KCCA v Vipers: The Brief - Vipers SC Official Website

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Saturday, November 18, 2019

KCCA FC v Vipers SC

StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo | 3:00pm

Live on Sanyuka TV

Its the big one, its a battle for supremacy as Vipers Sports Club confront rivals KCCA FC in a StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) fixture on the road tomorrow at Lugogo as pursuit of the league crown intensifies.

The Venoms have kept up incredible momentum since the start of the season and go into this tie on the back of a hard fought win over bogey team URA FC, a side that has proved to be the most stubborn when it comes to Vipers irrespective of any form they might be in at a particular time.

Without our captain Lwaliwa Halid and leading scorer Fahad Bayo who were away on national duties coupled with the absence of Bobosi Byaruhanga, Fabien Mutombora and Karim Watambala, many had not given Vipers a chance against the tax collectors but the lads showed character in overcoming the latter 1-0 through Dan Sserunkuma.

The victory over URA FC was a timely boast ahead of the mouth watering contest against KCCA and this is the opportune time for our noise to be louder by picking up maximum points to consolidate the league leadership hence its a defining moment as many football lovers are anxious to watch it.

Our previous visit at the match venue last month, saw us beat Police FC 1-3 however, in KCCA we are up against a better opponent thus surely it won’t be a stroll in the park but we shall bank on form and the fact that we have scored in all the last 3 visits against KCCA.

The opposition:

KCCA FC find itself at a point of no return when they entertain Vipers, with 14 points separating the two teams as we wind up the first round, an outright win is a must to them since a loss dents their hopes ahead of a busy schedule when they play their 4 games in hand.

At Lugogo, the Kasasiro boys are a different animal altogether for its a fortress where visiting teams rarely pick maximum points, out of the four matches at home this season, they boost 3 wins with the only blip being that 1-1 draw against Bright Stars FC.

Their gaffer Mike Mutebi has achieved tremendous success at Lugogo and at his disposal, is a youthful star studded squad but in Vipers, he is facing a well oiled opponent capable of overcoming any opposition. Further to that, he has masterminded only 1 win against the Venoms, losing 3 and drawing 4 out of the 8 meetings under his reign.

Last meeting at Lugogo:

KCCA 1-1 Vipers

The corresponding league fixture at the Startimes stadium Lugogo, ended in a pulsating 1-1 draw after Brian Nkuubi’s spectacular first half opener was cancelled out by Mike Mutyaba’s well worked leveller from an Allan Okello assist as KCCA maintained a 4 point lead then before they eventually went on to lift their 13th league title.

Form:

Vipers are on a form of their life with 10 wins and 3 draws out of the 13 matches played infact the Venoms boast a 16 match unbeaten run stretching back to last season.

On the other end, KCCA has had mixed results with losses to Tooro United FC & BUL FC worth a mention. Therefore this is a game they can’t afford to lose if retaining the UPL title is the ambition.

Vipers last 5 league matches:

Won 1-0 against URA at home.
Won 1-0 against Wakiso Giants at Kitende
Won 1-0 away to Busoga United
Won 2-1 on the road against Kyetume United
Drew 0-0 with Onduparaka in Arua

KCCA last 5 league matches:

Won 3-1 on the road against Express
Won 3-2 against Police
Won 3-1 away at Maroons
Won 4-0 over Onduparaka at Lugogo
Lost 0-3 to BUL at Njeru Technical centre.

Team News:

Frank Tumwesigye is back in contention after missing the last four matches due to sickness, he stands a chance to start after impressive appearances in training.

Halid Lwaliwa and Fahad Bayo remain unavailable as they are in residential camp with the national team preparing for the AFCON qualifier tie against Malawi to be played on Sunday, November 17.

Karim Watambala, Ahmed Amayo and Bobosi Byaruhanga are sitting their final secondary school exams hence won’t be playing any part in this encounter.

Following a decent showing against URA after having fallen down in the pecking order, Tito Okello could return to face his former bosses.

Derrick Ochan is expected to keep his place in goal like he did against the tax collectors.

The Coach’s view:

Vipers head Coach Edward Golola has promised his side will put up a good performance.

“We’re definitely expecting a special atmosphere on Saturday. It’s one of these special games, one of these fixtures where your position on the table doesn’t matter.”
Vipers Coach, Edward Golola

“We have been working hard since the season started and we can’t stop now. Its the players confidence and mentality that matters at this moment. We are excited that the team is in good shape and well motivated. Let’s see how it all goes.”

With all the above, what reasons can someone give to miss this encounter, be there to witness more history unfold.