Tues, 1st April 2014:
Last 16 Uganda Cup Round:
The Saints f.c Vs Victoria University – Namboole Stadium
Vipers Vs Uganda Revenue Authority – Buikwe Stadium
1st April of every calendar year is famously known as the “fools’ day”. A day globally reserved for freely cracking hard and soft jokes.
In the annual Uganda football Cup, previously dubbed the ‘Kakungulu Cup’, it will never be a subject worthy to joke about even when a fixture falls on such a day.
Several Uganda Cup round of 16 mouthwatering fixtures await the soccer enthusiasts as the tourney’s defending champions, Sports Club Victoria University faces her neighbors, The Saints in a highly billed encounter at Namboole Stadium.
Away in Mukono, at the Buikwe Stadium, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) comes face to face with Vipers in another game many football pundits have tagged as ‘a sparkling thriller’.
Test of Character:
To predict the outcome of either fixture, one ought to be equated to a rocket scientist. Owing to current form, players’ mentality, the prize and pride at stake, such is the high degree of the unpredictability of these fixtures.
The Saints Vs SCVU:
This is one derby of sorts. The two teams may belong to absolutely different leagues, but they share a lot in common.
From the dressing room to the training and match turfs, The Saints, currently lying in 3rd of the Rwenzori Big league group after that hard fought 2 all home draw with Lweza on Saturday face a stern test and check from the FUFA Super league side, SCVU.
Ego’s Fixture:
To many neutralists, the Saints – SCVU fixture may sound and look like a complete mismatch, but hell no, it presents that once in a life time opportunity for a lower division side to prove critics wrong or right.
“All the players of either side are geared to bagging the points home and securing qualification to the next round. In fact, the first half, I will cheer The Saints and second half Victoria University side”, Julius Mutessasira, an ardent follower of the two sides says.
SCVU fully ushered back experienced goalie, Benjamin Ochan (from a groin strain) but there are injury and fitness concerns for skipper Martin Mpuga and Cranes left back, Isaac Muleme.
The Saints’ attacking pair of Alex ‘Benzima’ Kitata and Rajab Jooga face a lifetime reality test as they battle the fast improving U-23 Cranes’ Murushid Jjuuko, Uganda Cranes’ Savio Kabugo and the towering Benard Agele in SCVU’s 3 man backline.
Midfield War:
Majority of football fixtures are won and lost in the middle of the pack. Tuesday’s game will rotate on the effectiveness of either team’s midfield department.
SCVU, with virtually the best midfield in the country faces a crop of individuals who have mastered to play the destroyer’s and offensive roles in equal measure.
Saints’ Nelson Ssempagala may not be among the most efficient players (in regards to ball control, distribution and game reading), but his desire to effectively man mark, shoot from a distance and his never say never attitude ranks him close.
Together with fellow midfield partners, the veteran Emmanuel Balyejusa, Godfrey Buni and Farouk Kawooya, they will however prove that mentality during one on ones with Yassar Mugerwa, Dennis Iguma and Muzamiru Mutyaba.
The trio can unlock even the meanest of all backlines on a good day at office regardless of hurdles at hand.
Another eye catching battle arises from strikers Noah Ssemakula, Mathew Odong and the pacy Dan Nsubuga battling skipper Geofrey Bwiire and company.
Vipers Vs URA:
Both sides have had a mixed tale of results in the domestic league for the weeks past. Vipers will quickly wish to forget that miserable goal less draw away in Mbale to the bottom placed CRO last Friday.
On and off URA striker, Erisa Ssekisambu, Frank Kalanda and Augustine Nsumba will lead the Lugazi based side for the goals’ quest as veteran Simeon Masaba commands from the right back position.
Vipers, counting on the mammoth crowds that have always never disappointed, will call upon Cranes Striker, Yunus Sentamu, Wasswa and Ceaser Okhuti for the goal’s surge.
Midfield:
Over the years, Vipers’ captain, Robert Kimuli has never disappointed especially in ‘big fixtures’ that require big match temperament.
His finesse and composure to mark, ball control, pass and command all at the same time has won Vipers an avalanche of games.
Kimuli together with Deus Bukenya and Joseph Mpande will come face to face Moses Ali Feni and Owen Kasule in what looks to be a typical movie scene worthy a well-planned script.
The Coaches Speak:
Morley Byekwaso (SCVU):
“My team is on a marathon. Just like in that particular race, you meet hills, vallies, spectators, water points and the flat terrain. This match (SCVU Vs The Saints) is one of those points”.
Mark Twinamatisko (The Saints f.c):
“We are underdogs but we shall still put our best showing despite a tricky Artland fixture coming up days later (10th April 2014)”.
Golola (Vipers’ Co-tactician with Wasswa):
“At such games, we tell players to cool down the tempo, defend and attack in equal measure. We shall play to carry the day”.
Paul ‘latest’ Nkata (URA Coach):
“At Buikwe, we are like at home. The team is ready to play and win”.
Enjoy the matches.
