BUKEDEA, UGANDA: John Peter Ongodia, the Head Coach of Bukedea Central football club in Bukedea district has left his role as the head coach after losing 5-0 to Mbale Heroes in the first leg of the Inter-Regional League playoffs at Emokori Playgrounds on Saturday 17th June 2023.
James Otim scored his first Mbale Heroes goal in the 14th minute and this was followed by 4 set piece goals that included a penalty from Mark Bumakyaye and freekicks from each of Shaka Sozi, Marco Methodius Barssey and Patrick Gonahasa. Literally, every setpiece was a sure goal.
According to sources, the gaffer allegedly received junks of money to intentionally lose the game at the hands of the club’s rival in the chase for the Regional league status.
Sources in Bukedea and Mbale allege that Ongodia was on several occasions approached by the Mbale team convincing him to lose the match while promising him a coaching job in the Mbale-based club.
“That guy was approached by Mbale Heroes and given some good money and was also promised a coaching contract in the other team. Even in his last training, he gave attackers to go through defensive drills and during the game, so many players were deployed in wrong positions to disorganize the team,” a source who preferred anonymity revealed.
Ongodia when approached for a comment on the allegations wondered how people who celebrated with him when they won the North East Regional League title have turned out to be the same people accusing him of ‘selling the game’ to Mbale Heroes FC.
“It’s unfortunate that we lost to Mbale Heroes (0-5) in the last game and all the blame comes back to me as Head Coach, but to my disappointment and so unfortunate that those we celebrated together the success all through the good times but when it came to time for failure it’s said I sold the game,” said Ongodia.
“But if I really sold the game then let God strike me but if I didn’t then always blessings will come my way and if any did then they will chock at one time,” he added, before thanking management and technical staff for the support he has been rendered throughout his tenure.
“All in all, I want to thank the management, players, technical team and above all the fans of Bukedea Central FC who have stood by the team through thick and thin during all my time at the team. Let’s keep rallying behind the team because it is destined for greater things with a special soul in Opio Jing Jing (team CEO Sam Opio) for always doing his best for the team,” Ongodia said.
When contacted for a comment, Samuel Opio also known as Ging Ging, the Managing Director and CEO of Bukedea Central FC said he was not ready for any interviews and promised to get back to us at a later time.
Mbale Heroes FC is all but qualified for FUFA Big League because they are leading 5-0 on aggregate, Bukedea Central need to win 6-0 ok order to overturn the scoreline or 5-0 to force penalty shootouts.
The return leg of the playoffs is scheduled for Thursday 22nd June 2023 at Mbale Stadium
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