Uganda Premier League
Wakiso Giants FC vs Police FC
Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Wakishha
Saturday, 11-01-2020 @3pm
Wakiso Giants FC will be starting life under Livingstone Mbabazi when they take on Police FC in the only Uganda Premier League match to be played on Saturday afternoon.
Mbabazi was handed the coaching duties at the Purple Sharks in late November after the team had ended the first round.
He has been with them since and will take charge of his first competitive match on Saturday.
After replacing Kefa Kisala, the former Mbarara City FC and Onduparaka tactician will be expected to steady the ship in Wakiso, starting with a good result against the Cops.
Wakiso endured an indifferent first round that saw them finish 7th with 20 points from 15 games.
However, they ended it on a high, winning twice and drawing the other of their final three games.
What they are saying ahead of Saturday’s encounter
Baker Kasule, Wakiso Giants FC Assistant coach
“We have had good preparations and we hope to give fans a good spectacle.
“Our target is to improve on the first round results and lift the team to a better position.
“The camp is good save for Kirizestom Ntambi who is injured and Tom Masiko who returned to training but will not be available for selection on Saturday.
“The rest are fine and available.”
Hassan Wasswa Dazo
“As players, we are motivated and set for the game.
“The target is to begin the second round with a win and playing at home gives us self-belief.
“Police is a good team with a good coach but we must stand up and show we are better.”
Wakiso Giants FC are expected to be without Kirizestom Ntambi and Tom Masiko. Ntambi is believed to be AWOL while Masiko has just returned from a lengthy layoff. Also doubtful is versatile Ayub Kisaliita but the rest of the squad is fit and available for selection.
Yasin Mugume is back into the team after missing the entire first round through injury and will be expected to make the match-day squad.
For Police, they start the day occupying one of the three relegation spots.
Abdallah Mubiru’s side managed 12 points from 15 games, a tally that would not see them escape the red zone by the end of the first round.
However, their last three games of the first round so them accumulate 7 points and they will hope that form continues into the second round.
In Ben Ocen, they have one of the revelations of the season as he has consistently scored the goals and in process, found his way into the National team and winning the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challange cup.
He will be the man that the Cops look to for inspiration on Saturday.
Three points will see Police escape relegation for the first time this season as they will move to 15, one point above 13th placed Tooro United FC.
Match Facts
This will be the second meeting between the two sides in the top flight.
In the first encounter, Police came from a goal down to defeat Wakiso Giants 2-1.
Wakiso Giants head into the game having won just two of their last six league games (D1 L3).
At home, they have been impressive, winning five of their first 7 games whilst losing the other two.
For Police, they have also won just two of their past six league games (D1 L3).
Away from home, Mubiru’s side have been woeful of late, losing four of their past five games whilst winning the other.