Pre-Match Briefing: Onduparaka FC v Vipers SC

STARTIMES UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE

The Date: Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022

The Contest: Onduparaka FC v Vipers SC

The Time: 4:00PM

The Venue: Ababet Greenlight Stadium, Arua

On previous visits to Arua, Vipers SC found no luck at Onduparaka until that changed last season.

A 3-1 victory at the Ababet Greenlight Stadium changed the Venoms’ trajectory having never won a game there.

They return to Arua on Tuesday having sealed the 2021/22 StarTimes Uganda Premier League title and beaming with confidence.

The goals will now shift to maintaining momentum that could be crucial to winning a first league and Cup double.

Coach Roberto Oliviera’s side are also in the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

In addition, Tuesday’s game pits the league’s top two scorers – Vipers’ Cesar Manzoki leads the race with 16 goals – one more than the hosts’ Muhammad Shaban – formerly part of the Venoms.

The two lock horns in Arua tomorrow with just pride to play for, as the hosts are also already out of the relegation talk.

“I will take the game seriously, stay professional and not underestimate my opponent,” said head coach Robertinho Oliviera.

“We shall stay as professional as we can tomorrow. I have prepared the team well and it’s ready to compete for a good result,” he added.

The tactician went ahead to add that he intends to make a few changes to the team with opportunities for players that rarely start.

“I will give opportunities to my other players but it will be a team ready to compete with the opponent in a difficult Stadium,” Robertinho said.

The Venoms, at the top, have 64 points and are already champions. They are 14 ahead of runners-up KCCA FC who have 50.

Meanwhile, Onduparaka is eighth with 34 points and is all but certain about avoiding the axe from the league.

Team News:

Paul Willa is back and into the 18-man squad travelling to Arua.

Fabien Mutombora and Ibrahim Orit are still out nursing injuries.

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