KAMPALA: After a two-day break, the Uganda Premier League action returns Friday, December 10 at various grounds around the country, but more focus will be on KCCA FC versus Police FC game at the Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
On paper, the game looks like a mismatch by going if the current form and positions of both teams on table standings is considered.
Currently, KCCA FC lead the table standings and are the only unbeaten side in the league after nine matches, while Police are bottom of the 16-team log.
However, there are factors including the history of this fixture and derby impetus, which could turn the state affairs upside down.
First, Police is one of the few teams that KCCA FC failed to beat last season. They drew (0-0 and 1-1) over the two legs of last season, with the cops maintaining their status of being KCCA’s bogey side over the years.
Second, the Phillip Omondi stadium pitch is home for both teams, making it a Lugogo derby that can go either way. That could prove bigger motivation to Police FC players whose team is currently at their worst form. Coach Abdallah Mubiru’s Police side has not won a single league game this season in eight outings.
Third, Mubiru was KCCA FC coach between 2013 and 2015. He also played for the team in the late 1990s. His players; Herman Wasswa, Eric Ssenjobe, goalkeeper Tom Ikaara and Juma Balinya, who turn out for Police are former KCCA FC players. This is another bender to this game, which Mubiru and former KCCA players badly want to win.
On the other hand, KCCA FC midfielder Ashraf Mugume played for Police in the 2019/20 season. Also, KCCA FC goalkeeper Derrick Ochan played for Police FC last season.
And finally, KCCA coach Morley Byekwaso, who has been anointed the best coach in the league for two successive months (October and November), is surely fired up to live up to the billing by avoiding defeat at the hands of rock-bottom Police FC.
FIXTURES
Friday, December 10@3pm:
KCCA v Police FC, MTN Omondi stadium-Lugogo
Gaddafi v SC Villa, Gaddafi Arena-Jinja
Soltilo Bright Stars v Arua Hill, Kavumba Recreational grounds -Wakiso
Tooro United v BUL FC, Buhinga stadium-Fort Portal
Saturday, December 11@3pm:
URA FC v Express FC, Arena of Visions-Ndejje University
Busoga United v Vipers SC, FUFA Technical Center-Njeru
Mbarara United v Onduparaka FC, Kakyeka stadium-Mbarara
Wakiso Giants v UPDF FC, Kabaka Kyabaggu Sports stadium-Wakiso