KCCA, Vipers brace for battle of the titans in Uganda Premier League

SUPL: KCCA FC vs Vipers

StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on Thursday

KCCA FC and Vipers SC that are the biggest football clubs in the country currently are bracing to face each other in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League in what has been termed as the battle of the titans on Thursday at Lugogo.

The Thursday hosts are top of the 16 team log, four points ahead of their visitors who are in second place and the latter will try to dethrone the Lugogo side but all will not be as easy as is said.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference at Lugogo on Wednesday, Kasasiro boys coach, Mike Mutebi said despite playing one of the best sides in the league, his team will try to bag home all the three points.

"We have prepared well for the match. We are taking this game very seriously because we eye a win it. As a coach, we shall play our way. We do not want to play under pressure,”Mutebi told journalists.

Putting this year’s league title in mind, the KCCA FC gaffer said a win against their current biggest opponents will be a big boast in their quest to reclaim to dethrone the defending champions.

“We shall have 90% chances of winning this year’s league title if we win( against Vipers). After the URA set back, we have planned afresh and have done well in the recent matches.

Just like Mutebi, Vipers Sports Club assistant coach, Edward Golola thinks his team is ready for the battle at the StarTimes stadium in Lugogo.

“KCCA FC is a strong side especially playing at their home but the boys need to show their readiness for the game. We are not intimidated because we know the result we want tomorrow and we shall go for the three points,” Golola said.

Team captain, Taddeo Lwanga says his army will be raring to go against the Kasasiro boys at Lugogo on Thursday as they aim for maximum points away from home.

“We have been in this situation before and we can come out of it because everyone is focused on tomorrow's result. We have to die for the club every minute on the pitch because we know what the result means,” Lwanga said.

Team news

KCCA FC will be missing the services of youngster, Julius Poloto(injured)  at left back but will also be hoping for the best when on form veteran striker Mike Mutyaba undergoes a late fitness test.

“I don’t think we are suffering from serious injuries,”Mutebi said.

For the Venoms will be welcoming Livingstone Mulondo who is now fully fit after recovering from a groin injury whereas Fabian Mutombora who was with the Burundi U-23 team will battle for the first goalkeeping position with Derrick Ochan.

Karim Niyigizimana will also be waiting to start after helping Burundi qualify for the Afcon finals in Egypt.

Karim Niyigizimana will also be waiting to start after helping his country Burundi qualify for the AFCON 2019.

“Apart from the long absentees; Geoffrey Wasswa and Bashir Ssekagya, the rest of the team is available,” said Vipers spokesperson, Abdul Wasike.

Head to head

Both  teams have met 27 times with the Kasasiro boys winning 10, Vipers 11 and they have drawn six times in encounters that have produced 71 goals.

The previous game played at the St.Mary’s stadium ended in a one all draw early this season.