Mbale Heroes fielded only eight players as they suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Young Elephant FC in Nwoya in the FUFA Big League.
The already relegated side travelled for the fixture with a few players, including a makeshift goalkeeper, and stood little chance against a dominant Young Elephant side.
Isaac Gumperom scored four goals while Morris Okello, Hillary Rwothomio and Jimmy Oola were also on target as the hosts ran riot in a one-sided match.
Centre back Abraham Okello once again started in goal, having also filled the position in the 1-0 home defeat to Onduparaka at Mbale Municipal Stadium on May 9.
A player, who preferred anonymity, attributed the heavy defeat to poor travel arrangements and the club’s financial struggles.
“We travelled on the same day as the match and it was a hectic journey, so it was difficult for us to put up a contest,” the player told this website.
The trip from Mbale to Nwoya covers about 372 kilometres and takes approximately six and a half hours by road.
Mbale Heroes’ problems have persisted throughout the campaign. The club has already forfeited two league matches against Kigezi Homeboyz and Nebbi Central, leading to a six-point deduction.
League rules indicate that another forfeiture could result in the club being expelled from the competition and demoted beyond the regional league structure to the fourth division.
Sources indicate that many players have abandoned the club over unpaid dues and financial constraints, leaving the team struggling to raise competitive squads for matches.
Against both Onduparaka and Young Elephant, the club reportedly attempted to field unlicensed players, moves that were blocked by the match officials.
The situation has forced the team to rely on support from well-wishers, with reports suggesting that Dr Bumpa of Blood Bank in Mbale has recently stepped in to offer some financial assistance to help the club complete the season.
Mbale Heroes still have two fixtures remaining against Blacks Power away and Iganga United at home as they seek to finish a disastrous campaign and avoid further sanctions.
For Young Elephant, the victory was a significant boost in their survival bid. The side, coached by former Mbale Heroes tactician Mubarak Wamboya, climbed to eighth place with 37 points and now require just one point from their remaining two matches to secure their FUFA Big League status for another season.
Mbale Heroes Players – Abraham Okello, Ronald Eletu, Gerald Hamya, Leonard Oriokot, Akiram Muzanyi, Emmanuel Malinga, Caesar Odongo, Davide
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