Masavu eyes revenge after first round loss to Maroons | UPL

Uganda Premier League (Match Day 17):

Tuesday, 13^th February 2018

• Maroons Vs Masavu
• At Luzira Prisons Stadium, 4:30 pm

When Masavu hosted Maroons in the first round encounter at the lake side Fisheries Training Institute (Bugonga), the visitors smiled to a late Solomon Walusimbi header in the 1-0 victory on 24th October 2017.

Walusimbi had moments earlier replaced striker William Wadri on the 75th minute mark before nodding home a teasing cross from magical left winger Pius ‘Tz Iniesta’ Obuya past goalkeeper Ali Kiggundu.

Now that the two clubs shall lock horns once again in the return leg at the Luzira Prisons stadium, the Entebbe based side shall be eyeing to ‘pay back in the same currency’.

For starters, both clubs kicked off the second round of the league with stalemates.

Maroons earned a precious point in the goal-less away draw to SC Villa Jogoo in Masaka as Masavu surrendered a one goal lead against Steven Bogere’s UPDF at Bugonga.

Team News:

Masavu’s midfielder Ddumba Sadala and assistant coach Alex Gitta remain sidelined after being suspended by the FUFA disciplinary panel for indiscipline during a first round game away to Mbarara City.

This implies head coach Joseph Mutyaba will command the bench with Jackson Musoni.

With a new look side following a clean sweep that witnessed the release of at least 12 players in the transfer window, Masavu continues with the re-building process.

Joseph Kasibante, scorer of an early goal against UPDF is among the players recruited in the secondary transfer window.

Veterans Abubakar Tabula and Patrick Senfuka are joined by stocky midfielder Herbert Kakande, Salimu Munaku, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Arthur Ssemazzi, Simon Namwanja and Ashadu Bakulumpagi as some of the new faces at the club.

Towering defender Michael ‘Libero’ Otimong, another new signing from Mombasa misses the game with a ham-string as Brian Nsubuga faces a late fitness test.

Team skipper Abraham Ndugwa is expected to lead the line as usual with Charles ‘Napia’ Wamala among the players to feature in the midfield.

“Each game is important to our campaign. We shall take the match seriously” Mutyaba spoke to Kawowo Sports ahead of the match.

For Asaph Mwebaze’s Maroons, they are expected to build on the home support on a ground that most visitors have struggled.

Former Kira United and SC Villa goalkeeper Ashadu Bugembe is expected to command a starting slot in between the goal posts ahead of Eric Dhaira.

A collection of young talented players as Allan Anguyo, Felix Okot, Abdul Senyonga, Solomon Walusimbi, Junior Amanya, William Kibi, Godwin Kitagenda, Solomon Ewol, Abbey Mutyaba, Yahaya Luuti, Eddie Kapampa, Moses Batte Wasswa as well as the Pius duo of Akena and Obuya will pool for the technical team to select from.

“There is need to maximize on the home advantage” Mwebaze was quoted by the local media ahead of the match.

Table standings:

Maroons Football Club is currently 6^th with 22 points but Masavu continues with the struggle to get from the relegation zone as they lie 14^th having fetched 15 points off 16 matches.

The game will be handled by George Olemu as the center referee.

Diana Murungi and Robinson Atusinguza shall be the first and second assistant referees respectively.

Paul Turyamureeba is the fourth official.

Match Officials:

• Center Referee: George Olemu
• 1^st Assistant Referee: Diana Murungi
• 2^nd Assistant Referee: Robinson Atusinguza
• 4^th Official: Paul Turyamureeba
• Referees Assessor: Nelson Nsubuga

Other Fixtures:

• Vipers Vs Onduparaka – St Mary’s Kitende (Live on TV) -4 pm
• Express Vs BUL – Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku (4:30 pm)
• Kirinya-Jinja S.S.S Vs Police – Bugembe Stadium, Jinja (4:30 pm)
• UPDF Vs Proline – Bombo Barracks Grounds (4:30 pm)
• URA Vs Bright Stars – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (4:30 pm)
• Mbarara City Vs Soana – Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara (4:30 pm)

Thursday, 15^th February 2018:

• KCCA Vs SC Villa Jogoo – Live on TV (4 p.m)