Ivan Bukenya made his debut in the Gold and Black when Chiefs played Celtics in the Macufe Cup on Sunday, 13 October 2013. Bukenya recently signed for Amakhosi from the Iraqi team, Erbil SC.

“It felt great to represent a big team as I have always waited for the chance to play for my team. I see myself growing as a player here because I am playing for the right team. The Technical Team, Management and the players are helping me to adapt. When I stepped out of the tunnel to a full stadium, I felt at home because I enjoy playing in front of a big crowd,” said a delighted Bukenya.

Bukenya took the field wearing jersey number 30; “I always liked using my favourite jerseys number 14 (Siphiwe Tshabalala) and 16 (Brilliant Khuzwayo) since I started playing football, but when I came here to Chiefs both jerseys were already booked, so I chose number 30. It felt great to wear the Chiefs jersey and I know the responsibility that goes with it. One of my favourite players, David Obua, from my country played for Chiefs (Obua played for Chiefs between 2005 and 2008). We grew up in the same area called Kamotcha, in Uganda,” continued Bukenya.

The Ugandan showed composure and comfort when in possession of the ball; “My first touch was superb because I enjoyed the game from the warm up. The South African style of football is good, this is really what I hoped to be a part of, it is really good. The referee booked me unfairly though, because I was protecting the ball. I was shielding the ball and football is about charging your opponent,” lamented Bukenya.

The Amakhosi lost 1-0 to Celtics. Bukenya was not disappointed at the results marking his debut; “They scored through a set play. We saw our mistake and we will rectify that at training. A loss in a first game gives me a chance to learn, despite the loss, after 90 minutes I felt good. I want to achieve big things for the Club. Every time I come to training and playing in friendlies, I see myself helping the Club to achieve things going forward,” concluded the soft spoken defender.