Police maintain, URA struggling
URA defender Jimmy Kulaba (L) and midfielder Feni Ali size down SC Villa’s Moses Gaale during their Uganda Premier League clash at the Ssaza Grounds in Mityana on October 3. The Tax Collectors were edged 1-0 courtesy of a Steven Bengo free-kick and are yet to find their true form thus far. PHOTO BY AMINAH BABIRYE
What you need to know:
The Tax Collectors have garnered only two points from three games just like league debutants Sadolin Paints.
KAMPALA- Police’s experienced players have so far stood to be counted as the Kavumba-based side maintain a five-match unbeaten run.
This week, the only surviving member of the 2005 championship winning team Siraje Ssevume led the way as he scored the team’s opener in their 3-1 win over Sadolin.
Veteran striker Peter “Crouch” Ssenyonjo was also not to be outshone, scoring the third.
The result returned Police to the summit on 11 points, two more and a game ahead of second-placed Villa.
The Cops coach Angelo Lonyesi is looking at winning the league and the referees have become his latest prey. He talks hard about poor officiating; perhaps to get the match officials do their job better.
Newly-promoted side Lweza are fast adapting to the demands of top flight football thanks to their top passing game.
After stunning Simba away in Bombo last week, the Wankulukuku-based side saw off Entebbe 3-0 on Tuesday.
Their targets, according to coach Vialli Bainomugisha, have changed from just survival this season to finishing as high as they can on the 16-team log. He acknowledges scoring goals will be key.
Other promoted sides Sadolin and Rwenshama are struggling to rack up points alongside Soana, Entebbe and URA.
The Tax Collectors have garnered only two points from three games just like Sadolin while Rwenshama, who have conceded eight goals, more than any other side, are yet to pick any points despite playing two of their three games at home in Mityana.
The fixture schedule hasn’t been any kind either to the new boys, who have played in-form Police and giants Express and SC Villa in just two weeks.
Highlight of the week - Loyalty pays
Siraje Ssevume, the only survivor of the Police side that won the league in 2005, forced his name onto the score-sheet during their one-all stalemate with Kira Young. His loyalty is paying dividends.
Low moment - Liner’s celebration
A linesman at the match between Entebbe and Lweza put the game into disrepute by celebrating a goal for the home side in their 3-0 thrashing of Entebbe.
Best coach - Vialli Bainomugisha
The Lweza tactician has always stuck to possessive football. Finally he has started to get results on the road and at home by sticking to his philosophy.
Best player - Mike Sserumaga
The Lweza playmaker scored a stoppage time winner against Entebbe and also made an assist for Fred Kalanzi’s second goal in their 3-0 win over Entebbe.
Team of the Week - 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: Mulindwa Muwonge (Lweza)
Defenders: Siraje Ssevume (Police), Ayub Kisalita (Lweza), Musa Doka (SC Villa)
Midfielders: Mike Sserumaga (Lweza), Steven Bengo (SC Villa), Kezironi Kizito (Vipers), Moses Ndawula (Kira Young), Patrick Asiku (Bul)
Strikers: Fred Kalanzi (Lweza), Peter Ssenyonjo (Police)
RESULTS - WEEK III
Friday, October 3
Kira Young 1-1 Police
SC Villa 1-0 URA
Entebbe 0-1 Vipers
Sadolin Paints 0-1 Express
Bul 1-0 Simba
Tuesday, October 7
Police 3-1 Sadolin Paints
Lweza 3-0 Entebbe
Wednesday, October 8
Express 0-0 Bright Stars
Soana 1-2 Simba
FIXTURES - WEEK IV
Friday, October 17 (all at 4.30pm)
Kira Young vs. Rwenshama, Namboole
Sadolin vs. KCC, Bugembe
Lweza vs. Vipers, Wankulukuku
SC Villa vs. Express, Mityana
Entebbe vs. Soana, Nakivubo
Saturday, October 18 (all at 3pm)
Simba vs. URA, Bombo
Bright Stars vs. Police, Lugogo
SCVU vs. Bul, Namboole
Top scorers
Umar Kasumba 4 (Police)
Karim Ndugwa 3 (SC Villa)
Michael Birungi 2 (KCC FC)
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