Only we and Proline play fair football, says Mutebi

Kampala- KCCA and Vipers will be playing at different venues today but, although each will be looking to winning their respective games against Proline and Kirinya-Jinja, they will also be intently keeping an eye at each other.

A Vipers victory in Jinja, coupled with any KCCA misfortune at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo could see the Venoms seemingly out of sight on 61 points.

Victory for both will just be business as usual, while maximum points for KCCA and a Kirinya checkmate on Vipers would hand manager Mike Mutebi’s Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) reigning champions even more renewed faith in the title defence.
“Vipers have the advantage right now but we have to fight on,” Mutebi told the media yesterday.

“What matters for us now is to win our remaining matches.”
Mutebi was disappointed with the 1-0 defeat to Botswana’s Township Rollers in the Champions League but impressed by the performance of his youthful side that had the likes of Julius Poloto and Allan Okello among others show glimpses of continued promise.

“We want to build onto that experience and bring it to our league games,” he said. Yet, in Proline, KCCA meet a side so desperate for points, and victory for the ‘visitors’ will rank up there with oxygen.

Poor Proline second round
“It’s a very tough game for both of us,” Proline coach Mujib Kasule told Daily Monitor, “Because it will determine our respective seasons. I only hope that we will show more desire and hunger.”

Proline have endured a second round to forget, and they come into this second from bottom on 27 points from as many matches, with three to go. What can encourage Proline is that at least six teams are mathematically involved in the relegation dogfight. Mutebi is “surprised” at where Proline find themselves.

“We hope they stay up but tomorrow (today) will be very different because we want those points.
“Both teams play well. Actually, only us and Proline play football fairly. You can digest that statement the way you want.”

KCCA welcome back from injury midfielders Muzamir Mutyaba and Saddam Juma, who will be crucial especially on the continent, where KCCA host Egypt’s Al Ahly at Namboole next Tuesday.

Charles Lukwago, who missed the defeat to Township Rollers, also returns against his former team.

“Yes I have an affiliation with Proline but now am a KCCA player and we want those points.”
With reports of match officiating intrigue rife in the season run-in, referees will be under much scrutiny with teams literally fighting for survival.

Leading scorers
Nelson Senkatuka 13 (BRIGHT STARS)
Dan Sserunkuma 13 (VIPERS)
Muhammad Shaban 12 (KCCA)
Milton Karisa 12 (VIPERS)
Martin Kizza 10 (SC Villa)
Daniel Opolot Isiagi 9 (PROLINE)
Musa Esenu 8 (KIRINYA JINJA)
Fred Amaku 8 (KIRINYA JINJA)
Vianney Ssekajugo 8 (ONDUPARAKA)

amwanguhya @ug.nationmedia.com