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Derrick Akampurira
SC Volcanoes have made history with FUFA Big League Promotion After Eliminating Booma FC marking as the first sports club from kisoro district to earn direct Fufa big league promotion ticket .
Goal keeper Andrew Ssekandi emerged as the savior as SC Volcanoes (Mutorele sc) wrote a new chapter in their history by securing promotion to the FUFA Big League after eliminating Booma FC in the promotion playoffs.
The decisive second-leg playoff match ended in a goalless draw (0-0) at Kakeeka Playground in Kakumiro District. The result was enough to send the Kisoro-based side through, following their 1-0 first-leg victory and an unbeaten campaign in the Western Regional League.
SC Volcanoes arrived at Kakeeka Playground at exactly 2:03 PM, finding the hosts already at the venue ahead of the highly anticipated encounter. The match kicked off at 3:08 PM before a packed crowd, with both teams enjoying strong support from their respective fans as Booma FC pulled big number of home fanbase where as SC Volcanoes pulled promising a way number of fans who some travelled from Kisoro and Kagadi creating a vibrant atmosphere at the pitch.
The hosts started aggressively and dominated the opening ten minutes, applying heavy pressure on the Volcanoes defence. However, the defensive partnership of Alijuna (No. 5) and Bafana (No. 3) remained solid, repeatedly intercepting dangerous long passes intended for Booma’s attackers.
Booma continued to push forward, particularly through their winger wearing shirt No. 11, but SC Volcanoes gradually settled into the match. By the closing stages of the first half, the visitors had regained composure and controlled possession better, resulting in a goalless first half.
After the restart, both sides battled intensely in midfield. SC Volcanoes captain Mandela Alex and Fiat orchestrated attacks from the centre of the park, linking up with Muhairwe (No. 7) and Shaban (No. 14), whose pace troubled the Booma defence.
The turning point came in the 68th minute when goalkeeper Andrew Ssekandi produced a brilliant save to deny a powerful effort from Booma’s winger, shirt No. 11.
Booma refused to back down and continued attacking through corners, set pieces and dangerous crosses. However, defender Ikooza Derrick (No. 6) marshalled the backline superbly, making crucial interceptions and clearances.
Ssekandi was again called into action later in the second half, producing another vital save to deny Booma’s striker wearing No. 9.
SC Volcanoes almost found a winner in the 75th minute when substitute Emmanuel Ogwang (No. 10), who had replaced the injured Muhairwe, delivered a cross to Shaban inside the penalty area. Unfortunately for the visitors, the chance went begging.
The most dramatic moment arrived in the 88th minute when Booma created multiple opportunities inside the Volcanoes penalty area and once again, Ssekandi stood firm, producing a remarkable save from another dangerous effort by Booma’s No. 11 to preserve the clean sheet.
The final minutes saw SC Volcanoes defend resolutely as Sunny (No. 11), Magende and captain Mandela worked tirelessly to protect their advantage. When the final whistle sounded, celebrations erupted among the travelling fans as SC Volcanoes confirmed their place in the FUFA Big League.
Speaking after the match, captain Mandela Alex praised his teammates for their determination noting that from the beginning of the season their target was promotion to the FUFA Big League.
He added that, The match was not easy, but every player was focused on achieving their objective.
Mandela further pledged that the club’s long term ambition is to reach the Uganda Premier League now since their first mission is fulfilled.
Goalkeeper Andrew Ssekandi, whose three crucial saves proved decisive, acknowledged the difficulty of the contest explained that it was tough game as Booma attacked throughout though as the team they were prepared well and remained disciplined and working as the team .
He commended the fans and management for their continued support saying their support it motivated us the team.
SC Volcanoes head coach and former Uganda Cranes midfielder Patrick Ochan described the achievement as the reward for a long and demanding campaign.
He said that they have completed the season unbeaten, with only draws against Gorilla Highlands and todays playoffs with Booma FC.
He said that,the Promotion to the Big League was their mission from day one, and they are proud to have achieved the goal.
Ochan also revealed that his current contract expires at the end of this season and his still waiting to see if his contract will be renewed or not.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Booma FC head coach were unsuccessful, as he wasn’t ready for interviews after the match.
Meanwhile speaking to sc volcanoes club president, Dr. Martin K. Mbonye, described the promotion as a landmark moment not only for SC Volcanoes but also for the entire kisoro district
He said that,For the first time in the history of kisoro district, a football club has earned promotion to this elite level of competition
He added that, SC Volcanoes embarked on the season with a clear ambition of reaching the Uganda Big League and remained focused on that objective throughout the campaign.
He attributed the club’s success to the dedication of its management, technical team, players, sponsors, media team, and loyal supporters.
He also highlighted that the succes also contained hard work, discipline, sacrifice, and determination, with the team demonstrating consistency and resilience in their quest for higher-level football.
As volcanoes celebrate the achievement, the club president also emphasized that promotion is only the beginning of a larger vision for club saying that the promotion is expected to boost football development in Kisoro District, creating new opportunities for talented young players while raising the profile of the region on Uganda’s football map.
The result marks a historic milestone for SC Volcanoes, who now look forward to competing in the FUFA Big League after an impressive unbeaten season.
