SCVU 0-0 Soana
Festivities to officially launch the Inter cities sports tournament at the Namboole main Stadium forced the earlier scheduled fixture between hosts, Victoria University and Soana to be played at the unsanctioned outside training ground.
This Uganda Premier League fixture handled by FIFA referee, Brian Nsubuga indeed looked like a typical training match.
The match was played on a bumpy surface without the required perimeter fencing, on outgrown grass where the ground markings could not easily be seen.
At one moment, fans could easily pull the players at the touch line as they also got closer to the two technical benches.
In the fixture, SCVU played to another goal-less draw after last week’s home draw against Entebbe F.C
In a game of limited chances, Soana picked their maiden point of the season having suffered back to back losses to SC Villa and Bright Stars in 1 – 0 and 1 – 2 defeats respectively.
6 of the Victoria University players who had traveled over 600Km with the national team for the Crane Na – Mutima northern region tour all featured and they looked jet legged.
From the goal keeper, Benjamin Ochan, defenders Denis Okot, Denis Iguma, Murushid Jjuuko, Savio Kabugo and striker Mathew Odong, they all started the game.
Odong suffered a knee injury and was later replaced by the pacy Farouq Kawooya, a recruit from Big league side, The Saints.
The host’s best chance of the day came in the 54th minute when Iguma’s free kick was headed wide by midfielder, David Ndihabwe.
Soana had no clear cut goal opportunity though right winger, Siraje Turyamureba would occasionally out pace left back, Brian Ochwo, but his final ball was a disappointment.
The two teams’ officials blamed the poor ground for the league game. “Surely, it was a fair game though the ground was a little bit bumpy”, Richard Makumbi, Soana’s head coach, told Kawowo Sports.
Morley Byekwaso, who ironically uses the same ground for training sessions too castigated the playing turf.
“We looked suspect today but the ground itself was a de – service”, he remarked.
Victoria University,still unbeaten after 2 draws and one victory is 4th while Soana is second from bottom with a single point picked from 3 outings.
Police F.C and Bright Stars are joint top on 7 points from 3 games played.
SCVU looks to a challenging trip to Mehta Stadium to play Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) next week as Soana will have a 7 day’s rest before hosting Entebbe f.c at Kavumba recreational stadium.
The continuation of match day 3 fixtures will be played this Friday as SC Villa hosts URA at Mityana, Entebbe faces Vipers at Nakivubo stadium, Bul f.c entertains Simba and Kira Young will host Police at Namboole (most likely to be at the outside stadium too).