Uganda Premier League
KCCA FC vs Vipers SC
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Saturday, 16-11-2019 @3pm
LUGOGO – KCCA FC and Vipers SC have dominated Ugandan football in the recent past and it would be right to say they are the best two sides in the country currently.
Between them, they have won all of the past seven league titles and as things stand, it is highly expected that one of them will walk away with the title once again this season.
KCCA FC have won the lion share of those seven championships (5) while the Venoms have two. The last team other than those two to win it was Express FC, being crowned champions in 2012 under the guidance of Sam Simbwa.
Going into each season, the two are favourites and it was the case before the 2019/20 campaign started.
The table currently suggests Vipers are the front runners to win a 4th title in their history as they have been magnificent since the season started.
The Venoms enter into the contest against their rival sitting top of the log with 33 points from 13 games and yet to taste defeat.
Edward Golola’s side are also 14 points ahead of KCCA FC despite playing four more games.
A win for Vipers will rightly put them in a situation where they are outright favourites to win the title.
For KCCA FC, they have played only 9 games so far as they have been involved in both the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.
However, they have been eliminated from both competitions and know that to save their season, they need to win the league.
A win at home to Vipers means that they will go 11 points behind the Venoms and with four games in hand, they will be back in the running for the title and who knows what happens after.
However, if they fail to win Saturday’s contest, their chances of winning a third title in a row will have taken a major setback.
What the coaches are saying ahead of the game
Mike Mutebi, KCCA FC
“We have a responsibility to win this game.
“We are playing a team that has centred their case as an emerging force in Ugandan football.
“We want to front our case as defending Champions of the league.
“As a coach, these are games you want to take part in and make sure the players display a good game of football for the fans to enjoy.
“We have some players away on National duty that is Okello, Lukwago and Kasozi but we have able replacements to give us the game we want.
Edward Golola, Vipers SC
“We’re definitely expecting a special atmosphere on Saturday.
“It’s one of these special games, one of these fixtures where your position on the table doesn’t matter.”
“We have been working hard since the season started and we can’t stop now.
“It’s the players’ confidence and mentality that matters at this moment. We are excited that the team is in good shape and well-motivated. Let’s see how it all goes.”
Team News
Coach Mike Mutebi’s charges will be boosted by the return of youngsters Joseph Kafumbe and forward Sam Ssenyonjo who have not been involved a lot this season because of school engagements. The duo is now available for selection and their presence gives the Gaffer options. Skipper Charles Lukwago, Allan Okello and Kasozi Nicholas will not feature. The players are away with Uganda Cranes on National duty as they prepare for AFCON qualifier game against Malawi on Sunday 17th November at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Sadat Anaku will have to undergo a late fitness test before he is confirmed available for Saturday’s encounter. The teenager pulled a muscle in the team’s last outing against Express FC. Erisa Sekisambu, Mike Mutyaba, Sam Senyonjo, and Keziron Kizito are in contention to feature against their former employers. Julius Poloto, Jurua Hassan and Sadam Juma are all ruled out due to injury.
For Vipers, Frank Tumwesigye is back in contention after missing the last four matches due to sickness, he stands a chance to start after impressive appearances in training. Halid Lwaliwa and Fahad Bayo remain unavailable as they are in residential camp with the national team preparing for the AFCON qualifier tie against Malawi. Karim Watambala, Ahmed Amayo and Bobosi Byaruhanga are sitting their final secondary school exams hence won’t be playing any part in this encounter. Following a decent showing against URA after having fallen down in the pecking order, Tito Okello could return to face his former bosses. Derrick Ochan is expected to keep his place in goal like he did against the tax collectors.
Match Facts
This will be the 20th meeting between the two sides since September 2010.
In the past 19 meetings, KCCA have won five, Vipers nine while the other five have all ended in draws.
Last season, the two sides drew 1-1 twice in their two league fixtures.
They have already met this season with Vipers triumphing 2-0 in the FUFA Super 8 final.
KCCA FC come into the encounter in good form having won all of their last four league games.
At home, the Kasasiros have won three of their first four games of the campaign (D1 L0).
Going into the game, Vipers are yet to lose a game this season winning 10 and drawing three of their first 13 games.
Away from home, the Venoms have won four and drawn two of their first six fixtures.
The other games to be played on Saturday
-BUL FC vs Proline FC
-Maroons FC vs Wakiso Giants FC
-Tooro United FC vs Express FC
Friday’s results
-Mbarara City FC 2-0 Kyetume FC
-Bright Stars FC 0-1 Police FC
-URA FC 0-0 Busoga United FC
