StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Bright Stars FC v Vipers SC
Friday 29th August, 2019
Wankulukuku stadium, 4:30pm
Fresh from an energy sapping Pilsner Super 8 final victory over rivals KCCA FC, Vipers sports club reconvene tomorrow for another battle against Bright Stars FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) as the quest to recapture lost glory takes off.
The Venoms posted encouraging results during the pre-season matches which climaxed over the weekend where we earned early bragging rights ahead of the league kickoff.
The visit to Bright Stars FC represents an opportunity for Vipers to kick start the 2019/20 football season on a high with a win if we are to reclaim the title which eluded us last season.
It is going to mark the first time for Bright Stars to host a league match against Vipers at Wankulukuku stadium having previously played at Nakivubo before they shifted to Champions stadium in Mwererwe.
The Opposition:
Bright Stars became one of Uganda’s top flight resolute sides under Coach Fred Kajoba as he had mastered getting most out of a fairly limited squad however he won’t be available on the team’s technical bench come Friday following his exit from the club after six seasons.
This is going to be the third time both clubs are meeting in the opening match, the last two all ended in draws, 0-0 at Mwererwe in 2017/18 and 1-1 in 2016/17 at Nakivubo stadium as Coach Abdallah Mubiru began his reigns at Vipers hence Bright Stars will fancy their chances against the Venoms.
The hosts finished 8th on the 16 team UPL log during the 2018/19 season with 41 points out of the 30 matches, winning 10 matches, drawing 11 and lost 9 while Vipers finished second with 59 points garnered from 16 wins, 11 draws and losing just 3 games.
Last meeting away at Champions stadium:
Bright Stars 0-0 Vipers
The last corresponding fixture at champions stadium in Mwererwe produced no goals as it ended in a dull barren draw when the Venoms fluffed few chances which came our way.
Overall meetings:
Bright Stars and Vipers will be meeting for the 13th time in the league history with the Venoms in a commanding position having registered 6 wins, 6 draws and without a single loss out of the previous 12 encounters.
Head-To-Head
Meetings: 12
Vipers wins: 6
Draws: 6
Losses: 0
Goals for: 10
Against: 3
Points: 24
Vipers last 5 away matches to Bright Stars
The Venoms last three visits to Bright Stars have all ended in goalless draws therefore we are up against one of our bogey teams away from home.
2014/15 Bright Stars 0-0 Vipers
2015/16 Bright Stars 0-1 Vipers
2016/17 Bright Stars 0-0 Vipers
2017/18 Bright Stars 0-0 Vipers
2018/19 Bright Stars 0-0 Vipers
Team News:
Fahad Bayo who had a good display in the Pilsner Super 8 against KCCA will be available to make his league debut forthe Venoms.
Ashraf Mugume returned from a season long loan at Police FC and has been named on the match day squad.
Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye and Karim Watambara miss out on the trip with a thigh and shoulder injury respectively.
Aziz Kayondo is doubtful having returned from Arusha, Tanzania for the East Africa schools competitions with a cold.
New recruits Allan Kayiwa, Rashid Toha, Farouk Musisi, Denis Mwemezi and Henry Kitegenyi may also make their league first starts for the Venoms if selected.
Livingstone Mulondo and Geoffrey Wasswa remain the long term absentees with knee injuries.
The Coach’s view:
“We return at this ground seeking good results. We are set, mentally and physically and will not take our opponents lightly. We have worked and corrected the areas that were wanting and hope for a win.”
Vipers head coach, Edward Golola
What of Shaban didnt see any update about him. What is happening with him?