Uganda Premier League
Vipers SC vs SC Villa
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Friday, 17-01-2020 @4pm
KITENDE – Vipers SC are now outright favourites to win the 2019/20 Uganda Premier League title.
Following results on match-day 17, the Venoms have now opened up a 7-point gap at the top of the standings.
As they hammered Proline FC 4-2 on Tuesday, their closest challengers KCCA FC were losing 2-1 away to Bright Stars FC, ensuring that Edward Golola’s side builds more breathing space at the summit.
On Friday afternoon, they have a chance to tighten their grip onto top spot when they take on record league champions SC Villa at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
The match in Kitende pits the one-time big boys of the country and one of the best sides of the past decades.
Villa may no longer be heavyweights but can still inflict the required damage for Vipers’ title hopes to take a set-back.
However, the Jogoos most recent form leaves a lot to be desired when they come up against the best side in the country this season.
Edward Kaziba’s side who had a surprisingly good first round have started the second on a poor note.
After accumulating 27 points in 15 games, the Jogoos have gained none in their opening two games of the second round.
They lost 2-0 at URA FC and on Tuesday before going down 1-0 at home to Busoga United.
It is not the sort of form they would want to take to Kitende but they will have to do anyways.
And it would not be the first time they head their in wanting form as they did so last season only to beat Vipers SC 3-1.
What they are saying ahead of the game
Geoffrey Wasswa, Vipers SC vice-captain
“We need to do our best in each game.
“There is a need for teamwork, concentration and sacrifice to make this happen.”
Edward Golola, Vipers SC head coach
“We are definitely not thinking that some games are going to be easy.
“Instead there may be some tension affecting my side.
“We are not converting enough of our chances in home games.
“I expect SC Villa to have looked at our recent games and will be a very organised side coming at St Mary’s Stadium,”
Vipers SC duo of Bobos Byaruhanga and Abraham Ndugwa could return after overcoming injuries that have forced them to miss the start of the second round. Fahad Bayo picked up a minor knock in the 4-2 win over Proline on Friday but should be in line to make the Starting XI. Goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora is back after a compassionate leave in Burundi and thus his available for this game. Halid Lwaliwa is also doubtful just like Siraje Ssentamu, who both picked injuries in the last match. Jacob Okao is expected to fill in the void left by Lwaliwa’s big shoes. The game has also come a little too early for Bashir Asiku who is still nursing an ankle injury.
Match Facts
This will be the 22nd meeting between the two sides since November 2010.
In the previous 21 match-ups, Vipers have won 10, Villa three whilst the other 8 have all ended in draws.
This fixture has not produced a home victory in any of the last three outings with the visitor winning twice and the other ending in a draw.
Last season, either side won its away fixture with Villa beating Vipers 3-1 at Kitende in the reverse fixture.
The first meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw at Namboole.
Vipers come into the game having won 16 of their past 20 league games (D3 L1).
At home, the Venoms have won all their last six league games, scoring 9 goals and conceding just once in the process.
For SC Villa, they head into the contest in wanting form as they have lost all their last three games, conceding 7 goals and scoring just once.
Away from home, the Jogoos have won just two of their last six games (D2 L2).
The other games on Friday
-Police FC vs Kyetume FC @1pm
-KCCA FC vs Tooro United FC@4:30pm
