Uganda Premier League
URA FC vs Kyetme FC
Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Friday, 06-09-2019 @4:30pm
NAMBOOLE – URA FC are one of the two sides expected to challenge defending champions KCCA FC for this year’s Uganda Premier League title.
After a busy offseason that saw the Tax Collectors sign over 12 players, they got their season off to a flyer, defeating Maroons FC 3-0 in their opening game. However, they lost 0-3 away to Wakiso Giants this past Tuesday, raising serious questions about whether URA can really challenge for this year’s crown.
On Friday afternoon, Sam Simbwa side has a chance to get back to winning ways when they host Kyetume FC at the Mandela National Stadium.
If they are indeed into the mix of challenging both KCCA FC and Vipers SC, this is the sort of game that the Tax Collectors must pick all three points from.
For Kyetume, they were brought down back to earth as they lost 1-0 away to Maroons FC on Tuesday.
The loss came on the back of a victory against SC Villa in their opening game, one that meant that their top-flight debut got off to a winning note.
Coming up against a wounded URA side will not be an easy task but looking at how they performed against Villa, Kyetume will not be intimidated.
What they are saying
Ashraf Mandela, URA FC defender
“We did not perform well against Wakiso Giants.
“We have had a short time to recover and work on our mistakes but nonetheless, we are ready and want to win tomorrow’s (Friday) game.”
David Mutono, Kyetume FC assistant coach
“We failed to convert our chances against Maroons last time out.
“Our midfield looked shaky with Isaac Kirabira not doing enough – He was outstanding against Villa but went on to play Bika finals so he came back very tired and didn’t give us what we wanted from him.”
“We respect URA for many reasons; they have good players and a good coach, they have also been here and won a lot. But we also need points and we are ready to fight.”
Team News
URA FC will still be without the injured duo of Brian Majwega and Moses Sseruyidde. The duo also missed the loss to Wakiso and is not expected to be back for a further two weeks. However, Cromwell Rwothomio who also sat out Tuesday’s game has recovered in time and is expected to play some part on Friday.
Kyetume will miss first-choice goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa who has been summoned for Uganda Cranes duty, Salim Sowed is in line to fill the void. Noel Nasasira is also expected to miss due to Malaria. Baker Buyala, Dan Birikwalira, Yusuf Ssaka and Robert Wurube may also be unavailable again due to licensing issues.
Match Facts
This will be the first top-flight meeting between the two side with Kyetume having been elevated to the top tier four months ago.
URA heads into the game having lost only one of their last six home Uganda Premier League games. The loss came at the hands of Bright Stars at the back end of last season.
The other game on Friday
-Wakiso Giants vs Tooro United FC @4pm
