Vipers still a work in progress, says Portuguese coach Costa
Forward Karisa (R), scorer of the first ever goal at the St Mary’s stadium, repeated the trick by opening the 2017-18 floodgates at Vipers’ home ground with a neat header. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
Kampala- Two-time Azam Uganda Premier League champions Vipers were almost every pundit’s favourite team to lift this season’s title.
Two games into the season and they are yet to satisfactorily show that they possess the mark of champions.
Yes, they overcame Bul 1-0 at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Friday after their barren draw with Bright Stars on the opening day but the general display left a lot to be desired.
Forward Milton Karisa headed home Yayo Lutimba’s corner on 42 minutes and was a constant threat to his former side all afternoon.
At one point Karisa’s goal bound shot in the second half was stopped on the line by right back Umar Mukobe only for referee Joseph Ochom to call for a corner as his linesman Moses Kamba deemed it a penalty - the former’s decision prevailed.
‘Every club is fighting’
“The players were still stressed. In the second half they played like they wanted to keep the result and win the game,” Vipers head coach Miguel Da Costa Duarte said.
“This is just the beginning of the season and every club is fighting hard for points. We are still building a strong team because we want to win every game we play,” the eccentric tactician added.
Vipers next game is against Villa next week at Kitende but Costa must pray that the midfield trio of Tadeo Lwanga, Tom Masiko and Brian Nkuubi gets their act together fast and so should the attacking trident of Tony Odur, Karisa and Frank Tumwesigye.
“We fought hard but lost to one of the teams competing for the title this season, “ Bul coach Kefa Kisala revealed.
“The striking force is still our major problem but we hope to fix it soon when our Congolese striker (Jean Muhindu) gets an ITC so that we finish among the top five,” he added.
Vipers moved to the league summit with four points before yesterday’s league matches.
At Kavumba, midfielder Osama Wejuli scored for Soana while Nelson Senkatuka grabbed the equaliser for visitors Bright Stars as both sides settled for a 1-1 draw.
LEAGUE SCORERS SO FAR
Vitalis Tabu 1 (SC VILLA)
Fred Okot 1 (URA)
Bokota Labama 1 (URA)
Walter Rubankene 1 (UPDF)
Osman Wejjuli 1 (SOANA)
Milton Karisa 1 (VIPERS)
Nelson Senkatuka 1 (BRIGHT STARS)
