Stanbic Uganda Cup 2021 (Round of 16)
First Leg: Saturday, 1st May – UPDF Vs Vipers (4 PM)
*At the Military Barracks Stadium, Bombo
The nature of most cup competitions world over leaves room and space for either opposition to compete favorably for honours.
Precipitated by the home and away format of play, there is due advantage for any of the clubs in contention.
As Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) play host to giants Vipers during the first leg of the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16 stage, one could be propelled to reason that the army side will use their Bombo fortress to compete in the game.
Long serving UPDF captain Denis Ssekitoleko believes that they will indeed compete without fear or favour from the first minute to the climax of the game.
As UPDF takes on Vipers, many think we are the under-dogs, but no. We shall display a great fight in the game. We are one unit and motivated enough to stage a gallant fight and pull off a decent result in the game.
Denis Ssekitoleko, UPDF Football Club Captain
Ssekitoleko made the revelations moments after the club received a huge equipment boost to a tune of $ 10,000 from Bukoto based Health Haven Clinic.
The donation included 180 pairs of jerseys, 100 footballs and 30 pairs of playing boots.
Against Vipers, UPDF faces an up-hill task having lost 1-0 and 3-0 in the league away and home respectively.
Add to the injury toll in the army side camp to goalkeeper Yusuf Wasswa, Simon Mbaziira and Dickens Okwir, Kefa Kisala’s side is depleted in size of the playing squad.
Perhaps, Ssekitoleko, goalkeeper Eric Kibowa, the diligent Joseph Bright Vuni, Bernard Muwanga, James Begisa and the industrious Isa Mubiru are all up and kicking in their defence.
Ibrahim Wamannah will need to pass a late fitness test if he is to feature prominently in the midfield alongside Ruben Kabuye, Charles Ssebutinde, the pacy Seif Batte as the Brian duo of Kayanja and Kalumba (on loan from Vipers) and Davis Kasirye seek for the goals.
Vipers is fresh from a 4-0 away win against MYDA in Tororo during the league’s match day 21 engagement and will be eyeing to maintain the run.
Skipper Halid Lwaliwa returned against MYDA in defence alongside Livingstone “C4” Mulondo, Paul Willa, Joseph Dhata and Aziz Kayondo.
Karim Watambala, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ibrahim Orit, Dissan Galiwango, Paul Mucureezi, David Bagoole, Abraham Ndugwa and the league’s current top scorer Yunus Sentamu are all fit and ready to inflict the damage as Fred Kajoba Kisitu’s side visits Bombo ahead of Monday’s return leg.
On the same day, Express plays host to URA at the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku and Onduparaka shall host Sports Club Villa at the AbaBet Green Light Stadium in Arua.
This is the 47th edition of the Uganda Cup since 1971.
Headline sponsors Stanbic Bank were joined by paint gurus Kansai Plascon as the other partners.
Fixture Round of 16 First leg
Saturday 1st May:
- Express Vs URA, Mutesa II Stadium Wankulukuku (TV)
- UPDF Vs Vipers, Army Military Stadium, Bombo
- Onduparaka Vs SC Villa, Ababet Greenlight Stadium
Sunday 2nd May:
- Proline Vs Mbale Heroes, MTN Omondi stadium 1pm (TV)
- Police Vs Soltilo Bright Stars, MTN Omondi stadium 3:30 (TV)
- Wakiso Giants Vs Tooro United, Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium
- Maroons Vs KCCA, Prisons ground Luzira
Wednesday 5th May: BUL vs Kitara/Kigezi Homeboyz
Return Legs:
Monday 3rd May: Vipers vs UPDF, St Mary’s Katende stadium (TV)
Tuesday 4th May:
- SC Villa Vs Onduparaka, Bombo Military stadium (TV)
- Tooro United Vs Wakiso Giants, Buhinga stadium
- URA Vs Express, Arena of vision
Wednesday 5th May
- KCCA Vs Maroons, MTN Omondi stadium (TV)
- Soltilo Bright Stars Vs Police, Kavumba Recreation Ground
Thursday 6th May: Mbale Heroes Vs Proline – Mbale Municipal Stadium