The Philip Omondi Invitational Tournament 2018
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Friday, 14-09-2018
-Proline FC vs Nyamityobra FC @12:00pm
-KCCA FC vs Wakiso Giants @03:00pm
STARTIMES STADIUM – The third edition of the Philip Omondi invitational tournament will start on Friday afternoon when two time defending champions Proline FC begin the defence of their crown.
Proline who were relegated from the top flight at the back of last season will be hoping for better luck this time round under new manager Shafick Bisaso.
“We want to try and defend the championship and we will try to give ourselves the best challenge, said Bisaso ahead of the clash with Nyamityobora.
“Many will see us as one of the smaller cats because we are now in the Big League but that won’t worry us because we are here to compete.
Bisaso and his charges will face a Nyamityobra side which replaced them (Proline) in the Uganda Premier League.
Unlike Proline, Nyamityobora are making their maiden bow at the tournament and will hope to use it as a stepping stone for the season ahead.
“This is a very good and strong tournament and that is why we have brought our A team to try and compete here, noted Nyamityobora assitant coach Juma Ssekiziyivu.
“We hope that everything we learn here will help us as we prepare for the season that lies ahead.
This is the very first meeting between the two sides.
The other day’s fixture will see hosts, KCCA FC take on another Big League side in Wakiso Giants.
The Kasasiro Boys will be hoping they can win their own tournament for the first time after falling short on the last two occasions.
KCCA FC definitely go into this year’s edition as favourites and are expected to take it serious as confirmed by their head coach, Mike Mutebi.
“We always take every game seriously and am sure we will approach the game against Wakiso and the whole tournament in the same way, said Mutebi.
“We are blessed with a huge squad and almost all of them are at the same level so we will mingle around it to try and compete ably.
“We hope this tournament gives us a good start as we build up to the league which starts in about two week.
Their opponents-Wakiso Giants are making their debut in the tournament, having bought-off Kamuli Park in June.
The newly established side will want to use the preseason tournament to try and access their new recruits further as they prepare for life in the ‘Big League.’
“We are a new team and the players are also new, said Wakiso Giants assistant coach Ali Kiggundu.
“We are still looking for the right combinations and will hope this tournament gives us a good platform as we prepare for the Big League.
After Friday’s games, the tournament will continue with two more games on Saturday.
Saturday’s fixtures:
-Kamuli Park vs Proline @02:00pm
-KCCA FC VS Nyamityobora @04:00pm
