The hard working defender has joined Arua Hill SC on a two-year deal. He links up with Charles L. Mbabazi, his former manager at Onduparaka and Wakiso Giants, with the deal also including extension option.

“It’s a move I’ve longed for, with it being officialized I feel relaxed and comfortable because now I can get to concentrate in the pitch,” Atendele told club media.

“We’ve discussed much with the coaches, now we want to work towards actualizing our dream.” He added.

Atendele joins from Wakiso Giants after playing for the Purple Sharks for a season and half. Prior to that, Atendele played for Regional league sides Kiboga Young in 2016/17 and Koboko Rising Stars for the seasons 2017/18 and 2018/19.

He also featured in the Buganda Masaza Cup with Gomba Lions in 2015, before winning the competition with Buddu in 2016 and finishing 3^rd with the same side the following edition. 2018 saw him feature in the same competition for Bugerere whereas 2019 for Buddu.

He made his Uganda Premier League debut following his move to Onduparaka FC in the first round of the 2019/20 season where his display attracted interest from Wakiso Giants which he joined in the second half of the 2019/20 season.

An offensive–minded right-sided full-back, Atendele is known for his hardworking, crossing, which tempts him to advance forward, make overlapping runs, provide width to his team and link-up with the attack.

Regarded as one of the best right-backs in the Uganda Premier League, despite making his top flight presentation as recent as 2019, he is also known for his aggressiveness and consistency as well as his defensive ability.

In the opinion of pundits, he is such a well-balanced player in both defensive and offensive aspect of his game.

Arua Hill SC are up against Kataka in their next StarTimes FUFA Big League game on Wednesday 19, at the Mbale Municipal Stadium.

The Leopards will look to ensure they re-discover winning touch as well as gain a fifth victory when they visit Godfrey Toldo’s squad, following their 1-1 draw with Blacks Power two days ago.

Arua Hill has the discernment of what awaits them after Kataka defeated Calvary FC 1-0 last Monday.

In the reverse fixture at Barifa back in March, goals from Caeser Okhuti, Allan Mugalu and Alfred Leku made sure we triumphed 3-0 in Arua.

The clash kicks off at 4PM and we’ll have text commentary produced through fans Whatsapp groups. Alternatively you may follow updates via our official Twitter, Facebook pages and website.

The Leopards with depth know there is no room for error if they are to keep hold on the summit after disappointingly giving away the chance to win in Bukedea.

A win against Kataka FC will elevate our points to 19 on Elgon Group as we continue to steer our way to the dreamland.

Kataka feels unstoppable for obvious reasons, and will be ready to prove it again with maintenance of winning mentality by building on from their recent win.

Team News

Mbalangu has confirmed that our captain Caeser Okhuti may need more time before appearing on the match day sheet. Allan Mugalu meanwhile is available for the game following a impressive training.  Given the demands of the game,  Kenya International Telvin Maina may have to wait for a home game before he could make his debut.

“Mugalu has recovered and he has 80% chance of playing which is good news because he is our strong pillar when it comes to attacking but Okhuti is still down and we shall not force him but his recovery is impressive.” Mbalangu revealed to aruahillsc.ug

Arua Hill SC traverse West Nile to face Paidha Black Angels in their final first round fixture of StarTimes FUFA Big League on Sunday 25^th/04/2021.

At the Bar Okoro Stadium, they seek to bounce back to winning ways in order to protect their position on the apex after suddenly drawing with Gaddafi FC last Thursday following the dying minute goal Bithum scored for Hassan Zungu’s side.

The Leopards will be without the services of skipper Caeser Okhuti who suffered a groin injury shortly after opening the lead for Arua Hill in the 2-2 draw last fixture.

Defender Patrick Matovu can’t play besides has been recommended by Physiotherapists to stay out to ensure proper recovery.

Allan Mugalu and Dan Birikwalira both have  minor injury issues though they trained.  Their fate lies in the hands of expert recommendation whose report will be out tomorrow morning.

Forward Sabir Edema trained today for the first time after he returned from sick leave but the game is too early for him.

Arua Hill opponents Paidha Black Angels are last in Elgon Group with a point  collected in six games, they could turn and channel their frustration on the Leopards, but the boss is confident his boys are  prepared for whatever comes their  way.

“What we are working for is a win, for us our anticipation in ever game is maximum points,” Mbalangu insisted

“Only when it doesn’t go as planned, that’s when we turn to a point,” he added.

“But we are going there full swing to get three points,” he continued.

“Paidha being in the bottom of the table doesn’t mean they’re weak, every team is strong, it’s how you use your chances and how you prepare for the game.

“So we know we are going to find a difficult game because it’s also a derby but we know how we play derbies.” He concluded.

Last Match

Arua Hill SC 2-2 Gaddafi FC (April 22): Richard Anyama, Rashid Yakin, Dan Birikwalira, Mike Kawooya, Rashid Muhamed, Samari Ajobe, Baden Mujahid, Paddy Muhumuza, Caeser Okhuti, Allan Mugalu, Rashid Agau

Calvary FC 2-1 Paidha Black Angels  (April 22): Joshua Othuba, Steven Meals, Sabiri Cheka, Walter Omara, Khalid Odagiu, Desmond Oyirwoth, Francis Bithum, Julius Choka, Erick Otingcwinyu, Victor Aweko, Shaban Farouk.

Arua Hill open one point lead in the StarTimes FUFA Big League Elgon Group after coming from behind to draw 1-1 in hostile contest at Mbale Municipal Stadium.

In incidences such as this, Hussein Mbalangu is greatful and the Leopards coach surely expressed his thankfulness in the post match interview.

At least there were cameras all over in the absence of Arua Hill fans to witness an embarrassing moment with an inhuman barbaric acts from the hosts and their fans, who opted to throw stones at one of our players Rashid Yakin after Okhuti notched an equalizer in the 69^th minute.

The gaffer made two changes from the team that played Uganda Cup last Sunday, with Emmanuel Mutebi and Alfred Leku coming in for Baden Mujahid and Rashid Agau.

Ibrahim Kibumba opened the score for Mbale Heroes in the 19^th minute from the spot kick after the referee awarded a contentious penalty. It was Akiramu Munyolo who inside the box arrowed a strike that was destined for goal but defender Rashid Muhamed blocked the travelling ball except it was taken for handball as the center referee pointed to the spot.

Mbale Heroes played the more controlled football afterwards and they pushed for the winner although, almost implausibly. Whereas Arua Hill first made their intentions to level matters themselves when Emmanuel Mutebi’s 40^th minute freekick following a foul on Rajab Kakooza went powerully direct to goalkeeper Hatimu.

That did reflect the hard work by the boys and Mbalangu knew he had to be impressed with the effort, although once again there was much to do including closing up on opponents.

The guarantee following Kibumba’s penalty goal belonged to Mbale. Mbalangu who had maintained his 4-1-4-1 introduced Samari Ajobe and Rashid Kawawa for Rajab Kakooza and Emmanuel Mutebi in the 51^st minute and Arua Hill began getting comfortable in possession, helped by ambitious young talent Kawawa and defensively skilled Ajobe, they worked their way  and Kawawa was the first to make an attempt though it went wide.

The game took a twist in the 69^th minute when Patrick Matovu delivered a perfect freekick in the box for captain Caeser Okhuti who made no mistake but rose highest to head home the equalizer.

Okhuti’s goal summed up Mbale’s mental fragility and unprofessionalism as the hell in Eastern Uganda broke loose, and it began raining stones with poor Rashid Yakin falling victim when the stones exactly targeted his face.

At least Arua Hill  scored for the first time away this season and picked a crucial away point. Make no mistake, Arua Hill SC made more attempts at goal with five going on target, and were on the right course amidst the horrifically threatening atmosphere.

The game was difficult and indeed Arua Hill struggled to settle in the first half when it was most difficult but they came out a different and more confident side in front of adversity in the second half, hence managed to pull the all important goal in Mbalangu’s view, who later told club media the point picked is important given the toughness of the game.

“It has been a tough game but we managed to get a point as our target and game plan states, if we can’t get three points, we go with a point which we surely have collected,” Mbalangu said.

“So I thank the players who worked hard because we conceded first but we kept pushing because you can’t win us unless the game is finished. We kept attacking and playing, we did some substitution of which controlled the game and we got a goal.” He continued.

“Getting a point away is bonus because they can’t beat us at our home. So with this point we are safe. It means we shall be getting four points on Mbale Heroes. If we managed in this tough game and secured a point, we are in a better run.” He  concluded.

The draw is considered good result and news if you like as Arua Hill now leads the group with eight points but the perfect news for Kongolo family is that Maroons lost 2-1 to Calvary FC in Arua, creating a one point difference with the second place Maroons.

Arua Hill SC will now host Calvary FC at Barifa Play Ground in their next Big League fixture slated for 18^th/04/2021.

Arua Hill SC Starting XI:

Anyama, Yakin, Matovu, Kawooya, Rashid, Muhumuza, Mutebi, Kakooza, Leku, Okhuti, Mugalu

Sub:

Oringa, Lefenia, Simba, Agau, Ajobe, Baden, Kawawa

Mbale Heroes FC Starting XI:

Hatimu, Kibumba, Ayella, Maluda, Lubangkene, Mayanja, Bucochera, Munyolo, Wamboka, Male, Muhwezi

Sub:

Ibrahim, Jakon, Opima, Owundu, Otai, Olega, Otika

Arua Hill head coach Hussein Mbalangu has said he is contented with the results Arua Hill got from Luzira Prison Ground against Maroons FC.

The Leopards played a barren draw with the Mbili Mbili in match day three of the StarTimes FUFA Big League after both sides failed to capitalize on the many chances created.

Maroons started the game on a high with an open intention to score when Solomon Walusimbi delivered a cutback that was headed on Richard Anyama’s gloves.

Vincent Zziwa had a feeble shot go off target a few minutes later.

Fred Amaku posed a great threat with his two attempts that went on target and off target in different intervals.

Our remarkable opportunity came through Rashid Agau 22 minutes into the game but he miss attempted Baden’s cross.

The forward also missed another chance shortly after he shot the side net.

Before the end of half time, Paddy Muhumuza headed direct to the goalie off Okhuti’s head brush.

In the second half, Okhuti was presented with opportunity to shoot from a distance but his bullet went off target.

“We came with two targets, to win or draw and this result meets one of our target,” Mbalangu told Arua Hill SC media despite the draw.

“To get a point here at Luzira is powerful and I’ll tell you I’m satisfied.” He added.

Arua Hill remains on top of Elgon Group table with seven points and superior goal difference ahead of Maroons who share same points with one goal difference less.

Arua Hill SC next game is a Uganda Cup fixture against UPDF at Barifa Play Ground on 7/04/2021 with the reverse fixture slated for 11/04/2021 at the Bombo Play Ground.

Hussein Mbalangu has confirmed that he has an idea of who will play for Arua Hill SC against Maroons FC on Thursday afternoon, while also stating that he has a few sickness cases.

Arua will be looking to maintain their winning streak, after Saturday’s 3-0 scintillating win over Kataka FC at the Barifa Play Ground.

To that effect, Mbalangu noted the boys confidence levels have ascended and are more than ready to face Maroons FC.

“The pressure has lessened after the two wins and now the lads look ready and confident for the Maroons task.” The Leopard’s boss said.

Mbalangu did confirm that he has at his disposal additional legs who missed the opening matches due to various reasons including injury, license and personal commitments with Gadafi Gadinho being the latest absent player to make a return to starting XI.

Left back Patrick Matovu and midfielder Sanday Aleni Benard are the other two fresh legs available for selection since the league commenced meanwhile Oscar Agaba is ruled out.

Both Sabir Simba and Isaac Okello missed out on Saturday  fixture and didn’t travel either. Mike Kawooya fell sick on Tuesday but Mbalangu is hopeful the centre back will recover before kickoff time.

Oscar Agaba has spoken highly of his partner in midfield Paddy Muhumuza, following their two Big League games together.

Agaba said he and Paddy know and understand each other so well that playing together has become simple.

Both midfielders were in the pitch in the two matches Arua Hill has so far played, with Paddy already scoring in the first game against Blacks Power that ended 3-1 whereas Agaba providing him with necessary support including the second game against Kataka FC that ended 3-0.

Speaking to Arua Hill SC media in regards to the productive partnership between him and Paddy, Agaba had this to say:

“Football has a language, and it speaks in so many ways even without verbally speaking to a teammate, you know what they want,” Agaba said.

“So with Paddy, it’s much easier to play because we understand each other very well to the level that when I need a one touch, he clearly knows this is what I need.

“Another factor that makes it much easier for us to play together is we’ve been playing in the league for quite a long time and grown in the game.” He continued

On knowing each other’s weaknesses and strengths, the 30 year old said;

“Paddy knows my weaknesses and strength and I also know his strengths and weaknesses.”

Head coach Mbalangu added his opinion on the value the duo adds to his team. According to the gaffer, the duo are his midfield general.

“I call them my general in midfield,” he said before adding, “They know game management. When I  want speed, I shout it out to him and when I want the game slowed, I also shout and they respond well and they can still do the same even without my instruction,” Mbalangu said.

“Their similar management style makes the game easier for themselves. They’re both intelligent, play when their heads are up and read the game properly.” He confidently explained.

Agaba brings in experience having played top flight football for about a decade. He joined us from Onduparaka FC. He formerly captained URA FC and U-20.

Oscar stands out for game reading, intercepting passes, tackling and protects the back line of the team with confidence and composure. Agaba is also a good ball passer.

Meanwhile Paddy, 35, equally has a  wealth of experience and has played for six clubs in different levels of football competition in a career spanning 21 years.

A dynamic, diminutive and disciplined player principally known for his tactical awareness, intelligence, and the defensive aspect of his game, namely his ability to tackle and regain possession, intercept passes, and block shots, he is also capable of path-finding from inside his own half and is a methodical passer on the counter-attack.

He is also calm and composed mien on the pitch. He joined us from Tooro United in 2020.

Arua Hill SC striker Alfred Leku may have started the game against Kataka on the bench, but it didn’t stop him from scoring the goal that killed the game during the 3-0 win at the Barifa Play Ground on Saturday.

As Hussein Mbalangu has adopted a style to start games using only one striker, the giant striker has been dropped from the starting team, but is fighting hard to ensure he maintains his relevance to the squad.

After the win against the Mbale side, Leku spoke to Arua Hill media about it, and explained his motivation hasn’t changed despite the manager’s decision.

Hi“First of all, it’s cool and joyous to come as a substitute and score  because it encourages and motivates,” Leku said before adding;

“Being on bench doesn’t make me feel subverted, there are players who do things I am not in position to do for now and are in form, no wonder they are preferred a head of me which is cool because the bigger picture is for the team to win.”

Mbalangu was impressed with Leku’s service given the little time the player had  in pitch to perform. He expressed his appreciation to the striker with As-Salamu Alaykum greeting after the match.

When Leku was asked how it felt to be appreciated by the coach in such a manner that is held highly in Arabic setting, the striker while recognizing the significance of trust explained football is about the player and Coach trusting each other. In his own;

“I’m grateful to the coaches for trusting me, giving me chance so I needed to return the trust by scoring goals and to see him appreciate the work I do gives me a special feeling inside,”

“Once a coach makes his team, a player must trust the coach and support his teammates playing and once you have that mentality it becomes easier and you will be comfortable and undisturbed because of being benched while knowing your turn will come.” He concluded.

Currently with a goal in two games where he has just played 66 minutes as a substitute, Leku has no reason to worry as he still has chance to add to his tally with the league yet in its morning phase.

Additionally, although Caeser Okhuti is scoring per game, apparently the gaffer may consider using the captain less to avoid fatigue and Leku will need to exhibit high level of Patience.

Emmanuel Mutebi  has said they are happy with results Arua Hill has achieved in the Big League encounter against Blacks Power on Thursday afternoon but maintained the team has to move on from the europhea so as to focus on the next challenge a head.

The attacking midfielder started the game from the bench as he watched his teammates score two goals in the first half before he was given chance to add his contribution in the second half after Caeser Okhuti paved way at the 79th minute.

Paddy Muhumuza and Caeser Okhuti both scored in the first half before Mutebi who had just spent a minute in the pitch powered a thunderbolt shot with his left foot to the roof of the net  to harden the game for Blacks Power who couldn’t do more than the penalty goal Micheal Siwu scored at the 94th minute.

“We are happy with the results today but now we have to put that behind and focus on the next fixture,” Mutebi told Arua Hill media.

It took Mutebi approximately 60 seconds to have his name written on the score sheet after his introduction. The 24 year old’s ferocious shot could easily have been mistaken for a cross given the foot he used, the positioning and timing of the execution but he stands his ground the attempt was meant for goal.

“I was in the right place, at the right time, so when I met the ball, I didn’t think twice but to shoot at goal,” he said.

“I surely intended to score and that’s why I aimed at goal with power and precision and good enough I’m lucky that I can use both feet to shoot.” Mutebi concluded.

Arua Hill SC will face Kataka FC in their next StarTimes FUFA Big League fixture on Saturday 27^th March 2021.

Our preparations to the start of FUFA Big League continues amidst the uncertainity on the commencement of the competition as the release date of fixtures remain deeply classified.

To keep the boys active while we keep our ears on the ground, we’ve maintained the custom of playing friendly matches and this week we’ll have a long trip to central Uganda to play some Big League sides.

The boys shall leave Arua on 15^th February 2021 and are expected to make stop at Luwero where our first match shall take place.

The Gaffer Mbalangu, has spoken on why the team has to travel long distance in search of friendly games, stating the boys need to get used to travelling for matches as the league shall demand similar movements.

“We need to play Ndejje University and Luwero United because they are more organized and distant than the teams we’ve been playing so that we can assess ourselves,” he said.

“Travelling these long distances is very good because as we do preparations, we should do it comprehensively and by the time we are done, the boys will be in a better shape,

“For example some players are not comfortable with travelling and hate it, others become sick so these travels prepare them and make them get used,

“Luwero and Ndejje are Big League clubs, so we need to test. We’ve already played small teams and select teams. That’s why we are planning to play these teams God willingly so that we gauge the boys very properly,

“Because when the League starts, we shall be travelling to Mbale and play two to three games. Teams like Bukedea, Mbalae Heroes and Kataka so this journey is similar to what we shall be experiencing in the Big League,

Hussein Mbalangu has already named his 26 man team that consists of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, ten midfielders, five forwards for the trip.

The team shall play their first game on Tuesday 16^th February against Big League side, Luwero United at the Kasana Kosovo Stadium. The second game shall take place in the same venue against Buganda Regional side, Bombo United on 17^th February and the last game is slated to take place on 19^th February at the Arena Stadium against another Big League side Ndejje Uniersity.