Express convinced it’s mission possible at Vipers
Vipers third goal scorer Karim Watambala avoids a tackle from police captain Sadat Kyambadde during their league match played at Startimes stadium on October 9. Photo by Eddie Chicco
Vipers coach Edward Golola has talked of bringing back the fear factor in every game they play at St Mary’s Stadium if they are to bolster their Uganda Premier League title hopes. Whilst his team has found a semblance of rhythm in the last two victories over Proline and Police, they are still miles away from the formidable and predictable force they should be even with the galaxy of stars at their disposal.
Today’s opponents Express haven’t been lucky in their last two visits to Kitende – conceding seven goals and scoring none – but coach George Ssimwogerere believes they can ambush Vipers in the aforesaid state and produce an upset.
“We are ready to put up a good fight. We have players Lawrence Kigonya, Dennis Sserukwaya and Hamdan Nsubuga back in time to form a solid team,” Ssimwogerere told SCORE. Fresh from conquests over Police and Kyetume, seventh placed Express’ chief potency is netting goals (11 goals in eight matches) and their cardinal weak spot is conceding (12).
“The good thing we score. We will attack but we still have defensive mistakes to correct. Vipers are now steady and they play as a unit but we shall play our usual game plan,” he added.
Ssimwogerere acknowledges that most of his charges are ‘learning on the job’ having come from lower league tiers but they must be mindful of Vipers’ attacking threat led by prodigal son Dan Sserunkuma, Fahad Bayo and Karim Watambala.
Vipers that can potentially go top if Bul, Onduparaka and Villa don’t win will be without forward Allan Kayiwa who is with Uganda Cranes in Ethiopia. Edward Kaziba’s high flying SC Villa visit today at Luzira with the prospect of meeting former coach Douglas Bamweyana who has hit the ground running as Maroons boss.
Vipers vs Express last 7 matches
01/03/19 Vipers 2 - 0 Express
07/11/18 Express 1 - 1 Vipers
22/05/18 Vipers 5 - 0 Express
20/12/17 Express 1 - 2 Vipers
24/02/17 Express 0 - 0 Vipers
23/09/16 Vipers 0 - 1 Express
03/05/16 Vipers 1 - 0 Express
UPL, Today
Vipers vs Express, 4pm
St Mary’s Stadium
Wakiso Giants vs Proline, 4pm
Wakisha Grounds
Busoga United vs Police, 4pm
Fufa Technical Center-Njeru
Maroons vs SC Villa, 4pm Luzira
Bright Stars vs Kyetume, 4pm
Wankulukuku
