Vipers vs KCCA: What the fans think ahead of the ‘big’ game

As many still discuss the biggest game in Uganda currently, the game between Vipers and KCCA has always attracted huge numbers, an active ambience and end-to-end action on the field of play.

It’s more than just a game because its fierce rivalry extends beyond the business at the pitch into the expenditure and fans’ prestige.

Since the 2012-13 campaign, the two sides have shared nine titles among themselves. Vipers have won five while KCCA has clinched four that is to say apart from the two sides only Express has lifted a UPL trophy in the past 10 seasons.

In the same breath, since the 2012-13 season, the two sides have met 23 times among which Vipers has won nine while KCCA has secured seven victories and as many draws.

This and more explains why this is a huge game that evokes emotion both on and off the pitch and also tells much about the situation of the coach’s safety.

By so doing, the fans always are tasked to take a firm ground that involves heated debates and arguments until the kick-off moments before it resumes shortly after full-time.

Kawowo Sports spoke to four fans, two from either camp and below is what they said ahead of the action slated for Friday, March 15.

Alioru Esther Celine (Vipers SC)

As the saying goes ladies first, Celine revealed that Vipers always turn up with the best attitude against KCCA compared to other games.

“Since I started supporting Vipers, the players always have the best attitude against KCCA because they know what it means to us as a club. Even when we are on a poor run, it’s always different against KCCA,” she stated.

“I believe that we are going to put up a great show and win the game because we badly want the points from that one. I only pray that the coach brings Matsiko (Grant) instead of Mandela (Ashraf) that would give us a perfect balance at the back,” she added.

• Prediction: Vipers 2-0 KCCA
• Best opponent’s player: None

Brenda Asiimwe (KCCA FC)

Brenda is sad that her side will be without Shaban Muhammad who has been on stellar form. She added that is the only challenge they have towards the awaited game.

“I am looking forward to the game but am a bit anxious and scared since we shall not be having Muhammad Shaban and Arafat Usama. Though I still believe that Ettiene Katenga and Jao Gabriel will take over and do a great job,” she said.

“I am hopeful that we can get our first win at Kitende because Vipers is not doing well. So our playing style will be a great advantage to beat that team that can not weave more than three passes. So as a team and fighting spirit, we shall be the best side on Friday,” she added.

• Prediction: Vipers 0-2 KCCA
• Best opponent’s player: Yunus Sentamu

Kassim Kyazze (KCCA FC)

Kyazze is an ardent KCCA fan and he revealed that he expects a deserving victory against Vipers on Friday.

“I believe a victory because I expect the boys to put in everything. Vipers are not looking good at the moment so I believe when we work hard we can pick a win,” he said.

“When you look at the game Vipers drew with Bright Stars you would see that the latter was the better side. Yet when it comes to us we are slowly improving and have all it takes to win,” he added.

“With the absence of Muhammad Shaban, I expect Ettiene Katenga to lead the team upfront because he has all the skills to put Vipers backline at bay,” he concluded.

• Prediction: Vipers 1-2 KCCA
• Best opponents’ player: Allan Okello

Macheda – Duke of Kitende (Vipers SC)

Macheda was quick to highlight that this is currently the biggest game in the land and so it’s hard to tell however he added that his sides will take it home after the fight.

“Of course, I am curious ahead of the league’s best game at the moment. So there is always that feeling that KCCA can win however the boys (Vipers) have to work hard to ensure that they overturn the first leg’s result,” he said.

“How they select that midfield will have a lot to say about the game. At the moment we have a debate of whether Allan Okello and Bright Anukani should both start more so when you want some strength in the middle park,” he added.

“The technical team has got to make a big decision to choose one because Karim Watambala and Siraje Sentamu have got to start the game. Lastly, I believe it will be a tight game but am sure we shall squeeze through and win.”

• Prediction: Vipers 2-1 or 2-0
• Best Opponents’ player: Ashraf Mugume and Ettiene Katenga