FIXTURES
Sunday, December 5@3pm:
Vipers v KCCA , StMary’s Stadium-Kitende
Arua Hill v Tooro United, Barifa Stadium-Arua
UPDF v Bright Stars, Bombo Military Barracks
Sunday (December 5)’s top-of-the-table clash between Vipers SC and KCCA FC is a hugely-anticipated affair in the Uganda Premier League. Below are some of the factors, players and statistics that are likely to spice up the game.
DAVIS KASIRYE
The on-song KCCA striker is the current league top marksman, with five goals. He has tormented some of the best defenders in the league, and stakes will be even higher for him against Vipers, who are his former employers.
COACHING TACTICS
KCCA’s Morley Byekwaso comes up against Vipers’ Brazilian Roberto Oliviera in what could be the biggest test yet to the former, who has proved more astute than his past eight opponents. KCCA are the only unbeaten team in the league thus far, and Morley, voted coach of the month for October, wants to maintain that record. His opposite number, Oliviera is desperate to avoid another defeat at home; Vipers fell to URA FC (0-2) in their last match. The Venoms are currently in second place on the table with 16 points from seven games.
KCCA JINX AT KITENDE
Despite their recent respectable success both at home and on the continental, KCCA FC have never won any game on the St Mary’s stadium turf in Kitende. It is a jinx the 13-time Ugandan champions would want to end on Sunday. In their last four outings at St Mary’s, KCCA have only managed two draws and lost twice.
CASE AGAINST FORMER EMPLOYER
At least 10 players expected to feature in the game have a case to make against their former employers; either in KCCA or Vipers. For instance, Vipers’ Bright Anukani left KCCA last season and will turn his scoring boots on the Lugogo side for the first time. On the other hand, Seven KCCA players including Derrick Ochan, Innocent Wafula, Andrew Kawooya, Ashraf Mugume, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Kasirye and Geoffrey Wasswa were formerly on Vipers’ payroll.
Meanwhile, in the ongoing Buganda Masaza Cup, Buddu defeated Busujju 3-1 on Saturday (December 4) at Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru. Sharif Ssengendo scored a brace and Bruno Bunyaga added one for Buddu while Ivan Kaweesi scored Busujju’s consolation from the penalty spot.