa FC hit to make it 3-1. The Lions hit theirs to stay alive, to make it 3-2, and Suwawa FC buried it on the fifth shot, as 35 year old captain Seako Mothibi chipped it straight down the middle and ran to celebrate, as the cheeky, retiring veteran, with the last kick of his career, sent Suwawa FC to the Banijan Soccer League.

RBSA Cup Final
Herzegovina City FC 2–4 Umbazi Metropolitan SC
Umbazi Metropolitan SC are champions of the RBSA Cup; Clinch berth in the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup

The RBSA Cup has always been such an interesting, fascinating competition. A ton of chaos- just like a domestic cup competition should be. The last time we had a final between two of Banija's Super 5 clubs, was Season 5- when Istria City FC faced off against Herzegovina City FC. But look at it like this. This is the 11th season. Not once, in 11 seasons, has a team in Banija ever completed the domestic double- winning both their league and the RBSA Cup in the same season. It shows you how tough this competition can be, even for Banija's top teams. The closest a team ever came to completing a domestic double was Season 5, when Istria City FC won the league and went to the RBSA Cup Final. Unfortunately for them, they were then beaten by Herzegovina City, after a wild 4-4 game, on penalty kicks. Of course, you could say Herzegovina City technically won a double that season, winning both the Kabaka's Cup and the RBSA Cup, but nobody ever seems to count the domestic supercup, which is what the Kabaka's Cup is, when you talk about these things.

And yet, here is a big moment for both teams, not just because of this game, but what it would mean to both sides. Umbazi Metropolitan SC have always been middling. But to have a great improvement in fortunes last season, enough to get to the Vilitan Cove International for this season? Quite impressive. But to then follow that up with a cup run that leads to a trophy? That would be absolutely priceless. As for Herzegovina City, it would validate their season, and give more validation to Brian Emerson. Of course, they don't need much more validation- they just won the league. But Brian Emerson has set so many records in this country- first (and only) undefeated BSL side, first (and only) side to 100 points, four league titles, first to the CL Group stage, first to win a IFCF group, first to win a IFCF knockout round match, etc... This would be an accomplishment that would look nicely among all of those, that would illustrate the heights this team operates under when he's in charge.

And so, the two teams went out, geared up for battle. The Stadium of the Restoration- all 91,000+ seats filled, with half the fans from Herzegovina City, and the other half, of course, representing Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club, It was a loud stadium, and they were excited for what ended up being a wild match. There were four goals in the first half- two for each side. Rosie Tyler and Tsiavis scoring for the league champions, while Laterza and Kuepher scored for the Buganda side. While it would be Herzegovina City who would crank up the pressure in the second half, Umbazi Metropolitan absorbed it, with Amat Turay making key save after key save. They countered with precision, as Baboucar Biri scored the third and fourth goals of the game for Umbazi Metropolitan SC, as they pulled off the upset at the Stadium of the Restoration. And what a win it was!

The final game of the season. Umbazi Metropolitan SC, cup champions. Herzegovina City, left to wonder what might have been. And that's a wrap on game this season! See you at the AOCAFs!

Top 10 BSL Goalscorers
Rank        Name          Nationality          Team Name      Goals Scored
1      Assefa Yitebarke      Banija            Istria City FC     29 - WINNER OF BSL GOLDEN BOOT
2      Xilit-Zavac  Yol      Qusmo             Jinja City FC      26
3      Torvald Royle       Freeport         Istria City FC        25
4      Rosie Tyler         Equestria        Herzegovina City FC   24
5      Christos Tsiavis     Nephara         Herzegovina City FC   22
6      Vatan Ercetin       Timuria          Jinja City FC         20
7      Nick Haller        Baker Park          Kitara AA           19
8      Meghan Walcott    Cassadaigua        Herzegovina City FC   15
9      Chizoba Emenanjo     Cobrio         Hoima Warriors         14
10     Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì  Farfadillis        Busukuma AC         13

BSL Top 5 Assist Leaders
Rank     Name                Nationality          Team Name      Assists
1      Vatan Ercetin          Timuria          Jinja City FC       13 - WINNER OF BSL SILVER BOOT
2      Murray Hunnisett        Hapilopper       Istria City FC     12 
2      Rosie Tyler           Equestria           Herzegovina City  12
2      Angelique Underwood   Baker Park        Hoima Warriors      12
5      Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì     Farfadillis           Busukuma AC    10

1st Team All-Pro - 3-4-3 Formation

Position     Name            Age       Nationality               Team Name            
GK      Hibbaan al-Shareef    32         Busoga Islands          Hoima Warriors       - WINNER OF BSL GOLDEN GLOVE
DEF        Abraham Godefai    33         Banija             Kitara Athletic Association
DEF       Donnie Armistead    31        Hapilopper           Lakiska Sporting Club
DEF        Kawsu Kaba         29          Banija                 Hoima Warriors
MID      Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì   27        Farfadillis          Busukuma Athletic Club
MID       Meghan Walcott      23       Cassadaigua           Herzegovina City FC
MID     Murray Hunnisett      26      Hapilopper             Istria City FC
MID       Rosie Tyler         28        Equestria               Herzegovina City FC
ATT      Xilit-Zavac Yol      29         Qusmo                Jinja City FC
ATT     Assefa Yitebarke      34        Banija              Istria City FC  
ATT      Nick Haller          29        Baker Park          Kitara Athletic Association
4 Honorable Mentions
DEF    Obadiah Parrott        28       Ko-oren               Busukuma Athletic Club
MID    Dennis Brotzmann       31   Siovanija & Teusland        Herzegovina City FC
MID    Vatan Ercetin          26        Timuria                 Jinja City FC
ATT    Torvald Royle          29        Freeport             Istria City FC

MVP Voting(2 reporters per team for a total of 40 votes)
Assefa Yitebarke(Istria City FC)- 16 votes
Rosie Tyler(Herzegovina City FC) - 14 votes
Nick Haller(Kitara AA) - 5 votes
Kawsu Kaba(Hoima Warriors) - 3 votes
Xilit-Zavac Yol(Jinja City FC) - 1 vote
Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì(Busukuma AC) - 1 vote

Best Newcomer Voting(2 reporters per team for a total of 40 votes)
Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì(Busukuma AC) - 19 votes
Meghan Walcott(Herzegovina City) - 18 votes
Suliven Roagart(Mynda Electra) - 1 vote
Betanni Jetvanni(Kitara AA) - 1 vote
Ilona Duerden(Hoima Warriors) - 1 vote


Manager of the Year(2 reporters per team for a total of 40 votes)
Andrea Vardalos(Busukuma AC) - 15 votes\
Alan Bettles(Kitara AA) - 12 votes
Daniel Lucas(Mynda Electra) - 6 votes
Brun Kissinger(Busukuma Force) - 3 votes
Mark Grayson(Hoima Warriors) - 3 votes
Brian Emerson(Herzegovina City) - 1 vote

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- And now, for the final event of the Season! It is the third annual BSL v. TPL All-Star Game. Where the All-stars of the Banijan Soccer League, and the all-stars of the Taeshan Premier League, meet. The first two seasons, the All-Star Event was held in Taeshan. But for these next two seasons, the event would be held in Banija. Here in its first season, the event would be held at the Stadium of the Restoration, in Busukuma. Here, of course, are the rosters!



The festivities started on a Thursday, two days before the big game on the Saturday. The Taeshan Premier League, as the holder, of course brought the trophy with them from Taeshan. They were all sorts of festivities in the couple of days leading up to the event. Teams, especially from the capitol, had representatives and jerseys everywhere at these festivities. TPL players and BSL players participated in full skills competitions across the city, preparing people for the big game. At the very large national stadium, they were happy to get a sell out, as many people in the capitol wanted to watch this entertaining spectacle.

On gameday, of course, considering it was an all-star game, the starters were announced individually for both sides by the Public Address announcer. Mzukisi Nzo received a large standing ovation from the home crowd. Nzo, of course, is Banijan, and a starter for the national team in the central midfield. He's considered one of the better players in the Taeshan Premier League, and his all-star status reflects that. The loudest ovation, however, was for Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì- the only Busukuma based Banijan all-star. The home crowd always favoring their own players, right? Right before the national anthems of both countries were sang, Randolf Cherry, the BSL Commissioner, came out onto the field with his TPL counterpart, and the Fadron Pizza CEO. Fadron Pizza, of course, is a pizza company that owns the Busembe Timberwolves, that is based in Taeshan.

They spoke briefly about the importance of international cooperation, and how happy they were to be able to have this event. But of course, that was it- they were down to play ball very soon. But they would not speak for long- fans were there to watch quality football, right? The anthems were sang, and then the game kicked off. The two sides went after it rather quickly. An All-Star Game is always going to be more attacking then defending, and that was certainly true on this day. The BSL All-Stars had an opportunity, fairly fast, to try and get a goal, as Galactico long-lister Meghan Walcott struck low and hard in the 7th minute. However, while beating a diving goalkeeper, she hit the post, and the ball was cleared.

The game was very lively. Up and down, lots of effort on goal. But the finishing wasn't there, and the goalkeepers were outstanding. You'd normally expect a game like this to be a high-scoring affair. Instead, both goalkeepers were making save after save. Florian Wagner had 11 saves on the day, and al-Shareef had 9 of his own. It wasn't the lack of opportunities that kept the ball out of the back of the net- it was the stellar goalkeeping. But it would be the Taeshan Premier League who, for the third straight year, were able to bask in victory after 90 minutes.

A 77th minute cross from Larson Sneijder found the head of a TPL substitute, the Ko-orenite striker Linus Throgmorton. Throgmorton got his head on it, and powerfully headed it towards goal. The BSL goalkeeper didn't have a chance, as the header had pace towards the near post. It was a beautiful cross, and a great finish, to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The visiting Taeshani fans, of course, cheered loudly at the goal. While the BSL side had a number of opportunities to try and equalize, they could not pull it off. Nick Haller himself hit the underside of the crossbar in stoppage time, but the ball bounced away, not in. And that was how the game would finish- a wildly attacking and entertaining game, but still, 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Applause around the stadium as the game ended- the fans were treated to a great one. In the Post-game press conference, Randolf Cherry announced a surprise- that for next season's all-star, which the BSL was due to host again, it would not occur at the national stadium. Instead, he'd give cities across the league an opportunity to bid on hosting the game, and that the stadium where next season's All-Star Game would take place would be decided at the Season 12 Annual Owner's Meetings. All in all, a great game, and a tradition that will look to continue to happen for many seasons more.

The Olympic Committee of Banija is proud to present the Gridiron Football League of Banija. It is the top professional gridiron football league of both Banija and the Busoga Islands. It consists of 16 teams, with 15 in Banija and one in the Busoga Islands. They compete in a franchise model, who play in two separate eight conferences based on geography- the Coastal Conference and the Heartlands Conference. They play a double round robin within their conference, alongside two crossover games, for a full 16 game schedule. The crossover games are determined by the previous season's record- if you finish in 1st or 2nd in your conference in Season 1, you will play the 1st and 2nd place teams in the other conference from Season 1. The 3rd and 4th place teams are grouped together similarly, as well as the 5th & 6th place squads, and the 7th & 8th place squads.

Of course, conference play is a double round robin on both sides. In Weeks 1-7, you play the first half of your conference schedule. Then, in weeks 8 and 9, you play your crossover game. The week after Week 9 is considered the bye week- everybody has the same week off. Then, 2 weeks after Week 9, Week 10 is played, and Week 10-16 are the second half of your conference schedule.

Six teams make the playoffs. Records are based on the full 16 game schedule. The top team in each conference, automatically seeded in the top 2 spots. They also get a bye directly into the GFLB Semifinals. Then the next best 4 teams in the league by record, regardless of conference, go to the playoffs. The first round, the 3 seed hosts the six seed, while the #4 seed hosts the #5 seed. Then, the #1 seed will host the worst seed remaining, while the #2 seed will host the best seed remaining. The winners of the semifinals meet in the national championship game played at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija- aka, the national stadium.

There a couple of changes being offered this season. First, is that for the first time ever, there will be competitive games played outside of the league's geographic footprint. After working with gridiron authorities in Siovanija & Teusland, two games will be played, one in each major part of the country. The Istria Black Mambas will play the Jinja City Springboks at the Olimpski-Stadion(60,000) in Borograd, Siovanija, in Week 8, while the Busembe Timberwolves would play the Hoima Zebra at the Draistadion(60,000), in St.Jakob, Teusland, in Week 9.

There will also be stadium changes after this season. The Black Mambas have announced that they will be tearing down Liberty Stadium, as it will be torn down in favor of the building of an Outdoor stadium, in conjunction with the city. An announcement will come later. As for the Cobras, they also announced that this will be their last season renting out Star Field from Herzegovina City FC, as they will be building their own gridiron-specific stadium.

Teams in the GFLB
Coastal Conference
1. Herzegovina City Cobras. Location(city, region): Herzegovina City, Moravica. Colors: Green.

Crossover Opponents: v. Hoima Zebra, @ Mynda Gorillas

2. Rukunbi Wizards. 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: Orange & Black.

Crossover Opponents: v. Lwanga Rhinos, @ Umbazi Metropolitan SC

3. Istria Black Mambas.. Location: Istria, Moravica. Located in Downtown Istria. Colors: Blue & Silver.

Crossover Opponents: v. Jinja City Springboks(neutral field, Siovanjia), @ Bunyoro RSC

4. Dukuma Dragons. Location: Dukuma, North Island, Busoga Islands. Colors: Red.

Crossover Opponents: v. Askatasuna Wildcats, @ Aissa Crocodiles

5. Busembe Timberwolves. Location: Busembe, Kitara. Colors: Gray, Black, and White. Same organization and stadium as the Busembe Timberwolves in the BSL.

Crossover Opponents: v. Mynda Gorillas, @ Hoima Zebra(neutral field, Teusland)

6. Sisonke Leopards. Location: Sisonke, Kitara. Colors: Black and Yellow.

Crossover Opponents: v. Aissa Crocodiles, @ Askatasuna Wildcats

7. Busukuma Athletic Club. BAC. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region. Colors: Red & White. Same organization as Busukuma AC in the BSL.

Crossover Opponents: v. Bunyoro RSC, @ Jinja City Springboks

8. Busukuma Suns. Location: Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija. Color: White & Gold.

Crossover Opponents: v. Umbazi Metropolitan SC, @ Lwanga Rhinos

Heartlands Conference

1. Jinja City Springboks. Location: Jinja City, Hangaza. Color: Sky Blue

Crossover Opponents: v. Busukuma AC, @ Istria Black Mambas(neutral field, Siovanjia)

2. Hoima Zebra. Location: Hoima, Ankole Region. Color: Red

Crossover Opponents: v. Busembe Timberwolves(neutral field, Teusland), @ Herzegovina City Cobras

3. Mynda Gorillas. Location: Mynda, Aksum. Color: Yellow

Crossover Opponents: v. Herzegovina City Cobras, @ Busembe Timberwolves

4. Lwanga Rhinos. Location: Lwanga, Buganda. Color: Purple.

Crossover Opponents: v. Busukuma Suns, @ Rukunbi Wizards

5. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Colors: Pink. Same organization as Umbazi Metropolitan SC in the BSL.

Crossover Opponents: v. Rukunbi Wizards, @ Busukuma Suns

6. Askatasuna Wildcats. Location: Askatasuna, Aksum. Color: Black.

Crossover Opponents: v. Sisonke Leopards, @ Dukuma Dragons

7. Bunyoro Regional Sporting Club. BRSC. Location: Dodomo, Bunyoro. Colors: Blue. Same organization as Bunyoro RSC in the BSL and Bunyoro RSC in the BLL.

Crossover Opponents: v. Istria Black Mambas, @ Busukuma Athletic Club

8. Aissa Crocodiles. Location: Aissa, Hangaza. Colors: Green and white.

Crossover Opponents: v. Dukuma Dragons, @ Sisonke Leopards

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   11   3   171  108  +63    33
2 Busukuma Flyers                  14   11   3   202  141  +61    33
3 Jinja City Weasals               14    9   5   149  110  +39    27
4 Umbazi Metropolitan SC           14    8   6   143  122  +21    24
5 Hoima Gators                     14    7   7   127  143  −16    21
6 Luguyala Patriots                14    4  10   145  165  −20    12
7 Mynda Knights                    14    3  11   101  147  −46     9
8 Kitara Athletic Association      14    3  11    94  196 −102     9

Moravica Conference               Pld    W   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Herzegovina CIty Kings           14   12   2   179  107  +72    36
2 Iziarad Wildcats                 14   10   4   163  103  +60    30
3 Istria Thunder                   14    9   5   157  110  +47    27
4 Vidizi Bulls                     14    9   5   134  113  +21    27
5 Hamilton Jackals                 14    8   6   144  127  +17    24
6 Taramazna Hawks                  14    3  11   102  173  −71     9
7 West Istria White Wings          14    3  11    93  174  −81     9
8 Kosactus Hammerheads             14    2  12   102  167  −65     6

Playoff Matchups(Best of 3)
Bunyoro RSC v. Iziarad Wildcats
Herzegovina City Kings v. Busukuma Flyers

Semifinal #1
Game 1: Bunyoro RSC 17–11 Iziarad Wildcats
Game 2: Iziarad Wildcats 1–17 Bunyoro RSC
Bunyoro RSC wins series 2-0

Semifinal #2
Game 1: Herzegovina CIty Kings 11–9 Busukuma Flyers
Game 2: Busukuma Flyers 8–19 Herzegovina CIty Kings
Herzegovina City Kings win series 2-0

BLL Championship Game
Played at Kizza I Field in Herzegovina City, Moravica

Herzegovina CIty Kings 19–13 Bunyoro RSC