STANBIC UGANDA CUP | R16
Tuesday, March 14th, 2023
Wakiso Giants FC v Vipers SC
Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium
There is a budding rivalry between the two topflight sides in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL); Vipers Sports Club and Wakiso Giants FC.
The former will make a short trip to Wakisha for a date with the home side – the Purple Sharks looking to get the better result as they usher in Alex ‘Musongola’ Isabirye’s era as new head coach of Vipers SC in a Round of 16 of Stanbic Uganda Cup at the Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
The two are familiar foes as this will be their third meeting this season. The previous two duels this term ended in stalemates; a 1-1 draw at the Kyabaggu sanctuary in the first round of the SUPL and the other a barren draw in the reverse fixture at St. Mary’s Stadium – Kitende.
Isabirye, unveiled on Sunday, March 12, as the new man in the dugout taking over from embattled Spanish-Brazilian Beto Bianchi Pellister, has his work cut out.
He will without doubt be keen on turning around the club’s fortunes on the pitch immediately. The Venoms have been disappointing to say the least as they have miserably failed to find the back of the net in each of their last six matches; forthwith suffering four losses and enduring two stalemates.
Vipers progressed to this round following a penalty shootout victory over Jinja North United in the round of 32.
The Venoms are aiming at notching their third Cup final in successive years, with eyes stuck on a second Cup in that period.
Team News:
Bright Anukani is fully back and in the 18-man squad to face Wakiso Giants FC after recovering from contracting malaria.
Team Captain Milton Karisa is making very good progress from a hamstring injury and is hoping to integrate back into light training with the squad soon.
Defender Murushid Juuko and midfielder Marvin Joseph Youngman remain out.