KCCA-Vipers: A match littered with anecdotes
Midfielders Allan Kateregga and Moses Waiswa will be key for KCCA and Vipers when the two title hopefuls clash in one of the biggest games of the Azam Uganda Premier League at the StarTimes Stadium. PHOTOS BY E. CHICCO & I. KEZAALA
Kampala-The two have over the years marked themselves out of the pack. That KCCA and Vipers SC are arguably the most progressive clubs so far, on and off the pitch, is hardly contestable.
On the pitch, the two have shared the national league title between themselves since the 2013 season, KCCA winning four of the five. The duo have also shared the last two Uganda Cups.
Commercially, KCCA are counting over Shs4b in sponsorships, while Vipers follow with Shs1.4b.
During the offseason, Vipers marshalled away KCCA midfielder Tom Masiko after they offered a better piece of the cherry. If KCCA wanted revenge, it could not have been sweeter than the acquisition of Muhammad Shaban from Onduparaka, the sneaky means in which the transfer was conducted notwithstanding.
That Vipers, where Shaban was before going to Onduparaka, had offered a better deal for the striker hardly helps the animosity. As if that was not painful enough for the Venoms, KCCA manager Mike Mutebi will unleash the hot-shot against the same Vipers today when the two face off in one of Azam Uganda Premier League’s (AUPL) most anticipated match at StarTimes.
KCCA come into this match on the back of three successive wins, which came with 12 goals, four of which scored by Shaban in just two matches. “He’s reacted well,” Mutebi said of Shaban yesterday, “And we shall continue to improve his overall game. Generally, the recent run gives us confidence. And it is good that centre forwards are involved. So it’s a good feeling.”
Vipers impressive record
After 10 matches, KCCA are second in the log on 19 points, one behind leaders Police, who have played one game more.
Vipers are fifth and two points behind KCCA, and their coach Miguel da Costa is under increasing pressure after managing only one win in the last six matches.
“We are under pressure to win games,” admitted Vipers striker Milton Karisa, “We are working on team unity and we must win the KCCA game,” he added.
Mutebi refuses to call the Vipers situation a crisis. “For us, we are facing one of the best teams. Of course I know there is expectation out there. People think these are the two best teams in the land, and we are. So we hope this is reflected tomorrow.”
Vipers will, however, take encouragement that they always have the A game against KCCA, whom they have beaten thrice and drawn as many in the last six league games including last season’s 2-1 win at Lugogo.
AZAM UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
Today’s games
KCCA vs Vipers SC
Bright Stars vs Masavu
Bul vs Proline
SC Villa vs Onduparaka
UPDF vs Kirinya Jinja
Maroons vs Mbarara City
Express vs Police
URA vs Soana
