- Uganda Premier League
- Tuesday, February 28
- Vipers vs. JMC Hippos – Namboole, 4:30 p.m
In all the 19 games played so far, Jinja Municipal Council (JMC) Hippos is yet to win a match in the Uganda Premier League.
They are the only side yet to win a match despite enormous efforts, attempts and spirited displays.
Of the 7 draws from which they have earned their only 7 points thus far includes the 1-1 draw with Vipers Sports Club, their Tuesday opponents.
George Lutalo Bbosa’s side has virtually struggled this term, failing to defend gallantly and score as well.
On Tuesday, Vipers play host to the Jinja side in the return leg at Namboole stadium, after a change from the St Mary’s Stadium at Kitende along Entebbe road which is undergoing final touches.
There is a big variance between the two sides facing off. Whereas Vipers is currently 4th with 28 points, JMC Hippos is bottom lagged in the 16th slot with just 7 points.
Christened the Venoms, fresh from the goal-less draw against Express last week at Mutesa II Stadium – Wankulukuku, Vipers eyes nothing but maximum points from the game as they play catch up to run away leaders, KCCA F.C (humiliated fast rising Onduparaka 7-0 at Lugogo on Saturday).
But, JMC Hippos still has a realistic chance of surviving relegation – provided they pick up the winning culture and mentality.
Key Characters:
Goalies James Alitho or Isma Watenga are guaranteed of playing time in the game.
Tony Odour, Erisa Ssekisambu, Deus Bukenya, skipper Nico Wakiro Wadada, Brian Nkuubi, Musa Esenu and the enterprising Moses Waiswa are key pillars for the home side.
Left back, Aggrey Madoi will be facing his former side if fielded for Vipers in a department he is competing with the diminutive though effective Dan Birikwarwa.
JMC will bank on the experience of midfielder Herbert Kakande, another Herbert entity in Odipio (scorer of the equalizer in their last match against Lweza), Arajab Ajab and the left footed dancing winger, Viane Ssekajugo.
Odipio revealed to Kawowo Sports he intends to maintain the goal scoring form to help the club survive the axe;
I want to work hard for the club and as a person. We need to fight against relegation
Missing characters:
Vipers will dearly miss the services of hard tackling midfielder Siraje Sentamu (suspension) and left footed forward Mike Sserumaga through injury.
JMC Hippos on the other hand will miss Moses Batali is tied due to contractual clauses as he is on loan from the Kitende side.