Uganda Premier League | Friday, 1st February 2019
- Vipers Vs Kirinya-Jinja S.S – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (4 PM)
- Paidha Black Angels Vs Ndejje University – Green Light Stadium, Arua (4:30 PM)
The Uganda Premier League returns on the very first day of February 2019 with two matches.
Second placed Vipers, the only unbeaten side in the league thus far entertains 11th on the log Kirinya-Jinja S.S at St Mary’s Stadium.
Away in Arua, at the Green Light Stadium, there are a bottom of the table contest when Paidha Black Angels plays host to Ndejje University.
The game at Kitende is a big opportunity for the Venoms to close gap on the leaders KCCA, should they manage a home win.
Vipers’ last game of the first round was that goal-less stalemate with on-fire Mbarara City.
Against the Eastern Uganda side, a club that held them in Jinja as well, it will be a mission to up the game for maximum points if there are early intentions of retaining their league.
Besides defender Bashir Asiku and goalkeeper Bashir Sekagya (all injured), the Venom players are all fit and roaring for the game.
Burundian shot stopper Fabien Mutombora is expected to be named in goal ahead of Derrick Ochan.
Former Kirinya-Jinja S.S defender Livingstone Mulondo, Yayo Lutimba Kato, Geofrey Wasswa, Henry Katongole, Halid Lwaliwa (back after missing two successive games) and Ibrahim Kiyemba are all available for selection in defence.
Team skipper Tadeo Lwanga, the reigning Airtel FUFA footballer of the Year Moses Waiswa, Innocent Wafula, Duncan Sseninde, Tom Masiko, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Tito Okello, Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma, Abraham Ndugwa and Joseph Jjanjali could all make the match day squad.
It will be a tough tie where we shall need maturity, character and so much determination to win. Victory is what the team needs especially after dropping points in the last games.
Michael Nam Ouma, Vipers Head coach as quoted by the club website
For starters, Kirinya-Jinja S.S comes to this game with a new look technical bench.
Abbey ‘Cappello’ Bogere Kikomeko returns as head coach and replaces Charles Lukula Ayiekho who tendered in his resignation at the start of the week over unclear reasons.
Kikomeko understands this club inside out having previously worked with them.
Besides Isaac Isinde and Faizal Muwawu who traveled for Professional trials in Malaysia, the rest of the crop are fit for the game.
Sharp striker Joel Madondo has recovered from a painful knee well in time to prove to the Vipers’ opposition.
Fred Amaku, Yusuf Abaato and Dan Ssewava will be other key forwards for Bogere to build with.
On Friday, we play against Vipers a side that is winless in the last two games, exited the CAF competitions a few weeks ago. We are aware they need the three points but we also badly need maximum points. So everyone should expect a tough game.
Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, Kirinya-Jinja S.S Head Coach
Emmanuel Rubangakene could most likely be named in goal ahead of Atiino Opoka.
Over lapping Allan Drajua and Isma Kawawulo may start at the right and left back flanks respectively whilst Rajab Sabir and Wilson Makuro could be partnered in central defence.
Any of the hard working George Kasonko, Nelson Mandela, Jerome Kirya, Vincent Zziwa, David Bagoole or Anthony Mayanja may be selected to start in a compact midfield strategy.
A massive 12 points separate the two clubs. Kirinya-Jinja S.S (19 points) is in 11th place from Vipers’ 31 points.
