Onduparaka lock horns with Paidha Black Angels
KAMPALA. Viane Ssekajugo was expected to make a 16-hour round trip from Arua to Kampala and back in a space of 24hours ahead of his Onduparaka side’s West Nile Serby against Paidha Black Angels this afternoon.
This is after the diminutive forward was nominated and expected to win last night’s Airtel Fufa Awards as the best domestic footballer at an event that took place in Kampala last evening. He would follow in the footsteps of former Onduparaka captain Muhammad Shaban, who won the accolade in 2016 for the Arua-based club.
But rather than focus on the accolade that could see him return to Arua in his own car that is the top prize, Ssekajugo appeared to have his focus on his team’s highly anticipated game against Paidha.
“Derbies are never easy but we are ready for the challenge. If I don’t score I’m ready to assist but the most important thing is the team to win,” said Ssekajugo.
The pint-sized forward has started the season the way he ended the last scoring three goals in nine games, five short of his overall league tally from last season. In a game that is expected to attract a full house at the Green Light Stadium considering the support both teams enjoy in Arua and Zombo, Ssekajugo is confident about his team’s chances.
“It doesn’t matter where these guys are on the table. What matters is that this is a derby and everything can happen. We are going to prove to the fans that we can deliver,’ he added. His side comes into the game fourth on the log with 17 points after nine games and having won the last two games including a 2-0 away win against Express.
Wrong end of log
Paidha on the other hand are bottom of the log with a solitary win and a draw after nine games.
They, however, showed tremendous spirit in stretching champions Vipers before a late 2-1 away loss that was followed by a 3-0 home loss to Bright Stars. The only victory for the Mohammad Kisekka-coached side came in the shape of a 2-1 win over Police. While Onduparaka boast of the experience of goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato, Gadaffi ‘Gadinho’ Anguzu and spirit of captain Rashid Toha, Paidha also boast of experience in the shape of strikers Julius Malingumu and Wanok Pate.
Captain Cromwell Abang, meanwhile, turned heads with his goal and performance against Vipers.
Elsewhere, Express travel to face Kirinya-Jinja without captain Julius Ntambi, who was suspended by the club for alleged indiscipline as they seek to improve their ninth position.
TODAY - SUPL FIXTURES - 4PM
*Onduparaka vs. Paidha Black Angels
Green Light Stadium, Arua
*KCCA vs. Ndejje Univ
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
*Bright Stars vs. BUL
Champions Stadium, Mwererwe
*Kirinya Jinja vs. Express
The Mighty Arena, Jinja SSS
*Mbarara City vs. URA
Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara
*Tooro United vs. Nyamityobora
Buhinga Stadium, Fort Portal
