International Friendly
Saturday’s Result
Vipers SC 2-0 Kenya Police FC
Six-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC emerged 2-0 victors over Kenya Police FC in a pre-season international friendly played at St.Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Saturday. The high profile game also marked the inaugural Vipers Day Fete.
It was also the Venoms’ first competitive match under new head coach Nikola Kavazovic, with goals from new recruits Kenneth Kimera and Gusto Mulongo.
Kenya Police created a few threatening moments in the opening minutes, the best of which saw Francis Kahata flash a shot over the crossbar, before Musa Mohamed was denied by a brilliant Jack Komakech save.
That was followed with Vipers’ pressure in attack getting paid off in the sixth minute when playmaker Allan Okello set Kimera, who sent a crisp finish on the half-volley to find the corner for the opener.
The team in red continued to pin the Law Enforcers back and searched for a second goal through the course of the first half, with the lively Okello notably striking an effort across the face of goal on 34 minutes.
We should have doubled our lead in the 51st minute when a ball dragged across the back picked out captain Milton Karisa, but his shot with his weaker left foot was straight at goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
Kenya Police had a few more chances to level the game but failed to capitalise on them.
In added time, returnee and substitute Nicholas Wadada assisted Mulongo for a second, to wrap a truly joyous and memorable experience at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
Meanwhile, the momentous Vipers Day event also had a match between the Vipers Legends against a Select Fans team, with the latter winning 2-1.
Notably, Vipers’ great Yudah Mugalu reminisced the years, as he bagged his team’s consolation, following a move orchestrated by Joseph Mpande, much to the cheers of the fully-packed stadium.
To set the tone further up, performances from Uganda’s cream had the fans’ into loud cheers with sing-alongs and vibrant jubilations.
Led by the legendary Jose Chameleone, musicians Ykee Benda, Azawi, Gravity Omutujju and Fik Gaza all entertained the Venoms faithful.
In appreciation of their good deeds over the years, Vipers President, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa honoured the services of sponsors and partners Hima Cement, Kansai Plascon, DFCU and St. Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende.
Also awarded was club director Haruna Kyobe, for the longest serving club administrator as well as legendary tactician Richard Makumbi, who guided Vipers to topflight in 2006.