UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE 

The Date: May 7th, 2025

The Contest: Vipers SC vs. Mbale Heroes FC

The Time: 7pm

The Venue: St Mary’s Stadium

Vipers SC return to the familiar territory of the St. Mary’s Stadium under the floodlights on Wednesday night, aiming to strengthen their grip on the 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) title as they welcome bottom-placed Mbale Heroes FC.

The Venoms last featured in the Uganda Cup, grinding out a 1-0 win over Kitara FC courtesy of a late Yunus Sentamu strike last weekend. In the league, they edged UPDF FC 1-0 at Kitende, thanks to a brilliant finish by Gusto Mulongo—keeping their title momentum alive.

Momentum & Mission

Currently sitting top of the table with 62 points after 26 games, Vipers SC hold a five-point cushion over NEC FC. Victory on Wednesday will take them to 65 points—leaving them needing just five points from their final three fixtures to clinch a record-extending seventh league crown.

The mission is clear: win at home, stay in control, and inch closer to glory.

Visitors’ Woes

Mbale Heroes FC come into this fixture rooted at the bottom of the table with only 10 points from 26 matches. They lost 1-0 to Maroons FC in their last outing at Mbale Municipal Stadium and are staring down relegation. Despite their struggles, Vipers’ coach Fred Muhumuza insists they won’t be taken lightly.

Fortress Kitende: History Favours the Hosts

The Venoms have a dominant recent record against Mbale Heroes, thrashing them 4-0 in the first round—thanks to braces from captain Milton Karisa and playmaker Allan Okello.

Historically, the two sides have met five times in topflight action since their joint promotion in 2005, with Vipers (then Bunamwaya FC) enjoying the upper hand in recent years. Their first encounters ended in draws (0-0 and 1-1), before Mbale snatched a 3-1 win in 2007, only for Vipers to respond with a 2-0 victory in the return leg through Douglas Muganga and Robert Kimuli.

Captain’s Corner

Milton Karisa, who netted twice in the reverse fixture, is expected to lead from the front again, as Vipers aim to maintain their unbeaten home run this season.

Coach’s Insight: Eyes on the Prize

Coach Fred Muhumuza: “It’s a tricky fixture against a side that’s bottom of the table, but they’ve shown resilience. We respect that they’re in the same league as us. We’re prepared like we always do—game by game. The boys had a short rest after the Uganda Cup, but we’ve recovered in time. I expect a strong mentality and character from the team to ensure we get maximum points at home.”

Final Word

With the finish line in sight, Vipers SC can’t afford any slip-ups. The equation is simple: win at home, edge closer to the title, and keep the pressure off in the closing weeks. Expect an intense battle under the Kitende floodlights as the Venoms look to put one hand on the trophy.

SIDE BAR – STATISTICS CORNER

Vipers SC: 62 points from 26 matches (1st place)

Mbale Heroes FC: 10 points from 26 matches (16th place)

Head-to-Head: Vipers v Mbale Heroes

Total Meetings: 5

Vipers Wins: 2

Draws: 2

Mbale Heroes Wins: 1

Goals Scored by Vipers: 9

Goals Conceded: 4

Previous Encounters:

December 2024: Mbale Heroes 0-4 Vipers SC (Goals by Milton Karisa x2, Allan Okello x2)

2007: Mbale Heroes 3-1 Vipers (Bunamwaya) | Vipers 2-0 Mbale Heroes (Goals by Douglas Muganga & Robert Kimuli)

Key Players to Watch:

Vipers SC: Milton Karisa, Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Karim Watambala.

Mbale Heroes FC: Robert Eseru, Cosia Waiswa, Gideon Andrew Etou, Herbert Kabirango.