Friday Fixtures: Kick off 4.30pm
Kira Young vs Bright Stars Namboole
Police vs Proline, Kavumba
Simba vs URA, Bombo
Vipers vs Express, Buikwe
SC Villa vs BUL, Nakivubo
Express FC is unpredictable. Currently-the relegation monster is knocking on their door. Vipers FC are on top of the FUFA Super League. But Express looks dangerous even when the team is struggling financially their fighting spirit never dies while on the pitch. Express’ recent results where they have pulled off crucial points from drawn games is a clear indicator that table leaders Vipers FC in the FUFA Super League should not undermine the Red Eagles. Football wise, the people in Buikwe will be happy to see league action back in their area after the FUFA Licensing Board inspected and made a report about the stadium that it is now safe to host games again. The club’s officials will be hoping that no ugly scenes of the Vipers-SC Villa match (2012) happen again. The fixture today in Buikwe has a huge bearing in this season’s title and relegation battles.
Only a few days ago, Express FC put up a strong and inspired display to hold URA to a 1-1 draw. Express always raise their A game against the giants. So Vipers –must up their game against Wasswa Bossa’ red army.
Vipers on the other hand, have so far enjoyed the table leadership almost since the second round kicked off and might want to stay there at all costs to keep pace with the other challengers SCVU, URA, Soana, KCC & Kira Young.
In last season’s clashes between the two teams, Vipers won the first round by a 2-0 victory through Otunga Jacob and Okhuti Ceasar’s goals but were held to a goalless draw by the same team in the second round.
Express FC are working hard to raise their heads to drive away from the relegation monster.
This will be the 18th league encounter between the two sides since Vipers (formerly Bunamwaya) joined the top flight in 2005.
The head to head records favor Vipers- 7 wins against Express’ 4 with 6 draws between them. Vipers have netted 19 goals while Express 13.
Express’s last win against Vipers was in the 2006/07 second round clash at Wankulukuku when Odur Tony and Hassan Mubiru struck late goals to cancel out Kimuli Robert’s opener for Vipers early in the game. Express FC won 2-1.
Clashes between Vipers and Express FC are always tense due to the rivalry emanating out of player movements between both clubs. Express blames Vipers for always poaching on their best players at a time they feel are needed most. Odur, Ssali Edward, Mwambu Mark, Kisaliita Ayub, Gonzaga Francis, Luzige Edgar, Mulindwa Julius and Kazibwe Ismail have all at one time played for Express before joining Vipers.
Golola Edward is likely to maintain the winning team which triumphed over Kireka United in a 2-0 Uganda Cup win on Tuesday where Watenga Ismail, Wadada Nicholas, Kazibwe Ismail, Seku Ronald, Ssali Edward, Kimuli Robert, Baliinya Juma, Muhammed Abdallah, Sentamu Yunus, Mubiru Eddy and Mpande Joseph all started in a 4-4-2 formation.
The only slight lineup change might come from Miya Farouq & Simon Serunkuuma who both had cameo appearances in the Uganda Cup encounter replacing Mubiru Eddy & Muhammed Abdallah respectively.
However in Kyambadde Allan, Katongole Bob, Ogwang Julius, Lukwiya Rogers, Hassan Wasswa and “Captain” Kavuma Willy, Express has players capable of upsetting any record.
Express FC coach Wasswa is likely to go make use of players like Kasole Mike in goal, Hassan Wasswa, Serunkuma, Katongole Henry, Kasozi Bob, Lukuya Robert, Denis Makanga, Ogwang Julius, Willy Kavuma, Allan Kyamabdde, Lusiba and Makanga Musa.
Past 7 meetings
2010/11 Vipers 2-1 Express, Express 0-1 Vipers
2011/12 Vipers 1-1 Express, Express 1-1 Vipers
2012/13 Express 0-0 Vipers, Vipers 2-0 Express
2013/14 First round Express 0-0 Vipers
Police vs Proline
Proline FC travels to Kavumba to play 9th Placed Police FC and recovery is on their minds Proline have earned only one point from their last 8 league games.
Coach Bisaso Shafiq and his technical staff hope to come back strong against Police FC.
‘We have had the worst run ever as Proline FC but we want to recover against Police FC. We have lost games in the second half. We shall work on strengthening our abilities to hold on to the game till the final whistle’ said Bisaso after his team’s training session on Thursday morning.
Lopidia Henry is expected to play a pivotal role in the midfield and will utilize his shooting ability to get goals for Proline. There is also a huge boost for Proline as central defender Asimwe Dan is back from suspension. However Gift Ali is not yet available for selection. He just resumed started individual training following an injury lay-off. Paddy Muhumuza is till on suspension for disciplinary reasons emanating from his club’s training. The last meeting between the two teams ended 1-1 at Lugogo in the first round.
SC VILLA VS BUL FC
At Nakivubo, Uganda’s most successful club SC Villa will face BUL FC in a match bound to be closely contested by both sides enjoying the services of upcoming coaches and former Cranes Internationals Steven Bogere and Kefa Kisaala. Matches between the two teams- one word usually springs up: Surprise. Last season, SC Villa was the only side which managed to record a double over the Jinja based BUL FC.
This season already many thought it would be an easy walk in the park for SC Villa when they met BUL. Yes, the word Surprise sprung up again. BUL comfortably won 3-1 at Kakindu stadium. Will BUL alos do a double over the Jogoos?
SC Villa has a full strength squad. Ndugwa Karim has been on fire having netted a goal in each of his team’s last three outings. Ronald Muganga has been handy too. He saved the best for last in the Uganda Cup match against Seeta United with a 90th minute strike which put Villa in the round of 16.
Luyima Sulait, Mukubya Jimmy, Kisaliita together with Kirabira Isaac form Villa’s spine for the chase of maximum points.
Photo: Action form the 1st round round between Bright Stars FC and Kira at Nakivubo. Bright Stars won 1-0. It was the last match for coaches George Semwogerere and James Magala at Kira.
