Sat, 27th December 2015: Kira Young F.C Vs Entebbe F.C, Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole
Two teams (Kira Young F.C and Entebbe F.C) whose script of the opening round of the 2014/15 Uganda Premier League (UPL) is clearly read as ‘disappointing’ face each other in the very last match of the year.
Both sides have returned unconvincing results thus far and linger in the relegation territory.
Whereas Kira Young has only managed 3 victories in 14 fixtures, Entebbe F.C has only picked 2 wins.
Similarly, the two sides share almost the same tale of administrative and player management woes ranging from untouchable players, nonpayment to irregular training routines.
Entebbe F.C still remains coach-less after the sudden resignation of the entire technical bench that saw the head coach (Matia Lule), assistant (Andy Lule) and his technical head (Alex Gitta) all throw in the towel.
They are now handled by care taker, Charles Okumu, who was the goal keeping coach under the Lule regime.
Kira Young on the hand other is handed by the vastly experienced coaching duo of Paul Nkata and Moses Basena.
Come the match at hand, Kira Young will dearly miss the services of their anchorman, Derrick Tekwo – having picked a red card against Lweza F.C two weeks ago.
In Henry Kawuma, they have a capable replacement with attributes of a modern play—making ace; calm, great passer of the ball fast thinking and agile.
Goal keeper, Ashadu Bugembe is expected to be maintained in the posts with the back-line having the dreadlocked Kenyan, Marlon Tangawuzi, Andrew Kiweewa, Julius Ntambi and Isa Lumu.
As usual, Moses Ndawula, Emmanuel Obitre, Brian Nkuubi Semakula, Bright Haguma and the team’s talisman, Baker Lukooya (captain) will lead the surge for the goals.
Entebbe F.C’s Okumu has a crop of players that have been loyal in the club’s thick and thin journey.
A dice throw on either Ismail Sseruggwa or Adam Ssemambo can determine who starts in goal with Philly Lutaaya and long time team captain, Sunday Mukiibi taking the right and left back roles respectively.
Ronald Aga and veteran Azizi Mugonza are the back line sure cards as on-colour Ibrahim Pengele, Mathias ‘Nesta’ Mugisha and Nasser Muzamiru are expected to mann the sensitive midfield department.
Former Uganda Cranes striker, Alosious Lubega (has also featured for SC Villa, Mbale Heroes, Ruhinda and Kinyara) will inspire the team upfront to guide the youngsters, Moses Ssekasana and Lawrence ‘Lorenzo’ Bajja if selected.