URA FC’s head coach Sam Simbwa will head into Friday’s Pilsner Super 8 game with Mbarara City unhappy after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), refused to postpone their fixture despite his side having more than three players in the national team side that will face Somalia on Saturday in the CHAN 2020 qualifiers.
Simbwa’s side will travel to Kakeeka stadium in Mbarara without number one goal keeper James Alitho, captain Shafik Kagimu, and defenders Ashraf Mandela and Patrick Mbowa.
On top of these, the tax collectors will miss the services of the injured duo of new signings Hassan Kalega from Police FC and Ivan Serubiri from Free stars FC in the Regional league.
While addressing the press at Kati Kati restaurant on Thursday morning, the taxmen’s tactician noted that the absence of these senior players leaves a void that might make it difficult for them to achieve their target of lifting this year’s title.
“We wanted this trophy but four of my senior players are in Camp with the CHAN squad. We thought our game would be called off just like the one for KCCA FC since we both have more than three players on the national team but ours shall be played tomorrow but i will use the available ones to ensure we come out Victorious,” he said.
The outspoken tactician also cautioned the match officials against foul play.
“I hope the referees will be fair this time because the last time we visited Mbarara City at Kakyeka, they were biased, I hope all will be good this time.”
URA’s opponents are also determined to book a place in the semi finals of this tournament despite absence of one of their key players Gadaffi Gadinho, reavealed the club’s spokesman Osborne Mugume.
“We are set for URA because the players have been prepared enough, we have never lost a game to them and I hope we shall win tomorrows tie,” Osbourne said.
The Ankole Lions are expected to hand a debut to goalkeeper Tom Ikara who is on loan from KCCA FC.
All the past four meetings between the two clubs have ended in statements.
Youngster Denis Mwemezi scored the only goal of the game as Vipers SC knocked out Proline FC 1-0 in the first game of this year’s tournament played at the Startimes Stadium in lugogo on Wednesday.
PILSNER SUPER 8 FIXTURES
MBARARA CITY VS URA FC – 2NDAUGUST (Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara)
ONDUPARAKA VS TOORO UNITED – 4THAUGUST (Green Light Stadium,Arua)
WAKISO GIANTS VS KCCA FC – 6THAUGUST (Wakisha Resource Centre)
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