Police FC coach Angelo Lonyesi dismissed talk that his players are scared of Vipers SC as the two sides brace for Saturday’s Stanbic Uganda Cup final at the Akii-Bua Memorial stadium in Lira.
“This system of saying so and so is in Big League and the other is in Premier League is not important. It is eleven players against eleven players; so, my boys are not scared of Vipers and they are going to play their hearts out in that final,” Lonyesi stated during a pre-match media briefing on Wednesday, May 31.
Lonyesi’s comments are in reference to the fact that his side Police FC feature in the second-tier FUFA Big League compared to Vipers, the recently-crowned champions of the topflight StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
According to Lonyesi, the FUFA Big League was more competitive than the Premier League this season and he asserted that skeptics should expected serious challenge from Police FC in the Uganda Cup final.
“We are well prepared and seriously want to win this cup so that we represent the country on the continent next season. We have the financial capacity to do so because Police FC is funded by an institution,”Lonyesi added.
To reach the final, Police FC eliminated Adjumani TC on away goal rule after a 2-2 aggregate score while Vipers ejected Bright Stars 4-1 on aggregate in the two-legged semifinals.
The final between Vipers and Police promises fireworks as stakes are high for either side; Vipers are desperate to win their first-ever domestic league and cup double while Police will be eyeing their maiden Uganda Cup trophy.
Speaking at the pre-final media conference, Vipers’ assistant coach Richard Wasswa said the league champions will not underestimate Police FC.
“Last year, we lost to BUL FC where we were considered favourites; so, we cannot afford to underestimate any time that is in the final,” Wasswa said.
This is Vipers’ third consecutive appearance in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final.
