2016/17 Uganda Premier League season revelation Onduparaka has shocked many clubs at their dreaded Green Light Arena in Ayivu county, Arua.
In fact, all the big sides Express, KCCA, SC Villa and Vipers (with the exception of URA) have all fallen in the West Nile district to a club promoted to the top flight barely a year ago.
On Tuesday, Livingstone Mbabazi and Leo Adraa’s side visit the St Mary’s stadium in Kitende for a second date with Vipers.
Onduparaka won the first leg 1-0 and ranking aloft their wish-list is to complete a double in the game that will also be televised live.
Fresh from their 2-1 victory against Express on Friday, the Caterpillars who traveled on Sunday have been camping at Namugongo ahead of the crunch tie.
Adraa testified to Kawowo Sports that his charges are ready for the mission ahead of them.
“We are determined and the boys are ready for the best display away from home,” Adraa noted.
Vipers’ head coach Jorge Miguel Da Costa was not the man in charge during the first round encounter and barely has the sketch of the team he will face.
Miguel and Vipers will not be with star midfielder Moses Waiswa who is steadily recovering from a back injury he suffered almost two weeks ago in the 2-1 victory over KCCA FC.
Also missing out of the match day plan are the student players – defender Bashir Asiku, forward Pius Wangi and the ever exciting midfielder Frank ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye.
Defenders Dan Birikwalira (hamstring) and Halid Lwaliwa (malaria bout) will need late fitness tests to be assured of playing time.
Good through, prodigal son Mike Sserumaga could return to action and Brian Nkuubi who featured prominently in the goal-less draw away to Bright Stars at the Champions stadium.
Key actors:
The footballing C.V of Onduparaka captain Muhammed Shaban, Rashid Agau and Samson Ceasar Okhuti has been partially built at Kitende.
It goes without question therefore; the game on Tuesday will mark an emotional return to the famous footballing hill for the trio.
Add to the magical left foot of Living ‘Messi’ Kabon, Gadafi Wahabu and the midfield engine of Ivan Mbowa, the three aforementioned players are instrumental every time the Caterpillars are in action.
Blocking midfielder Mbowa shall be expected to cover the most spaces than ever before in a bid to frustrate Vipers’ ball passing philosophy of play.
On the other hand, Vipers who are unbeaten at Kitende (in the league) have on colour striker Tonny Odur to dwell upon. Odur has netted thrice in the last two games played at the St Mary’s stadium.
He will be expected to lead the line as Erisa Ssekisambu, Francis Onekalit, Kezironi Kizito supplement.
Towering goalie Ismail Watenga has been a key pillar for team Vipers at the backline and will once again be called upon to be alert throughout the game.
Coming to the game, Vipers is currently third with 46 points from 27 games.
Onduparaka seeks to go fourth with a victory and prayers that URA flops away to Police at Namboole on the same day.
The Arua side will dearly miss the services of their trusted sky scrapper in Rashid ‘Mertsacker’ Toha, the tormentor of Express. Toha did not travel to Kampala after picking his third booking in the match against the Red Eagles.
Onduparaka is currently 5th with 41 points from 27 outings.