KITENDE – Just weeks to the start of the 2018/19 StarTimes Uganda Premier League, players continue departing reigning champions Vipers SC.
The latest being goalkeeper James Alitho who has left the club barely a week after another Vipers custodian-Ismail Watenge signed for Ethiopia Buuna.
Alitho who was second choice to Watenga is believed to have signed a one and half year deal at URA FC.
“Yes. The two parties (James Alitho and URA Football Club) have agreed upon a one and half years employment contract, Alitho’s representative Simon Wasswa confirmed the move.
“We wish him a splendid time at his new club.
Alitho has been a free agent since running down his deal at Vipers at the back and of last season.
He has spent four years at the St. Mary’s stadium since joining the Venoms from CRO in 2014.
His stay with Vipers has be no where close to smooth as he has been second fiddle to Watenga for years, let alone the consistent injuries and suspensions. Last season, Alitho was handed a lengthy ban following improper conduct in a game away to Bul FC at the Kyabazinga stadium.
For the past couple of weeks, he has attracted a series of clubs to negotiate a possible move – Vipers Sports Club inclusive.
Alitho had earlier travelled to South Africa but a move to Black Leopards had to be put on hold until January 2019 due to unclear circumstances.
At the tax collectors’ side, he is the direct replacement for Mathias Muwanga who has since moved to Express FC after an average show that also had him concede seven goals against KCCA in a game at Lugogo in the second half of last season.
Alitho becomes the 11th signing for Sam Ssimbwa following the earlier capture of Salim Wekiya (Masavu), Vitalis Tabu (SC Villa), Joshua Kawadwa (Bright Stars), Yesseri Waibi (Mbarara City), Mathew Tayo Odong (Tusker), Robert Omunuk (Western Stima), Ronald Musana (Proline), Emmanuel Kalyowa (BUL), Benjamin Nyakoojo (Masavu) and Robert Mukongottya (Nyamityobora).
The 2018/19 season is slatted to kick off on 28th September, 2018.
URA finished a disappointing 10th last season, something Alitho and his new coach-Sam Simbwa will be hoping to tackle next season.
