Pilsner Super 8
Vipers SC vs KCCA FC
Mutessa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Sunday, 25-08-2019 @4pm
Vipers SC and KCCA FC are the two best sides in Uganda currently.
The two sides have won the last 7 league titles between themselves (KCCA 5, Vipers 2) and by the look of things, no other teams looks likely to break their run anytime soon.
As a result, clashes between the two attract more attention and their games are highly competitive, bringing out the best out of both teams.
On Sunday, the two will meet once again as they contest the Pilsner Super 8 final at Mutessa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
KCCA FC comes into the game as the defending champions having defeated Onduparaka to win the inaugural edition last year.
The Kasasiros have been in magnificent form of late and will head into the contest as slight favourites.
After securing their first CECAFA Kagame cup in 40 years, they went on to progress to the CAF Champions League first round following a 4-3 aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars.
To get to the Super 8 final, they have eliminated both Wakiso Giants and Onduparaka FC.
For Vipers, they are taking part in the competition for the first time after turning down the chance last year.
Without continental football for them next season, their off-season has been dominated by transfer activity.
The Venoms have let go of several players and also made major signing of their own. The likes of Paul Willa, Rashid Toha, Allan Kayiwa and Shaban Muhammad have all been brought in as Vipers attempt to avoid a second consecutive trophy-less season.
Players aside, Vipers have also changed coaches as Edward Golola has replaced Nam Ouma at the helm.
In the Super 8, they have eliminated Proline and Mbarara City to reach the finals.
What the coaches are saying
Edward Golola, Vipers SC
“We are fired up and have done everything well to be at the finals for the first time.
“We are playing a good side but we are not bothered by their recent good run.
“They should expect the best from us and this is the perfect time.”
Mike Mutebi, KCCA FC
“We want to win this game and win back to back Super 8 titles.
“Hopefully, the players will have recovered fully from Friday’s game so that we treat our fans to a brilliant game of football.
“Matches against Vipers also have a lot of buzz and anticipation and we want to live up to this kind of magnitude.
Team news
Rashid Toha, Muhammad Shaban and Ashraf Mugume will have to pass 11th hour tests if they’re to have a say in the game. Geoffrey Wasswa (knee injury) and Livingstone Mulondo (stress fracture) will have to watch from the sidelines.
KCCA FC will be without Julius Poloto and Jurua Hassan who are still recovering from injury. New signing Erisa Sekisambu will have to undergo a late fitness test to confirm his participation in the tie.
Match stats
This will be the two side’s 20th meeting since September 2010.
In the past 19 matches, Vipers have won 9, KCCA 7 with the other 3 ending in draws.
Last season, the two sides met three times with two ending in 1-1 draws and the other signing KCCA win 1-0. The two draws came in the league while the exception was in the Super Cup.
The last two cup meetings between the two have all seen KCCA FC walk away victorious.
