Ugandan International Player, Bukenya, agrees to Play for The East Bengal Club
Kolkata: Ugandan international Ivan Bukenya signs for East Bengal Club on Saturday. In a press conference at the club premises, the new recruit of the Red & Gold brigade said, “In whichever club I have played they have been champions”. His last stay was with South African Kaizer Chiefs, but getting accustomed to Indian conditions will not be a problem. Regarding this, he said, “Two weeks here in India is enough to get accustomed to the present conditions. All professional footballers adjust in different conditions in this way, I am confident about it.”
Bukenya is well aware of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal rivalry. According to him, “I have known about Mohun Bagan from my friend Fatai. He has given me an idea about the level of two clubs’ rivalry. “The Ugandan defender has a good acquaintance with South African Atletico De Kolkata star Sameehg Doutie. Bukenya said, “I know Sameehg very well, he used to play for Super sports United; we have played against each other.”
Regarding his position of playing, he said, “I can play in two positions very well; one is as Central defender and the second is as a defensive midfielder, but I prefer playing the stopper position.”Bukenya has last played a competitive game on September 2016. His inspirational footballer is Germany’s Jerome Boateng. He has also got past experience of playing against East Bengal back in 2012 when he came to play for Erbil SC and won the match 2-0.
East Bengal club Football secretary Santosh (Babu) Bhattacharya said, “He has come to a new environment altogether; we hope he will cope with it fast and if he plays well we will extend our contract with him mid-way of the I-League.
A minute silence was observed for the Chapecoense players, who died in the plane crash.