All-Banija Sports Magazine

by **Banija** » Fri Aug 22, 2025 1:09 pm

Banijan Soccer League in the S-FPL Era- First Half of the season

Table at the season's halfway mark

Banijan Soccer League      Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Duntho SC               21   13   6   2    32   13  +19    45
 2 Mamari City             21   14   3   4    32   16  +16    45
 3 Herzgovina Phoenix      21   14   3   4    31   15  +16    45
 4 Capitol City FC         21   13   5   3    41   10  +31    44
 5 Aissa United            21   13   5   3    27   11  +16    44
 6 Dukuma SC               21   11   7   3    29   16  +13    40
 7 Igulu City FC           21   11   5   5    27   14  +13    38
 8 Bunyoro RSC             21   11   4   6    31   19  +12    37
 9 Kabakono City           21   11   4   6    19   15   +4    37
10 Rukunbi FC              21    9   2  10    26   24   +2    29
11 Mukeruzi United         21    8   4   9    18   17   +1    28
12 Busemlu Park SC         21    7   7   7    20   31  −11    28
13 Tezirbu Foxes           21    6   8   7    16   16    0    26
14 Ogbordu Diamond FC      21    7   4  10    14   23   −9    25
15 Amaku City              21    6   5  10    24   26   −2    23
16 Sororo City             21    5   6  10    15   28  −13    21
17 Askatasuna FC           21    5   4  12     9   29  −20    19
18 Bwubanza City SC        21    4   4  13    17   31  −14    16
19 AFC Okahavi             21    3   6  12    13   34  −21    15
20 Isipongo Flash          21    3   4  14    13   28  −15    13
21 Kocakhan AFC            21    3   2  16    15   34  −19    11
22 Corizova United         21    1   8  12    10   29  −19    11

Four things we've learned about the BSL at the halfway mark

#1: There will be a photo finish in the race for promotion

Remember, in the Banijan Soccer League, only one team gets promoted to the S-FPL- and that its champion. That makes the promoton race double as a title race. But more importantly- it means that the race can sometimes be much more intense, and yet other times, be much less intense. It's easier for somebody to run away with things when they're flying high at the top of the table. But not this year- only one point separates top of the table Duntho SC, from fifth place Aissa United, and that simply means the competition in the league this season is tremendous.

Four of those teams in the top 5 are teams we expected to be in this position- Duntho SC, the Herzegovina Phoenix, the freshly relegated Capitol City FC, and Aissa United. The latter three are big enough to be S-FPL clubs, and they've all got top flight history. And then, there's Mamari City. They've never been in the top flight at any time, not when the Banijan pyramid was just in Banija, or now. They've been solidly mid-table for a few years now- and now, they're making a push towards the to of the table.

But so many teams up there- if somebody doesn't separate themselves, this could be the most dramatic finish to a season that we've ever seen down at the BSL level.

#2: Buba Kayode's firing is a warning that even in the BSL, the standards are high

This is a hard league to earn promotion fun- nobody denies that. But Buba Kayode, the manager at Rukunbi FC, has failed spectacularly in his efforts to see Istria's second club get back to the S-FPL level that they feel they deserve. With so many teams in competition right now, Rukunbi FC are 16 points off the pace at the halfway mark, sitting in 10th. Now, when you're in 10th and you thought you could win the league outright? Only bad things will happen, and that's extremely true for Rukunbi FC.

A 1-0 road loss to Dukuma SC on MD20 was enough to pull the plug on the Kayode experiment. Not particularly bad on its own- but his teams, particularly, struggle to get results. 10 losses on the season is the most of anybody in the top 13 places in the league, and only 6 teams have more losses than Rukunbi. And furthermore, last season, Rukunbi FC were on the brink of promotion- just 1 point shy of the Promotion Playoff Final, finishing in 3rd, and with 8 losses across 42 league games- not 10 across the first 21.

The leash is short- and they'll spend the next half season looking for a manager who can put them over the top next year.

#3: The clutch gene is real: Capitol City FC are choking away a league they should be winning

How does your team lead the league in goals scored(with over 9 more than the #2 team!), lead the league in goals allowed(have 3 fewer conceded than the #2 team), and find itself at fourth in the table at the halfway point? "Honestly, I'm not sure." Said their first year manager, Eddie Ngo. "We've got the guys here- if we keep up what we're doing, we will be able to outmuscle these other clubs for that league trophy."

Anton Sapere, the 33 year old Farf national, is absolutely dominating this second tier, with 17 league goals already on the season, in just 21 games. "He's probably not good enough to be an international- but he's too good for the second tier, and he wants this stint down here to be as short as possible." But unfortunately, while they can make it rain against lesser opponents, it's that clutch gene that gets them there.

Let's look at their last three games- where, despite leading the league with 41 goals scored, they've got three straight without putting the ball in the back of the net. A 0-0 draw at home against Aissa United, where they were lifeless. They had opportunities to score- but the aforementioned Sapere hit a penalty wide of the mark. And then, in a 0-0 draw against the Foxes, they had an absolutely embarassing performance, where the capitol squad could only muster one shot on goal all game. And then, their travels to Moravica. The Phoenix beat them 1-0, simply sitting back and then burning the capitol side on a devastating counter-attack.

They have the stats to be champions. But if, in those close games, they can't eke out those 1-0s... That will go against them in what is a tight title race.

#4: Relegation race- a few Banijan teams stare down the barrel of the regional leagues

On the Busogan side, this looks fairly simple. Kocakhan AFC are dreadful. 11 points, only one spot from bottom, and they've got, seemingly, no shot to get themselves in a position to catch the Foxes. It's been a nice, one year stint- they'll have to try and dignify their position up here by not getting last place.

On the Banijan side, Corizova United have been dreadful. Just 1 win over 21 games? Thankfully, they've gotten a number of draws- 8 over the course of the half season. If they can do a little bit more in the late stages of games, their season is not completely doomed. Somehow, someway, only having 1 win over 21 games does not mean that you are completely screwed.

Bwubanza City SC, the Isipongo Flash, and AFC Okahavi are all still heavily involved in this race to the bottom. They've all won more than one game, thankfully. All teams that are poor in similar ways. They all struggle to control games, and if you can't do that, you are going to struggle at this level. Whichever ones of these 4 can improve most in the midfield, will be the ones who will get at least one more season here in the BSL.

by **Banija** » Sat Aug 30, 2025 2:38 pm

Banijan Soccer League in the S-FPL Era- Second Half of the season

Final table

Banijan Soccer League  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Capitol City FC         42   29   9   4    89   28  +61    96 - League champion, promoted to the S-FPL, Qualifies for the Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Herzgovina Phoenix      42   27   8   7    78   33  +45    89- Qualifies for the Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Duntho SC               42   26   7   9    64   33  +31    85 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 4 Mamari City             42   26   6  10    61   43  +18    84 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 5 Aissa United            42   22  10  10    67   40  +27    76 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 6 Igulu City FC           42   20  13   9    52   35  +17    73 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 7 Bunyoro RSC             42   21   8  13    55   35  +20    71
 8 Dukuma SC               42   17  14  11    54   43  +11    65
 9 Mukeruzi United         42   18   8  16    50   43   +7    62
10 Kabakono City           42   16  13  13    33   35   −2    61
11 Busemlu Park SC         42   15  13  14    45   55  −10    58
12 Rukunbi FC              42   18   3  21    50   47   +3    57
13 Tezirbu Foxes           42   14  13  15    37   39   −2    55
14 Amaku City              42   14  10  18    52   58   −6    52
15 Ogbordu Diamond FC      42   15   7  20    32   48  −16    52
16 Askatasuna FC           42   13  11  18    36   54  −18    50
17 Isipongo Flash          42   12  11  19    40   48   −8    47
18 Sororo City             42   11  10  21    36   72  −36    43
19 Bwubanza City SC        42    8   9  25    35   61  −26    33
20 Corizova United         42    7   9  26    26   60  −34    30 - 2nd worst finishing Banijan team, will play in the BSL Qualifying Playoff
21 AFC Okahavi             42    6   9  27    26   61  −35    27 - Worst finishing Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues
22 Kocakhan AFC            42    3   7  32    22   69  −47    16 - Worst finishing Busogan team, relegated to the regional leagues

Four things we've taken from this BSL season

A sensational Capitol City FC run away with the league title

We could very well go back to having 3 Busukuma teams in the S-FPL next season. And a big reason, of course, is that Capitol City FC didn't take their relegation lying down. "We had all the underlying numbers at the halfway point of the season." Said their 1st year manager, Eddie Ngo- who took a hefty check to join this state-owned club. "But, for whatever reason, our excellence didn't show up in your record. But well, at some point, you are what your record says you are- and our record, and place in the table, caught up to our performances on the pitch."

They did indeed. The last 21 games of the season- 16 wins, 3 draws, and just 2 losses, earning 51 points- and looking like champions every step of the way. Most prolific scoring team, and best at preventing goals. They've got young and old players contributing. Sapere, their 33 year old Farf striker, deciding to stick with the club through relegation instead of transferring out, leading the league in goals. 18 year old winger Mukhwana Muyise taking the league by storm. Ultimately, the country's oldest club thoroughly deserves their place in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League next year, and they made sure everybody kew.

Phoenix deserved second place

And while Capitol City FC were deserved title winners, the Phoenix were the clearcut #2 team in the league. And not in a dergatory way, either. They made a strong push for promotion and a trophy for most of the season, but when that eventually went out of reach, they didn't slouch- they put themselves in position to be strong contenders to do some real, serious damage in the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy competition.

A more veteran team, they've got balance in their squad, one that has allowed them some stability on the upper echelons of the BSL- although actually earning promotion has been a struggle for them. 78 goals on the season is a pretty good return for the other Herzegovina club, and the return of IFCF competition to Phoenix Stadium will surely be energizing for the club next year- even if it is the LBCT.

LBCT Qualification Playoff preview
Per usual, we've got teams 3-6 in a playoff for the Liga B Champions Trophy, and unlike prior years, there's supposedly a clear cut 3 and 4, far ahead of the other teams. But it's a playoff that's going to happen, regardless- will being 8-10 points ahead of their opponent matter so much in a single game, winner-take-all, knockout match?

The first semifinal is Duntho SC hosting a quality Igulu City FC side. Duntho SC is a strong team, one that is building towards winning this league, and eventually alongside with it- a promotion to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. Duntho is all about stability. Two of his kids are in the starting XI, and they've got young talent that is committed to Duntho. Four starters that are aged 22 or younger, that have all had strong seasons in Banija's second tier. We woud think that they are favorites here- but if a key player has an off day, anything can happen.

And then, really, the match everyone wants to see- Mamari City against Aissa United. The former seem to be barely out of the regional leagues, used to fighting for their lives, but suddenly enjoying life towards the top of the table. A truly surprising story. Aissa United arguably underachieved this year- their fans, and their brass, felt as if they'd make a serious challenge for promotion. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. We'd argue, despite Mamari City having the better season, that Aissa United are the favorites. The talent is there- although Mamari City will offer a special environment for this playoff.

Relegation battles- Busogan National League winners once again go straight back down

Maybe this is a harsh headline. Formerly, it was two teams towards the bottom for Busoga, fighting it out. But the Tezirbu Foxes, have steadily improved themselves over the years. No longer a yoyo club- they are firmly mid-table in this league, seemingly secure of their spot in the BSL. But the Busogan National League... Well, continues to not send great teams. Every year, it seems like the promoted team from Busoga finishs in dead last, going straight back down- but while there's quality footballers in the Busoga Islands, the depth isn't there- and so quality can drop down, quickly and dramatically. The Tripoli Foresters will have a chance next season to change the narrative, although most would say that is unlikely.

On the Banijan side, no real surprises. AFC Okahavi was considered fortunate to stay up last year, and this was pretty much always coming. Too small of a club to compete at this level. Corizova United, yo-yoing in and out of the BSL, under threat of relegation. They've got more regional league titles than any other club- a good thing to have, but that also means they really aren't good at getting it done when regional league competition is over. They'll face Cerenus United- who just was in this league last year, and got relegated, who are trying to make the trip down to the regional leagues as short of a trip as possible.

BSL Qualifying Playoff Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

Cerenus United 0–0 Corizova United (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)

LBCT Qualification Playoff
Semifinals

Duntho SC 1–0 Igulu City FC
Mamari City 2–2 Aissa United (3–3 AET) (2–4 pen.)

Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

Duntho SC 2–0 Aissa United

The semifinals were interesting. Duntho SC's game was quite boring- an early goal really killed the vibe, as the home side held on for a 1-0 win. In Mamari, it was the opposite- goals galore, drama everywhere. They had to come back from being 2-0 down at halftime, and then they also had to come back in extra time. Third time wasn't the charm though, as the clock struck midnight during the penalty kick shootout.

The national stadium was overflowing for this one. And it was the 30 year old, Quentin Ramampy, who would start the scoring for Duntho SC, with a great finish in the 22nd minute. And about 20 minutes later, Duntho would be doubling their lead- as Sarah Botongo, the gaffer's daughter, chipped the keeper on a counter-attack. Here's the thing about Duntho SC- they get a lead like that, they don't let it go. They suffocated their opponents, and sucked the life out of this game. The mental games were brilliant- they even got a visibly frustrated Saako Ce, who is Aissa's left winger, sent off when he lost his head entirely and smacked a Duntho SC player on the head after getting fouled.

Masters of the dark arts, say hello to the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy.

Promotions/Relegations in Banija- A Summary
Shango-Fogoa Premier League
Relegated- Hawabark Boulders

Banijan Soccer League
Promoted- Capitol City FC

Relegated- AFC Okahavi(Banija)
Relegated- Kocakhan AFC(Busoga)

Regional League System
Promoted- Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Promoted- Lwanga Lions(Banija)

by **Banija** » Sat Aug 30, 2025 3:40 pm

The RBSA Cup in Year 20 of the S-FPL Era: Results

Format is simple. There are 69 Banijan teams in the pyramid, across all three levels. 10 in the first tier(S-FPL), 19 in the second tier(Banijan Soccer League), and 40 in the third tier(the various regional leagues). Herzegovina City FC and Istria City FC, due to their participation in the Richard Outbox Cup, join the RBSA Cup in the 3rd round/Round of 16. As they are fixed participants in that tournament, it is fixed that they will enter this Cup late- no matter their league position in the previous season. Other fans hate on them for it, but of course, with their rather poor results in the Outbox Cup so far, it's simply ammo.

The entire tournament is single leg, home/away, play each match until there is a winner, until the Final- which is the same, except it takes place at the Stadium of the Restoration. Opponents are always randomly drawn.

With Mukeruzi United joining as an expansion team, this year only, they will play in the play-in round, against one of the last place finishers of the regional leagues(randomly chosen). The first round is the bottom 5 teams from last season, in each regional league. That 20 is whittled down to 10, and then, the rest of the pyramid(Besides Herzegovina City and Istria City) join the tournament. That means the 2nd round is 56 teams- 10 first round winners, plus 20 remaining regional league sides, 19 Banijan second tier sides, and 7 first tier sides. They play single elimination from that point onwards. So the tournament chart looks like this.

Play-in Round- 2 teams
First round- 20 teams (46 get bye to second round, 2 get bye to fourth round)
Second round - 56 teams. Teams are 10 winners from the first round, 20 remaining regional league sides, all Banijan BSL sides, and 8 Banijan S-FPL sides. (2 get bye to fourth round)
Third round - 28 teams. Teams are the 28 winners from the second round. (2 get bye to fourth round)
Fourth Round/Round of 16 - 16 teams. Teams are the 14 winners from the third round, plus Herzegovina City and Istria City FC.
Fifth Round/QFs - 8 teams. 
Sixth Round/SFs - 4 teams
Final - 2 teams

Play-in Round
Mukeruzi United 0–2 Kitara Athletic Society

First Round
Gadive City 0–1 Kiruvya Bulls
Garixas City 3–2 Okakameb City
Kitara Athletic Socie 0–2 Lake Wakiso AFC
Koszagard City 1–2 Nsade United
Dodoma City Sporting 1–0 AFC Akwadua
Mukegara Warriors 3–2 Byakado City
Suwawa FC 0–1 Abomfa United
Gazaea Thunder 1–1 Umbazi Footballers As (2–1 AET)
Slobochia Bears 0–0 Djoro Athletic (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Koksho City 1–0 Luguyala Patriots

Second Round
Bwubanza City SC 1–0 Kwadama Dojo
Busemlu Park SC 1–0 Abomfa United
Askatasuna FC 0–1 Busukuma AC
Amaku City 0–1 Capitol City FC
Eastern Moravica Foot 0–0 Pumbasa Boars (0–0 AET) (6–7 pen.)
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 AFC Kosactus
Kabakono City 1–1 Gazaea Thunder (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Igulu City FC 3–0 Bunyoro RSC
Koksho City 1–1 Corizova United (2–1 AET)
Dodoma City Sporting 0–1 Kigagana Mountaineers
TK Korp Mynda 2–0 Ruhanga SC
Busukuma Force 1–0 Barmos United
AFC Okahavi 1–0 Sororo City
Rukunbi FC 1–0 Mukegara Warriors
Duntho SC 1–5 New Olympus FC
Lake Wakiso AFC 1–2 Dimbogourou Sporting
Hoima Warriors 1–1 Hawabark Boulders (2–2 AET) (1–2 pen.)
Nsade United 3–3 Aissa United (4–3 AET)
Nanami Dragons 0–0 Kitara AA (0–2 AET)
Selekawe Knights 4–1 Lwanga Lions
Boufaya Ravens 0–1 Zakuta City
Thayaferu United 2–1 Kiruvya Bulls
Umbazi Metropolitan S 1–1 Slobochia Bears (1–2 AET)
Isipongo FLash 1–0 Jinja City FC
Mamari City 1–0 Cerenus United
Garixas City 1–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Pagazai Triceratopses 1–2 Taramazna United
Ogbordu Diamond FC 2–2 Baleweye FC (3–3 AET) (3–4 pen.)

Third Round
AFC Okahavi 0–1 Hawabark Boulders
Kitara AA 2–0 Bwubanza City SC
Rukunbi FC 0–0 Slobochia Bears (0–1 AET)
Isipongo FLash 0–3 Koksho City
Capitol City FC 0–0 Pumbasa Boars (2–0 AET)
TK Korp Mynda 1–1 Busukuma Force (1–1 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Dimbogourou Sporting 0–1 Nsade United
Kabakono City 2–0 Busembe Timberwolves
Zakuta City 1–1 Selekawe Knights (2–1 AET)
Igulu City FC 0–0 Taramazna United (0–1 AET)
Kigagana Mountaineers 2–2 Busemlu Park SC (2–3 AET)
Mamari City 3–1 Baleweye FC
New Olympus FC 1–0 Thayaferu United
Busukuma AC 1–0 AFC Kosactus

Fourth Round
Istria City FC 1–0 Busemlu Park SC
Mamari City 0–0 Nsade United (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
New Olympus FC 0–1 Zakuta City
Herzegovina City FC 2–0 Busukuma AC
Taramazna United 0–3 Slobochia Bears
Koksho City 0–1 Capitol City FC
Kabakono City 1–1 Kitara AA (1–2 AET)
Hawabark Boulders 1–0 Busukuma Force

Quarterfinals
Herzegovina City FC 1–0 Mamari City
Kitara AA 6–1 Slobochia Bears
Zakuta City 0–0 Capitol City FC (1–0 AET)
Hawabark Boulders 3–3 Istria City FC (4–4 AET) (3–4 pen.)

And now, time for the Quarterfinals of this competition. 69 teams have been whittled down to 8- upsets everywhere. And see, as usual, the RBSA Cup has tons of chaos. 2 regional league sides(Slobochia Bears & Zakuta City), 2 BSL sides(Capitol City FC & Mamari City), and four S-FPL sides(Istria City FC, Herzegovina City FC, Kitara AA, and Hawabark Boulders) remain in the competition. This competition is particularly chaotic- lower league sides win this one all the time. Of course, the draws are random, and who doesn't want chaos? Besides the TV companies, that is.

Kitara AA took on the Slobochia Bears at home, and did exactly what former Champions League winners should do to regional league teams- destroyed them. It was 3-0 after 30 minutes, and although the Bears scored on the brink of halftime, they scored three more in the second half to reach the semifinals. A trip to Busukuma is in their grasp. And elsewhere, Herzegovina City won a surprisingly tight match against Mamari City, by a score of 1-0- against a Mamari City team that have been surprising teams in both the league and the cup. Sometimes, it takes a moment of magic, and the Trumpeteers' moment came from Mor Buday- who hit a brilliant through ball that Mersias was able to bury, first time, in the 71st minute.

Next, Zakuta City taking on Capitol City FC. They've had a favorable draw- playing only fellow regional league sides up to this point. But hey, win the games, and here they are. Now, a team bigger than them- but it didn't matter. They packed it in defensively to try and weathet the storm, and did so- and in the 115th minute, broke out on a sensational counter that led to a headed goal. Semifinals, here we come- was the Final within reach?

Lastly, off to the Olympic Stadium, in Hawabark, for the game not only of the round- but maybe of the entire competition. Hawabark led, 3-1, in the 75th minute- the Boulders just dominating. A veteran lineup, playing in the game of their lives. But Istria City are not a big club for no reason. Maddie Prenn scored in the 78th to make it 3-2, and set up a final 12 minutes of stoppage, and then some, for pure chaos. They'd call upon another star- this one Åsne Sørensen- to equalize in the 2nd minute of stoppage. Åsne Sørensen thought he had the winner in extra time, in the 101st minute, with a brilliant free header. But the Boulders were not just lying down, as a Yaaba Kyereme volley set up penalties. 8 goals in this match- and still, nothing to choose between the two teams.

Istria's first taker, Nakissa Muwanga, missed his kick- skying the penalty. But the rest of the players had ice in their veins. Maddie Prenn, Åsne Sørensen, Tairu Senghore Jr., and Abu Sesay all hit their penalties in successon- with Sesay hitting the game-winning one. It was Carlton Sandt, however, who was the hero- with the Sarzonian goalkeeper turning away both the second and third penalties for the hosts. Hawabark fans in tears- but the big club is in the semifinals.

Semifinals
Istria City FC 0–0 Kitara AA (2–1 AET)
Zakuta City 1–5 Herzegovina City FC

Off to Kabonero III Field, for a highly anticipated semifinal between Istria City FC and Kitara AA. The Olympic city was home to a 0-0 draw, but an entertaining one. Both teams were creating chances, but the goalkeepers were having stellar games on both sides, and that combined with neither team bringing their finishing boots. But the extra time period, as they tend to go, was spectacular. Both teams selling out- they really want that trip to Busukuma, for a chance to play at the Stadium of the Restoration, and win this trophy. And look- you sign strikers like Sofie Mylonakis for moments like these, right? The Kelssek international hit a wicked one from outside the box, sending one into the back of the net in the 112th minute, to finally break the deadlock.

Would the Basin's only Champions League winners hold on for the final 8 minutes plus stoppage in the Olympic City? Well, it's nights like these that can become legendary, that can create legends. Istria City, getting desperate, brought on 35 year old Farf striker, Edmün Fân- well past his prime, hoping for anything. And of course, he'd be the one to equalize, wouldn't he? Putting home a rebound in the 119th minute, to bring this crowd from the brink to a scene of jubilation. And not only that- but just one minute later, it was the Vanorian CDM, Sander Vestbø, who was turning home a cross from Maddie Prenn with a brilliant diving header, to send this crowd into ecstasy. From the brink of death- and yet, Istria City FC would reach the Final- just like they did in the Outbox Cup.

While Zakuta City hosted the biggest game they've ever hosted, welcoming Banija's biggest club into town, they didn't stand a chance against Herzegovina City. It was 2-0 after 10 minutes, and the Trumpeteers were up 5-0 at halftime. They really turned off the gas in the second half, as Zakuta City did get their consolation goal, but not much else. And now, a final that the TV execs dream of- Banija's two biggest clubs facing off, on Banija's grandest stage, in a Cup Final.

RBSA Cup Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835)

Istria City FC v. Herzegovina City FC

Here's the thing about this rivalry. These are Banija's two oldest cities. There's a historical, generational rivalry. Herzegovina City, the original capitol of what most would consider the predecessor to the modern Banijan state- the Kasanke Tribe. Istria, the first capitol when Banija was created. Herzegovina has the culture and cache of being the country's oldest city, and the cultural center of the nation- history of both tribe and church goes through Herzegovina. But Istria is the country's largest city. Our export to the world. Richest city. Olympic City. All the sports teams between these two cities are rivals- and while most think of the college sports rivalry between NMU and Loyola-Istria to be the fiercest between these two cities, Istria City FC and Herzegovina City FC cannot be forgotten about.

These two fanbases cannot stand each other. They both think the other is worthless. There is basically never transfer business between the two. This is often one of the most watched matches in the S-FPL, and now, they're playing in a Final. And yet- they are joined at the hip. Banija's two biggest clubs. Both entering this competition later than everyone else, to compete in the Outbox Cup. A competition that Istria City FC won, by the way, in style-, just 1 week before this match.

Can Istria City win two domestic cups in one season? With the kickoff of the game, Busukuma was being overrun with Moravicans, who traveled by train from the northwest to be a part of this historic cup final. It was a great contest for about 30 minutes, with both teams getting forward, and creating chances. However, a reckless challenge by Liyo Dudujala, the 21 year old CB for Istria City FC, saw him get a straight red card for his wild tackle on Araba Fanja. And so, with a man advantage, the Trumpeteers sought to make their case.

Didier Garnacho Sibyonito, the tri-national the Trumpeteers signed from the Q-League, scored the first goal in the 52nd minute. He made a great individual move, going around two defenders before the 18, and making a pass to Mor Buday. He continued his run, however, and the Pasargan's backheel pass put him in behind goal, and Garnacho was going to bury that ten times out of 10. Into the bottom left corner, and it was 1-0 to Herzegovina City. A 10 man Istria City pushed and pushed for an equalizer, but it would be Herzegovina City FC who were devastating on the counter. It would be Musoke Owole, the 21 year old CM who's starting for club and country, who would finish for the second goal in the 87th minute.

And a few minutes, later, the final whistle- Herzegovina City with the 2-0 win, and now officially RBSA Cup champions. Hell of a year, eh?

Istria City FC 0–2 Herzegovina City FC

by **Banija** » Wed Nov 19, 2025 1:57 pm

Banija's Regional Soccer Leagues in the S-FPL Era- Year 21

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA), in conjunction with the Busoga Islander Soccer Association(BISA). is proud to present the third tier of the soccer pyramid in both Banija and the Busoga Islands- the Regional League system. Remember, as of Year 10, The Northwestern League no longer exists, having been split into the Moravican State League, and the Busogan National League. They will join the Lower Coastal League, the Northern League, and the Southern League as the two nation's third tier now consists of 50 teams, spread across 5 leagues.

This will be the twenty-eighth season of full integration of the Regional League System into the Banijan soccer pyramid. Years 1-9 this served as the 2nd tier of the Banijan soccer pyramid, but now it is in its 21st season as the country's third tier with the formation of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. There is no relegation as this is the final professional tier in the Banijan league system. Promotion happens on a national basis- separate promotion/relegation process for the Busogan teams, as the Banijan teams.

For the Banijan teams, the four regional champions will enter into a double round robin group stage against each other, played home and away(6 games). Winner goes up to the BSL(2nd tier), while the last placed Banijan side in the BSL is relegated to the regional leagues. The second place team will play against the second worst Banijan team in the BSL in the BSL Promotion Playoff, a one game playoff occurring at the Stadium of the Restoration.

Of course, the Corizova rule remains in place on the Banijan side. The Corizova rule is this- any team that wins their regional league for three seasons in a row, earns automatic promotion to the BSL(without having to go through the Promotion Playoff), and the Promotion Playoff will only have 3 teams. However, that rule has never come into force. Dimbogourou Sporting Club(Lower Coastal League). have won their league the last two seasons, and therefore, are 'Corizova rule' eligible. The other returning champions are Cerenus United, and AFC Kosactus.

On the Busogan side, they have their own set of rules. The champion is promoted, and if the worst finishing Busogan team in the BSL finishes 10th or worse, then that is automatic. If the worst finishing Busogan team is 9th or 8th, there is a one game playoff, hosted by the Busogan National League champion. If the worst finishing Busogan team in the BSL finishes 4th through 7th, the one game playoff is hosted by that very Busogan BSL side. If the worst finishing Busogan team is third or better(this would require for there to be at least one Busogan team in the S-FPL, and then the other Busogan teams entirely in the top 3 of the BSL, then there is no pro/rel that season.

Of course, that's extremely unlikely considering how Busogan teams have generally performed since the beginning of the modern era. On the other hand, there could be multiple promotions/relegations. Any Busogan team that finishes in the bottom 5(18th or worse out of 22), must 'earn their place' in the league. So, for example, if only one team is 18th or worse- then they are automatically relegated. But what if, for example, three of the four Busogan teams in the BSL finish 18th or worse? Then the worst team is automatically relegated- but the other two would play in playoffs for their BSL slot. The second worst team would play the #2 team in the Busogan National League, while the third worst team would play the #3 team in the Busogan National League- those games, also one game playoffs, hosted by the National League sides.

You with us? Without further ado! The 50 regional league sides in Banija and the Busoga Islands!

Teams Promoted from last season out of the regional leagues
Promoted- Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Promoted- Lwanga Lions(Banija)

Teams relegated from BSL into the regional leagues this season
Relegated- AFC Okahavi(Banija)
Relegated- Kocakhan AFC(Busoga)

Note: There are 2 teams playing outside their assigned geographical regional league. AFC Okahavi, who just got relegated, are in the Southern League(geographically they'd be in the Northern League), and Barmos United are in the Lower Coastal League(geographically they'd be in the Moravican First Division).

Busogan National League
Consists only of teams from the Busoga Islands
1. Nezrouch Rovers. NR. Location: Nezrouch, Busoga. Color: Blue.

2. Kocakhan AFC. Location: Kocakhan, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Purple.

3. Beirutspor. BET. Location: Beirut, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.

4. Independence FK. IND. Location: Dukuma, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Blue.

5. Castra Bostra FK. Location: Dukuma, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Black and Yellow.

6. Serizar Football Club. Location: Serizar, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Blue.

7. Altica FC. Location: Altica, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.

8. Osmazar Wallabies. Location: Osmazar, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Green.

9. Jaribga Soccer Club. JSC. Location: Jaribga, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Blue.

10. Lakiska Kangaroos. Location: Lakiska, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.

The Moravican First Division
Region- Moravica.
1. Taramazna United. TMU. Location: Taramazna, Moravica. Color: Blue.

2. AFC Kosactus. AFCK. Location: Kosactus, Moravica. Color: Red.

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

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

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

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

7. Lake Wakiso AFC. Location: Burusazi, Moravica. Located on the shores of Lake Wakiso, in the interior of the Moravica Region. Color: Blue.

8. New Olympus FC. Location: Lower East Side, Istria, Moravica. Color: Black and Gold.

9. Ruhanga SC. Location: Ruhanga, Moravica. Color: Green.

10. Gazaea Thunder. Location: Gazea, Moravica. Color: Purple.

The Lower Coastal League
Regions: Ankole, Kitara, National Capitol Region (+1 Moravica)
1. Nsade United. NDU. Location: Nsade, Ankole. Colors: Blue.

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

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

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

5. Kwadama Dojo. KWD. Location: Kwadama, Ankole. Colors: Red.

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

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

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

9. Kiruvya Bulls. AKW. Location: Kiruvya, Kitara.. Colors: Red.

10. Zakuta City. ZKC. Location: Zakuta, Ankole. Located in the Uvibe Valley suburbs of Hoima. Colors: Green.

Northern League
Regions: Hangaza & Aksum
1. Luguyala Patriots. LGY. Location: Luguyala, Aksum. Colors: Red.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Pagazi Triceratopses. Location: Pagazi, Aksum. Color: Red.

Southern League
Regions: Buganda & Bunyoro (+1 Aksum)
1. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Nickname: Flamingo. Deragotory Nickname: Flightless Birds
Team Crest - Credit to Farfadillis for the design

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Umbazi Footballers Association. UFA. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Colors: Red.

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

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

by **Busoga Islands** » Thu Nov 20, 2025 12:14 pm

OOC Note: Despite me RPing it at the front end, ICly this occurs across the entire season. First round in January, QFs across a two week span in February, SFs across a two week span in March, and the final on the final Sunday of April.

Ebrahim Razav Cup- Busoga's Domestic Cup in Year 21 of the S-FPL Era

This is the knockout cup competition for the Busoga Islands. All 14 professional teams from the Busoga Islands, across all three tiers in the Banijan pyramid, are entered into this competition.

The format is simple. The top two highest placed teams in the league the prior season (Lakiska SC, by virtue of being the lone Busogan team in the S-FPL, and Dukuma SC, by being the highest finishing Busogan team in the BSL), get a bye to the Quarterfinals. Everyone else plays in the first round. 12 matchups, all single leg, with a random draw determining home/away. Those 6 winners, plus the two bye recipients, onto the QFs. The bracket is re-drawn after each round. The only draw restriction is that the two teams that received byes cannot be drawn against each other in the QFs- although they can be in the SF round. The QFs and SFs are both two-legged ties, while the Final is one match at a neutral site- this season occurring at the 54,000 capacity Lakiska City Cricket Park. The winner of the Final, will cash Busoga's ticket to the Hui Lā, which is Arrosia's premier international club tournament.

The away goals rule exists for the QF and SF round(although if the second leg is in extra time, the away goal rule disappears). Who is home in the first leg is randomly selected.

Lakiska SC, as the only first tier team on the Busoga Islands, enter as the two-time defending champions, and the major favorites to threerepeat as title winners- although everybody knows of the mad magic that can happen within a domestic cup.

Beirutspor 1–2 Lakiska Kangaroos
Altica FC 1–0 Serizar FC
Osmazar Wallabies 1–3 Tezirbu Foxes
Castra Bostra FK 0–1 Kocakhan AFC
Nezrouch Rovers 1–6 Independence FK
Jaribga Soccer Club 0–1 Tripoli Foresters

Quarterfinals

First Leg
Tezirbu Foxes 3–2 Lakiska Kangaroos
Tripoli Foresters 1–0 Dukuma SC
Independence FK 1–0 Kocakhan AFC
Lakiska SC 3–0 Altica FC

Second Leg
Lakiska Kangaroos 2–0 Tezirbu Foxes (Lakiska Kangaroos advance, 4-3 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)
Dukuma SC 5–3 Tripoli Foresters (Dukuma SC advance, 5-4 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)
Kocakhan AFC 4–3 Independence FK (Independence FK advance, 4-4 on aggregate(3-0 on away goals), to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)
Altica FC 0–1 Lakiska SC (Lakiska SC advance, 4-0 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)

And now, the last 8! A round defined by home cooking- 7 of the 8 games were won by the home team. An impressive record- and showcasing the depth of competition this year in the Ebrahim Razav Cup. The Tezirbu Foxes, for example, won a thriller, 3-2, against the Lakiska Kangaroos. An up and coming young team in the BNL, they are a dark horse to win the Busogan National League- and they took a second tier team all the way to the limit, away from home. But the northern squad were simply too strong, being a league above the Kangaroos- and Yasa Odabasi scored a late winner. WE should say, they THOUGHT they were too strong- because Lakiska came back firing in the second leg. With the away goals rule, a 1-0 lead would have been enough- but a first half brace from their #9 in the first half was enough to push them over the top. A second round cupset- a 3rd tier side beating a second tier side! Rough if you are from Tezirbu, but if you're not... A great time.

Dukuma SC against Tripoli, both second tier sides drawn together, also had one hell of a tie. A drab, dreary first leg meant the Foresters won, 1-0, via a penalty kick- and went to Busoga's largest city seeking to hold on in the second leg. But the second leg was insane and spectacular- 8 goals between the two teams. 5 for the hosts, and three for the visitors. With the away goals rule in place, you would think winning 1-0 at home, plus scoring 3 away from home, would be enough, right? But it was Dukuma SC's offense that was brilliant. Uthman ibn Jahwar had a hat trick for Dukuma SC, with the World Cup participant powering his team to a 5-3 win over Tripoli, enough to win 5-4 on aggregate, and get to the semifinals.

Kocakhan AFC against Independence FK, was a similar structure. A drab first leg, to a massively chaotic second leg. But while Independence FK did lose in the second leg, they were powered through by the power of the away goal. A 4-3 loss on the day meant they were 4-4 on aggregate, but the 3-0 away goals tiebreaker pushed them through to the semifinals- while seeing Kocakhan AFC eliminated. A rough few seasons for Kocakhan AFC- relegated last year, and then now, dumped out on away goals in the national cup. The only really straightforward tie was, no surprise, Lakiska SC- the country's only top flight squad. They cruised to a 3-0 win at home in the first leg, and never got out of first gear in the away leg, winning 1-0 there.

Semifinals

First Leg
Independence FK 1–0 Lakiska SC
Lakiska Kangaroos 2–0 Dukuma SC

Second Leg
Lakiska SC 6–1 Independence FK (Lakiska SC advance, 6-2 on aggregate, to the Razav Cup Final)
Dukuma SC 2–1 Lakiska Kangaroos (Lakiska Kangaroos advance, 3-2 on aggregate, to the Razav Cup Final)

A big city semifinal- all four clubs from Busoga's two major cities. The drawmasters didn't give us derbies, most unfortunately. The first tie, was Independence FK against Lakiska SC. A mid-table third tier team, against a S-FPL squad. And yet, a stunning upset at Bulkur Independence Park- as Independence FK defeated Lakiska SC, by a score of 1-0. A victory that was near impossible, especially keeping Lakiska SC out of the back of the net. They played exactly how you would expect- stock up on defenders, throw a couple of crosses up, and pray. 1 shot on target, 25% possession- and yet, a 1-0 win. They had a big traveling contingent go to the nation's capitol for the second leg, as there was big hope that Independence FK could have perhaps the most famous result in their history, at Lakiska City Field.

And after 2 minutes, the dream started to turn into reality- as a wonder hit from about 30 yards out gave Independence FK an away goal, and a 1-0 lead. Up 2 goals on aggregate away from home, and the away goals rule meaning Lakiska SC needed 3, we were about to see the most egregious park the bus tactics of all time. Would they be enough? Unfortunately, no. Eventually talent is going to win out- and Ayben Uzun, who is a Busogan NT starter, scored twice in the first half to make it 2-1 Lakiska at halftime. Remember, at this scoreline, Independence FK were still advancing due to away goals. But Lakiska SC were not done- four second half goals buried any hopes of the Dukuma side, as the S-FPL side re-affirmed their position at the top of the Busogan soccer food pyramid. And, for the third straight year, Lakiska SC had reached the Ebrahim Razav Cup Final.

Meanwhile, the other tie, the Kangaroos were playing at home. Having already taken one BSL scalp(Tezirbu), they faced another, in Dukuma SC. And it ended up being yet another night to remember, against Busoga's second biggest club. A 2-0 win at home, as both of Lakiska's center backs headed in goals off of corner kicks, one in either half, to stun Dukuma SC. But Dukuma SC was always tough to beat twice, especially at home- and both Ilbey Inal, as well as Gamal Hasni, scored in the first half to make it 2-all at the halftime break. And while Dukuma SC really had the advantage in play for the vast majority of the second half, the Kangaroos were desperately defending, looking for their moment to counter- and they found it. A brilliant counter where they got numbers, and a cross saw their wide open #9 head the ball into the back of the net. 2-1 on the day, but gave them the lead both on aggregate, and the away goal- meaning Dukuma SC needed two.

It was more than enough- the third tier Lakiska side had reached the Final. What a moment in club history, indeed- especially when the away fans have a pitch invasion in order to celebrate.

Final
Played at Lakiska City Cricket Park(cap. 54,000)

Lakiska Kangaroos v. Lakiska Sporting Club

It's a derby! Of sorts, in the Final. Already scheduled in Lakiska this year, having two Lakiska clubs here is icing on the cake. Nobody has to travel, no hotels or long drives for anybody- it's a local match for all fans involved. And a local derby- although, it should be said, these two teams have never in their history been in the same league as one another- so they aren't actually rivals. But still, it has been a tremendous buildup in the capitol. Obviously, Lakiska SC are the much bigger, more popular club- but the Kangaroos have eliminated two teams in the league above them so far- can they beat the team who are two leagues above them

The country, at-large, is rooting for the Kangaroos. It makes sense, considering their structural advantages of being in the S-FPL, but Lakiska SC have dominated this tournament. Over the last three seasons, including this one, they are a combined 12-1-1 in this tournament, with titles- and the heavy favorites to grab their third, tonight. "We've got the underdog spirit of Busoga within us, the country backing our quest." Said the team's captain, who grew up a season ticket holder. "It is indeed our time to lift this trophy."

The first half was quite drab- the Kangaroos sitting deep, while Lakiska SC was probing, but not really forcing the issue. Just 1 shot on target for the favorites, and none for the underdogs- but those tight, low-scoring games can be the tension drivers. It was early in the second half, when the Kangaroos had their moment- what had, at the time, seemed to be the greatest moment in team history. A quality through ball by their #10 saw their #9 one on one with the Lakiska SC goalkeeper. The Kangaroos' striker was composed, as he lifted the ball over the head of Omar Njie, who is Lakiska SC's keeper, and into the back of the net. 1-0 in the 52nd minute, and tremendous scenes all-around. Were the Kangaroos the David to the Lakiska SC goliath?

They seemed to be- getting into defense and fending off every single Lakiska SC attack. Lakiska SC even earned a penalty in the 81st minute- and the Kangaroos' keeper made the save, forcing Ayben Uzun's effort wide. But it was the 2nd minute of stoppage time(out of 4), where the real controversy came. A handball in the box, on the Kangaroos. It looked incidental, and the Kangaroos players were furious- and the replay showed that the defender's hands were behind his back. But the ball took a weird bounce off of a rebound, and a brutal penalty was given. Ayben Uzun wasn't going to mix on the second try, as he buried the penalty to force extra time.

And when you extend the game- that kind of energy always favors the favorites. Mukisa Jjamba, the central midfielder, scored the winner in the 108th minute, while Farf wingback Rôbé Wîjkár put the game to bed for Lakiska SC in the 117th minute with a goal of his own. The final score, 3-1 in favor of Lakiska SC- and their third consecutive Ebrahim Razav Cup trophy.

Possibly their biggest scare over the course of this run- and with some assistance, they survived. Relief on the many faces of their players and fans- happy to clinch another spot in Hui Lā 9.

Lakiska Kangaroos 1–1 Lakiska SC (1–3 AET)

by **Banija** » Thu Nov 20, 2025 2:14 pm

Banija's Regional Soccer Leagues in the S-FPL Era- Year 21: Results

Busogan National League

   Busogan National League            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Lakiska Kangaroos                   36   23   7   6    61   28  +33    76 - League Champion, promoted to the Banijan Soccer League
 2 Osmazar Wallabies                   36   19   8   9    46   27  +19    65
 3 Serizar FC                          36   17  11   8    49   33  +16    62
 4 Jaribga Soccer Club                 36   14   8  14    50   37  +13    50
 5 Kocakhan AFC                        36   12  12  12    32   37   −5    48
 6 Independence FK                     36   12   9  15    33   40   −7    45
 7 Castra Bostra FK                    36   11  10  15    34   47  −13    43
 8 Beirutspor                          36   11   6  19    35   48  −13    39
 9 Nezrouch Rovers                     36    9  10  17    43   58  −15    37
10 Altica FC                           36    8   7  21    32   60  −28    31

The Kangaroos have had a dream season- so for them to dominate the league, in route to their first ever promotion to the BSL, just makes sense. The Kangaroos showcased their own skill in the cup, upsetting two BSL sides to get to the Cup Final, and now, they will join them in the BSL next year. They have been fantastic from the word go- which is why they won this league with three games left to play. Far outpacing the rest of the league in goals (11 more than the #2 scoring team), they had the most consistent offense in the BNL. A low bar, we know, but they combined a rock solid defense with an ability to get open, and cut into spaces rather quickly.

They won the title on MD33, against Beirutspor- burying that team 4-0 to clinch the league title. Their manager has announced a statement of intent, telling reporters that he 'absolutely refuses' to get relegated next season. We, indeed, shall see.

The Moravican First Division

Moravican First Division               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
 1 AFC Kosactus                        36   20  10   6    57   23  +34    70 - League champion, advance to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 Eastern Moravica Football Club      36   18  10   8    55   28  +27    64
 3 New Olympus FC                      36   19   7  10    47   26  +21    64
 4 Taramazna United                    36   12  14  10    30   31   −1    50
 5 Slobochia Bears                     36   15   5  16    36   46  −10    50
 6 Suwawa FC                           36   11  12  13    35   41   −6    45
 7 Lake Wakiso AFC                     36   11   9  16    38   46   −8    42
 8 Ruhanga SC                          36    9  13  14    28   40  −12    40
 9 Koszagard City                      36    8  10  18    29   49  −20    34
10 Gazaea Thunder                      36    7  10  19    35   60  −25    31

In Moravica, it's AFC Kosactus that has once again won Banija's only state league- coming in quite comfortably ahead of Eastern Moravica FC, when it was all said and done. Not much change from last season- the same top 4 from last year, with the only changes being Taramazna United and New Olympus swapping out 3rd and 4th with each other. For a 3rd tier club, AFC Kosactus is well resourced, and that gives them a structural advantage in a league like this one. It helps certainly when you are only allowing 2 goals every three games, on average, locking down opponents. There are no electric offenses in the lowest divisions here, but their ability to lock in 1-0 wins has put them over the top.

Back to back champions- and back to the Promotion Playoff, where they will hope to improve upon their last place finish from last year.

The Lower Coastal League

Lower Coastal League                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
 1 Djoro Athletic                      36   23   5   8    46   24  +22    74 - League champion, advance to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 Dimbogourou SC                      36   21   7   8    64   28  +36    73
 3 Baleweye FC                         36   18   5  13    38   29   +9    59
 4 Kitara Athletic Society             36   15   9  12    33   32   +1    54
 5 Kiruvya Bulls                       36   14  10  12    38   31   +7    52
 6 Barmos United                       36   13   8  15    36   39   −3    47
 7 Nsade United                        36   13   4  19    40   52  −12    43
 8 Kwadama Dojo                        36   10   7  19    28   48  −20    37
 9 Zakuta City                         36   10   5  21    31   53  −22    35
10 AFC Akwadua                         36    8  10  18    32   50  −18    31

The most exciting league! The Corizova Rule was in effect this season- so if Dimbogourou SC had won its third league title in a row, then they would've earned direct and automatic promotion to the BSL, bypassing the Promotion Playoff. And they came ever so close to doing so. Djoro Athletic went step for step with them the whole way, and on MDs 32-35, they each won by identical scorelines- 3-1, then both teams having three consecutive 1-0 wins. That left for quite a final matchup to end the year- Dimbogourou SC, with 73 points, traveling to face off against Djoro Athletic, who had 71 points. Dimbogourou SC only needed a draw, and they seemed set on getting it.

But sometimes, it's late drama on the final day that does you in. 4 minutes of stoppage time in a 1-1 game, and the visitors were 4 minutes away from automatic promotion- the first of its kind under this rule, that has yet to be used. But Djoro Athletic were ready- and a half-volley from their #10 stunned the visitors. They held on, and it would be Djoro Athletic who would win the league title- and Dimbogourou SC, once again so close to promotion, are left grasping at straws. Talk about the anti-clutch gene, eh?

Northern League

Northern League                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
 1 Cerenus United                      36   24   5   7    54   21  +33    77 - League champion, advance to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 Pagazi Triceratopses                36   21   8   7    54   32  +22    71
 3 Selekawe Knights                    36   19   5  12    52   34  +18    62
 4 Nanami Dragons                      36   16   7  13    59   45  +14    55
 5 Koksho City                         36   15   7  14    47   38   +9    52
 6 Luguyala Patriots                   36   13  10  13    39   45   −6    49
 7 Thayaferu United                    36   11  11  14    34   45  −11    44
 8 Okakameb City                       36    8  10  18    40   64  −24    34
 9 Gadive City                         36    9   6  21    35   54  −19    33
10 Garixas City                        36    6   7  23    33   69  −36    25

And another league with a repeat champion- and that is Cerenus United. They had the best defense across all of the regional leagues, conceding just 21 times in 36 games, learning how to lock down opponents. This led to leading all 5 regional leagues in games won, with 24 wins on the season. Four straight clean sheets to end the year was a testament to the dominance that their defending showed all season long. They, despite only winning the league by 6 points, pretty much led wire to wire- they were top of the table after MD3, and never once let it go after that. The Triceratopses were the only team to give them a legitimate challenge. A good season from Pagazi, winning 21 games, but they couldn't match the breakneck pace set by Cerenus United.

Can they extend that defensive run of form to the playoff? They have to be considered an early favorite to get back to the BSL- especially since they are extra motivated after last year's disappointing ending, losing the BSL Qualifying Playoff, on penalties, at the Stadium of the Restoration.

Southern League

Southern League                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD    Pts 
 1 Kigagana Mountaineers               36   17  12   7    48   27  +21    63 - League champion, advance to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 AFC Okahavi                         36   15  14   7    52   32  +20    59
 3 Byakado City                        36   14  14   8    42   31  +11    56
 4 Dodoma City SC                      36   12  18   6    42   28  +14    54
 5 Boufaya Ravens                      36   13   9  14    26   37  −11    48
 6 Umbazi FA                           36   11  11  14    34   38   −4    44
 7 Abomfa United                       36    8  17  11    39   46   −7    41
 8 Mukegara Warriors                   36    8  14  14    33   44  −11    38
 9 Pumbasa Boars                       36    8  13  15    29   41  −12    37
10 Umbazi Metropolitan SC              36    9   8  19    31   52  −21    35

And last, but certainly not least- the Southern league. With one Northern team, AFC Okahavi. AFC Okahavi were the favorites, considering they were freshly relegated- and while they got close, that did not push them over the top. So much parity in the Southern League this year. The top 4 teams in the league had 12, 14, 14, and 18(!) draws each, across the season. 8 of the 10 teams had a double-digit number of draws on the season. And they are the only league where nobody broke 20 wins- and nobody got close in this league, with only one team winning more than 15 games.

So in the few games where teams were actually separating themselves from one another, it was the Kigagana Mountaineers who would make themselves known, getting to 63 points, pacing the league and winning it. 17 wins was enough to win the league this year- a low number, but they will take it. A brutal one particularly for AFC Okahavi- who will likely have to spend a second season criss-crossing the country every other week, just to play in their away games. They probably had more talent- but it was the unequal travel that cost them.

BSL Promotion Playoff

Promotion Playoff           Pld  W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   Djo  Kig  Cer  Kos                   
1 Djoro Athletic             6   2  4  0   12   6  +6   10    —   1–1  1–1  1–1  - BSL Promotion Playoff winner, promoted to the Banijan Soccer League 
2 Kigagana Mountaineers      6   3  1  2   13  10  +3   10   0–1   —   0–3  5–3  - Will advance to the BSL Qualifying Playoff
3 Cerenus United             6   2  1  3    6  13  −7    7   0–5  1–4   —   1–0
4 AFC Kosactus               6   1  2  3   11  13  −2    5   3–3  1–3  3–0   —

Dimbogourou SC were here two seasons in a row, and couldnt' get through the Promotion Playoff- which is what made them Corizova Rule eligible in the first place. Djoro Athletic, from the same league, first time here- and immediate promotion. Not exactly in stunning fashion- they did go unbeaten, but they drew four of their 6 matches, including a trio of 1-1 draws at home against all of their opposition. But it was their two away victories, that really put them on top. The first, on MD2, was a tough one in Kigagana- a last minute winner, on a free kick, putting Djoro Athletic in pole position. But it was really the MD5 visit to Cerenus United, that was stunning. Instead of just a series of drab, 1-1 draws, they destroyed Cerenus United. The hosts had a pair of first half red cards, and Djoro Athletic put five in the second half past a 9 man Cerenus United- enough to put them at the top of the group, and on the brink of promotion.

The final day was chaotic- but ultimately, a 3-3 away draw against AFC Kosactus put them over the top, and into the BSL. Can't hate on promotion, eh?

Turns out, experience in this mini-competition doesn't mean anything. Cerenus United and AFC Kosactus were both here last year- and yet, they finished 3rd and 4th in this group. Kigagana, of all teams, who play in a stadium with a seating capacity of 3,900, will make their first ever trip to the national stadium, in front of more than 26 times that number, to have a one-off match to earn promotion to the Banijan Soccer League. What a cinderella story, don't you think?

And yes, that does mean both Cerenus United and AFC Kosactus are Corizova Rule eligible next season- which means that, yes indeed, we could have two automatic promotions next season. Further procedures for that scenario will be developed over the summer by the RBSA.

by **Banija** » Sun Nov 30, 2025 9:26 pm

Placeholder- BSL rosters

by **Banija** » Sun Nov 30, 2025 9:26 pm

Placeholder- Midseason BSL RP.

by **Banija** » Sun Nov 30, 2025 9:38 pm

Banijan Soccer League in the S-FPL Era- Year 21 Results Placeholder

   Banijan Soccer League   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Duntho SC                42   30   5   7   114   67  +47    95 - League champion, promoted to the S-FPL, Qualifies for the Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Herzegovina Phoenix      42   29   5   8   107   65  +42    92 - Qualifies for the Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Rukunbi FC               42   26   8   8   113   76  +37    86 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 4 Hawabark Boulders        42   27   4  11   100   61  +39    85 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 5 Askatasuna FC            42   21  12   9   118   85  +33    75 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 6 Aissa United             42   23   3  16   103   87  +16    72 - Entry into the LBCT Qualification playoff
 7 Mukeruzi United          42   20  10  12   105   83  +22    70
 8 Dukuma SC                42   18  12  12   104   85  +19    66
 9 Bunyoro RSC              42   20   6  16    98   81  +17    66
10 Kabakono City            42   20   4  18    98   96   +2    64
11 Isipongo Flash           42   17  11  14   102   92  +10    62
12 Mamari City              42   19   5  18    99  100   −1    62
13 Igulu City FC            42   18   7  17   104   96   +8    61
14 Bwubanza City SC         42   13   9  20    91  104  −13    48
15 Tezirbu Foxes            42   12   8  22    68   90  −22    44
16 Corizova United          42   12   8  22    75  108  −33    44
17 Amaku City FC            42   10  11  21    71   96  −25    41
18 Lwanga Lions             42   12   4  26    73  103  −30    40
19 Busemlu Park SC          42    9   9  24    78  106  −28    36
20 Ogbordu Diamond FC       42    9   8  25    69  111  −42    35 - 2nd worst finishing Banijan team, will play in the BSL Qualifying Playoff
21 Tripoli Foresters        42    9   7  26    79  120  −41    34 - Worst finishing Busogan team, relegated to the regional leagues
22 Sororo City              42    7   6  29    68  125  −57    27 - Worst finishing Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues

BSL Qualifying Playoff Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

Kigagana Mountaineers 1–1 Ogbordu Diamond FC (2–1 AET)

Kigagana Mountaineers are hereby promoted to the Banijan Soccer League, and Ogbordu Diamond FC are relegated to the regional leagues.

LBCT Qualification Playoff
Semifinals

Rukunbi FC 0–1 Aissa United
Hawabark Boulders 3–0 Askatasuna FC

Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

Aissa United 1–0 Hawabark Boulders

Promotions/Relegations in Banija- A Summary
Shango-Fogoa Premier League
Relegated- Busembe Timberwolves

Banijan Soccer League
Promoted- Duntho SC

Relegated- Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Relegated- Sororo City(Banija)
Relegated- Ogbordu Diamond FC(Banija)

Regional League System
Promoted- Lakiska Kangaroos(Busoga)
Promoted- Djoro Athletic(Banija)
Promoted- Kigagana Mountaineers(Banija)

by **Banija** » Sun Nov 30, 2025 10:17 pm

Year 21 of the S-FPL Era; RBSA Cup results placeholder

Play-in Round
Mukeruzi United 1–2 Zakuta City 

First Round
Luguyala Patriots 2–1 Kigagana Mountaineers
Kiruvya Bulls 1–0 Garixas City
Zakuta City 0–3 Nsade United
Umbazi FA 0–3 Nanami Dragons
AFC Akwadua 2–1 Koksho City
Byakado City 3–0 Slobochia Bears
Koszagard City 2–0 Okakameb City
Suwawa FC 3–1 Mukegara Warriors
Barmos United 1–1 Lake Wakiso AFC (2–1 AET)
Dodoma City SC 2–0 Ruhanga SC

Second Round
Cerenus United 0–0 Sororo City (0–1 AET)
Busemlu Park SC 0–1 Hawabark Boulders
Busembe Timberwolves 0–1 Nanami Dragons
Luguyala Patriots 1–2 Kabakono City
Igulu City FC 1–1 TK Korp Mynda (2–1 AET)
Djoro Athletic 1–1 Taramazna United (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Umbazi Metropolitan SC 0–4 Busukuma Force
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 Nsade United
Gazaea Thunder 0–3 Aissa United
Abomfa United 0–6 Busukuma AC
Capitol City FC 2–0 Dimbogourou SC
Pagazi Triceratopses 1–0 Boufaya Ravens
Amaku City SC 2–1 Ogbordu Diamond FC
Rukunbi FC 3–1 Kitara Athletic Society
Thayaferu United 0–4 Hoima Warriors
New Olympus FC 2–2 Corizova United (2–4 AET)
Koszagard City 0–2 Dodoma City SC
Isipongo Flash 2–1 AFC Akwadua
Kwadama Dojo 2–1 Pumbasa Boars
AFC Kosactus 2–0 Suwawa FC
Kiruvya Bulls 0–1 Kitara AA
Mamari City 3–2 Barmos United
Gadive City 0–2 Jinja City FC
Eastern Moravica FC 2–2 Bunyoro RSC (3–3 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Duntho SC 1–1 Bwubanza City SC (2–1 AET)
Selekawe Knights 0–2 Lwanga Lions
Byakado City 1–0 Baleweye FC
AFC Okahavi 0–2 Askatasuna FC

Third Round
Duntho SC 2–1 Pagazi Triceratopses
Nsade United 1–1 Kwadama Dojo (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Taramazna United 0–3 Capitol City FC
Dodoma City SC 3–2 Kabakono City
Busukuma Force 2–0 AFC Kosactus
Mamari City 2–2 Sororo City (2–2 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Aissa United 1–0 Amaku City SC
Busukuma AC 2–1 Askatasuna FC
Isipongo Flash 0–1 Hoima Warriors
Igulu City FC 0–2 Bunyoro RSC
Rukunbi FC 1–3 Kitara AA
Lwanga Lions 1–1 Hawabark Boulders (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Jinja City FC 3–0 Nanami Dragons
Byakado City 0–2 Corizova United

Fourth Round
Busukuma AC 2–0 Kwadama Dojo
Corizova United 1–2 Duntho SC
Hoima Warriors 3–1 Bunyoro RSC
Jinja City FC 2–0 Mamari City
Busukuma Force 2–2 Dodoma City SC (5–2 AET)
Aissa United 0–0 Kitara AA (1–0 AET)
Herzegovina City FC 1–2 Hawabark Boulders
Capitol City FC 1–0 Istria City FC

Quarterfinals
Jinja City FC 2–1 Duntho SC
Busukuma Force 1–2 Hawabark Boulders
Hoima Warriors 2–1 Aissa United
Capitol City FC 1–2 Busukuma AC

Semifinals
Busukuma AC 2–1 Hawabark Boulders
Hoima Warriors 1–0 Jinja City FC

RBSA Cup Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835)

Busukuma AC v. Hoima Warriors

Busukuma AC 3–3 Hoima Warriors (4–4 AET) (5–4 pen.)

by **Banija** » Wed Dec 31, 2025 11:10 am

Year 22 of Banija's Regional Soccer Leagues in the S-FPL Era: Basic Info

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA), in conjunction with the Busoga Islander Soccer Association(BISA). is proud to present the third tier of the soccer pyramid in both Banija and the Busoga Islands- the Regional League system. This season will see the first major reformation since Year 10, when the Northwestern League split into Busogan and Moravican leagues. The Lugave State League will be added to the system, which means there are 6 regional leagues- the Busogan National League, the Moravican First Division, the Southern League, the Northern League, and the Lower Coastal League, in addition to the Lugave State League. The first five leagues have 10 teams each, while the Lugave State League has 6 teams, for a total of 56 teams across 6 leagues, and 2 countries, in this tier.

The league formats are simple. For the Busogan National League, the Moravican First Division, the Southern League, the Northern League, and the Lower Coastal League, each of these 10-team leagues will be a quadruple round robin, for a total of 36 games. For the Lugave State League, this 6-team league will be a septule round robin, for a total of 35 games.

This will be the twenty-ninth season of full integration of the Regional League System into the Banijan soccer pyramid. Years 1-9 this served as the 2nd tier of the Banijan soccer pyramid, but now it is in its 22nd season as the country's third tier with the formation of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. There is no relegation as this is the final professional tier in the Banijan league system. Promotion happens on a national basis- separate promotion/relegation process for the Busogan teams, as the Banijan teams.

This is the first year of significant reform since the creation of the separate Busogan National League. With Banija's northward expansion, there are teams from Lugave that now need a home within the pyramid. There are 8 surviving professional clubs from Lugave. The top two teams from Lugave as an independent country will enter the second tier, while the other 6 teams will be part of the Lugave State League. For this season only, the champion of the Lugave State League will earn automatic promotion to Banija's second tier- unless both Corizova rule promotions are used. In future seasons, the Lugave State League will be treated as a fifth regional league, with the same pro/rel rules as the other Banijan leagues.

For the other Banijan teams, the remaining four regional champions will enter into a double round robin group stage against each other, played home and away(6 games). Winner goes up to the BSL(2nd tier), while the last placed Banijan side in the BSL is relegated to the regional leagues. The second place team will play against the second worst Banijan team in the BSL in the BSL Promotion Playoff, a one game playoff occurring at the Stadium of the Restoration.

Of course, the Corizova rule remains in place on the Banijan side. The Corizova rule is this- any team that wins their regional league for three seasons in a row, earns automatic promotion to the BSL(without having to go through the Promotion Playoff), and the Promotion Playoff will only have 3 teams. However, that rule has never come into force. It may this season, however, as Cerenus United and AFC Kosactus are both Corizova rule eligible. If they both earn promotion through the Corizova rule, then the Promotion Playoff will have three teams, inclusive of Lugave. If only one earns, promotion playoff will include four teams competing for a spot in the Promotion Playoff. If neither earn Corizova rule promotions, pro/rel will occur as normal.

On the Busogan side, they have their own set of rules. The champion is promoted, and if the worst finishing Busogan team in the BSL finishes 10th or worse, then that is automatic. If the worst finishing Busogan team is 9th or 8th, there is a one game playoff, hosted by the Busogan National League champion. If the worst finishing Busogan team in the BSL finishes 4th through 7th, the one game playoff is hosted by that very Busogan BSL side. If the worst finishing Busogan team is third or better(this would require for there to be at least one Busogan team in the S-FPL, and then the other Busogan teams entirely in the top 3 of the BSL, then there is no pro/rel that season.

Of course, that's extremely unlikely considering how Busogan teams have generally performed since the beginning of the modern era. On the other hand, there could be multiple promotions/relegations. Any Busogan team that finishes in the bottom 5(18th or worse out of 22), must 'earn their place' in the league. So, for example, if only one team is 18th or worse- then they are automatically relegated. But what if, for example, three of the four Busogan teams in the BSL finish 18th or worse? Then the worst team is automatically relegated- but the other two would play in playoffs for their BSL slot. The second worst team would play the #2 team in the Busogan National League, while the third worst team would play the #3 team in the Busogan National League- those games, also one game playoffs, hosted by the National League sides.

You with us? Without further ado! The 56 regional league sides in Banija and the Busoga Islands!

Teams Promoted from last season out of the regional leagues
Promoted- Lakiska Kangaroos(Busoga)
Promoted- Djoro Athletic(Banija)
Promoted- Kigagana Mountaineers(Banija)

Teams relegated from BSL into the regional leagues this season
Relegated- Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Relegated- Sororo City(Banija)
Relegated- Ogbordu Diamond FC(Banija)

Note: There are 2 teams playing outside their assigned geographical regional league. AFC Okahavi are in the Southern League(geographically they'd be in the Northern League), and Barmos United are in the Lower Coastal League(geographically they'd be in the Moravican First Division).

Busogan National League
Consists only of teams from the Busoga Islands
1. Altica FC. Location: Altica, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.

2. Beirutspor. BET. Location: Beirut, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.

3. Castra Bostra FK. Location: Dukuma, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Black and Yellow.

4. Independence FK. IND. Location: Dukuma, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Blue.

5. Jaribga Soccer Club. JSC. Location: Jaribga, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Blue.

6. Kocakhan AFC. Location: Kocakhan, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Purple.

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

8. Osmazar Wallabies. Location: Osmazar, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Green.

9. Serizar Football Club. Location: Serizar, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Blue.

10. Tripoli Foresters. TRI. Location: Tripoli, North Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Green.

The Moravican First Division
Region- Moravica.
1. AFC Kosactus. AFCK. Location: Kosactus, Moravica. Color: Red.

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

3. Gazaea Thunder. Location: Gazaea, Moravica. Color: Purple.

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

5. Lake Wakiso AFC. Location: Burusazi, Moravica. Located on the shores of Lake Wakiso, in the interior of the Moravica Region. Color: Blue.

6. New Olympus FC. Location: Lower East Side, Istria, Moravica. Color: Black and Gold.

7. Ruhanga SC. Location: Ruhanga, Moravica. Color: Green.

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

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

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

The Lower Coastal League
Regions: Ankole, Kitara, National Capitol Region (+1 Moravica)
1. AFC Akwadua. AKW. Location: Akwadua, Kitara. Colors: Blue.

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

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

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

.
5. Kiruvya Bulls. AKW. Location: Kiruvya, Kitara.. Colors: Red.

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

7. Kwadama Dojo. KWD. Location: Kwadama, Ankole. Colors: Red.

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

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

10. Zakuta City. ZKC. Location: Zakuta, Ankole. Located in the Uvibe Valley suburbs of Hoima. Colors: Green.

Northern League
Regions: Hangaza & Aksum
1. Cerenus United. CNU. Location: Cerenus, Aksum. Colors: Pink.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Pagazi Triceratopses. Location: Pagazi, Aksum. Color: Red.

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

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

Southern League
Regions: Buganda & Bunyoro (+1 Aksum)
1. Abomfa United. ABM. Location: Abomfa, Buganda. Colors: Red.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Umbazi Footballers Association. UFA. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Colors: Red.

10. Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club. Location: Umbazi, Buganda. Nickname: Flamingo. Deragotory Nickname: Flightless Birds
Team Crest - Credit to Farfadillis for the design

Lugave State League
1. Ankazogana Football Club. AKFC. Location: Ankazogana, Lugave. Colors: Sky Blue.

2. Ekkobe Wanderers FC. EWFC. Location: Ekkobe, Lugave. Colors: Orange.

3. Kabula Stars. KAB. Location: Kabula, Lugave. Colors: Blue.

4. Madziton Sporting Club. MZSC. Location: Madziton, Lugave. Colors: Red.

5. Nsanka United. NNK. Location: Nsanke, Lugave. Colors: Green.

6. Sporting Kabezi. KAB. Location: Kabezi, Lugave. Colors: Purple.

by **Banija** » Wed Jan 07, 2026 5:29 pm

Year 22 of Banija's Regional Soccer Leagues in the S-FPL Era: Results

Busogan National League

   Busogan National League  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Tripoli Foresters         36   23   8   5    65   36  +29    77 - League champion, promoted to the Banijan Soccer League
 2 Kocakhan AFC              36   19   8   9    46   29  +17    65
 3 Osmazar Wallabies         36   16  16   4    44   22  +22    64
 4 Serizar FC                36   16   8  12    58   36  +22    56
 5 Jaribga Soccer Club       36   13   7  16    43   39   +4    46
 6 Altica FC                 36   10  12  14    38   39   −1    42
 7 Independence FK           36   10  10  16    31   47  −16    40
 8 Castra Bostra FK          36    9  10  17    23   46  −23    37
 9 Beirutspor                36    7  12  17    30   54  −24    33
10 Nezrouch Rovers           36    7   9  20    28   58  −30    30

It's yo-yo time- and our yo-yo club this time around is the Tripoli Foresters! The Busogan club has earned promotion directly to the second division, as they largely dominated the Busogan National League upon their seemingly semi-annual return to the regional leagues. There wasn't really a ton to write about here- other than the fact that Jaribga Soccer Club, who used to be regularly competitive, seem to be down and out for the count- a sixth place finish, for a team that used to have LBCT ambitions, is definitely not where you want to be.

The Moravican First Division

   Moravican First Division           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AFC Kosactus                        36   22   9   5   106   55  +51    74 - League champion, direct promotion to the BSL via the Corizova Rule
 2 New Olympus FC                      36   20  11   5   101   44  +57    73
 3 Eastern Moravica Football Club      36   16   8  12    86   68  +18    56
 4 Taramazna United                    36   11  17   8    87   69  +18    50
 5 Suwawa FC                           36   13   9  14    70   77   −7    48
 6 Ruhanga SC                          36   13   7  16    65   78  −13    46
 7 Koszagard City                      36   11  12  13    55   72  −17    45
 8 Gazaea Thunder                      36   10  11  15    63   89  −26    41
 9 Lake Wakiso AFC                     36   10  10  16    68   75   −7    40
10 Slobochia Bears                     36    5   4  27    47  121  −74    19

What is the Corizova rule, exactly? if you win your regional league three years in a row, you are directly promoted- no questions asked, no promotion playoff. It is named after Corizova United, who won their regional league for two years in a row before promotion and relegation was brought to Banijan soccer. It has never been invoked- until, of course, it was invoked this very season. AFC Kosactus are the very first club to take advantage of this. A credit to their consistency in the league, even if it shows how poor they've been in the BSL Promotion Playoff the last couple of seasons. It was by the slimmest of margins- but AFC Kosactus, by just a single point over New Olympus FC, are going up.

How did the season end? It was a two horse race from the word go- New Olympus and AFC Kosactus trading, back and forth, the top spot in this league. It came all the way down to the final day, where AFC Kosactus had 71 points going in, while New Olympus had 70. AFC Kosactus traveled to Taramazna United, while New Olympus hosted Lake Wakiso AFC. An exciting final day, but ultimately, AFC Kosactus were a largely dominant side in the second half- while going into halftime trailing, they really turned it on in the second, crushing Taramazna United with 5 unanswered goals in a 35 minute span, to get promoted all the way to the Banijan Soccer League- the long way, the hard way, but promotion all the same.

The Lower Coastal League

   Lower Coastal League          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dimbogourou Sporting Club      36   22   8   6    90   44  +46    74 - League champion, advances to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 Ogbordu Diamond FC             36   20  11   5   104   48  +56    71
 3 Kwadama Dojo                   36   20   9   7    95   60  +35    69
 4 Baleweye FC                    36   13   9  14    70   76   −6    48
 5 Barmos United                  36   12  12  12    60   66   −6    48
 6 Nsade United                   36   11  11  14    54   71  −17    44
 7 Kiruvya Bulls                  36    9  10  17    57   86  −29    37
 8 Kitara Athletic Society        36   10   7  19    51   81  −30    37
 9 AFC Akwadua                    36    8  10  18    57   73  −16    34
10 Zakuta City                    36    7   9  20    48   81  −33    30

Dimbogourou SC- a team that just narrowly missed a Corizova rule promotion last season, earned their third league title in four seasons- and a trip back to their personal house of horrors, the BSL Promotion Playoff. While the Moravican First Division was a two horse race, this really had three teams that were legitimately competitive. With two games left, Dimbogourou SC and Ogbordu Diamond FC each had 68 points, while Kwadama Dojo had the slight advantage to win the league title, sitting on 69 points.

Of course, Kwadama Dojo ended the season with 69 points- a terrible finish. They played against Ogbordu Diamond FC in the penultimate game of the season. But a disastrous sequence at the end of the first half led to not one, but both of their starting center backs getting straight red cards in a 0-0 game. Playing with 9, even in a title race, is a disaster- and Ogbordu Diamond ended up with a comfortable 3-0 win. Kwadama Dojo had to play two backup center backs in their final game of the season, against Barmos United- and let us tell you, it was not a kind trip to Moravica, as Barmos United won, 4-3, to crush those title hopes.

That meant, on the final day, Ogbordu Diamond FC and Dimbogourou both had 71 points. The former, traveled to play Baleweye FC. The latter, hosted last place Zakuta City. Ogbordu DIamond FC had a large advantage in goal differential, so if they won, no matter what the scores were, they'd win the league- but winning was far from tehir mind. Baleweye FC played spoiler, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes, to break Ogbordu hearts. Dimbogourou SC, on the other hand, has been here before- and against a last place team, coasted to a 4-1 victory.

Northern League

   Northern League           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Pagazai Triceratopses      36   25   8   3   114   40  +74    83 - League champion, advances to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 Cerenus United             36   20   8   8    79   44  +35    68
 3 Selekawe Knights           36   15  10  11    72   75   −3    55
 4 Thayaferu United           36   15   9  12    64   57   +7    54
 5 Gadive City                36   14   6  16    69   63   +6    48
 6 Nanami Dragons             36   12  10  14    61   71  −10    46
 7 Luguyala Patriots          36   11   5  20    45   64  −19    38
 8 Garixas City               36    8  13  15    60   77  −17    37
 9 Okakameb City              36   10   5  21    55   92  −37    35
10 Koksho City                36    7  12  17    49   85  −36    33

Two Corizova rule eligible teams! While AFC Kosactus took advantage of a more direct path to promotion, Cerenus United were not ready for the opportunity in front of them. Pagazai, instead, was the best team in the league- and honestly, established themselves with probably the best campaign of any team in the regional leagues this season. The Triceratopses had a special campaign- only team in the regional leagues to hit the 80 point mark, and they scored 114 goals- finishing with a ridiculous +74 goal differential.

Their first ever title- and a bitter season of disappointment for Cerenus United. They were OK- but Pagazai were simply better, and despite having never been there before, they suddenly will enter the BSL Promotion Playoff as a favorite. Can they continue their form against Banija's other regional league champions- or will they be back in the Northern League? We'll find out soon enough...

Southern League

   Southern League                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Umbazi Metropolitan SC              36   20   9   7    91   55  +36    69 - League champion, advances to the BSL Promotion Playoff
 2 Boufaya Ravens                      36   20   8   8    97   55  +42    68
 3 Sororo City                         36   17   8  11    95   61  +34    59
 4 Pumbasa Boars                       36   17   8  11    79   59  +20    59
 5 Abomfa United                       36   14   8  14    75   63  +12    50
 6 AFC Okahavi                         36   14   7  15    80   80    0    49
 7 Dodoma City Sporting Club           36   12  10  14    67   90  −23    46
 8 Byakado City                        36   10  13  13    64   77  −13    43
 9 Mukegara Warriors                   36    9   3  24    60  112  −52    30
10 Umbazi Footballers Association      36    6   8  22    49  105  −56    26

Umbazi Metropolitan SC were a founding member of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League- remember that. They were up for one season, and quite literally have never been back. They are the only team in the regional leagues who have played in the joint top Banijan/Farf/Busogan top flight, and yet, they find themselves stuck down here, in the lower leagues. And last year, they were dead last in the Southern League- earning just 35 points.

Everything, and we really mean everything, was turned upside down. New ownership model- the owner, saying that it was 'an eternal shame' that they'd finish bottom of a regional league, switched the model of club to a fan owned club- one of a rare few in Banija. Changed up, and improved recruitment. And the results were seen on the pitch- nearly double the points from last season, from 35 to 69, and with it, a Southern League title, and a spot in the BSL Promotion Playoff.

Lugave State League

  Lugave State League        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Kabula Stars                35   21   5   9    99   47  +52    68 - League champion, promoted to the Banijan Soccer League
2 Sporting Kabezi             35   16  11   8    86   59  +27    59
3 Madziton Sporting Club      35   15  11   9    67   44  +23    56
4 Nsanka United               35   12  11  12    83   70  +13    47
5 Ekkobe Wanderers FC         35   11  11  13    62   68   −6    44
6 Ankazoganda FC              35    4   3  28    42  151 −109    15

A direct promotion slot on store, this season only, for the Lugave State League- a reward for their early incorporation into the Banijan pyramid. This league only has 6 teams, instead of 10- and so they played each other 7 times each. And it was the Kabula Stars, who unsurprisingly, won this league. Why wasn't it a surprise? Well, the club was shortly bought by some Istria investors, after independence- meaning that, out of these 6 teams, they were the only club in the Lugave state league with even a little bit of money.

It will take some time for the quality of football here to catch up with the quality of football across the country. But hey- you've got to start somewhere. And the Stars, for this season at least, have taken advantage of their opportunity.

BSL Promotion Playoff

  BSL Promotion Playoff    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts        Umb  Dim  Pag                   
1 Umbazi Metropolitan SC     4   3  0  1    7   3  +4    9         —   3–1  1–2  - Will advance to the BSL Qualifying Playoff
2 Dimbogourou Sporting       4   2  0  2    4   6  −2    6        0–2   —   2–1
3 Pagazai Triceratopses      4   1  0  3    3   5  −2    3        0–1  0–1   —

With the automatic promotion slot being taken by a Corizova Rule team (thank you AFC Kosactus!), there were only three regional champions in this playoff- the Southern League, Northern League, and Lower Coastal League champions. Pagazai, who had the strongest league season, kicked off the first game in Umbazi- and won the away matchup, by a score of 2-1. A little winner by the Triceratopses' striker put them ahead in the early table. But it was a misread- that was the only win they'd have ,and eventually, the only loss Umbazi would have.

Turns out, experience in these playoffs matter a bit more- and while Dimbogourou's Promotion Playoff woes continued, it was Umbazi Metropolitan SC who earned a shot at the BSL Qualifying Playoff. Umbazi, like we said, started slowly- but from there they moved quickly, and with purpose. Traveled to Dimbogorou for an away game, and won by a score of 2-0, with two late second half goals. Then, revenge for the opener, with a tough away win in Pagazai.

The final matchday of the playoff, was Umbazi hosting Dimbogorou. And it was an emphatic Umbazi Metropolitan SC who would clinch their spot in the BSL Qualifying Playoff- the next playoff. That one, is simple- they will play the second worst Banijan finishing team in the BSL, for a spot in next season's BSL. That is a one game playoff that takes place at, you guessed it, Banija's national stadium- the Stadium of the Restoration, host of the World Cup 99 Final. Who their opponent will be, only time will tell- but surely it will be a fascinating chess match.

by **Busoga Islands** » Wed Jan 14, 2026 12:32 pm

OOC Note: Despite me RPing it at the front end, ICly this occurs across the entire season. First round in December, QFs across a two week span in February, SFs across a two week span in March, and the final on the final Sunday of April.

Ebrahim Razav Cup- Busoga's Domestic Cup in Year 22 of the S-FPL Era

This is the knockout cup competition for the Busoga Islands. All 14 professional teams from the Busoga Islands, across all three tiers in the Banijan pyramid, are entered into this competition.

The format is simple. The top two highest placed teams in the league the prior season (Lakiska SC, by virtue of being the lone Busogan team in the S-FPL, and Dukuma SC, by being the highest finishing Busogan team in the BSL), get a bye to the Quarterfinals. Everyone else plays in the first round. 12 matchups, all single leg, with a random draw determining home/away. Those 6 winners, plus the two bye recipients, onto the QFs. The bracket is re-drawn after each round. The only draw restriction is that the two teams that received byes cannot be drawn against each other in the QFs- although they can be in the SF round. The QFs and SFs are both two-legged ties, while the Final is one match at a neutral site- this season occurring at the 54,000 capacity Lakiska City Cricket Park. The winner of the Final, will cash Busoga's ticket to the Hui Lā, which is Arrosia's premier international club tournament.

The away goals rule exists for the QF and SF round(although if the second leg is in extra time, the away goal rule disappears). Who is home in the first leg is randomly selected.

Lakiska SC, as the only first tier team on the Busoga Islands, enter as the three-time defending champions, and the major favorites to fourrepeat as title winners- while everybody knows of the mad magic that can happen within a domestic cup, they have an iron grip on the trophy that seems near impossible to dislodge.

Lakiska Kangaroos 3–2 Altica FC
Castra Bostra FK 1–2 Kocakhan AFC
Serizar FC 1–1 Independence FK (1–1 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Nezrouch Rovers 0–2 Jaribga Soccer Club
Tripoli Foresters 3–2 Osmazar Wallabies
Tezirbu Foxes 2–1 Beirutspor

Quarterfinals

First Leg
Tripoli Foresters 1–4 Dukuma SC
Lakiska Kangaroos 1–0 Independence FK
Lakiska SC 1–0 Jaribga Soccer Club
Kocakhan AFC 1–4 Tezirbu Foxes

As for the first leg of the quarterfinals, we might have seen the most chalk performance in the Ebrahim Razav Cup in years. A tournament that's usually massively chaotic(outside of Lakiska SC eventually winning it every year), in the first leg at least, the favored teams won. Now, of course, some of that goes to the randomness of the draw- the three second tier teams, and the lone top flight team, all drew regional league sides. But at least in this leg, those higher tier teams won against the lower division teams- even if not all of it was in convincing fashion. Lakiska SC was at home against a middling Jaribga SC club two tiers below them, and Lakiska SC had to labor towards a 1-0 victory. They had a rotated squad in the game, yes, and it was the 20 year old, Ali Mansur, who scored the game's lone goal in the 55th minute.

In the other three games, some closeness- and some dominance. Dukuma SC and the Tezirbu Foxes are both longtime BSL squads at this point- and they shredded their lower tier competition. They both had 4-1 wins away from home, ending their ties before they barely begun. They did so in much different fashion, however. For Dukuma SC, it was their NT striker, Uthman ibn Jahwar, who really showcased his abilities by scoring a hat trick against the very overwhelmed defenders from Tripoli. Might be top of the BNL- but didn't matter in this one. As for the Foxes, they took advantage of an early red card by their Kocakhan hosts, and they had four different goalscorers en route to a 4-1 win. These two got a foot each in the semifinals.

And lastly, of course, the Lakiska Kangaroos- freshly promoted to the BSL. If they can stay up there, is a legitimate question- but they did well in the Cup last year. And so far, so good, with a tough 1-0 home win- although everything will be left to play for in their return leg to Dukuma.

Second Leg
Dukuma SC 4–1 Tripoli Foresters (Dukuma SC advance, 8-2 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)
Independence FK 0–5 Lakiska Kangaroos (Lakiska Kangaroos advance, 6-0 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)
Jaribga Soccer Club 1–2 Lakiska SC (Lakiska SC advance, 3-1 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)
Tezirbu Foxes 0–3 Kocakhan AFC (Tezirbu Foxes advance, 4-4 on aggregate(4-3 on away goals), to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Semifinals)

The first two games were in Dukuma- with Dukuma SC and Independence FK both hosting. Blowouts- the Kangaroos crushed a marauding Independence FK, ripping them apart again, and again, and again, on the counter-attack, en route to a stunning 5-0 win, and another trip to the semifinals. Dukuma SC repeated their first leg demolition, as they crushed Tripoli, by a score of 8-2, over both legs. Not much interesting to report here- it was fairly clear who the better sides were in these ties, and it was just a parade in the end.

But the two close ties? Boy, were they close. First, we'll talk about Busoga's sole top flight team- Lakiska SC, who are firmly in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League these days. They continued their rotated squad, even away from home, and made a struggle of it- with Jaribga SC taking a 1-0 lead into halftime. All level, both aggregate(1-1) and away goals(0-0). Lakiska SC wasn't messing around anymore- they'd call upon their better talents. Ayben Uzun, a NT starter, and Hwang Byeong-Wook, the Quebecois winger, both coming off the bench to try and avoid the cupset, as Lakiska SC attempt to march towards their fourth consecutive Razav Cup Trophy. And it was a plan that worked. Hwang scored in the 72nd minute to give Lakiska SC the lead- and the critical away goal. Jaribga would need to score twice to advance. And just 5 minutes later, Uzun would end all doubts by scoring himself on the counter. 2-1 on the day, 3-1 on aggregate- Razav Cup semifinals, here we are.

But wait! One more team to decide. The Foxes, who had won 4-1 away from home, really started out slowly and lacksadasically. Kocakhan AFC surprised quite a few with an early goal, to start the comeback. Remember, thanks to the away goals rule, they'd need four goals to advance. They got their first in the 3rd minute, making this technically possible. A second goal in the 42nd minute, and then- a bicycle kick in the 67th minute, setting up a heartstopping thrilling finish. But despite their very best efforts, including a number of opportunities, the visitors could not get a fourth, as the Foxes, against their best efforts, just barely survived blowing a 4-1 lead on aggregate, to advance by away goals to the semifinals.

Semifinals

First Leg
Lakiska SC 1–0 Dukuma SC
Tezirbu Foxes 1–0 Lakiska Kangaroos

Some interesting matchups! Busoga's defining rivalry- Lakiska SC v. Dukuma SC. Not one that's played so often anymore, with Lakiska SC in the S-FPL, and Dukuma SC still wallowing away in the Banijan Soccer League. But great that it happens at a cup semifinal, yes? The excitement among the fans is strong- the winners will be big favorites to win the Cup outright in the Final, which will be held in Lakiska for the second straight season. No rotation here- starters out for both squads, as they can taste the trophy. But 180 minutes separated both teams from their ultimate goal. Dukuma SC, to finally be downing their archrivals on the biggest stage. Showing the country that the gap between them and Lakiska SC is not as big as one would assume. And Lakiska SC, not only to reinforce their supremacy in Busoga, by gunning for their fourth straight Cup title, but to show the world that they have surpassed everybody in their home country.

This was a physical tense, and defensive battle. Cards everywhere. But it was the 31 year old Farf right back, Rôbé Wîjkár, who would score the winner- a rocket from outside the 18, in the 71st minute. A first leg goal, a brilliant one- but with the slimmest of leads, a 1-0 win at home, with the away goals rule still on, it left everything to play for in the second leg.

As for the Tezirbu Foxes, they had a tough one against the Kangaroos. The travel to the Foxes Den was always going to be a challenge for the Kangaroos, however, and a game that spent the first half in the midfield, started to tilt towards the hosts in the second half. They got their well-deserved goal in the 82nd minute, as Reza Alavas, a 19 year old, came off the bench, and scored a rebound with his first touch, less than a minute after being introduced into the match. A crushing one for the 'Roos, but a huge win for Tezirbu- who, while winning by the slimmest of margins, had a chance to be playing in the final.

Second Leg
Dukuma SC 0–1 Lakiska SC (Lakiska SC advance, 2-0 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Final)
Lakiska Kangaroos 3–1 Tezirbu Foxes (Lakiska Kangaroos advance, 3-2 on aggregate, to the Ebrahim Razav Cup Final)

And now, time for the second legs. First, we'll go off to Dukuma, for their rivalry match with Lakiska SC. A highly charged atmosphere, and Dukuma SC actually probably had the better of it on the day- having quite a bit of progressive possession. But Lakiska SC's defense were ready for the moment, as Afassiv Mansur, the team's NT centerback, alongside Rôbé Wîjkár, their Farf right back, really helped keep the hosts out of the back of the net. Asil Pocan was the only player to beat the Lakiska keeper, but he couldn't the post as well- curling a wicked shot from inside the box, bouncing off of the inside of the post, a ball that was cleared off the line by Mansur. A brutal one. And late, it was Lakiska SC who would put their rivals to the sword, as Ayben Uzun chipped the keeper in a brilliant effort, to get that away goal in the 87th minute. They had to earn it, but Lakiska SC had punched their ticket to their fourth Cup Final in as many years- and were looking for their fourth straight trophy.

Who would they face off against? That would be determined by the other semifinal. The Lakiska Kangaroos, playing host to the Tezirbu Foxes. Now here, insert 18 year old Unlem Kurt. He was a backup for the NT, and even scored a goal in the knockout stages of World Cup 100. Played for Kocakhan AFC in the third tier, he was bought in the January window by Lakiska Kangaroos, which put a serious dent in Kocakhan AFC's promotion efforts. But the Kangaroos have ambitions of their own- and that includes this tournament. Kurt, who is one of the youngest World Cup goalscorers in history, at just age 16, certainly showcased his worth in front of the home fans here. A three goal effort had them singing his name, and completely turning around the tie- from 1-0 down, to 3-0 (or 3-1, technically) up after 70 minutes. 3-0 on the day, 3-1 on aggregate, a tremendous individual effort in a game with huge stakes.

The Foxes did score with 7 minutes left in regular time, and they got an additional 7 of stoppage on top of that. Remember, with the away goals rule, that meant they were just one goal away from turning it all around- but they couldn't get it done. When the final whistle sounded, it was 3-2 on aggregate for the Kangaroos, and another Lakiska Derby in the Razav Cup Final.

Final
Played at Lakiska City Cricket Park(cap. 54,000)

Lakiska Sporting Club v. Lakiska Kangaroos

Lakiska SC are the only Busogan team in the top flight. Because of that, and their iron grip on this tournament(3 straight titles, going for a fourth), they don't really develop other rivalries on the islands. Which, fair enough- it's better for the country's output that they have a team in the top flight. But a second straight final, against another Lakiska side? It ups the intensity. "The Kangaroos are a small club- a regional league side masquerading as a national side in the BSL." Ayben Uzun, the NT striker, told reporters. "They're probably going straight back to the regional leagues regardless- they aren't even in our league. It's our time to win this for a fourth consecutive time, and hopefully build on it with success in the Hui La."

The comment, of course, enraged Lakiska Kangaroos fans. "Those dudes think they're God's gift to the Busoga Islands just because they're in the S-FPL." One fan told reporters. "But we'll see if they can beat us."

How daunting is the task? Including this season, Lakiska SC have been dominant in this tournament. Last four years, including this one, their record is a staggering 17-1-1(W-D-L) across 19 games, with three Cup titles, and playing in a fourth consecutive final. "Can they be beaten? Sure, but it might take a miracle." Said a Busogan TV reporter. "They simply take no prisoners against local competition- always looking to showcase dominance." And while that is true, this year they haven't quite been at their very best. 4-0-0, yes- but no true standout performances. Are their cracks in the armor? Can they get it done?

Both Lakiska squads were ready at Lakiska City Cricket Park, with the capitol eager to see the final results of this matchup. It was the youngster, Unlem Kurt, who put the Kangaroos ahead early on, scoring on a header in the 12th minute to give his squad a 1-0 lead. But Lakiska SC were not going to take that lying down. Just 4 minutes later, Ayben Uzun was burying the ball home from point blank range, to tie the game at 1 goal apiece. A tremendous final, both teams created opportunities for themselves, but they went into the halftime break tied at 0. Coming out of the halftime break, both teams were on the front foot- trying desperately to grab that trophy.

A turning point was Mukisa Jjamba having a wide open opportunity for Lakiska SC, in the 65th minute- and missing. Dribbled around the keeper, tried to pass it into the back of the empty net- but somehow hit it wide. Such a golden opportunity, seemed to suck the life out of the 3x title holders. The Kangaroos really picked up from there, and who else? The 18 year old, Unlem Kurt, scoring on a diving header to give the Kangaroos an improbable 2-1 lead. Was the trophy really possible? The answer was yes- when a Kangaroos CB headed home in the 86th minute, to give the team the 3-1 lead, and, in essence, the title.

"The King is dead." That veteran CB sang, smiling ear to ear. A stunning result, as Lakiska SC, for the first time in 5 seasons, are not champions of the Ebrahim Razav Cup. Could not conceive of a more shocking result, yes?

Lakiska SC 1–3 Lakiska Kangaroos

by **Banija** » Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:50 am

Banijan Soccer League in year 22 of the S-FPL Era: Preview and Basic Information

The Banijan Soccer League(BSL) is the second tier of the Banijan & Busogan soccer pyramid. And this year, there are reforms- with the league's permanent expansion to 24 teams, from 22 teams.

The BSL consists of 21 Banijan teams, and 3 Busogan squads. Promotion to the S-FPL is quite simple- the league champion is promoted to the big leagues, the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. This is the only team that earns promotion from this 24 team league, to that 22 team league. There are two clubs that will be added from Lugave, Banija's newest state, one that just joined the country via referendum.

8 professional clubs have survived. Six formed the Lugave State League, and were placed in Banija's third tier. The biggest two, were slotted right into the Banijan Soccer League- expanding the league once again, from 22 to 24 teams. They will be treated as any Banijan teams- no special relegation rules for the Lugave teams in this level, although the Lugave State League, in this season only, has a direct promotion slot.

Got it? Good. Now, time for relegation. The regular procedures are mostly in place this year- but as there is an extra promotion slot from the regional leagues, there is also an extra relegation slot.

On the Banijan side, it is fairly simple. The two worst Banijan teams will be relegated to the regional leagues. The third-worst Banijan team shall play in a single leg, neutral site playoff that is called the BSL Qualifying Playoff. They will usually face off against the second place team of the BSL Promotion Playoff- but this season, with a Corizova Rule promotion, they will face off against the winner of the three team BSL Promotion Playoff. This match will take place at the Stadium of the Restoration- the national stadium in Busukuma, seating 101,835.

On the Busogan side, it is much more complicated. The worst finishing Busogan team, if they finish 10th or worst, is automatically relegated to the Busogan National League(BNL). That league's champion is promoted to the BSL. Simple enough, right? But it gets more complicated than that. If the worst finishing Busogan side finishes higher than 10th, they have a chance to earn back their spot in the BSL. If they finish 8th or 9th, they can earn back their spot by winning a one game playoff against the Busogan National League champions- on the road. If they finish 4th through 7th, it is the same thing- except that playoff is at home. And if that side somehow happens to get into the top 3(meaning there is at least one Busogan side in the S-FPL, and all three Busogan BSL sides are in the league's top 3), then there will simply be no pro/rel that season on the Busogan side.

But that's not all! If multiple Busogan sides finish in the bottom 5, the other sides must compete in a playoff to earn their spot in the BSL. For example, imagine Busogan side A finishes 21st, another finishes 20th, and another finishes 18th. Then the 21st team is automatically relegated. The 20th team will play the 2nd place team in the Busogan National League in a one-game playoff, and the 18th place side will play the 3rd place team in the Busogan National League in a one game playoff. In this scenario, those one game playoffs will be hosted by the teams in the Busogan National League. This scenario exists because the Busoga Islands are guaranteed 4 (and exactly four, no more/no less) spots in the top 2 tiers of the Banijan soccer pyramid.

Got all that? One more thing to figure out- LBCT spots! The top 2 teams qualify directly for the Liga B Champions Trophy. The next 4 teams qualify for the LBCT Qualification Playoff. 3v6 and 4v5, in each of the semifinals, with the 3rd and 4th place teams playing at home. The single leg semifinals will each be played until there is a winner- with extra time, and penalties, if necessary. Winners will play in the LBCT Qualification Playoff Final, also at the Stadium of the Restoration.

Simple, right? Not quite- but it makes sense!

Last season's participants who left
Promoted to the S-FPL: Duntho SC
Relegated to the Regional Leagues: Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Relegated to the Regional Leagues: Sororo City(Banija)
Relegated to the Regional Leagues: Ogbordu Diamond FC(Banija)

Joining the BSL this Season
Relegated from the S-FPL: Busembe Timberwolves
Promoted to the BSL: Lakiska Kangaroos(Busoga)
Promoted to the BSL: Djoro Athletic(Banija)
Promoted to the BSL: Kigagana Mountaineers(Banija)

Roster Key-
Underlined players are Banijan or Busogan internationals.
Nationality is listed if they are not Banijan.
Italicized players are internationals for a foreign country.
All players are male unless otherwise specified.

Teams in the Banijan Soccer League

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

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

3. Askatasuna Football Club. ASK. Location: Askatasuna, Aksum. Colors: Green & White.

4. Bachaki Honey Badgers. BAK. Location: Bachaki, Lugave. Colors: Dark Green.

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

6. BUSEMBE TIMBERWOLVES. BTMW. Location: Busembe, Kitara.

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

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

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

10. Djoro Athletic. DJA. Location: Djoro, Kitara. Colors: Green.

11. Dukuma Sporting Club. DSC. Location: Dukuma, North Island, Busoga Islands. Colors: Purple & white.

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

.

13. Herzegovina Phoenix. PHX. Location: Vdizi, Moravica.
Team Crest - As assigned by Farfadillis

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

.

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

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

17. Kabula United. KBU. Location: Kabula, Lugave. Colors: Pink

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

19. Lakiska Kangaroos. Location: Lakiska, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.

20. Lwanga Lions. LWG. Location: Lwanga, Buganda. Colors: Orange.

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

22. Mukeruzi United. HWB. Loction: Mukeruzi, Ankole. Colors: Sky Blue.

23. Rukunbi Football Club. RFC. Location: Rukunbi, Istria, Moravica.

24. Tezirbu Foxes. TZF. Location: Tezirbu, North Island, Busoga. Color: Green.

All-Banija Sports Magazine Projected Order of finish

Busembe Timberwolves
Hawabark Boulders
Mukeruzi United
Aissa United
Askatasuna FC
Herzegovina Phoenix
Rukunbi FC
Dukuma SC
Corizova United
Igulu City FC
Tezirbu Foxes
Kabakono City
Isipongo Flash
Amaku City FC
Bwubanza City SC
Mamari City
Bunyoro RSC
Djoro Athletic
Bachaki Honey Badgers
Busemlu Park SC
Lwanga Lions
Kigagana Mountaineers
Kabula United
Lakiska Kangaroos

by **Banija** » Thu Jan 22, 2026 11:29 am

Banijan Soccer League in year 22 of the S-FPL Era: First Half of the Season

   Banijan Soccer League     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Busembe Timberwolves       23   17   1   5    49   16  +33    52
 2 Aissa United               23   15   5   3    45   14  +31    50
 3 Askatasuna FC              23   14   6   3    52   26  +26    48
 4 Hawabark Boulders          23   14   4   5    50   17  +33    46
 5 Herzegovina Phoenix        23   11  11   1    29   11  +18    44
 6 Rukunbi FC                 23   13   5   5    30   16  +14    44
 7 Mukeruzi United            23   12   5   6    34   17  +17    41
 8 Dukuma SC                  23   12   5   6    28   21   +7    41
 9 Bwubanza City SC           23   11   6   6    26   20   +6    39
10 Igulu City FC              23   12   2   9    32   25   +7    38
11 Kabakono City              23   11   4   8    34   28   +6    37
12 Corizova United            23   10   6   7    29   26   +3    36
13 Isipongo Flash             23    9   6   8    29   22   +7    33
14 Djoro Athletic             23    9   5   9    21   28   −7    32
15 Lakiska Kangaroos          23    9   4  10    25   22   +3    31
16 Mamari City                23    5   8  10    24   34  −10    23
17 Amaku City FC              23    5   6  12    18   28  −10    21
18 Bunyoro RSC                23    5   6  12    20   31  −11    21
19 Lwanga Lions               23    6   3  14    13   30  −17    21
20 Busemlu Park SC            23    4   6  13    22   50  −28    18
21 Tezirbu Foxes              23    4   4  15    17   52  −35    16
22 Bachaki Honey Badgers      23    4   3  16    17   40  −23    15
23 Kabula United              23    3   3  17    19   51  −32    12
24 Kigagana Mountaineers      23    2   4  17    11   49  −38    10

Four things we've learned about the BSL at the halfway mark

#1: The Timberwolves at the end of a match- a ball of chaos

The Timberwolves are a team living on the edge. Five losses is quite a bit for a team that's leading the table, right, at the halfway mark? But nobody else in the top 6 has more losses than them. In fact, three teams have fewer losses than them- and 2 more have the same number. But they've got a league leading 17 wins, and a league low one draw. How is this happening?

This is not a team that's going to grind out a draw. Nope- they will go for the win in the late stages of the game, and either succeed- or lose in soul-crushing fashion. Let's look at their stats after the 85th minute. They've got 5 different games, where they've scored the winner in the 85th minute or later- and yet, they've got 3 where they've conceded the game winning goal in that same amount of time. 3 games, at home mind you.

Late wins
MD3: Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Lakiska Kangaroos. RB Zaki al-Hassan, 87th minute winner. 
MD8: Busembe Timberwolves 2–1 Djoro Athletic. LAM Sera Kasavu, 85th minute winner.
MD9: Lwanga Lions 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves. CM Opio Kagulu, 88th minute winner off the bench.
MD15: Amaku City FC 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves. ST Sabiti Yikala, 90+1 minute winner(out of 6 minutes of stoppage time given). 
MD21: Askatasuna FC 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves. ST Sabiti Yikala, 90+4 minute winner(3 minutes of stoppage time given).

Late losses
MD12: Busembe Timberwolves 0–1 Rukunbi FC. Rukunbi LW Lallo Guiss, 90+7 minute winner(7 minutes of stoppage time given).
MD14: Busembe Timberwolves 0–1 Herzegovina Phoenix. Phoenix LM Diango Fomba, 87th minute winner. 
MD18: Busembe Timberwolves 0–1 Kigagana Mountaineers. Kigagana ST Memo Hasanan, off the bench, 90+4 minute winner(5 minutes of stoppage time given).

Those late wins, of course, are all sorts of exciting. They're throwing bodies forward, and are getting goals. Who can forget Zaki al-Hassan's goal, on just the 3rd matchday of the season, a strike from distance that nobody saw coming? Or even the legendary scenes that were given to us by Sabiti Yikala- who, with the final kick of the match just a couple of matchdays ago, chipped the Askatasuna FC goalkeeper for one of the most stunning wins of the season. Great scenes seeing the Busembe traveling fans celebrate, and bold moves rewarded. First year manager Ruphael Chernebereck has a mandate to go straight back up to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, and he is leaving no stone unturned to get there. But just the same, they can get caught out- and concede in equally painful fashion. Rukunbi winger Lallo Guiss, has the latest goal scored by any player this season in the league- a winner in the 7th(!) minute of stoppage time at the Wolf's Den. A counter-attacking goal, after the Timberwolves had thrown men forward like crazy for a corner kick.

The worst, was at home against Kigagana. The Mountaineers literally went into the MD18 game as the worst team in the league. Bottom of the table. And even they were able to get a last minute winner- Memo Hasanan, the forgotten, 34 year old Busogan who barely plays, came off the bench and was the hero. Dropping all three points, at home, against the worst team in the league is exactly how not to title chase. What makes it worse is that Kigagana are so bad, they literally have lost all 5 games they've played since.

Can they win the league when they leave so many games so late? As they've shown us, they are more than capable of pullign out last minute winners- but over time, they'll concede plenty of last minute winners as well. They've got to do a better job of controlling matches throughout and scoring earlier. They may be top of the table now, but they've got a lot to work on if they want to finish the season at the top of the table.

#2: Promotion race- not much to choose as everybody's in it

The Timberwolves, like we stated, are at the top of the table at the halfway mark. With 23 games left, there are plenty of games left- so we're gonna say anybody who is within three games (so 9 points or less) of the league leaders are still firmly in the title race. So the current top 6, are all in it. Aissa United are 2 points behind, Askatasuna FC are two points behind them, and everybody's favorite yo-yo club, the Herzegovina Phoenix, are two points behind them. Then, two more points behind, sit the Phoenix and Rukunbi FC, together with 44.

What is interesting here, is that there are so many paths to title contention this season. We've delved into the league leaders- but let's talk about the other paths here. Aissa, Askatasuna, and Hawabark, have all gone via the goals route- those, alongside Busembe, are by far the highest scoring teams in the league, and there is no doubt that they are among the best teams in the BSL. Scoring nearly 2 goals a game, or even more, is a good way to move up in the world of second division football. Idibal Amen, the Busogan striker for Askatasuna FC, is leading the league so far in terms of goals scored- is he also playing his way onto the national team?

And then, of course, you have the Phoenix and Rukunbi FC. Far less prolific, they've both got elite defenses. The Phoenix, in particular, have a unique path. The opposite of the Timberwolves. Instead of being allergic to draws, that's all they can do. How are you in 5th place, when you've only lost once in 23 games? That's right- they've got 11 draws on the season. 11 wins, 11 draws, one loss. "A team that's certainly capable of a rapid second half climb- turning a lot of those draws into wins." Said a Banijan soccer TV analyst. They've got a veteran back line, only allowing 11 goals through the first 23 games, and their 18 year old goalkeeper has been an absolute stud through the early season.

Rukunbi FC are in this convo as well, but haven't been super special- just grinding out low-scoring games. The team that we think is least likely to make a run at the title from here- although, anything can happen.

#3: Busogan zoom-in- Tezirbu panicking, Lakiska thriving, while Dukuma SC miss high expectations

Let's talk about the three Busogan teams! First, we're going to talk about the Tezirbu Foxes. A veteran team, a team that's spent a number of consecutive seasons in the BSL- and the bottom seems to be falling out from under them. They've got an older roster that has kept them at this level, but they are in panic mode- as the BNL seems to be calling their name. They fired their manager after Matchday 19, when they got crushed, 4-1, by the Isipongo Flash at home- but the writing may be on the wall for them. They don't do anything well. The back line is in shambles, as they've allowed a league-leading 52 goals on the season so far. The attack is poor, as they've scored only 17- a -35 goal difference.

Remember, Busogan relegation works differently- the worst team automatically goes down if they are 10th or worst. They certainly aren't reaching the top 10, so their only hope at staying up, at the halfway point, are catching the Lakiska Kangaroos- who are 15 points ahead of them.

Now, the 'Roos- a strong team. Remember, last year, in the third tier, they were excellent- winning the Busogan National League, and reaching the Final of the Razav Cup. And right now, they are back here- and are here to stay. For at least the last 6 seasons, it's been a yo-yo with the BNL- the Busogan National League winner would come up, and then immediately go straight back down. Seemed like a thing of destiny- but the quality of football on the Islands has been improving. And the second capitol club, the Kangaroos, have looked to stay. Picked by many to finish either bottom, or very close to bottom, they are having a very positive year up- 15th at the halfway point is actually a pretty good return- the best for a freshly promoted Busogan team in quite some time. And they are making a midseason signing, as well- Unlem Kurt, the NT striker, signing him in a rare midseason transfer from the regional leagues. He's 18, he's up here now- and the Kangaroos will continue to get better.

The Busogan order, for quite some time, has been very exact- Lakiska SC as the big dogs, and then Dukuma SC, and then Tezirbu- and then everyone else. Will the Kangaroos upset that?

Lastly, we'll talk about Dukuma SC. The biggest club from Busoga's biggest city- they are still clearly the #2 Busogan club, but it is a disappointing season here, as they spent much of the preseason crowing about her their 8th place predicted finish was BS- and they are in 8th place right now. Their fans are getting less and less patient. With Busoga becoming a regular WC participant, and Lakiska SC continually affirming themselves in the top flight, they feel as if they deserve more than the BSL- and yet, they are mid table in the second tier. David Ondiek, their manager, is in his 13th season. If they are not, at minimum. in the LBCT next year... Expect the Karimi Family to clean house at the club over the Summer.

#4: Welcome to the bigs(well, 2nd tier)- Banijan newcomers struggle

It's hard to be a brand new team at this level! The Kigagana Mountaineers, for the first time ever, have been promoted to the second tier. Kabula United and the Bachaki Honey Badgers, both expansion teams from Lugave, are at this level for the first time themselves as well. And while the Lakiska Kangaroos and Djoro Athletic have adjusted well... Kigagana, Kabula, and Bachaki have not. They aren't the worst teams we've ever seen- but there's no surprise that the bottom 3 teams in the league, at this point, are all newcomers.

Kigagana, well, this was always going to happen. A miracle season last year in the regional leagues, it was always going to be hard for this team to succeed at this level. The only thing they've really got going for them is that they player at a higher altitude than anyone else in the league- but even that home field advantage is not insurmountable. They are simply enjoying their time- but they do not have the talent to succeed at this level. So seeing them bottom, is not surprising.

The two Lugave teams, is not either. Big dogs in Lugave does not mean much here, and while they are not bottom, being joint second and third from bottom isn't great, either. It's a big adjustment for those two teams, and they will, frankly, do well to stay up. Now, it's not impossible- there are other middling Banijan teams down here. But it is difficult to compete in a league like this. Lugave teams have so many disadvantages- money, not used to this level of competition, etc...

Expect them to take a few seasons to acclimate. It would not be a huge surprise if at least one, if not both, of those teams got relegated.

IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy

Playoff Round
The 64 teams were placed in a single pot. Teams representing the same association could not be paired. The team drawn first in each pairing will play the first leg at home.

(BNJ)                         Duntho SC    4–4 p  Cirelbourne United                (KOR)   2–4   2–0  (3–4 pen)
(TAX)                ASMV St. Bernadine    3–2    Herzegovina Phoenix               (BNJ)   1–2   2–0 
(BNJ)                      Aissa United    5–3    Admiral Tverinsk                  (PYA)   3–2   2–1

All three Banijan teams in the Liga B Champions Trophy competition entered in the playoff round- and considering there are no direct qualifications to the group stage of this competition, it is simply a sign of strength not only for the BSL, but for the S-FPL system generally. However, the playoff round wasn't necessarily kind to all involved, as only one Banijan team of the 3 was able to advance to the group stages of the competition. First, we'll talk about Duntho SC- who are technically now in the S-FPL. Last year's BSL champions, given a tough tie with Cirelbourne United as their opponent. In Banija, they got rolled, as Cirelbourne United came to the Duntho Public Sporting Facility and beat them, 4-2. They not only had all to play for in the second leg, but entering the second leg down 2 goals, on the road, against a Ko-orenite team? It would be a challening task- except that Duntho SC were up for the challenge. Thaddée Razafindramahata scored in the 38th minute in Ko-oren to pull one back, and then it was the captain, Sarah Botongo- who is also the manager's daugher- scoring in the 78th minute to equalize. A hell of a comeback, but one that ultimately came up short- they lost in a penalty shootout.

Second up was the Herzegovina Phoenix. They had a flipped scneario- they went on the road, to Taxhavn, and actually won- defeating ASMV St. Bernadine 2-1 away from home. But it was the return trip to Phoenix Stadium that didn't go well. They've got young players in key spots, and while it is good long-term building, they sometimes can buckle under pressure. Their talented 18 year old keeper felt the pressure here, as he let in a howler in the 12th minute, simply dropping what should have been an easy save and allowing the ball to roll past him, into the back of the net. And well, the pressure was on from there- and the Phoenix, on tehir back heel, allowed a second goal in the 57th minute. They couldn't come back at home, and bitterly, they were eliminated.

Lastly, Aissa United would face off against Admiral Tverinsk, of Pyazhnaya, for a spot in the group stages. The first leg, at the Hangaza Unified Stadium, was an excellent one. Not many second tier teams have a 55,000 capacity stadium, but Aissa United do- giving them a strong home field advantage. In an up and down excited matchup, they packed it out in the summer as they leaned on their veteran talent. Marius Haugun, still going at age 36, had a hell of a goal to open the scorign in the 11th minute, bending in a wicked free kick. Kasozi Mizilsa and Lamin Dione both also scored, as the Hangaza squad won, 3-2. But of course, the return leg would be anything but easy. But this was a team that was built for the moment. While Admiral Tverinsk leveled it on aggregate just before halftime, taking a 1-0 lead, Aissa came out with a will and hunger to win in the second half. They brought 35 year old striker Kakyomya Munyeera off the bench, and the grizzled veteran scored twice to punch Aissa's ticket to the group stages- the only Banijan team to make the group stages of the Liga B Champions Trophy.

Group Stages

Group G

#  Team                                         P  W  D  L  GF  GA  GD  Pts    MUd    WUd    StA    AUd
1  Monksville United                      EFL   6  5  0  1  14   9   5  15      -     1-4    1-0    4-1  
2  Wexax United                           VAL   6  3  1  2  12  10   2  10     2-4     -     0-3    3-0
3  St Astons City FC                      FVA   6  2  0  4   8   9  -1   6     1-2    1-2     -     1-3  
4  Aissa United                           BNJ   6  1  1  4   7  13  -6   4     1-2    1-1    1-2     -

Did they make it to the group stages? Yes. How did it go? Terribly. We won't even do a long-form analysis- Aissa United got blasted out of the group stages, never even having the faintest hope of the knockout stages. "It was a disappointing performance in IFCF competition for us, no doubt about it." Their manager told reporters. "We are what our record says we are- and we were not ready to compete under the bright lights this season." That, of course, was an understatement. The group was not easy, of course, with teams from Eastfield Lodge, Valanora, and Flavovespia in this group. But still- dead last? 1 win from 6? It's hard to tell what was worse- the fact that they only earned 1 point in their three home matches(a lifeless 1-1 draw with Wexax United), or their road trips to Eastfield Lodge and Valanora- two games that they lost by 3 goals, each. And both could have been worse.

They at least ended in a bright spot. Long eliminated, they got at least a win in Flavovespia to close out the group stages, defeating St Astons City FC by a score of 3-1. Some pride, yes, but it didn't matter in the end- a merciful end to the group stages. Back to the league!

by **Banija** » Sat Jan 24, 2026 12:42 pm

Banijan Soccer League in year 22 of the S-FPL Era: Matchdays 24-45

Banijan Soccer League         Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina Phoenix        45   29  13   3    68   23  +45   100
 2 Askatasuna FC              45   29  10   6    96   45  +51    97
 3 Aissa United               45   29   7   9    73   23  +50    94
 4 Hawabark Boulders          45   28   9   8    96   39  +57    93
 5 Busembe Timberwolves       45   27   6  12    89   35  +54    87
 6 Mukeruzi United            45   26   9  10    82   42  +40    87
 7 Rukunbi FC                 45   22  11  12    51   30  +21    77
 8 Kabakono City              45   23   7  15    63   45  +18    76
 9 Dukuma SC                  45   21  13  11    54   43  +11    76
10 Corizova United            45   22   8  15    50   42   +8    74
11 Igulu City FC              45   22   6  17    61   48  +13    72
12 Lakiska Kangaroos          45   20  10  15    52   40  +12    70
13 Bwubanza City SC           45   19  13  13    41   34   +7    70
14 Isipongo Flash             45   16   9  20    45   52   −7    57
15 Amaku City FC              45   15  10  20    42   49   −7    55
16 Mamari City                45   11  16  18    49   60  −11    49
17 Bunyoro RSC                45   13  10  22    45   63  −18    49
18 Djoro Athletic             45   12  10  23    29   53  −24    46
19 Bachaki Honey Badgers      45    9   8  28    32   67  −35    35
20 Lwanga Lions               45    8  10  27    21   64  −43    34
21 Busemlu Park SC            45    8  10  27    48   95  −47    34
22 Kabula United              45    9   6  30    30   78  −48    33
23 Tezirbu Foxes              45    7   7  31    26   86  −60    28
24 Kigagana Mountaineers      45    2   8  35    19  106  −87    14

Handicapping the Final Day

One more matchday left in the season... What's settled, and what do we have to look forward to?

Settled- Two of three auto relegation spots

The bottom 2, and their order, has been settled in this league. The Kigagana Mountaineers, who had a poor first half of the season(just 10 points, bottom of the table) completely collapsed in the second half of the season- not winning a single game across that span. In fact, their last win of the season was on Matchday 18- a last minute away win against the then league leaders, Busembe Timberwolves, on the road. Since then, across their last 27 games? A shocking 0 wins, 4 draws, and 23 losses- 27 straight matches winless to end the season. One of the poorest BSL efforts we've seen, in general, in quite some time- and it'll likely be a long time until they are back at this level. Can you blame them? Their stadium holds less than 4,000 fans. But man- in that 27 match span, they've scored just 10 goals, and conceded 69- just a flat out disaster of the team. It might be a long time until they get back to this level- just a long season.

The other one, was the Tezirbu Foxes. Considering Busoga's relegation rules, they were basically screwed at the halfway mark, when they were 15 points behind safety then- and they never really figured it out. They were chasing Lakiska- and the Kangaroos had a stronger second half, having earned 39 points in the second half so far, while Tezirbu has only earned 12. They were screwed already, but they didn't go out with a bang- they went out with a whimper. Do they have a strong chance of coming straight back up? Yes. But it's going to be an interesting path there- everybody's fired.

Up to question- Last relegation spot, plus the BSL Qualifying Playoff spot

Remember, second worst Banijan team goes straight down, and the third worst to the playoff. Who is competition for that slot?

Banijan Soccer League     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
19 Bachaki Honey Badgers      45    9   8  28    32   67  −35    35
20 Lwanga Lions               45    8  10  27    21   64  −43    34
21 Busemlu Park SC            45    8  10  27    48   95  −47    34
22 Kabula United              45    9   6  30    30   78  −48    33

With just one game left, these four teams are all within 2 points of one another, and since none of them play each other on the Final Day, this means they could all finish in any of the 4 spots. Let's handicap how this works, shall we? Whoever finishes bottom among these 4, is going straight down to the third tier- the unfriendly confines of the regional leagues. Whoever finishes second from bottom, goes to the BSL Qualifying Playoff- a one match pro/rel playoff, against the winner of the BSL Promotion Playoff. That would be Umbazi Metropolitan SC. That match, btw, is at the Stadium of the Restoration- a huge game. And the top two among these teams, are safe.

Who are these team's opponents on the final day? The Honey Badgers travel to Kabakono City. Kabula United host Amaku City, Lwanga play host to Bunyoro RSC, and Busemlu Park SC host the league leaders, the Herzegovina Phoenix- in a must-win match. It's gonna be chaos, it's gonna be crazy, and it's gonna be a hell of a time.

Liga B Champions Trophy- one auto spot clinched

That'll be the league leaders, the Herzegovina Phoenix- who can only finish top two. The top two in this league, remember, automatically qualify for the LBCT, while teams 3-6 go to a playoff for the last spot. More on them, however, when we talk about the title race...

Liga B Champions Trophy- one auto spot remaining

One direct LBCT Qualification spot remaining. That's just between Askatasuna FC, who are 2nd with 97 points, and Aissa United, who are 3rd with 94. Askatasuna FC are in the title race, so their focus is there. Aissa United, on the flip side, will host Mukeruzi United. Whoever finishes higher among these teams will get directly to the LBCT- while whoever is lower goes to the LBCT Playoff.

Liga B Champions Trophy Qualification Playoff

While the order remains up in the air, we know three of the teams going to the playoff. Mukeruzi United and the Busembe Timberwolves will each finish 5th or 6th, while the Hawabark Boulders will finish 3rd or 4th. And then, whoever finishes bottom in the Askatasuna v. Aissa United race will take the last playoff spot. A good year for Mukeruzi United- a former expansion team, climbing the table rather quickly to get to the top 6. Can they make their debut appearance in IFCF competition?

The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have to be bitterly disappointed. A team that led the league at the halfway mark, they are now in 6th, not even in the conversation. A league leading 17 wins after their first 23 games- and yet, that formed has crashed. Like we predicted- their inability to control a lot of their games ended up being their downfall. Just 10 wins in the second half of the season so far, and they simply have deserved their fate. The midfield too weak, the roster too unbalanced- and they find themselves on the outside looking in, in terms of the title race. The LBCT would be a consolation prize- but one worth having.

And finally... The title race

Let's handicap the title race, shall we? There are two teams remaining. The league's best defense, in first. The league's best attack, Askatasuna, in second.

Banijan Soccer League         Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina Phoenix        45   29  13   3    68   23  +45   100
 2 Askatasuna FC              45   29  10   6    96   45  +51    97

The math is simple- any Phoenix result results in them not only winning the league, but also earning the BSL's sole promotion spot to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. But if the Herzegovina Phoenix lose, then a Askatasuna FC win on the final day will put them level on points- and Askatasuna FC will win the league on goal difference. They'll get that promotion slot, and for the first time in club history, they'll reach the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. They've never played in, and 22 years in, they are on the brink of their greatest moment in club history.

It cannot be understated what an opportunity this is for Askatasuna FC. They have won, basically next to nothing, their entire history. In the national era(aka pre S-FPL era), they won one title- just a league title in Season 2. Then, the final 11 seasons of the national era, no trophies. In all 22 seasons of the S-FPL era- no trophies. They have never been relegated, not in the national era or the S-FPL era- they have never been in the regional leagues, or quite close to it. But they do not compete for trophies- it's a 33 season trophy drought, one of the longest in Banija. The pressure will be high- but so will the support. Many project a stadium takeover when they go to Isipongo on MD46, as half the town is gonna travel with them. The Flash could be disinterested this year as well. Could this be the year?

The Phoenix are certainly not that down bad, but of course- promotion is promotion. They've got a tough matchup. While Busemlu Park are certainly not good, they are a desperate team- as if they lose, there's a pretty damn good chance they get relegated down to the regional leagues. Away from home, against a desperate team in the last game of the season- not the easiest if the goal is to win a league title. We will see if they can pull it off.

Valuable lessons after 45 Matchdays

Missing high expectations can have disastrous consequences- just look at Busembe and Dukuma

There are a number of teams that believe they are worthy of top flight status in this league. And yet, there's only one promotion slot available to them every season. That means the competition at the top is cutthroat- do whatever it takes to get promoted, even if it means spending money that is more likely to be lit on fire, than actually achieve promotion. Let's look at two teams, in particular, who underperformed. First, Dukuma Sporting Club. There has been a general rise in expectations across Busoga's teams, as the Busogan NT has gotten stronger. They've qualified for two of the last three World Cups, and gotten to the knockout stages in both of them. And not only that- at World Cup 100, they finished top of their group in Qualifying, and even won a knockout stage game during the Round of 32.

As they use primarily domestic talent, one would think that would help their performance in the league, right? Well... No. They are stuck as an upper midtable team- currently sitting in 9th, not even in the conversation for the LBCT Qualification Playoff slots, let alone promotion. They are nearly 25 points off the pace for the league title- something that their ownership thought they'd be in contention for. Ondiek has bee a strong presence at Dukuma for so long, 13 seasons here- but his 13th season is his unlucky number. They announced a month ago that this season would be his last. It is a testament to how long he's been at the club that they didn't fire him straightway, but expect them to be ambitious over the summer in their chase for Shango-Fogoa Premier League status.

The second, is the Busembe Timberwolves. They had just come down, and everyone knows- the best time to get promoted is right when you got relegated. They kept most of their roster intact, too, as fans expected to yoyo back to the top. But in the end, they weren't really a factor in the promotion race- 87 points is a solid turnout, but nowhere near the pace required. The worst, is that they started the season so strong. Leading at the halfway mark- many thought it might be a mirage, considering how many late winners they had, and the critics were right. Just 35 points across the second half of the season so far- this pace, over the course of a full season, would put them in about 11th or 12th place- smack table mid-table. Simply put, not good enough. Ruphael Chernebereck's first season at the club will likely also be his last. They've got a LBCT Qualification Playoff to navigate, so no announcements yet, but Espy va Drake is rumored to be prepared to fire him whenever their season ends- regardless of if they qualify for the LIga B Champions Trophy or not.

League's full of players gunning for top flight football- who are those most likely to have earned a transfer this season?

It'll be one set of whole rosters who will earn promotion to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League- either the Herzegovina Phoenix or Askatasuna FC will take their whole team up. But outside of those two teams, which players will be playing in the S-FPL, or in another top flight league- not because of promotion, but because they've got scouts circling like vultures around them?

LWB Lufti Ataseven(BUS). 22 years old, Aissa United
CAM Jacque Kante(BNJ/QUE). 19 years old, Hawabark Boulders
CB Jama Gola(BNJ/EQS). 21 years old, Mukeruzi United
LW Gaston Randriana(BNJ). 22 years old, Bachaki Honey Badgers
ST Mwanje Kamukaka(BNJ). 23 years old, Kabakono City

A tough list to come up with- as there will likely be more. But we'll give a sentence or two of the 5 most likely to have earned a top flight transfer.

First, we'll talk about Lufti Ataseven. A late blooming Busogan left back, he was a part of that Istria City FC youth squad that won the Youth Champions Cup a few cycles back. He's dealt with a large amount of injuries since then. But, now he's locked down the started position at Aissa United- and has impressed. Even Millet, the Busogan NT manager, has been to a few of his games in person, suggesting that he's a likely addition to Busoga's roster for World Cup 101 Qualifying. He's a marauding LB who loves to get forward, and plays with pace- although he can get caught out of position, and is known to be a hothead(got a 2 game suspension this season for punching an opponent), he's a talented player that somebody will surely take a chance on.

Next, Jacque Kante. A dual-national. There are many Quebecois-Banijan dual-nationals, and most are generally playing in the Q-League. There's a large population of Banijans and their descendants over there(well over a million people with 'prominent' Banijan heritage in that country), but not so many in Banija. And yet, here is Jacque Kante. Grew up over there, his family moved here when he was 15, and now he's playing for Hawabark. Banija has been on a search for an elite #10 for a while, and he seems to have got the skillset. He's got elite vision, and can control an attack like he's pulling strings. He's young, but he's proving it here- next he will need to prove it in the top flight, if he wants a callup. While World Cup 101 Qualifying is too much of an ask, he's certainly a candidate to get called up by World Cup 102 Qualifying- or even ARC VII, depending on the timing .

Third, Jama Gola. Another dual-national, of which we have so many. He comes from Stalliongrad- a Banijan community living in a mountainous region of the Equestrian States. Mukeruzi United is one of only a handful of BSL clubs who have the budget for foreign scouting, and they went and snatched him as soon as they had the chance. He's a traditional center back- a big brusier, who is always going to win in the air. Are you going to build from the back with him? Probably not- but that's not Mukeruzi's style, and Namakula Kawesa has embraced him fully.

Fourth, Gaston Randriana. Could he become the first player from Lugave to play in the S-FPL? Most likely. Now, of course, his team may be in rough shape- as they are staring relegation straight in the face. But while he's raw, he's shown plenty of undeniable talent. He's a showboater, and therefore, a controversial player- but his ability on the ball might be unmatched by anybody in this league. He can frustrate opponents- many call him 'soft', as he often goes down easily when challenged, but in a way, he's a standardbearer for the newest region of Banija.

And last, but not least, we'll talk about Mwanje Kamukaka. A Kabakono city striker. A good talent, as he's scored 26 goals this season- basically ensuring that he's seen as the focal point of the Kabakono attack this season. In a league like the S-FPL, where the goals are plentiful, you can never have too many goalscorers- and he is a guy who can certainly do that for you. He can score in all sorts of ways, although he's best seen as a poacher- he is never going to be anything like a false 9. One of the teams who are maybe lower in the league, if they need a guy who is going to get them goals, especially if they truly fear relegation? This is their guy.

by **Banija** » Fri Feb 13, 2026 4:13 pm

Banijan Soccer League in year 22 of the S-FPL Era: Final Day

Matchday 46 Results

12:00 PM Kickoff
Rukunbi FC 0–1 Hawabark Boulders
Igulu City FC 3–0 Tezirbu Foxes
Bwubanza City SC 2–0 Kigagana Mountaineers
Djoro Athletic 0–0 Dukuma SC
Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Mamari City
Aissa United 0–0 Mukeruzi United
Lakiska Kangaroos 1–0 Corizova United

Banijan Soccer League         Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina Phoenix        45   29  13   3    68   23  +45   100
 2 Askatasuna FC              45   29  10   6    96   45  +51    97
 3 Hawabark Boulders          46   29   9   8    97   39  +58    96
 4 Aissa United               46   29   8   9    73   23  +50    95
 5 Busembe Timberwolves       46   28   6  12    90   35  +55    90
 6 Mukeruzi United            46   26  10  10    82   42  +40    88
 7 Rukunbi FC                 46   22  11  13    51   31  +20    77
 8 Dukuma SC                  46   21  14  11    54   43  +11    77
 9 Kabakono City              45   23   7  15    63   45  +18    76
10 Igulu City FC              46   23   6  17    64   48  +16    75
11 Corizova United            46   22   8  16    50   43   +7    74
12 Lakiska Kangaroos          46   21  10  15    53   40  +13    73
13 Bwubanza City SC           45   19  13  13    41   34   +7    70
14 Isipongo Flash             45   16   9  20    45   52   −7    57
15 Amaku City FC              45   15  10  20    42   49   −7    55
16 Mamari City                46   11  16  19    49   61  −12    49
17 Bunyoro RSC                45   13  10  22    45   63  −18    49
18 Djoro Athletic             46   12  11  23    29   53  −24    47
19 Bachaki Honey Badgers      45    9   8  28    32   67  −35    35
20 Lwanga Lions               45    8  10  27    21   64  −43    34
21 Busemlu Park SC            45    8  10  27    48   95  −47    34
22 Kabula United              45    9   6  30    30   78  −48    33
23 Tezirbu Foxes              46    7   7  32    26   89  −63    28 - Worst Busogan team, relegated to the regional leagues
24 Kigagana Mountaineers      46    2   8  36    19  108  −89    14 - Worst Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues

3:00 PM Kickoff
Kabula United 1–0 Amaku City FC
Lwanga Lions 3–2 Bunyoro RSC
Kabakono City 0–1 Bachaki Honey Badgers

So much of the bottom of the table was decided in the 3 PM window. This is, of course, why the BSL has multiple windows on the final day- per its TV partners, all the way up to 4 windows, if need be. Remember, this season, a second automatic Banijan relegation, as well as the third worst Banijan team going straight to the playoffs. And four teams in competition for those slots- with three of them playing in the 3 PM hour. Busemlu Park, of course, with their opponent in the thick of a title race, playing at the 5:30 PM slot. So who exactly is going to what, and where, at the bottom of the table?

For teams who have been so poor throughout the season- well, an unlikely clutch gene suddenly sprang to life from all of these teams. Maybe facing off against mid-table teams, who weren't really fighting for anything, helped? Maybe disinterested opponents or something? Whatever you want to call it- these teams really stood on their heads in this time slot. First off, the Honey Badgers, on the road. Entering the day in 19th- most likely, at least a point would be enough to see them avoid the relegation zone, or even the playoff, barring a really unlikely set of results. But, of course, a win would do the same- without having to have your phones focused elsewhere. And the Honey Badgers found a way! The Lugave teams couldn't just go straight down their first year in, could they? The most unlikely of goalscorers , too- center back Rakotomandimby Rakotoarimbelo, heading in a corner kick, for his first goal of the season in the 22nd minute, enough to keep them alive.

Of course, this game coincided with the Kabula United match, as well as the Lwanga Lions game. The chaos in Lwanga really made this table mad- teams seemed to be moving up and down every 10 or so minutes. While Busogan attacking midfielder Mertkan Koc scorned the only goal in Kabula, the Lions were in for the fight of their lives. Going down 1-0 early, they were staring down the barrel of the relegation zone. Then, of course, a pair of goals gave them a 2-1 lead an hour in- but then, a devastating own goal by their own CB, Yoro Suso, to make it 2-2. Staring the relegation playoff, at best, in the face if all results held= or worse, depending on Busemlu Park SC's result later on.

And then- they found a way. Throw everyone forward, and pray for the best- a tried and true tactic. Ball careening around the box, a poor clearance, and Ebrahima Jobateh steps up to smash the bouncing ball on the half-volley from less than 10 yards out- and finds the back of the net. Chaos everywhere, as from certain relegation. Results did hold- Lwanga were probably safe, save Busemlu Park earning a 5+ goal win to make up the goal differential.

Banijan Soccer League         Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina Phoenix        45   29  13   3    68   23  +45   100
 2 Askatasuna FC              45   29  10   6    96   45  +51    97
 3 Hawabark Boulders          46   29   9   8    97   39  +58    96
 4 Aissa United               46   29   8   9    73   23  +50    95
 5 Busembe Timberwolves       46   28   6  12    90   35  +55    90
 6 Mukeruzi United            46   26  10  10    82   42  +40    88
 7 Rukunbi FC                 46   22  11  13    51   31  +20    77
 8 Dukuma SC                  46   21  14  11    54   43  +11    77
 9 Kabakono City              46   23   7  16    63   46  +17    76
10 Igulu City FC              46   23   6  17    64   48  +16    75
11 Corizova United            46   22   8  16    50   43   +7    74
12 Lakiska Kangaroos          46   21  10  15    53   40  +13    73
13 Bwubanza City SC           45   19  13  13    41   34   +7    70
14 Isipongo Flash             45   16   9  20    45   52   −7    57
15 Amaku City FC              46   15  10  21    42   50   −8    55
16 Mamari City                46   11  16  19    49   61  −12    49
17 Bunyoro RSC                46   13  10  23    47   66  −19    49
18 Djoro Athletic             46   12  11  23    29   53  −24    47
19 Bachaki Honey Badgers      46   10   8  28    33   67  −34    38 - Safety
20 Lwanga Lions               46    9  10  27    24   66  −42    37
21 Kabula United              46   10   6  30    31   78  −47    36 
22 Busemlu Park SC            45    8  10  27    48   95  −47    34
23 Tezirbu Foxes              46    7   7  32    26   89  −63    28 - Worst Busogan team, relegated to the regional leagues
24 Kigagana Mountaineers      46    2   8  36    19  108  −89    14 - Worst Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues

5:30 PM kickoff
Isipongo Flash v. Askatasuna FC
Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix[/b]

We don't need to explain the top of the table much, do we? If both Askatasuna FC win, and the Phoenix lose, by any scoreline- Askatasuna win the league on goal difference, and earn promotion. Any other possible pairing of results, and it is the Phoenix who will have successful navigated their way back to the top flight. And then, bottom of the table permutations as well. Busemlu Park SC going into this, currently, sitting in the automatic relegation zone. 2 points off the playoff spot, they can't even draw. a win by 4 or less puts them into the playoff, and a win by 5 or more keeps them safety in the Banijan Soccer League. And they're at home! Good thing they are playing the league leaders, eh?

No permutations for the Flash, but their manager is retiring after 13 consecutive seasons in Isipongo- and this game, at home, is his last. So special motivation to win one more, for their longtime gaffer.

When was the last time, in football, that we had all eyes on Buganda? A rarity- but that's where the action is tonight.

Whip-around show

Just 2 matches for the whip-around! Both matches kicked off at the exact same time, of 5:30 PM.

5:39 PM- Isipongo Flash v. Askatasuna FC

... "And just 9 minutes into the match, we've got a penalty here at Isipongo City Field! Is the dream alive for Askatasuna FC?? They have a trophy drought longer than so many Banijan clubs- it is the 35th season since the nationalization of domestic football in this country, and they haven't won one since Season 2- the RBSA Cup back then. So even if it's a second tier league title, it is something that Askatasuna fans would cherish greatly. Especially when you think about the reward that comes with it- promotion to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. Not only have they never been up, they've never even sniffed it. So in the S-FPL era, which this is the 22nd season of- this is their best ever season. And now, the Aksum side has a penalty, away from home, to put them in the lead.

After some deliberation, it's Issa Dione, a starting striker, who is going to take the penalty. He takes a deep breath. Takes his steps and goes to the keeper's right.. AND IT'S SAVED! IT IS SAVED- WHAT A SAVE IN ISIPONGO!" (The crowd noise is allowed to come into the broadcast, before the commentator continues. "Kakuru Kyaluzi, the 36 year old keeper for the Flash, guessed correctly and kept it out- to the roaring praises of the raucous home crowd here in Buganda. Oh wow, Askatasuna might live to regret that one."

5:47 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

... "And wow, the Phoenix have taken the lead at Allopu II Stadium! One of Banija's older, smaller stadiums, it seats just 8,600- and their fans have turned out in big numbers, trying to cheer their boys to stave off relegation. But the Phoenix, right now, simply seem to be too strong, too talented- too much of a gap. Which, fair. Busemlu Park is not a big place, Herzegovina City is a major, major city- even if you're the second team in the city. Janani Onango is gonna get the credit for the first goal- a nice counter, which fair, because a draw doesn't do the home team any good. A counter, a good cross, he was open, and he headed the ball towards the near post- back where the keeper came from. Textbook header- 1-nil, and the Phoenix seem firmly in the driver's seat in their quest for both a league title, and promotion."

5:52 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

... "Oh my, a shocking turn of events here in Busemlu Park! The Phoenix earning a corner kick, just 5 minutes after their opener, seemed so ready to bury the hosts, and make this more of a coronation than anything- and yet, it is Busemlu Park who have stunned the visitors! A corner caught in the air, but the keeper was all over it- the outlet was perfect to their winger, Jelanie Jelan, and the Orangemen were suddenly off to the races. Some good passes, and an elite ball on the ground left striker Ochen Jjombwe one on one with the keeper in front of the goal, with the ability to hit it first time- and he went for power. That was successful- smashing it into the back of the net, and bringing hope to the home fans! It's 1-1!

Remember, a draw is good enough for the Phoenix, and a draw doesn't do anything to help Busemlu Park SC- so while blood pressure rates are surely up, nothing has changed- yet."

6:01 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

... "OH MY, THAT"S A SECOND FOR THE HOSTS! It's chaos here as Busemlu Park SC have seemingly done the impossible- come from behind, 31 minutes in, to take the lead against the league leaders! While the last goal was great team play, this one was more of an individual effort. They were on the front foot, trying to seemingly take advantage of the madness all around them. A late tackle gave them a free kick in a dangerous position, and Obasy Obey, the central midfielder, stepped up to take it. Quite literally, Busemlu Park SC's first direct free kick goal of the entire season, in all competitions- there's a reason they came into this matchday in an automatic relegation spot, folks. But talk about saving the best for last- that goal has taken them directly out of the relegation zone, and into the playoff!

He's gonna get a yellow for the extended celebrations, but he doesn't care- might have been the goal of his life! Can he build on it?"

6:09 PM- Isipongo Flash v. Askatasuna FC

... "MY GOD HE'S MISSED A SITTER! Idibal Amen cannot believe his eyes- the Askatasuna striker just had the chance of his life to put his team at the top of the running league table, and he missed. Wide open, from about 3 yards out. The away fans are shocked- they cannot believe their eyes. Nobody can, really. A brilliant piece of team play, where they got in behind the defense, and when the keeper came out, they played it across the face of goal- all Amen had to do was basically tap it in. But his eyes got big- he got too much into the moment, essentially- and instead of a light tap in, absolutely hammered the ball, with the mishit of a lifetime. What are Askatasuna to do?? They've got the help they needed, but they have over 2.00 xG in this half alone, and yet, it is 0-0 in Buganda. If Busemlu Park hold on, all they need is 1... But is 1 coming??"

6:16 PM- Isipongo Flash v. Askatasuna FC

... "It's the first minute of stoppage time, and we've got quite a violent tackle on display here in Isipongo! A counter for the Flash, where the midfielder was chopped down by Askatasuna CM Izri Wahab- and that's gonna cause the referee to have a long discussion. It's a tough decision to make for him, as players gather around him. Oo, a big judgement call here from the referee. Players from both sides surrounding him, there's some pushing and shoving- we need to clear players out of the way. He beckons over to the offender, who jogs over. THere's an intense discussion as he's reaching into his pocket... AND HE GRABS RED! A direct red- a bold move to show one in a match of this importance, but kudos to the ref for the fair call. The away fans are whistling, but that's a huge blow to their title hopes, which have been given a second lease on life."

6:19 PM- Both games

Halftime in both games! Here's the live table at halftime.

Teams in purple have ongoing games.

Banijan Soccer League         Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina Phoenix        46   29  13   4    69   25  +44   100 - If results hold, league champion
 2 Askatasuna FC              46   29  11   6    96   45  +51    98
 3 Hawabark Boulders          46   29   9   8    97   39  +58    96
 4 Aissa United               46   29   8   9    73   23  +50    95
 5 Busembe Timberwolves       46   28   6  12    90   35  +55    90
 6 Mukeruzi United            46   26  10  10    82   42  +40    88
 7 Rukunbi FC                 46   22  11  13    51   31  +20    77
 8 Dukuma SC                  46   21  14  11    54   43  +11    77
 9 Kabakono City              46   23   7  16    63   46  +17    76
10 Igulu City FC              46   23   6  17    64   48  +16    75
11 Corizova United            46   22   8  16    50   43   +7    74
12 Lakiska Kangaroos          46   21  10  15    53   40  +13    73
13 Bwubanza City SC           45   19  13  13    41   34   +7    70
14 Isipongo Flash             46   16  10  20    45   52   −7    58
15 Amaku City FC              46   15  10  21    42   50   −8    55
16 Mamari City                46   11  16  19    49   61  −12    49
17 Bunyoro RSC                46   13  10  23    47   66  −19    49
18 Djoro Athletic             46   12  11  23    29   53  −24    47
19 Bachaki Honey Badgers      46   10   8  28    33   67  −34    38
20 Lwanga Lions               46    9  10  27    24   66  −42    37
21 Busemlu Park SC            46    9  10  27    50   96  −46    37 - If results hold, will play in the BSL Qualifier playoff
22 Kabula United              46   10   6  30    31   78  −47    36 - If results hold, relegated directly to the regional leagues
23 Tezirbu Foxes              46    7   7  32    26   89  −63    28 - Worst Busogan team, relegated to the regional leagues
24 Kigagana Mountaineers      46    2   8  36    19  108  −89    14 - Worst Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues

6:35 PM- Both games kick off the second half

6:41 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

... "AND SIX MINUTES INTO THE SECOND HALF, THERE'S A THIRD GOAL IN BUSEMLU PARK! Oh my, chaos everywhere- the world has been turned upside down! It's another one for the team fighting relegation, against the league leaders trying to earn promotion - and this time, it's the captain, Abdelaziz, who has been the goalscorer for the hosts. Talk about a game, WOW! Doing everything they can to avoid relegation, and reach that playoff- they know that they need to win, and a 1 goal lead against the Phoenix, frankly, wasn't enough. A two goal lead, however... They might be able to hold onto that one! And the news has clearly gotten to Isipongo, where there is a light cheer from the Askatasuna FC fans.

Remember, at the top of the table- if this result holds in Busemlu Park, then Askatasuna FC, winning by any margin, would put them at the top of the table."

6:51 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

... "And just like that- they've gotten a goal back here at Allopu II Stadium, home of Busemlu Park Sporting Club. The Phoenix could not be held down forever, although there's a long, long climb to go. But we're in the 61st minute of the game, getting towards the business end, so to speak- and it is Araya Darge scoring for the Phoenix after a long, intense buildup. The Phoenix are going to be throwing players forward like crazy- right now, with this scoreline being at 3-2 in favor of the hosts, they've lost control of their own destiny. That's one back- but if the Flash, even down to 10 men, score just once- then that means the Phoenix will not be promoted this season, and that will obviously be hugely disappointing."

7:00 PM- Isipongo Flash v. Askatasuna FC

... "We're 70 minutes into the final set of matches of the season, and it is the 10 man Askatasuna FC who are throwing players forward like there is no tomorrow. They are living on the edge, so to speak, even though they have to- a draw does them no good. They have needed help all day, and they are getting help from Busemlu Park, of all teams- and yet, they can't do their own end of the bargain. THey've had chances to score, can't put them in, and they are leaving themselves dangerously exposed.

And we saw that in this situation, right here. A free kick to the Flash in a dangerous scenario, because Askatasuna got caught out, they had to come flying back down the pitch, and China Gorom was forced to foul instead of letting the opponents in on goal. Frankly, she was probably fortunate to only get a yellow in that scenario- and yet, that is where we join you from. The Flash are standing over the ball, prepared to strike. They've got a winger standing over the ball, and a striker in Askatasuna's wall. He steps forward, and they pass it to the man in the wall- who first time passes it left. That's the other winger diving down on it, and smashes it first time... INTO THE BACK OF THE NET! GOOOOAAAALLLLL FOR ISIPONGO! 1-nil to the Flash!"

.. Wow, shocking scenes- a 10 man Askastasuna FC concedes on a set piece, and as the news gets to Busemlu Park, there's a big cheer from the traveling Phoenix fans. Team searching desperately for a goal- they still want it, of course, but a little less desperately- a league title is a league title, even if you're not there when it's won, right?"

7:07 PM- Isipongo Flash v. Askatasuna FC

.... "And that might be the title race, as the Flash have scored again! This time on the counter. They needed two in the final 20 minutes, and were already down a man- so on a corner kick, throw literally everybody into the box and pray for the best. Everyone was in the box, it was punched out, and the Flash were flyign ahead on the counter-attack- the tired legs of Askatasuna FC did not have a chance to catch up. They functionally had a 3 on 1, and they stayed cool, calm, and collected- with Saran Timbo getting the finishing touches on the upset, just passing it into the back of the net. It sure seems as if the visitors know the gig is up- they're relying on Busemlu Park SC to hold, plus would have to score 3 with 10 men.

Tears from the visiting fans, and players- but hey, as the retiring manager for the home side, what a way to go out, right?"

7:16 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

"Despite trailing in the match, the visitors looked as if they were ready to get their party on, after the goals from the other side of the state. But the Phoenix were not done- they wanted to win this themselves, in their own way. The home side packed in, trying to do whatever they could to stay up- but the Phoenix were able to break this most stubborn resistance, as Christina Balonza, a little-used, 35 year old striker off the bench, just headed in the equalizer. And look, we get it- champions on your own terms. The home side are not doing well- they've thrown on all their defenders, and now, got to try and score one more goal, to take the lead, with their defenders on the pitch. They've got 4 minutes plus stoppage, can they do it? Unlikely, but... We'll see if the fans are partying together on the streets."

7:24 PM- Busemlu Park SC v. Herzegovina Phoenix

... "And 4 minutes into stoppage time, the Phoenix have a penalty kick of their own. Only three minutes have been given, so maybe this isn't even necessary- but the referee pointed, and the referee is going to have them take it. A tough pill to swallow, for Busemlu Park SC- for a team of their skill level, a heroic effort to try and stay up. But maybe people were simply asking too much of a team that is not known for being highly skilled. They've tried in the last 10 minutes, but yet, ended up on the wrong end of a counter- and a gridiron style tackle was the only thing that saved them from giving up a fourth goal. A red card shown, but this result is known anyways."

"For the Phoenix, they're officially going to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, as full-time was blown about 30 seconds ago in Isipongo- and the news is trickling into the stadium, as there are spatterings of 'we are the champions' being sung in the visitor's section. Is this penalty even necessary? The referee says it is, as he points to the spot. Who's taking it- it's gotta be Diango Fomba. 19 years old, he's got a chance to put an exclamation mark on this season- and he has! A cheeky way to end the season, a stutter step into a panenka, straight down the middle, as the goal is given and full-time is blown for- that's the season. The home fans are in tears- relegated to the regional leagues, and who knows when they will return? But for the Phoenix, this is a glorious day- league champions, and then off to the S-FPL. Onwards and upwards folks- onwards and upwards."

5:30 PM Results
Isipongo Flash 2–0 Askatasuna FC
Busemlu Park SC 3–4 Herzegovina Phoenix

BSL Final Table

   Banijan Soccer League     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Herzegovina Phoenix        46   30  13   3    72   26  +46   103 - League champion, promoted to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, qualifies for the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Askatasuna FC              46   29  10   7    96   47  +49    97 - Qualifies for the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Hawabark Boulders          46   29   9   8    97   39  +58    96 - Advances to the LBCT Qualification Playoff
 4 Aissa United               46   29   8   9    73   23  +50    95 - Advances to the LBCT Qualification Playoff
 5 Busembe Timberwolves       46   28   6  12    90   35  +55    90 - Advances to the LBCT Qualification Playoff
 6 Mukeruzi United            46   26  10  10    82   42  +40    88 - Advances to the LBCT Qualification Playoff
 7 Rukunbi FC                 46   22  11  13    51   31  +20    77
 8 Dukuma SC                  46   21  14  11    54   43  +11    77
 9 Kabakono City              46   23   7  16    63   46  +17    76
10 Igulu City FC              46   23   6  17    64   48  +16    75
11 Corizova United            46   22   8  16    50   43   +7    74
12 Lakiska Kangaroos          46   21  10  15    53   40  +13    73
13 Bwubanza City SC           46   20  13  13    43   34   +9    73
14 Isipongo Flash             46   17   9  20    47   52   −5    60
15 Amaku City FC              46   15  10  21    42   50   −8    55
16 Mamari City                46   11  16  19    49   61  −12    49
17 Bunyoro RSC                46   13  10  23    47   66  −19    49
18 Djoro Athletic             46   12  11  23    29   53  −24    47
19 Bachaki Honey Badgers      46   10   8  28    33   67  −34    38
20 Lwanga Lions               46    9  10  27    24   66  −42    37
21 Kabula United              46   10   6  30    31   78  −47    36 - Third worst Banijan team, advances to the BSL Qualifying Playoff
22 Busemlu Park SC            46    8  10  28    51   99  −48    34 - Second worst Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues
23 Tezirbu Foxes              46    7   7  32    26   89  −63    28 - Worst Busogan team, relegated to the regional leagues
24 Kigagana Mountaineers      46    2   8  36    19  108  −89    14 - Worst Banijan team, relegated to the regional leagues

LBCT Qualification Semifinals

Hawabark Boulders 3–0 Mukeruzi United
Aissa United 2–0 Busembe Timberwolves

And now, for the LBCT Qualification Semifinals. Single-legged playoffs for the LBCT semifinals- and both home teams won. Not a ton to write about here, as the Boulders and Aissa United both outclassed their invited guests, setting up a mouthwatering final. Both teams had good seasons, but disappointing- they would have been expecting to compete for a spot in the S-FPL, as opposed to being Banija's last entry into the Liga B Champions Trophy.

We're gonna have a list of mouthwatering Finals, all at the Stadium of the Restoration, coming up over the next few weeks. LBCT Qualification Playoff Final, the BSL Qualifying Playoff Final, and most importantly- the RBSA Cup Final. It's Finals season baby- who doesn't love it?

by **Banija** » Sat Feb 14, 2026 11:02 am

The RBSA Cup in Year 22 of the S-FPL Era

With the addition of 8 Lugave clubs, things have gotten a bit complicated- as there are now 77 teams in the Banijan soccer pyramid. There are 77 Banijan teams in the pyramid, across all three levels. 10 in the first tier(S-FPL), 21 in the second tier(Banijan Soccer League), and 46 in the third tier(the various regional leagues). Herzegovina City FC and Istria City FC, due to their participation in the Richard Outbox Cup, join the RBSA Cup in the 3rd round/Round of 16. As they are fixed participants in that tournament, it is fixed that they will enter this Cup late- no matter their league position in the previous season. Other fans hate on them for it, but of course, with their rather poor results in the Outbox Cup so far, it's simply ammo.

The entire tournament is single leg, home/away, play each match until there is a winner, until the Final- which is the same, except it takes place at the Stadium of the Restoration. Opponents are always randomly drawn.

Entry by Round
First Round- 38 teams. This includes all 6 Lugave State League teams(6), plus the bottom 8 teams in each of the other four Banijan regional leagues(32). (37 get a bye to the first round, 2 get a bye to the Round of 16).
Second Round - 56 teams. This includes 19 winners from the first round, plus 37 teams that have not yet entered. These 37 teams consist of the top two teams in each of the 4 Banijan regional leagues(8), the 21 Banijan teams in the BSL, and the 8 Banijan teams in the S-FPL. (2 teams get a bye to the Round of 16)
Third Round - 28 teams. This includes 28 winners from the second round. (2 teams get a bye to the Round of 16)
Round of 16 - 16 teams. This includes 14 winners from the third round, plus 2 teams that have not yet entered. (Those two teams are Herzegovina City FC and Istria City FC).
Quarterfinals - 8 teams.
Semifinals - 4 teams.
RBSA Cup Final - 2 teams.

First Round
Dodoma City Sporting 4–0 Okakameb City
Kitara Athletic Socie 1–0 Kwadama Dojo
Umbazi Footballers As 0–0 Madziton Sporting Club (1–0 AET)
Ekkobe Wanderers FC 0–1 AFC Akwadua
Garixas City 3–0 Sororo City
Ruhanga SC 0–4 Suwawa FC
Gazaea Thunder 2–5 Pumbasa Boars
Kiruvya Bulls 0–2 Slobochia Bears
Koszagard City 0–0 Selekawe Knights (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Taramazna United 0–1 Nanami Dragons
Thayaferu United 2–0 Barmos United
Eastern Moravica Foot 4–0 Kabula Stars
Lake Wakiso AFC 0–1 AFC Okahavi
Nsanka United 0–0 Baleweye FC (0–2 AET)
Sporting Kabezi 1–0 Ankazogana FC
Gadive City 0–0 Koksho City (0–1 AET)
Byakado City 2–3 Luguyala Patriots
Abomfa United 3–1 Mukegara Warriors
Zakuta City 0–0 Nsade United (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)

Second Round
Nanami Dragons 3–2 Igulu City FC
Busukuma AC 0–0 Bachaki Honey Badgers (1–1 AET) (3–2 pen.)
Luguyala Patriots 0–0 Busukuma Force (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Bunyoro RSC 1–0 Kabakono City
Kitara AA 4–0 Djoro Athletic
Koksho City 2–1 Capitol City FC
AFC Kosactus 1–1 Isipongo FLash (1–2 AET)
Dimbogourou Sporting 1–0 Hoima Warriors
Koszagard City 1–1 Sporting Kabezi (2–1 AET)
Zakuta City 1–1 Kabula United (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Boufaya Ravens 0–0 Pagazai Triceratopses (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Hawabark Boulders 0–1 Kigagana Mountaineers
Umbazi Footballers As 3–2 New Olympus FC
Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Busemlu Park SC
Garixas City 0–1 Baleweye FC
Thayaferu United 0–1 Duntho SC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–4 Jinja City FC
Eastern Moravica Foot 2–2 Lwanga Lions (2–3 AET)
Abomfa United 0–1 Askatasuna FC
AFC Okahavi 1–3 Bwubanza City SC
Corizova United 3–2 Ogbordu Diamond FC
Kitara Athletic Society 0–1 Suwawa FC
Amaku City 0–0 Dodoma City Sporting (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Slobochia Bears 3–1 AFC Akwadua
Mukeruzi United 0–1 TK Korp Mynda
Pumbasa Boars 1–0 Umbazi Metropolitan S
Rukunbi FC 1–2 Cerenus United
Mamari City 2–1 Aissa United

Third Round
Lwanga Lions 0–3 Kigagana Mountaineers
Dimbogourou Sporting 0–1 Busukuma Force
Isipongo FLash 1–1 Mamari City (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
TK Korp Mynda 0–0 Umbazi Footballers As (2–0 AET)
Kabula United 2–2 Cerenus United (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Pumbasa Boars 0–1 Jinja City FC
Boufaya Ravens 1–0 Bwubanza City SC
Slobochia Bears 0–0 Nanami Dragons (1–0 AET)
Busukuma AC 0–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Kitara AA 2–0 Suwawa FC
Bunyoro RSC 3–0 Baleweye FC
Askatasuna FC 1–0 Koksho City
Koszagard City 0–2 Duntho SC
Dodoma City Sporting 0–1 Corizova United

Round of 16
Busembe Timberwolves 1–2 Kigagana Mountaineers
Duntho SC 0–1 Askatasuna FC
Corizova United 1–0 Bunyoro RSC
TK Korp Mynda 2–0 Kabula United
Herzegovina City FC 2–1 Kitara AA
Busukuma Force 3–1 Mamari City
Istria City FC 0–1 Jinja City FC
Slobochia Bears 0–1 Boufaya Ravens

What are the highlights of the first four rounds? Well, lots of interesting stuff. Of course, even with the new format, Istria City and Herzegovina City both enter directly into the Round of 16, due to match congestion concerns in regards to their participation in the Outbox Cup. As for the Outbox Cup, well... Once again, they were both dropped from the tournament early. They both won their first round games- Istria City opening the season with a 3-2 win over the Hessport Pioneers of Drawkland, while Herzegovina City went to Drawkland and defeated the Drawk Corps, by the same scoreline. But in the quarterfinals of said tournament, both teams were dropped. Both traveled and had poor results- Istria City FC falling in Ranoria, to a last minute to Ashialand Blizzard, while Herzegovina City got outclassed by the Walstreim Lions, 3-1, in South Newlandia. Tough scenes for both of those teams.

And yet, for Istria City, came to the RBSA Cup- and were immediately dropped at home in the Round of 16. 1-0 to Jinja City FC. Herzegvoina City, on the other hand, beat Kitara AA, by a scoreline of 2-1. But upsets everywhere! Hoima Warriors, the defending champions of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, getting dropped, 1-0, by regional league side Dimbogourou Sporting Club, in their first game of the tournament. Or the Mountaineers, who have been overwhelmed basically in every week of the BSL season, launching upset after upset- even beating both the TImberwolves and the Boulders, who are top 6 teams in the BSL, away from home. Upsets everywhere!

Ultimately, strength up and down the table is shown. 8 teams left- 4 S-FPL teams, 3 BSL teams, and 1 regional league side- in the quarterfinals, and all three professional tiers are represented. Of course, there are so few top tier teams in Banija (just 10 of the 22 S-FPL sides are Banijan), which certainly effects this number big time- but hey, once you're in the last 8 of a 77 team competition, that trophy is coming clear into view- is this what dreams are made of?

RBSA Cup Quarterfinals

Jinja City FC 0–1 Busukuma Force
Kigagana Mountaineers 6–0 Corizova United
Askatasuna FC 0–2 Herzegovina City FC
Boufaya Ravens 0–1 TK Korp Mynda

And now, for the last 8 of the RBSA Cup Quarterfinals! First, we went off to Jinja City- who just beat Istria City. But in the only S-FPL v. S-FPL matchup of the round, we got Jinja City taking on the Busukuma Force at home. And... In a match where a team that's expected to challenge for a league title are big time favorites to get a trophy, it is the Busukuma Force who come out smelling like roses! It was a game that was always going to be a cagey affair- Jinja City being one of the original 'Big 5' Banijan clubs, only two of which are left in this year's competition. And well, it was an early counter-attack that saw them take the lead- with a 27th minute goal from Chibuo Chibueze, their leading striker. And after that, while Jinja City dominated possession, it was stout defending by the Force that ensured them a semifinal appearance. While they will be fighting to stay alive in league play, it's performances like this that give their fans hope- that they can remain a long-term S-FPL club.

Second, the Mountaineers. Now, the Mountaineers have been terrible, all season long, in the Banijan Soccer League. "Frankly," said one TV commentator. "They might be the worst Banijan team we've ever seen in the second tier- simply too big of a mountain to climb." And while yes, their league form reflects that, it's like they've got a whole new breath of life in the cup. A little lucky that they haven't faced any S-FPL teams yet? Sure- but these are teams that all mostly dominated them across league play, in the BSL. And Corizova United, who finished 13 spots ahead of them in the league, came to Kigagana- and not only lost, but got steamrolled. 6-0?? Where the hell did a score like that come from? It might have been the best match the Mountaineers have played- ever. Up 2-0 after 8 minutes, up 5-0 at the half, you would have thought they were a top ranked S-FPL team dismantling a regional league side, not next year's regional league side completely destroying a mid-table side above them. There have been miracles in this cup- but this would certainly take the cake, wouldn't it?

Askatasuna FC has been having their best season, legitimately, since the S-FPL era began, 22 seasons ago. Find themselves fighting at the top of the table for a league title, even in the second tier- and then, in the cup, fighting all the way to the semifinals. They haven't won a trophy in 33 seasons- and they are fighting for one on two fronts. Now, to get here, they beat 2 regional league sides in the first two rounds- which, fair enough. Then, they took on Duntho SC- who were freshly promoted to the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, in the round of 16. And it was Askatasuna FC, who faced down, and beat, their former second tier league rivals, 1-0. An upset, with right midfielder Pascal Yossi scoring the game's only goal. And now, an even bigger beast to slay- Banija's biggest club, Herzegovina City Football Club. Could they slay the giants? The answer... Not this time. They gave it a valiant effort- and to their credit, didn't park the bus. They were going for it, and even had the better of it in the first half. But when their golden opportunity came, on a half-volley, they caught the keeper frozen but hit the post. The Trumpeteers' talent eventually overwhelmed them, and then Mor Buday, followed by Mersias, both scored in the second half(62nd and 66th minutes, respectively) to put the upstarts behind them.

Lastly, we have TK Korp Mynda taking on the only regional league side remaining in the competition- the Boufaya Ravens. A good season for the Ravens, one where they were just 1 point off the pace of a Southern League title. And, of course, a cup run. But all good things must come to an end- and their Cinderella run stopped here. TK Korp Mynda are simply a team with the resources to overwhelm the Ravens, and while they didn't exactly do that- they did cruise mostly to a 1-0 victory. Gervasio Lavorin, the Farf-Banijan dual-national who is their target man, scored the only goal of the game with a header in the 43rd minute, that was enough to be the difference.

RBSA Cup Semifinals

Kigagana Mountaineers 0–4 TK Korp Mynda
Busukuma Force 1–1 Herzegovina City FC (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)

Now, for the semifinals! We've talked a lot about Askatasuna FC's chase for their first trophy in 33 seasons- but what about TK Korp Mynda? Ever since the nationalization of professional football in Banija, 35 seasons ago, they haven't won a single trophy. Yup, that's right- their last trophy was the Aksum State League title. THe last time the Aksum State League was running, Banija was getting 0 points in World Cup 73 Qualifying. A team that has always been in the top flight- never been relegated from the S-FPL, which is a legitimate accomplishment considering they aren't one of Banija's 'big' clubs. But no trophies either- and their fans are desperate. They got a favorable draw, traveling to altitude to take on the Kigagana Mountaineers- and they crushed them. A 4-0 route of the second tier's worst side sent TK Korp Mynda flying high to the Final.

Just to show you how crazy this feat actually is. Like we said- TK Korp Mynda have won 0 trophies in the last 35 seasons, the entirely modern era of Banijan football. Back then, they were known as Mynda Soccer Club. A founding member of the Premier Soccer League, the predecessor to the Banijan Soccer Leauge- and yet, not a single trophy. Nowhere near any, actually. And now, they've clinched a spot in the Final- Mynda is going crazy. Honestly, a hell of a time to be from Aksum, as a state, in general. Aksum State University- champions of the NSCAA. Could Mynda(!), of all places, be the next place to earn their first ever RBSA Cup trophy, in the modern era?

The other semifinal, was in Busukuma- the same city, although certainly not the same venue, as where the final will take place. The Busukuma Force, taking on the Trumpeteers, at home. Biggest game in club history? Honestly, some might say so- it would be a monumental upset for them to reach the final. And while the first half was mostly defensive on both sides, in the second half, the Force came swinging out of the gate. When Ebele Uchee, their right winger, created some space for himself and got a goal, it was literally a stadium-shaking moment- 'loudest part of the night', per the commentators. Maybe a moment that changes fortunes at the club- a team whose fanbase are known for being plastics, and widely considered the 'smallest' and 'weakest' fanbase in the S-FPL, a moment that could bring them that spotlight that they so desperately crave. But Herzegovina City FC are the biggest club in Banija for a reason- and the least likely man to score, Fjóla Albertsdóttir, a CB, scored on a header in the 88th minute to silence the crowd, and send it to extra time.

Extra time came and went- the visitors created some chances, but they went to penalties. For Herzegovina City, all four of their takers buried their penalties- Buday, Mersias, Atum Al-Abib(who came off the bench), and Musoke Owole. But for the home side, it was the first and third penalties that went wary- the Force's opening penalty was saved by Herzegovina City keeper Kasozi Ssempewo, and the third penalty, shot by Busukuma Force #10 Jelanea Chydee, was skied above the crossbar- a heartbreaking loss for the Busukuma Force.

And wow, we have set ourselves up for quite a RBSA Cup Final- Herzegovina City FC, who are the holders and defending champions of this cup, as well as widely considered Banija's biggest club- against TK Korp Mynda- who do not have a single trophy in the modern era. The two northern clubs will make the trek down here, with TK Korp Mynda in particular driven for this particular moment.

Who will triumph? We will find out, very, very soon.

by **Banija** » Sun Mar 08, 2026 11:13 pm

Banijan Domestic Soccer in year 22 of the S-FPL Era: Postseason

Three finals, all played at the Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region

BSL Qualifying Playoff Final
Played at The Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija

Kabula United v. Umbazi Metropolitan SC

The question here, is simple- can the Lugave side stay up? Umbazi Metropolitan SC, by all accounts, should not be down here in the regional leagues- they are a founding member of the S-FPL. They went straight down and never have been back, mind you, but still- a former first tier side just languishing and toiling away in the third tier, a tough time for them. Meanwhile Kabula United, an expansion team, in the second tier- the Umbazi side looking to do everything possible to stay up.

They were favorites in this match- but, in the 9th minute, a brilliant counter-attack by Kabula United saw their Busogan attacking midfielder, Mertkan Koc, score on a brilliant cutback pass to give the BSL side an early 1-0 lead. Sometimes, a singular early goal can define a match- and for this match, it did. Kabula United, quite literally, parked the bus for the rest of the game- just threw everyone in defense, gave up on trying to possess the ball, and just squeezed the life out of this one. "Undoubtedly, one of the worst games I've ever seen- haram ball tactics." Said a Banijan TV commentator. But hey- sometimes, in these one game playoffs, it is not about looking pretty- it is about results, and Kabula United held on for the 1-0 win.

They will stay up in Banija's second tier, while Umbazi Metropolitan SC will go back down.

Kabula United 1–0 Umbazi Metropolitan SC

LBCT Qualification Playoff Final
Played at The Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija

Aissa United v. Hawabark Boulders

And now, time for the LBCT Qualification Playoff Final! Also at the Stadium of the Restoration- with Aissa United and the Hawabark Boulders both competing for that slot. The Boulders are a former champion of that competition, of course, so maybe it means a little bit more to them. Regulation was interesting, but didn't really have a ton of drama. Soumahoro scored in the 27th minute to give the Boulders a 1-0 lead, but in the 39th minute, Kasozi Mizilsa was already equalizing for Aissa United. It was when this game got to extra time, where things really got interesting. Vanorian winger Marius Haugum, for Aissa United, thought that he had a match winner in the 106th minute, when he was able to chip the keeper on a counter-attack. But the Boulders kept pressing, chasing that equalizer- and in the 118th minute, Jacques Kanté responded with a bicycle kick. In that moment, in a final, a move like that- and it works! Dramatic.

The two teams went to penalties, and despite Hawabark having the momentum from the late equalizer- it was Aissa United who kept their composure. Sadiki Nkanga and Dinkee Jawo both straight up missed their penalties, as Aissa United went a perfect 4/4 from the slot, and punched their ticket to the IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy competition. A tough one to swallow for Hawabark, while a strong accomplishment for Aissa United- they'll have a ittle more money to spend to improve their squad over the Summer, as they try to earn promotion next season.

Aissa United 1–1 Hawabark Boulders (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)

RBSA Cup Final
Played at The Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija

TK Korp Mynda v. Herzegovina City FC

At the Stadium of the Restoration, in the heart of the Banijan capitol! TK Korp Mynda v. Herzegovina City FC. These two clubs, could not be more opposite. Herzegovina City are family owned- TK Korp Mynda are owned by the Tumbran corporation, TK Korp. Herzegovina City are the biggest club in Banija, winning trophies basically all the time. TK Korp Mynda do not have a single trophy in the modern era. That's right- they haven't won a single bit of silverware- no cup, no league, no international trophy, no nothing- of any kind, at any point in the last 35 seasons. Their only real accomplishment is that they've managed to avoid relegation at any point across the last 22 seasons of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League era. So their fans are hopeful- nay, desperate- that they get this trophy. And why not against Herzegovina City?

Both sets of fans trekked in from the north, although with this game being a bigger one for TK Korp Mynda, it seemed as if their fans staged a takeover of Busukuma. While the actual ticket sales were largely split, 50/50, TK Korp Mynda fans basically took the entire city by storm- every bar you went to, everywhere you looked, saw TK Korp Mynda jerseys just filling the place. And they had reason for jubilation- they were on the front foot in the first half, a move that seemed to catch the Trumpeteers by surprise. It was a successful choice, as Jenyose Ochang, their central midfielder, ended scoring the game's opening goal in the 41st minute. They took that 1-0 lead into halftime, with their fans bellowing, and ready to explode with excitement- was the payoff for TK Korp Mynda fandom finally here?

"These guys got to remember- we are Herzegovina City." Aaron Aiza said after the match. And, frankly, he was correct. They had the stronger squad, they knew how these kinds of moments went- and they were not going to let their ability to earn this trophy escape from their grasp. They came flying out of the gates in the secon dhalf, and Mor Buday scored the equalizing goal in the 49th minute, to tie the game at 1 goal a piece. From that point forward, it was all Herzegovina City- and it became a question of when, not if, they'd score their winner. Amat Kakay ended up providing the moment, in the 71st minute, with a solid header on the back post that gave the Trumpeteers a 2-1 lead. But the real celebrations began just 4 minutes later- with Mersias scoring to make it 3-1, therefore basically ending any hopes TK Korp Mynda had at a trophy.

A tough one to swallow for TK Korp Mynda- when is their next chance at their first trophy of the modern era? They aren't really that competitive in the league, and they haven't qualified for any IFCF competitions- they've got to win the Cup. A tough loss. Herzegovina City, on the other hand, will be thankful for this win. They'll not only enter the Cup Winner's Cup, but the Hui La as well, thanks to this victory- and they will thoroughly enjoy their time in both competitions.

TK Korp Mynda 1–3 Herzegovina City FC

Hui La Final
Played at The Battleground(cap. 78,000) in Raynor City, Valanora

Raynor City United v. Hoima Warriors

A Cup Final, here in Raynor City. Against the biggest club in the world, on their home ground- Hoima v. Raynor City United. "This is a huge opportunity for our club, the ability to get an international trophy. They are the rarest of trophies, the hardest to get." Faraba Sarr, the manager, told reporters before the match. "We will not play with fear, however- we are going to attack the game, play our brand of football, and do what we can to put our players in the best position to succeed." Former Banijan Katikkiro, Xolile Lubabalo, attended the match, as she's a huge Hoima Warriors fan. The hype surrounding this match was huge, because of the stakes.

The two teams played this match, almost evenly. Raynor City United was also going after the Banijan squad, like the Warriors were going after them- setting up play after play after play, doing their absolute best to try and gain an advantage. Who doesn't want to be the hero in a final? While the hosts would get the opening goal, the Warriors would provide a quick response. A great pass to Satong Bonda, who was able to score from close range, and make it 1-1. In the 36th minute, the Warriors found a way to score another goal- this time, via their Quebecois striker, Barron-Hwang, giving herself just a little bit of space, and then finding the upper corner with precision. Just before halftime, the home team scored again. 2-2 at half.

Nothing to choose between the two teams. And Raynor City United had their fair share of chances in the second half- they just, somehow, left their finishing boots in the locker room. Still, they hit the post once, and hit the underside of the crossbar on a different occasion- two shots where, if you had changed the combined trajectories less than 6 inches, you would have had a pair of goals for the home side to celebrate. Still, it's those fine margins that are both the pain, and beauty, of sport. It allowed Hoima to continue to grow into the game, and for Buweeka to scored the go-ahead goal in the 73rd minute- and then for Adrien Manaudou Lajoie, just 5 minutes later, to score himself on a header, off of a corner kick, to make it 4-2.

Regional champions! A massive day in the history of the Hoima Warriors, a team who has mostly suffered mightily in the S-FPL era. Are we now living in the Hoima era of football?

(VAL)		Raynor City United		2–4		Hoima Warriors		(BNJ)

Promotions/Relegations in Banija- A Summary
Shango-Fogoa Premier League
Relegated- Busukuma Force

Banijan Soccer League
Promoted- Herzegovina Phoenix

Relegated- Kigagana Mountaineers(Banija)
Relegated- Tezirbu Foxes(Busoga)
Relegated- Busemlu Park SC(Banija)

Regional League System
Promoted- Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Promoted- AFC Kosactus(Banija)
Promoted- Kabula Stars(Banija)

by **Banija** » Tue Apr 07, 2026 2:31 pm

OOC Note: With SNL no longer doing the LPB, this RP series will be focused on the Triceratops lone season in the LPB, and the IC demise of the leageu from the Busukuma perspective. All results scorinated by SNL. So while the league results are canon, the surrounding storyline of the team, and the demise of the league is NOT considered canon- SNL has made clear that each user with players in the league can approach the end of the LPB as they see fit, including having the league continue ICly in the background.

The Demise of the Busukuma Triceratops- Part 1

This RP takes place on the 51st floor of a high-rise building in the financial district of Busukuma

Kuseka Machachi, the principal owner of the Busukuma Triceratops, was smiling. The views from this building were incredible- you could see, seemingly, half of Busukuma from up here. He had just had dinner with the Mayor, and it had been quite productive. Talking about how the Triceratops were ready to take over this city, how the Dinos were legitimately competing to be the singular best team in the SNL South. They were 100 games into the season, and the Triceratops sat at 57-43. Looking at a playoff spot, and basically neck and neck for the division- 1 game back, with 60 to play, is, indeed, forever and a day, especially in baseball terms.

It was a good first season. They had a very competitive roster, and they were making a serious playoff push. The stadium was running on-time- it was on track to be ready by next March, aka, shortly before Opening Day. He had successfully requested that next season, the Triceratops first 12 games would be on the road, as well, just in case they needed a bit of extra time to get the new stadium ready. Sun Valley Stadium, despite being a gridiron stadium, was actually being a pretty good host. Using a gridiron stadium wasn't the most ideal- but baseball and gridiron teams have been sharing stadiums since the beginning of time, so in a way, it was a way for this brand new, relocated team, to draw upon history- even if lack of history here, the history of the sport in general.

They were getting ready for the stretch run. Kuseka put his feet up on his desk. A good day's work. The team was in the midst of the all-star break, but they'd have a three-game set at home coming up- and he was off to a local elementary school to announce free tickets for a class of 3rd third graders, who all raised money the city's orphanages.

Well, after admiring, he got up and was ready to go. Just then, his chief of staff came barging into his offer. "Sir!" He said, panting.

"Calm down man- what's up?" Machachi replied.

"Sir, the stadium workers are on strike!!" He exclaimed.

"Strike? Why the hell would they be on strike? Didn't we reach a deal with the union 4 months ago? Those grubby bast-"

"Sir, you didn't see the news from South Newlandia?"

"What news from South Newalndia?" Machachi responded. The chief of staff flew out of the room- and 30 seconds later, he flew back with something from the fax machine. A press release from the LPB. Machachi then suddenly remembered- he was supposed to go to a leaguewide ownership meeting, on zoom, earlier that afternoon. He had missed that- but the midseason meetings were usually not important. But he read down the list.

Machachi's eyes then got wide before exclaiming "Holy shit- the league is WHAT?!?!"

by **Banija** » Fri Apr 10, 2026 12:57 pm

OOC Note: With SNL no longer doing the LPB, this RP series will be focused on the Triceratops lone season in the LPB, and the IC demise of the league from the Busukuma perspective. All results scorinated by SNL. So while the league results are canon, the surrounding storyline of the team, and the demise of the league is NOT considered canon- SNL has made clear that each user with players in the league can approach the end of the LPB as they see fit, including having the league continue ICly in the background.

The Demise of the Busukuma Triceratops- Part 2

This RP takes place one week after Part 1

Kuseka Machachi was sitting there, stressed. He had seen the press release, and then hopped on the first flight he could to South Newlandia- he, obviously, needed to get to the bottom of this mess. He had a representative at league headquarters in South Newlandia, of course- but this was something that he needed to handle personally. He had requested, and gotten, a meeting with the Commissioner. The meeting, naturally, had gone fairly poorly- the league was closing doors for a myriad of reasons, and there was nothing that Machachi could do about it. He had meetings with a few other owners, who all told him the same thing- it was unfortunately, but unfortunately, this would be the final season of the LPB.

Eventually, Machachi went back to Busukuma, in defeat. The league was indeed disbanding. The first thing he had to deal with, was his striking workers. Of course, he could not finish the stadium now. Would the City be pissed at him that he had a half-built stadium on some prime, beachfront real estate in South Busukuma? Of course! But what was he supposed to do- he had no interest in becoming the third Busukuma team in the domestic professional system, and he knew that the Rhinos were very unlikely to be the team that would buy it from him. So he had no choice but to abandon the project. Fortunately, he was able to come to a quick deal with the labor union that was building the stadium- three months severance for all the workers, and of course, they were basically off the job immediately.

There was stress, of course, in the locker room. And so Machachi, after landing a deal with the labor union building his brand new stadium, decided to have a meeting with the team. "Players, coaches- I know this is a stressful time, we all do, with the closure of the league." He told the entire locker room. He had called an all-hands on deck meeting, that very morning- so much more than the locker room was there. The players, all sorts of staff, etc... "The LPB has been the best league in the world for 9 full seasons- and now, we are reaching its end. We cannot simply cry that it is over- but we must celebrate the fact that it happened in the first place. We were a part of something bigger than ourselves, and I am glad that we made it to Banija."

He paused, and then continued. "I pledge to all of you- once the season is over, I will do everything in my power to ensure every single one of you have jobs at your level, in baseball next season- either here in Banija, or elsewhere, if you may choose. But now, let's focus on the current season. We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to the hard work we put in this spring, and we owe it to the fans from this city and beyond- to win as many games as we can! To make the playoffs, and then- who knows what will happen from there on out? We've got a team good enough to make a run- to at least meet the giant behemoth that we call the Blue Sox in the playoffs. This is our first, and our last ride together boys- let's make it count, and make memories that will last us a lifetime!"

The room cheered. Everybody stood up, and recommitted themselves- while the future was unclear, all efforts would go on ensuring that this season went on as long as possible. The goal was October baseball- could they reach it?

by **Banija** » Tue Apr 28, 2026 9:35 am

Year 23 of Banija's Regional Soccer Leagues in the S-FPL Era: Basic Info

The Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA), in conjunction with the Busoga Islander Soccer Association(BISA). is proud to present the third tier of the soccer pyramid in both Banija and the Busoga Islands- the Regional League system. This season will see the first major reformation since Year 10, when the Northwestern League split into Busogan and Moravican leagues. The Lugave State League was added to the system last year, in Year 22, which means there are now 6 regional leagues- the Busogan National League, the Moravican First Division, the Southern League, the Northern League, and the Lower Coastal League, in addition to the Lugave State League. The first five leagues have 10 teams each, while the Lugave State League has 6 teams, for a total of 56 teams across 6 leagues, and 2 countries, in this tier.

The league formats are simple. For the Busogan National League, the Moravican First Division, the Southern League, the Northern League, and the Lower Coastal League, each of these 10-team leagues will be a quadruple round robin, for a total of 36 games. For the Lugave State League, this 6-team league will be a septule round robin, for a total of 35 games.

This will be the twenty-ninth season of full integration of the Regional League System into the Banijan soccer pyramid. Years 1-9 this served as the 2nd tier of the Banijan soccer pyramid, but now it is in its 22nd season as the country's third tier with the formation of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. There is no relegation as this is the final professional tier in the Banijan league system. Promotion happens on a national basis- separate promotion/relegation process for the Busogan teams, as the Banijan teams.

Last year was the first year of significant reform since the creation of the separate Busogan National League. With Banija's northward expansion, there are teams from Lugave that now need a home within the pyramid. There were 8 surviving professional clubs from Lugave. The top two teams from Lugave as an independent country entered the second tier, while the other 6 teams entered the system as part of the Lugave State League.

For the Banijan teams, the five regional champions will enter into a single round robin group stage against each other, with each team playing two home games, and two away games (4 games total). The group winner will earn direct promotion to the BSL, while the second & third place teams will play a further two legged playoff against each other, for the right to play in the BSL Qualifying Playoff against the 2nd worst Banijan finisher from the BSL, for the last promotion spot.

Of course, the Corizova rule remains in place on the Banijan side. The Corizova rule is this- any team that wins their regional league for three seasons in a row, earns automatic promotion to the BSL(without having to go through the Promotion Playoff), and the Promotion Playoff will only have 3 teams. Last season, AFC Kosactus were the first team to take advantage of that rule, and earn direct promotion with three league titles in a row- skipping the playoff altogether. No team is Corizova rule eligible this season, although Dimbogourou Sporting Club, Pagazai Trceratopses, and Umbazi Metropolitan SC are the league's returning champions.

On the Busogan side, they have their own set of rules. The champion is promoted, and if the worst finishing Busogan team in the BSL finishes 10th or worse, then that is automatic. If the worst finishing Busogan team is 9th or 8th, there is a one game playoff, hosted by the Busogan National League champion. If the worst finishing Busogan team in the BSL finishes 4th through 7th, the one game playoff is hosted by that very Busogan BSL side. If the worst finishing Busogan team is third or better(this would require for there to be at least one Busogan team in the S-FPL, and then the other Busogan teams entirely in the top 3 of the BSL, then there is no pro/rel that season.

Of course, that's extremely unlikely considering how Busogan teams have generally performed since the beginning of the modern era. On the other hand, there could be multiple promotions/relegations. Any Busogan team that finishes in the bottom 5(18th or worse out of 22), must 'earn their place' in the league. So, for example, if only one team is 18th or worse- then they are automatically relegated. But what if, for example, three of the four Busogan teams in the BSL finish 18th or worse? Then the worst team is automatically relegated- but the other two would play in playoffs for their BSL slot. The second worst team would play the #2 team in the Busogan National League, while the third worst team would play the #3 team in the Busogan National League- those games, also one game playoffs, hosted by the National League sides.

You with us? Without further ado! The 56 regional league sides in Banija and the Busoga Islands!

Teams Promoted from last season out of the regional leagues
Promoted- Tripoli Foresters(Busoga)
Promoted- AFC Kosactus(Banija)
Promoted- Kabula Stars(Banija)

Teams relegated from BSL into the regional leagues this season
Relegated- Kigagana Mountaineers(Banija)
Relegated- Tezirbu Foxes(Busoga)
Relegated- Busemlu Park SC(Banija)

Note: There are 2 teams playing outside their assigned geographical regional league. AFC Okahavi are in the Lugave State League(geographically they'd be in the Northern League), and Busemlu Park SC are in the Lower Coastal League(geographically they'd be in the Southern League).

Busogan National League
Consists only of teams from the Busoga Islands
1. Altica FC. Location: Altica, South Island, Busoga Islands. Color: Red.