The Uganda Premier League returns on Tuesday after a three week break, and URA will face league debutants Mbarara City looking for an early Christmas present in the shape of three points.
The two sides will be meeting for the first time ever, and the Tax Collectors will hope to continue with their recent good form that has seen them win two games in a row for the first time this season.
Those two victories have sent the side sixth in the table standings, and a win tomorrow will propel them up to fifth for at least 24 hours, with Vipers, who sit just above them with a point more playing a day later. And with just two game left to the end of the first round, triumph tomorrow will see them end the round on a good note.
Visitors Mbarara City went into the break with an inspiring draw against champions KCCA. Although it came from their home ground where they have proved a hard nut to crack and where only Vipers have managed to leave with maximum points, the Ankole Lions will fancy their chances at Namboole.
Mbarara City haven’t won on the road though. Last time out, they shared spoils with Maroons at the Prisons ground in Luzira. The Western side occupies the twelfth position in the league with 15 points heading into this encounter.
They approach the game without the quintet of Santos Hakimana, Clinton Kamugisha, Saliim Hood, Bebe Swalik Sseguja, who was named Man of the Match against KCCA, and Methodius Bassey- all injured.
The hosts are without Julius Ntambi, Robert Mokongotia, Patrick Mbowa, Fred Okot [all injured] and Richard Kassaga who’s out of the country.