Uganda Premier League:
- Tuesday, 8th May 2018
- Kirinya-Jinja S.S Vs Vipers
- At Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe – Jinja (4:00 pm)
Vipers Sports Club will virtually get closer to their third league crown if they win away at stubborn Kirinya-Jinja S.S in Jinja on Tuesday.
This will be one of the three Uganda Premier League matches lined up on the day.
After a roll coaster of victories right from the 3-2 home win against Bright Stars, 1-0 away victory against rivals SC Villa Jogoo in Masaka, 3-1 at home to Masavu, 3-1 against champions KCCA and recovering from a goal down to win 3-1 at Proline in Lugogo and most recently, the comprehensive 2-0 home win against Police, Vipers indeed look destined for league success in the season 2017/18.
Against Kirinya-Jinja S.S, Vipers welcome back Portuguese coach Miguel Da Costa and goalkeeper James Alitho from a four match ban for indiscipline during the goal-less away draw to BUL, another Jinja entity at the Kakindu stadium.
The duo remains an important component on Vipers’ winning family, more so, at this particular final bend of the season.
Coming to this match proper, Kirinya-Jinja S.S has struggled for form, registering just two points in the last four games.
Charles Ayikoh Lukula’s side picked a point from the Jinja derby with BUL in the one all draw at Kakindu, lost 2-1 to Bright Stars in Jinja, fell 2-0 on the road to SC Villa Jogoo and most recently drew one all with bottom lagging Masavu.
Such is the contrast in form that the book makers could easily rule in favour of Vipers even without kick off.
Key players:
Midfielder Tadeo Lwanga who limped out for Vipers against Police just after twenty minutes into the game is match fit and could take part in the duel.
A wide pool of players are all available for the Vipers technical bench that will now have Da Costa on the touchline.
These include first choice goalkeeper Isma Watenga, roving captain Nico Wakiro Wadada, left back Yayo Lutimba, the returning Geofrey Wasswa (was suspended for the Police game), Bashir Asiku, Shafik Bakaki, Deus Bukenya, Duncan Sseninde, Lwanga, Tom Masiko, Erisa Ssekisambu, Clovis Mbayi, teenager Frank Tumwesigye, as well as the effervescent duo of Milton Karisa and Daniel Muzeyi Sserunkuma.
Enter Kirinya-Jinja S.S, they will miss the services of Bashir Mutanda and Musa Esenu who are tied because of the loan clause.
On form Anthony Mayanja, Faizal Muwawu, Fred Amaku, overlapping right back Allan Drajua, captain Godfrey Akol, Livingstone Mulondo, former league winner Isaac Ntege, Willey Macro and George Kasonko will form the back bone of Kirinya-Jinja S.S on the day.
After 27 games, Vipers league the 16 team log standings with 58 points and maximum points will leave them within just a win of league success.
What they said about the match:
Edward Golola, assistant coach, Vipers:
Every match is a like a cup final. We shall play with our hearts out to win and make sure we stay on course for the league title.
Charles Ayikoh Lukula, Kirinya-Jinja S.S head coach:
We respect the opponents (Vipers) but the match will be a battle to show we are a strong team as well
Next Games:
Tuesday, 8th May 2018:
- URA Vs Masavu – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
- KCCA Vs Proline – Lugogo, Kampala
- Kirinya-Jinja S.S Vs Vipers – Kyabazinga Stadium, Jinja
Wednesday, 9th May 2018:
- Mbarara City Vs Onduparaka – Kakyeeka Stadium, Mbarara
Friday, 11th May 2018:
- Express Vs SC Villa Jogoo – Wankulukuku Stadium
- BUL Vs Bright Stars – Kakindu Stadium, Jinja
- UPDF Vs Soana – Bombo Military Barracks Stadium
- Maroons Vs Police – Luzira Prisons Stadium
Saturday, 19th May 2018:
- Bright Stars Vs KCCA – Champions Stadium, Mwererwe
Monday, 21st May 2018:
- Proline Vs SC Villa Jogoo – Star Times Stadium, Lugogo
Tuesday, 22nd May 2018:
- Vipers Vs Express -St Mary’s Kitende
- KCCA Vs BUL – Star Times Stadium, Lugogo