StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Mbarara City FC v Vipers SC
Kakyeka stadium | 4:30PM
Following a frustrating one all draw at KCCA FC the table leaders last Thursday, Vipers sports club returns to the field tomorrow for yet again a crucial StarTimes Uganda Premier League fixture against Mbarara City at Kakyeka stadium as they try to catch up with the front runners.
By the time this encounter kicks off, the Venoms might find themselves seven points behind the top if the garbage collectors manage to post positive results over relegation bound Paidha Black Angels which they tussle out with today at the Bar Okoro stadium in Zombo.
Tomorrow’s encounter with the Ankole Lions represents a must win game for Vipers, especially if the lads want to continue being title challengers as we also pray for our major rivals to slip up elsewhere.
The Western Uganda based side managed a 1-1 stalemate during the first round engagement at St Mary’s stadium when Paul Mucureezi cancelled out Dan Sserunkuuma’s first half strike for a share of the spoils.
The Opposition:
Mbarara City FC occupy fourth position on the league log eight points below Vipers with absolutely no outside chance of winning the championship though they will be eager fighting for pride as well as putting smiles on the fans faces.
Goalkeeper Ali Kimera whose couple of howlers led to a loss against SC Villa in their last fixture at Namboole stadium, will not be part of the home team due to an indefinite suspension he suffered in the aftermath of that ill fated match.
Having survived at the jaws of the dreadful relegation monster the previous season, the hosts have had a perfect run this time round with 11 wins, 8 draws and 6 losses out of the 25 matches which is quite a remarkable achievement regarding their standards.
They boost an impressive home record this season with a return 8 wins, 3 draws and only 2 Losses to Tooro United and Onduparaka respectively, scoring 20 goals against 8 making them a formidable force.
Team News:
Kenyan tactician Micheal Nam Ouma has named a depleted travelling squad with only four available defenders as Abdul Karim Niyizigimana, Ibrahim Tembo and Halid Lwaliwa are all battling injuries while Yayo Lutimba misses through suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards.
Their absence, would likely see Livingstone Mulondo back in the starting lineup to partner Henry Katongole while Ibrahim Kiyemba returns at right back after missing the KCCA match with teenage sensation Aziz Kayondo a sure starter at the left back position.
Tito Okello and Bashir Asiku remain suspended by the club authorities due to indiscipline while Moses Waiswa has been absent without leave throughout the past three days thus is expected to appear before the disciplinary to explain himself once he returns.
Deputy captain Geofrey Wasswa and goalkeeper Bashir Sekagya are long time absentees as the club medical team continue to monitor their progress though most likely, they might not play any other part during this season.
Last meeting at Mbarara
The corresponding fixture at Kakyeka stadium was overshadowed by a bizarre incident after Mousa Clovis Mbayi’s strike went through the net hence Referee Turu Muzamiru initially awarded a goal kick before Vipers player protests led him to review a video replay on Azam TV made him realise he had made a wrong call thus eventually allowed it to stand to the dismay of home fans and it proved the match winner.
Overall meetings:
It will mark the fourth time both clubs are meeting in the league and the Venoms are counting 2 wins, 1 draw without a loss from the previous 3 meetings therefore Mbarara City will be looking for a first ever win over the Kitende based side.
Meetings: 3
Vipers wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals for: 3
Against: 1
Points: 7
Form
Vipers last 5 league matches
Drew 1-1 against KCCA
Won 2-0 over Maroons
Lost 2-1 to Ndejje University
Beat Express 2-0
Drew 0-0 with Onduparaka
Mbarara City last 5 league matches:
Lost 2-1 to SC Villa
Drew 0-0 with Ndejje University
Drew 0-0 against Express
Won 2-1 over Paidha Black Angels
Lost 2-1 to Kirinya Jinja S.S
Coach’s view:
“We have to keep working hard, work harder than before with these few remaining games starting with the game tomorrow. We need to be consistent in the next matches you never know what may turn out but we won’t change our idea and work”.