By Ritah Tugumisirize
Table topping KCCA FC will host second placed and league defending champions Vipers SC at the Startimes stadium on Thursday 4th April in a live televised match on Sanyuka TV, a game that to many is the title decider.
With six games to the end of the season and Mike Mutebi's KCCA FC on the summit with 52 points, four clear of the Venoms, a victory for the hosts would leave realistically little chance of Vipers dislodging the 12 time champions to the crown.
KCCA FC is boosted by the return of right back Filbert Obenchan who was on suspension over accumulated yellow cards.
Obenchan scored KCCA FC’s equalizer against Vipers in the first round at the St. Mary's Stadium in Kitende.
The on form Mike Mutyaba whose brace saw KCCA FC collect maximum points from the Mighty Arena against Kirinya Jinja SS in their last outing will have to pass a late fitness test if he is to play a role in today's game. This was confirmed by his coach during the pre match press conference yesterday.
“Mike Mutyaba got a knock in our game against Kirinya Jinja sss so we are waiting for the fitness test to see if he will play tomorrow,”the gaffer said.
With the last encounter between KCCA FC and Vipers SC ending in one-all draw, we anticipate an action packed game between the two clubs.
The last time Vipers visited the Startimes stadium in the 2017/2018 season, they were thumped 3-1 thanks to Muhammed Shaban brace and Derrick Nsibambi's strike (both players have since departed the club.
Having been knocked out of the Uganda Cup, both clubs are looking to win the league title If they are to play in the CAF competitions next season.
Both teams won their last games, with KCCA FC beating Kirinya Jinja ss 2-0 away in Jinja while Vipers defeated Maroons with 2-0 in Kitende.
In the last five meetings between the two clubs, KCCA FC has won only once, losing thrice and drawing the other.
KCCA FC's tactician Mutebi believes this is not a title decider but says a win over the kitende boys will 'soften' their chances of winning a 23th title.
“Today’s game against Vipers is not a title decider, its one of the other games in the marathon only that we are going to play against one of the best sides in the league, a win against them will soften our road to title championship,” Mike Mutebi said.
“Nothing is going to change, we shall play our way, players will play their best because they know what is at stake. As a fan, I will enjoy one of the best games in the league, with the best players and as the coach, I will play my way,” he added.
On form Nicholas Kasozi will be one of the players to watch out for in the clash.
"We have trained hard with the coaches and are ready to face the venoms tomorrow.” Kasozi said.
For the defending champions, one of their main strikers Tito Okello will not be part of the squad as he is facing club suspension over indiscipline issues.
However they are boosted by the return of the Burundian duo of Goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora and defender Abdul Karim Niyingizimana who both missed the last game against Maroons.
KCCA FC is top of the 16 team log with 52 points, four ahead of second placed Vipers SC.
