Stephen Bulugu in Nairobi City Stars @Gems Cambridge School, Rongai in Aug 2024
Stephen Bulugu in Nairobi City Stars @Gems Cambridge School, Rongai in Aug 2024

Stephen Bulugu: It’s only a matter of time

Left back Stephen Bulugu is staying focused on the patience lane as he waits to fully recover from a recent injury.

Bulugu, an offseason signing from Muhoroni Youth, has so far missed on making the squads in the opening three games against Bidco United, Mara Sugar, and AFC Leopards.

“A slight injury has kept me out from my debut but it’s only a matter of time and I will be ready to feature for the team,” said the Tanzania national

Beyond the wait, Bulugu is enjoying his time at Simba wa Nairobi since his arrival.

“In the short time I have been here, City Stars has already become my big family. Everyone has become a close friend. I feel well guided so far and I am happy to be part of the establishment,”

“Training has been good and I must thank the technical bench for the clear structure they deploy,” he added

Bulugu came in as a direct replacement for Dennis Wanjala who pursued other interests upon expiry of his tenure. He is one of three new faces signed besides centre back Brian Opinde, flyer Andre Kalama, and midfielder James Ssemambo.

The four were accompanied to City Stars by the returning defensive mid Sven Yidah who made his way back after two seasons out.

Bulugu will don jersey no. 22 this season.

Stephen Bulugu @Gems Cambridge School, Rongai in Aug 2024

Bajaber vs Leopards @Dandora Stadium on Sun 29 Sep 2024
Bajaber vs Leopards @Dandora Stadium on Sun 29 Sep 2024

MD4: AFC Leopards 2 Nairobi City Stars 1

Two goals from two mistakes by Nairobi City Stars handed AFC Leopards a 2-1 win during a matchday four tie played in Dandora Stadium on Sunday 29 September 2024.

Leopards scored within the first 15 minutes and in the last five minutes of the first half for the win. Simba wa Nairobi‘s response was at the hour mark when Elvis Noor, on his first start this season, headed in a Sven Yidah float.

From the results, City Stars remains 16th in the 18-team log with a single point from three outings as Leopards shot to second spot with nine points from four games.

Next up for City Stars is a home game against Sofapaka on Sat 19 Oct 2024.

Lineups

Vincent Owino vs AC Leopards on Sun 21 Jan 2024 in Bukhungu Stadium during a matchday 19 FKF Premier League match. Leopards won 2-0
Vincent Owino vs AC Leopards on Sun 21 Jan 2024 in Bukhungu Stadium during a matchday 19 FKF Premier League match. Leopards won 2-0

Head-to-head: AFC Leopards (H) vs Nairobi City Stars (A): 2024-25 FKF Premier League season

On Sunday 29 September 2024, AFC Leopards will host Nairobi City Stars in Dandora Stadium for the first time ever, during a 2024-25 matchday four tie starting at 3 p.m.

The corresponding fixture, held on 21 January 2024, was played out in Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County. Leopards went on to win it 2-0 to put an end to Simba wa Nairobi’s seven-game winning streak.

The upcoming duel will be the 27th game in the top-flight between the two since the year 2005. From the previous 25 games, Leopards has registered eleven to nine wins over City Stars, while the other six games have ended in draws.

Narrowed to 13 away games against Leopards, City Stars has drawn six, lost five times, and registered two wins – back in January 2006, and in May 2023. From the 13 home games, hosts Leopards has outscored City Stars 13 to nine goals.

Simba wa Nairobi heads to the game with a 1-1 draw against Bidco United and 1-0 loss to Mara Sugar as Leopards comes to the tie with a massive 1-0 win over bogey team Bidco United from their last encounter.

Once again it will be a matchup for touchline masters Nicholas Muyoti on the City Stars end when he comes up against his counterpart Tomas Trucha on the Leopards side for only the third time. Each has a win a piece.

City Stars 3-2 win in November 2023 handed Muyoti his win over  Trucha who turned the tables in the reverse fixture in January of 2024 in Bukhungu.

Table-wise, Simba wa Nairobi sits 16th on the current log with a single point from two games as Leopards is placed fourth with six points from three games.

Who wins this one?

KPL Games: 26 (Leopards wins -11, City Stars wins – 9, Draws – 6)

City Stars vs AFC Leopards (12 Away games)

22-Jan-06: AFC Leopards vs World Hope, Nyayo Stadium, 0-1 (W)
22-Aug-09: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 0-0 (D)
18-Apr-10: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, City Stadium, 1-1 (D)
21-Aug-11: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-1 (L)
13-Jul-12: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-0 (L)
18-Aug-13: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-1 (D)
12-Apr-14: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Mumias Complex, 1-1 (D)
19-Jul-15: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-1 (L)
21-Aug-16: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Afraha Stadium, 0-0 (D)
06-Mar-21: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Kasarani Annex, 1-0 (L)
06-Jun-22: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Thika Stadium, 1-1 (D)
29-May-23: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-2 (W)
21-Jan-24: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-0 (L)
29-Sep-24: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, ??

Byron Owino vs Kakamega Homeboyz at Police Sacco on 15 June 2024
Byron Owino vs Kakamega Homeboyz at Police Sacco on 15 June 2024

Owino, Etemesi in for Leopards clash

There will be two changes from the squad that took on Mara Sugar last weekend as Nairobi City Stars returns to Dandora Stadium on Sunday 29 September 2024 to face home team AFC Leopards starting from 3 p.m.

In comes forward Kelvin Etemesi and keeper Byron Owino as like-for-like replacements for Ugandan James Ssemambo and Elvis Ochoro.

The two had missed out on selection in the opening two games of the season including the first one against Bidco United.

Squad to face AFC Leopards

Goalkeepers: 1. Edwin Mukolwe, 32. Byron Owino

Defenders: 4. Timothy Muganda, 6. Brian Opinde, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, , 30. Rowland Makati

Midfielders: 3. Sven Yidah , 16. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 25. Brian Mzee,

Forwards: 5. Robinson Asenwa, 9. Yuto Kusaba, 10. Dennis Oalo, 11. Mohammed Bajaber, 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 27. Gilbert Abala, 28. Andre Kalama

Out: 7. Pius Omachi, 13. Elvis Ochoro, 17. Brian Mose Nyambane,21. Rogers Wasega, 22. Stephen Bulugu, 26. James Ssemambo, 31. Abuyeka Kubasu,

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Andre Kalama in action against Mara Sugar in Awendo, Migori, on Sat 21 Sep 2024. He made his debut for City Stars in the matchday 3 tie
Andre Kalama in action against Mara Sugar in Awendo, Migori, on Sat 21 Sep 2024. He made his debut for City Stars in the matchday 3 tie

Andre Kalama upbeat after debut

A place in the starting lineup and 69 minutes against Mara Sugar in Awendo on Saturday 21 September 2024 earned flyer Andre Kalama his Nairobi City Stars debut.

Kalama, and unused substitute against Bidco United in the season opener, talked up his first game for Simba wa Nairobi.

“First of all I want to thank God for the opportunity to get my first league game in City Stars colors under my belt,”

“It was a tough match away from home where as a team we encountered challenges even before the starting whistle. It was a team that made use their home advantage and in the end got the all important goal to see off the game,”

“On a personal level, it was a tough outing but I believe that I am integrating well with my teammates as well as the system of play and I will be able to do more in the upcoming matches when called upon,”

Kalama joined Simba wa Nairobi in the offseason following a succesfull debut premier league season with Sofapaka whom he helped to retain their premier league status with a goal during the post season playoff.

“My move to Nairobi City Stars has been like a breath of fresh air. After a tough season last season, fighting for survival in the premier league, I am happy to have secured a move to a team which finished well in the top half of the table,”

“In City Stars, I look to help the team achieve an even better place in the league table. I look to improve on my goal tally from last season, and to be able to get a National team Call-up,”

“I am thankful to the club CEO and all those involved in bringing me in and I look forward to having an outstanding season ahead.” added Kalama

Kalama dons jersey number 28.