Now that all the games have been played, we are here with the exclusive wrap-up analysis of the Banijan Soccer League! We will come to our readers with 6 essential observations about the league season, alongside three things of "what to watch for" for Banijan soccer fans in general heading into the offseason in terms of the league.
1. Jinja City fans starting to get frustrated with Alexander Bumba
The national league, the Banijan Soccer League, has been taking place for six seasons. Ever since we moved out of an exclusively regional setup, and moved into a national setup, with participation in international competitions and the international market and such, there has been a great improvement in the quality of Banijan soccer. You can see it on the national team, as the Vijana Kadongo Kamu, which will form the core of future generations of Banijan players, finished in 3rd place at the Di Bradini Cup. 22 out of 23 players played in Banija- except for, superstar winger Gitonga Kahara, who won the golden boot at Project Olimpo but is now dominating for Polaris in the Terrenean League East.
Regardless of that, let's dwelve into the history of Jinja City FC a little bit. Jinja City FC won the first ever season of the Banijan Soccer League. The only season where the league had 16 squads, they earned 67 points. The inaugaural champions then followed that up in Season 2 by winning even more silverware. While they did not win the league that season, they ended up finishing just outside the pace for the league. They finished with 84 points, just four points behind the Hoima Warriors- one of three times that they finished with 80+ points and did not win the league. However, that season, they won the Kabaka's Cup, and went to the final of the RBSA Cup, losing on penalties. At that point, you would've assumed the future would have been extremely bright for Jinja City FC, right?
That Kabaka's Cup victory was the last time this squad has earned a trophy. Arguably, they've been the most consistent team in Banija over the past four years, outside of Herzegovina City FC's run of dominance. They've finished in fourth place each of the last four seasons. Season 3, they finished with 67 points, 10 points off the pace. In Season 4, they won their final six games of the season, finishing with 86 points- one point off the pace, set again by Herzegovina City FC. In Season 5, they once again finished with 86 points. Istria City FC also had 86 points, but won the league on goal difference. This was particularly painful, as a shocking upset loss to their archrivals, Aissa United, on Matchday 37 cost them the title.
This season, they finished 21 points off of HZCFC's record-setting pace. At some point, however, second place isn't god enough. They don't want to be known as a club that will always finish in second place- yet, that is beginning to be their international reputation. Alexander Bumba, the young, brilliant manager, is starting to be a source of frustration for fans. Some say he doesn't have what it takes to get over the top, while defenders say that he is extremely unlucky. He isn't on the hot seat, for now, but Jinja City FC fans are getting desperate for some sort of silverware.
2. Elias Abate proving his versatility has likely earned him a place in Banija's Final 23 for World Cup Qualifying
With World Cup Qualifiers coming around the corner, the biggest position battle, at least heading into the season, was this- who would start at left wing? Elias Abate, or Sia Fall? Chibuzo Afolayan, plying his trade in the world's #1 ranked league, the Nepharim Premiership for AFC Corvistone, had one winger spot on lockdown. It was the second spot that people were worried about. Of course, the answer to that question is, of course, neither. Gitonga Kahara exploded onto the scene, winning the golden boot at Project Olimpo, and then winning the golden boot at the Di Bradini Cup, and leading the U21 national team to a 3rd place finish. It was those performances that would land him a spot with Polaris.
The young winger has excelled for Polaris, especially in international competition. It is interesting- for someone who was originally on the radar for World Cup 81, Randolf Cherry is almost assuredly not only going to select him, but put him in his starting XI across from Chibuzo Afolayan. Which meant, the battle between Abate and Fall was not about starting- it was about making the roster at all? And while Elias Abate's offensive stats went way down with his move to central midfield, it is his grit shown from this move that has him assuredly in Banija's Final 23.
He has earned the respect of many of his peers. With him north of age 30, this will likely be his last world cup qualifying campaign, and he has likely edged out Sia Fall. He has shown that he is versatile, with his play in central midfield, and also shown that he is willing to do whatever the manager asks- a trait that all coaches, in all sports, love to have. He is gritty, and he will be part of a number of players of the same generation, making their last appearances for the Banijan national team in the World Cup 80 cycle.
3. Herzegovina City FC's undefeated season proves that it is always possible to get better
What an incredible four year run that Herzegovina City FC has had. Three league titles, the RBSA Cup, and capping it off with an 100 point, undefeated season? Herzegovina City FC, after Season 5, came off their first time in three seasons not winning the league title, though they took home their first ever RBSA Cup title. And with longtime manager Kolt Freegan deciding to leave for the Capetown Crocs, the question was asked. Can Herzegovina City FC's success be maintained?
And the answer was an emphatic yes. They were able to keep the core of their team around in the last transfer window- Aarón Aiza, Ennis Leishmann, Guillermo Madruga, Boimah Ba, Delbin Kasekende, etc... and even get another weapon going forward, by the name of Lucas Lucius Vit. The Natanians & Nosts attacking midfielder added a new dimension. But the best addition all season for the squad has not been on the field- it is a 74 year old Cosumarite on the touchline, Brian Emerson.
This is the first undefeated season in BSL history, and a feat like this may not happen again for a long, long time. Brian Emerson has etched his name in Banijan history with this season- and deserves all the credit in the world. They only conceded 19 goals over the course of the entire season- or only allowing one goal to be scored every other game. This means that Delbin Kasekende had over 20 clean sheets on the year, a stunning record for the Banijan #1. They have a high standard for excellence, and this may be the permanent bar for any Banijan side, ever.
4. Herzegovina Phoenix prove that regular clubs are capable of breaking into the Super 5 monopoly on the Top 4
While the Phoenix are not your average Banijan club, they are certainly not a Super 5 team. They do not have the history of a team like Herzegovina City FC, they are not as established, not as rich, not as much tradition. And yet, it is the Herzegovina Phoenix, rather than the defending champs, Istria City FC, or the Hoima Warriors, who have taken the BSL's last automatic qualification spot in the Globe Cup.
Mark Grayson wasn't even expected to have a huge impact this season for the Phoenix. While the team was expected to improve, it was expected that they'd need a transfer window to shape the team into the roster that Mark Grayson really wants, a team that can truly compete for league titles, year in year out, and qualify for competitions like the Globe Cup. But, of course, Grayson made a serious impact. All season long, players on this team have been talking about legacy- what is their legacy for the club. Winger Abram Senay, who is 34 years old and, more than likely, won't be playing for the Phoenix next year, said it best.
"It is about being the start of a project that will bring us to new heights." Said Abram Senay. "It is not a quick fix to catch teams like Herzegovina City FC and Busukuma AC and Jinja City FC. It takes building blocks, and it takes a concerted effort. Like Mark said all year- we are the first blocks. While there will be others to build on top of us, we wanted to be that foundation. To get to the Globe Cup now, to have whoever puts on this jersey next year have the opportunity to play in it, will ensure that this plan moves forward, rather than back. We are all proud to be part of the foundation, and we wish to build for the club's future."
5. This season shows that there is still parity in the Banijan Soccer League
The league has been worried about the lack of parity in the Banijan Soccer League for the past couple of seasons. The last three seasons, the same four teams had finished in the top 4, though not necessarily in the same order- Istria City FC, Herzegovina City FC, Busukuma AC, and Jinja City FC. But, of course, the question is asked- how in the world is there parity within the Banijan Soccer League when its champion has won the league three out of the past four seasons, and this season, with a first year manager, went undefeated while doing so?
Well, the answer, to us, at least, is perfectly clear. You can look in the Banijan qualifiers for the UICA, you can look at the regional leagues and, lastly, you can look at the RBSA Cup. The stranglehold of the same four teams on the top four is over, as the Herzegovina Phoenix, without any major purchases on the transfer market, were able to overtake the defending champions, Istria City FC, and obtain fourth place. It was a brilliant piece of coaching by Mark Grayson, and if Herzegovina City FC didn't go undefeated, Mark Grayson would likely be a shoo-in for manager of the year.
Look at the RBSA Cup as well. Neither finalist was in the Super 5 clubs, or even the Phoenix. Busembe Timberwolves and Mynda Electra finished 8th and 9th in the league this season, respectively. Neither was expected to qualify for anything, or compete for any trophies this season. They were both expected to be midlevel. But, they played above themselves in the RBSA Cup, with the Timberwolves defeating Jinja City FC in the semifinals, while Mynda Electra won at Star Field, 1-0, in the quarterfinals. Their runs will show you that there is still parity in this league, and that it is not too top heavy.
6. Banijan League's international flavor is impacting the league for the better
Over the past three to four seasons, Banijan clubs have made a great effort to bring foreign talent, in both coaching and playing, to ply their trade in Banija. It has had a serious impact on the level of quality in Banijan soccer- with the BSL rising 50 places up the rankings after the last UICA, and expected to move up after this upcoming UICA season. Club soccer in Banija is more competitive, and more entertaining, than ever, and that is in no small part to the foreign talent that plys their trade here each and every season.
Let's start with players, shall we? While, of course, you have no true household names in the league- the league has never had a player that has played in the World Cup Finals while signed for a BSL sides- that is to be expected for the young league, who has only recently completed their sixth season playing nationally. However, the league is filled with plenty of talent that are stars in this league, and that can make a real impact for their national teams. Aarón Aiza, Lin Moon, Atsushi Ryu, and Chase Pershing, just to name a few. Foreign stars who choose to ply their trade in Banija, making a real difference for their clubs and being integral parts of trophy chases for Banija's best club teams.
And, of course, we need to talk about management. 5/20 managers are foreign- or 25%. Which is a good percentage for a league of the BSL's caliber. But boy, those managers are making an impact. Specifically, the pair in Herzegovina City. Brian Emerson's squad went undefeated, so we know what kind of historical impact he's had, even if he's lived for three quarters of a century. But you must also look at Mark Grayson, the Nepharim manager. He has made a serious impact, that might be even more long-term- the Phoenix have broken into the top four and the UICA, breaking the stranglehold of the Super 5 on those competitions.
It has made a serious impact, and it has made foreign managers more and more popular. The Hoima Warriors have already agreed to terms with Jehan Blair, and Bunyoro RSC, looking to copy off of the ambitious example set by the Phoenix, are heavily rumored that they will reach terms with Razenthurian manager Adam Jeffreys, who just won the league title in League RZN for AC Stonehenge. Bunyoro RSC's current manager, Iphicrates Bella will, of course, be taking a job as the Commissioner of the Northwestern League, which opened up that spot.
And depending on who is hired this offseason, there may be almost 10 foreign managers in the Banijan Soccer League! One thing is clear though- the massive influx of foreign coaching talent has had a huge impact on a league that is trying to climb the ladder, and quickly.
Ahh, the offseason. This offseason, of course, is filled with World Cup Qualifying. Who doesn't like the hustle and bustle of a World Cup Qualification campaign? However, the clubs will be making many moves- some that may attract headlines, and some that may be ignored. For the avid BSL fan, we will give you a list of three stories to follow, throughout the summer months, that will have a large impact in the months to follow.
1. RBSA vote about minimum age to play for a professional side
There has not been a formally established minimum age to play for a professional side within Banija. Right before the start of the window, however, team owners from the regional leagues and from the Banijan Soccer League are voting on whether a minimum age should be established at 18, the age of adulthood within Banija. The proposal would, of course, include a grandfather clause so that people who are already signed to professional contracts who are under 18 can continue playing here. The most high profile player that would benefit from the grandfather clause, is Xavier Melchoir, the Lions attacking midfielder, who was 16 at the end of Season 6.
This is in line with another proposal brought forward by the RBSA- the development of youth soccer within Banija. Currently, there is no overarching youth setup, with just local leagues. BSL sides don't have academies, and the such. The RBSA is expected to pass a regional academy resolution, to establish academies in Banija's 8 regions. Players from the National Capitol Region will be able to play in either Ankole or Kitara, which are the two regions that border the City of Busukuma, coterminous with the National Capitol Region.
These academies will be ran and funded by all the BSL and regional league sides under its jurisdiction. Of course, each club contributes according to their own means, but this is something that the RBSA says is 'crucial' to developing young talent within Banija. BOth proposals are expected to pass easily. They will need 2/3s of all professional owners(46), including at least six owners from each regional league and 12 owners from the Banijan Soccer League. The days of Banijan clubs recruiting 16 year olds to come play professionally in Banija, look to be severely numbered.
2. Expect the Phoenix to be active on the transfer market
Signals from the Phoenix have been sent all season that they want to do a complete roster overhaul, which makes sense. 9 out of 11 players are over the age of 30, and even though they qualified for the UICA, they are paying Mark Grayson quite a bit of money to make this team into a powerhouse. The Phoenix know that they need to get better, younger players, and they will look to the transfer market to do so.
They are already causing rumors within the BSL- there is a rumor that they are offering the Lions $4.5 million NSDs for Xavier Melchoir, Josef Lawerenz, and Phineas Antwell all together. While it is unclear how the Lions will respond, this will be a massive offer, at least here at home, and we'll see if they can put it together. However, even if they can grab all three, that is not all they can get. Expect them to be active on the international circuit.
Mark Grayson, naturally, has connections abroad, and will look across the multiverse, including back home in Nephara, to get players. The biggest named target for him is Orion Etzebeth. While he's valued between 5 and 6 million NSDs, probably making him out of the price range of some of his players, a couple of sales could see them fundraise the money to make a serious bid for him. He is the perfect player for Grayson's system- a stocky, veteran central midfielder to join a team that is certainly about to be much younger.
And the last question, is what will happen with Chase Pershing? The man is enjoying some sort of a revival, putting up 20+ goals two seasons in a row. Is it built to last? He is ageing quickly, but he has been such an integral part of the team's success. Our prediction is that, ultimately, Grayson will have to let him go, and chase after a striker like Corvid Alemane. We imagine that Pershing will find a team, somewhere within the BSL.
3. Look out for Banijan clubs to be active selling too
We know that there will be a number of clubs from our country looking to buy talent. From the Hoima Warriors, to the Herzegovina Phoenix, to everyone else, there is always a need that has to be filled. Except, for maybe Herzegovina City FC? But we haven't talked about who will walk away, who will choose to ply their trade abroad.
There are a number of possibilities in terms of player looking to go abroad. We deem Sia Fall as the most likely. As he has been passed by Gitonga Kahara on the national team depth chart, he might know that his only chance of getting that spot back is to ply his trade abroad for a few seasons, wait for Afolayan to retire, and then take the spot opposite Kahara. Or else, even though he's so young, his chances at ever starting for the national team, are finished.
Who else could be looking to go abroad? Okonkwo Okparro, looking to position himself as the heir to the #10 jersey from Kiggwe Mavuto, who will likely replace George Wangolo as the captain for the World Cup 80 cycle, is likely to go abroad. He is not a fan of Bunyoro RSC, and he has his sights on playing abroad. We'll see what teams, if any, offer for him, as a good couple of seasons abroad will help him for World Cup 81, if you want to even think that far down the timeline.