Vipers SC and Zanzibar’s JKU square off in CECAFA opener

CECAFA Kagame Cup 2018

Vipers SC (uganda) vs JKU FC (zanzibar)

Chamanzi stadium, Tanzania

Friday, 29-06-2017 @02:00pm

Uganda’s representatives at the 2018 CECAFA-Kagame cup-Vipers SC, will lock horns with Zanzibar’s giants JKU FC in the opening game of the tournament on Friday.

The reigning Uganda Premier league champions are taking part in their second ever edition after initially representing the nation in 2011

Bunamwaya as they were known back then failed to get past the group stages after finishing third in group B that comprised of Al Merrick, Young Africans and Elman FC.

“The boys trained so well and we are impressed with the reaction and positive attitude, said Vipers coach Miguel da Costa ahead of the game.

“We are sure they will replicate this in the match against JKU on Friday.

The Venoms who arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Wednesday evening with a contingent of 20 players and five coaches and conducted a two hour training session.

They left a host of big names at home including first choice goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, Moses Waiswa, Halid Lwaliwa and Erisa Ssekisambu but traveled with several new signings.

It is hard to predict how they will line up but whoever is choosen will surely be keen to impress.

With Nicholas Wadada now a Azam FC player, Tadeo Lwanga will be the captain of the side in the competition but it remains to be seen if he will be made the permanent skipper for the Kitende based side.

There will be two more encounters on Friday, one in group A and the other in group C.

The other group A fixture will see defending champions Azam FC of Tanzania lock horns with South Sudan outfit Katar FC at 4pm.

The day’s last fixture will feature another home side Singida against Rwandan giants APR at the National stadium-07:00pm.

Vipers will have a day’s rest tomorrow before returning to action on Sunday against Azam FC at 07:00pm.

The Venoms’ last group fixture will be played on Wednesday, 04-07-2018 against Katar FC at the same venue (Chamanzi).

Vipers SC Squad.

Goalkeepers:- Bashir Ssekagya, Eric Kibowa.

Defenders:- Bashir Asiku, Geoffrey Wasswa, Fred Okot, Aggrey Madoi, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Yayo Lutimba, Ashraf Mandela.

Midfielders:- Taddeo Lwanga, Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Brian Nkuubi, Duncan Sseninde, David Owori.

Forwards:- Dan Sserunkuma, Pius Wangi, Brian Kalumba, Steven Mukwala, Milton Karisa.

CECAFA fixtures Friday, 29-06-2018:

-Vipers SC vs JKU FC @02:00pm

-Azam FC vs Katar FC @04:00pm

-Singida vs APR FC @07:00pm

The CECAFA Kagame cup group stage:

Group A.

1. Azam FC (Tanzania)
2. Vipers SC (Uganda)
3. JKU FC (Zanzibar)
4. Katar FC (South Sudan)

Group B.

1. Rayon Sport (Rwanda)
2. Gor Mahia (Kenya)
3. Lydia Ludic (Burundi)
4. Ports FC (Djibouti))

Group C.

1. Singida FC (Tanzania)
2. APR FC (Rwanda)
3. Simba SC (Tanzania)
4. Dakadaha (Somalia)