Uganda Premier League
URA FC vs Express FC
Bombo Barracks Stadium, Bombo
Saturday, 23-11-2019 @3pm
BOMBO – Sam Simbwa is a name that is always spoken with affection by Express FC fans.
The current URA FC tactician won the Red Eagles their last league title in 2012 and for that, he holds a special place in their hearts.
Ever since he left, Express have never mounted a serious title challenge and have had to endure several difficult campaigns including one that nearly saw them get relegated only to be saved on the last day of the season in 2017/18.
For Simbwa, he became a journey man of sorts after leaving Wankulukuku and has had stints at 5 different clubs including a couple in Kenya.
Currently, he is the head coach at URA FC, the team Express FC will be facing on Saturday.
Simbwa’s time at URA FC may also becoming to an end after several clashes with his bosses and the fact that the Tax Collectors have not performed well this campaign, one that promised so much especially after the summer spending that saw about 20 new players come in, he must be concerned.
URA FC are currently 12th on the 16 team log, having gathered a disappointing 15 points from 12 games.
Four points away from the drop zone is not a scenario that will please Simbwa’s boss and the gaffer will be hoping he turns the situation around as soon as possible.
Despite hoping for three points against his former employers, Simbwa anticipates a ‘difficult’ game on Saturday.
“We will try our level best to get all three points against Express, noted Simbwa ahead of the game.
“We are not in the best position as per the standings so we need the three points badly.
“We are playing a different game as compared to the last one against KCCA FC because Express is a totally different team who play another style as compared to the Kasasiros.
“This is going to be a very difficult game for us but we are ready for it.”
URA will come into the contest minus the duo of Saidi Kyeyune and Cromwell Rwothomio who got injured in the 1-1 draw with KCCA FC earlier this week.
For Express FC, they are hoping to end the first round on a high.
The Red Eagles who have so far played 14 games have blown hot and cold this campaign but a win on Saturday will surely put smiles on the Red Eagles faithful.
Currently, they sit 9th on the log with 17 points and know victory against the Tax Collectors will see them climb into 7th for the time being.
They will once again look to their attacking trio of captain Disan Ggaliwango and the Frank duo of Kalanda and Ssenyondo.
The three have literally carried Express on their shoulders all season and will be vital if George Ssemwogerere’s side can walk away from Bombo with all three points.
In their first 14 games, the trio has scored 17 of Express’s 20 goals and who can bet against them not improving that tally on Saturday.
Match Facts
This will be the 19th meeting between the two sides since September 2010.
In the previous 18, URA have been dominant, winning 7, losing just two and drawing the other 9.
Express have been horrible away to URA FC, winning only one of those 9 fixtures since 2010, whilst losing five and drawing the other three.
Last season, URA won the reverse fixture 1-0 and the two sides drew the one at Wankulukuku 0-0.
Coming into the game, URA FC have drawn six of their last nine games (W2 L1).
At home, the Tax Collectors have drawn four of their first six fixtures (W1 L1).
For Express, they head into the encounter having lost only one of their past four games (W2 D1).
They have also been in good form away from home as they have won three of their past four encounters. The only exception was the 3-0 loss at Vipers on October 19th.
The other game on Saturday
-KCCA FC vs Kyetume FC @4pm
