Uganda Premier League (Match Day 15):
Saturday, 27th January 2019
Vipers Vs Mbarara City
At St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (4 PM)
When Western Uganda based UPL outfit Mbarara City Football Club visits the St Mary’s Stadium with a duel against Vipers Sports Club, it will be the first of the many matches the Ankole Lions will play without their former skipper Asuman Alishe.
Alishe was released by the club after his employment contract was not renewed albeit allegations of spur heading internal player revolts.
Against Vipers, the Ankole Lions who are proudly sponsored by Top Bet are most likely to deploy a make shift central defender Zaidi Byekwaso, who has been limited to game time this season.
We released Asuman Alishe, our former captain after his contract expired. Life at the club has to continue. As we face Vipers, we shall use Zaidi Byekwaso and the new signing Ocitti remains the understudy.
Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Head coach Mbarara City Football Club
Mbarara City has already played two build up games with-out Alishe, winning massively 16-0 over Mbarara Select and 3-0 against Buganda regional out-fit, Nkambi Coffee.
On the other hand, Vipers was engaged in a league duel barely 48 hours after their one all draw against URA at Namboole Stadium.
The Venoms will be expected to name more or less the team that faced URA on Friday with their Burundian goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora starting ahead of Derrick Ochan.
Halid Lwaliwa is out with rib complications and former SC Villa defender Henry Katongole is destined for the first start since joining the Venoms.
Whereas captain Tadeo Lwanga will play the blocking role in the midfield, reigning Airtel FUFA footballer of the year Moses Waiswa is tasked with the play making antics alongside Innocent Wafula to feed Tito Okello, Dan Sserunkuma, Abraham Ndugwa and company.
Mbarara City will name goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekebba in between the goal posts because first choice Ali Kimera is still suspended having being red carded away to Onduparaka.
Steven Othieno and Jasper Aheebwa will be deployed on the right back and left back departments respectively.
Zaidi Byekwaso and captain Hilary Mukundane kick start a new partnership in central defence as Burundian Pistis Barenge is the defensive shield in central midfield.
Paul Mucurezi, Bebe Swaliki, Makueth Wol, Jude Ssemugabi, Ibrahim Orit, Ivan Eyam and new signing Derrick Onyai are all offensive options.
Both Vipers and Mbarara City have played 14 matches apiece with Vipers on 30 points, six behind leaders KCCA.
Mbarara City has 27 points as they sit third on the 16 team log.
Probable Team Line Ups:
Vipers XI: Fabien Mutombora (G.K), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Yayo Lutimba Kato, Geofrey Wasswa, Livingstone Mulondo, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Tadeo Lwanga (Captain), Innocent Wafula, Moses Waiswa, Tito Okello, Dan Sserunkuma
Subs:Derrick Ochan (G.K), Henry Katongole, Duncan Sseninde, Abraham Ndugwa, Brian Nkuubi, Joseph Jjanjali, Ibrahim Tembo
Head coach: Michael ‘Nam’ Ouma
Mbarara City XI: Muhammed Ssekeba (G.K), Steven Othieno, Jasper Aheebwa, Zaidi Byekwaso, Hilary Mukundane, Pistis Barenge, Paul Mucureezi, Bebe Swaliki, Makueth Wol, Jude Ssemugabi, Ibrahim Orit
Subs: Ivan Eyam, Steven Kabuye, Ocitti Otim, Siraje Musindo, Brian Aheebwa
Head coach: Charles Livingstone Mbabazi
Top Scorers:
Bashir Mutanda (Kirinya-Jinja S.S) – 10 Goals
Joel Madondo (Kirinya-Jinja S.S) – 9 Goals
Juma Balinya (Police) – 9 Goals
Dan ‘Muzeyi’ Sserunkuma (Vipers) – 8 Goals
Henry Patrick Kaddu (KCCA) – 7 Goals
Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars) – 6 Goals
Rashid Agau (Maroons) – 6 Goals
Allan Kayiwa (Tooro United) – 6 Goals
Deogratius Ojok (BUL) – 5 Goals
