Uganda Premier League
Vipers SC vs KCCA FC
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Tuesday, 18-02-2020 @4pm
Uganda Premier League defending champions KCCA FC will have no room for error when they take on leaders Vipers SC at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Tuesday afternoon.
The Kasasiros sit second on the log, five points adrift of the Venoms.
They head into the game knowing that a loss would mean they are now 8 points off the pace and with the games running out, it will be extremely hard to catch Vipers.
For Vipers, they are currently favourites to walk away with the crown.
However, they will be hoping to avoid defeat to their rivals.
Currently under Fred Kajoba as their head coach, the Kitende based side are seeking for their 4th title in history.
Team News
Milton Karisa is set to feature for the Venoms following his return from Moulidouia Oudja of Morocco and has since received clearance to play for Vipers. Fahad Bayo returns from suspension which ruled him out of the 3-2 victory over BUL FC last week in Njeru. Vipers is further boosted by the return of Captain Halid Lwaliwa and combative midfielder Siraje Ssentamu having fully recovered from injuries which sidelined them for a couple of matches since the 4-2 win against Proline. Aziz Kayondo is suspended for this fixture due to accumulated bookings thus the left back will be expected to return for Friday’s match against URA in Ndejje. Teenage sensation Karim Watambala is also available after shaking off a knock he picked up against Onduparaka therefore tactician Kajoba will be spoilt for choice ahead of this decider. Former KCCA players Tito Okello and Paul Mucureezi will face their former employers for the first time if selected as they both missed the reverse fixture at Lugogo due suspension for Okello while Mucurezi hadn’t joined the Venoms by then.
Jurua Hassan, Kasozi Nicholas, John Odumegwu and John Revita and are ruled out due to injury. Jackson Nunda is still undertaking rehabilitation. Steven Sserwadda and Opio Sunday have stepped up their recovery from injuries but are all not expected to take part. The good news coming out of the treatment room indicate that Eric Ssenjobe, Muzamir Mutyaba and Julius Poloto are all fit to feature.
What they are saying
Mike Mutebi, KCCA FC head coach
“We go to Vipers SC knowing that we have enough to walk away with victory at the end of the game, noted Mutebi while speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday.
“They are the ones who sit top at the moment so they have the momentum.
“Our task is to ensure that we win the game on Tuesday and continue putting them under pressure and be ready to pounce at the mistakes they make towards the end of the season.”
Match Facts
This will be the 21st meeting between the two sides since September 2010.
In the previous 20 meetings, Vipers have won 9, KCCA 6 whilst the other 5 have all ended in draws.
Despite winning more encounters, Vipers have not beaten KCCA FC in the last four encounters with the Kasasiros winning twice and drawing as many games.
Last season, the two sides drew 1-1 in both of their league meetings.
The reverse fixture saw KCCA FC 1-0 courtesy of a Sam Ssenyonjo goal.
Vipers head into Tuesday’s encounter having won five of their last seven league games (D1 L1).
At home, Kajoba’s charges have won 8 of their 10 games so far (D1 L1).
For KCCA FC, they come into the game having won six of their last eight league fixtures (D0 L2).
However, away from home, Mike Mutebi’s side have won just two of their last five games, losing all the other three.
The other games to be played on Tuesday @4:30pm
-Busoga United FC vs URA FC
-Wakiso Giants FC vs Maroons FC
-Police FC vs Bright Stars FC
