Uganda Premier League
Mbarara City FC vs Vipers SC
Bombo Barracks Stadium, Bombo
Tuesday, 28-01-2020 @4pm
BOMBO – Fred Kajjoba will be in charge of Vipers SC for the first time when they take on Mbarara City FC on Tuesday afternoon.
The national team goalkeeping coach was appointed head coach of the Venoms this past weekend, replacing Edward Golola who was sacked a few days prior.
It is hard to see how Kajjoba will improve a side that is already four points clear at the top of the Uganda Premier League.
However, Kajjoba is a figure that has know Ugandan football inside and out and with all factors constant, can at least ensure the gap remains at the that margin.
Speaking ahead of his first game, Kajjoba noted that his side are not under any pressure and are fired up for the Mbarara game.
“We are still in the lead and not under any pressure ahead of our next games. Said Kajjoba as quoted by Vipers.com.
“We are focused on working to give the team the best and the boys are fired up for this cause.”
The reverse fixture at the St Mary’s Stadium ended in a 2-2 stalemate with Mbarara City FC skipper Hillary Mukundane leveling matters in the 82nd minute after Fahad Bayo had put Vipers in the lead.
Paul Mucureezi, if selected, will be facing his former employers for the first time since joining Vipers early this month. The forward enjoyed cult status for the Ankole Lions in an 18-month spell until December 2019 when he opted not to renew his contract. Captain Halid Lwaliwa is back from compassionate leave following the loss of his mother but is doubtful for the trip to Bombo. This tie comes too early for Bashir Asiku who is yet to fully gain fitness. Burundian international shot-stopper Fabien Mutombora picked a minor injury during practice last week but is fine and will be available for selection. Karim Watambala, who missed the Uganda Cup loss to Kajjansi United, too, is back after shaking off the knock.
For Mbarara City FC, they have had a poor start to the second round despite finishing the first round on a high.
The Ankole Lions who won all their last three first-round games have now lost two and won just once since the year started.
This past week, they beat Kakira 2-1 in the Uganda Cup to progress to the round of 32 and that will work as motivation going into Tuesday’s game.
Match Facts
This will be the 6th meeting between the two sides since 2017 when Mbarara City made their latest return to the top flight.
In the previous five match-ups, Vipers have not lost any, winning twice and drawing the other three.
However, the draws have all come in the last three meetings including twice last season.
The two sides drew 2-2 in the first meeting this season while the reverse fixture last campaign ended 0-0.
Mbarara heads into the encounter in fairly good form having won five of their last seven league games (D0 L2).
At home, the Ankole Lions have won all of their last four games, scoring seven goals and conceding just twice.
For Vipers, the come into the game having lost just one of their last four league games, winning the other three.
Away from home, the Venoms have won four of their past five league games (D0 L1).
The other games on Tuesday @4pm
-Tooro United FC vs URA FC
-Proline FC vs Police FC
-Kyetume FC vs KCCA FC
-Onduparaka FC vs Busoga United FC
