Gor's Batambuze Hopes Its Third Time SportPesa Cup Lucky
23rd January 2019
Ugandan defender itching to get another piece of Everton with the hat-trick-chasing champions
- His last piece of silverware came in the 2016 season when he helped his team, Tusker FC to the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) title under his compatriot Paul Nkata
- Batambuze featured in the inaugural showdown in 2017, here in the coastal city of Dar while donning the black and yellow of 2016 Kenyan league winners Tusker FC but his team crashed out 2-4 on penalties to Tanzanian heavyweights Yanga SC at the quarters
- Soon after joining Gor, Batambuze was named in the traveling squad to feature in the historic match against nine-time English champions Everton FC at Goodison Park
DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania- Gor Mahia FC defender Shafiq Batambuze is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky in his cherished dream of lifting the SportPesa Cup.
The Ugandan is among the select group of players who have played in every edition since the inauguration of the eight-team invitational knockout tournament that brings the cream of Tanzanian and Kenyan football clubs.
Batambuze featured in the inaugural showdown in 2017, here in the coastal city of Dar while donning the black and yellow of 2016 Kenyan league winners Tusker FC but his team crashed out 2-4 on penalties to Tanzanian heavyweights Yanga SC at the quarters.
He medalled at last year’s edition with Tanzania Premier League (TPL) side Singida United FC of Tanzania when his side finished third in Nakuru, Kenya having fell at the semis to titleholders Gor and having joined the two-time holder, Batambuze is eying the prize that has eluded him thus far.
“This is a very important tournament for East African players and I’m privileged to get a third opportunity to feature.
“I’m part of a great team now and they are the champions, so my goal is to help retain the title and we can get another chance to play against Everton, this time in Africa,” Batambuze told SportPesa News.
The 25 year-old scored a penalty in Singida’s 4-2 quarterfinal shootout victory over Kenyan side, AFC Leopards SC in last year’s quarters only to see their SP Cup ambitions shot down by his current side.
“I’ve not been fortunate enough to make it to the final but this time round I’m confident that we will play in Sunday’s match,” he added.
Aside from his knowledge of the competition, Batambuze is familiar with the calibre of Tanzanian players, having played for Singida last season.
Gor will kick off their second defence of the crown when they take on sixth-placed Mbao FC at the National Main Stadium from 2pm EAT on Wednesday under the tutelage of Turkish tactician Hassan Oktay.
“I’m happy to be back in Tanzania, it’s like home as well. It’s great to see my friends and play at the National Stadium once again.
“We are preparing well for the tournament and we will treat the game just like any other, give our best performance and take it from there,” Batambuze underlined.
His last piece of silverware came in the 2016 season when he helped his team, Tusker FC to the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) title under his compatriot Paul Nkata.
Soon after joining Gor, Batambuze was named in the traveling squad to feature in the historic match against nine-time English champions Everton FC at Goodison Park.
The game ended 4-0 in favour of the hosts but he is raring for the opportunity to get another run at the English Premier League side.
“We know how tough it will be wit every team itching to play against Everton but we are prepared to retain the trophy and play them again, this time at home,” he stressed.
The winner of the Gor versus Mbao tie will meet Kariobangi Sharks FC who toppled TPL log leaders Yanga SC.