Vital take home points from the Pilsner Super 8 tourney

KAMPALA-Thanks to the lessons from the month-long Pilsner Super 8 tourney, it is already promising to be one of the most dramatic Uganda Premier League campaigns in recent memory. With the final between archrivals KCCA and Vipers set for tomorrow at Wankulukuku, SCORE takes a look at the five standout points from the eight-team tourney that rewards winners with Shs20m.
KCCA-Vipers dominance
Pre tourney favourites Vipers and KCCA lived up to the billing by making the final. The three-time league winners, revitalized under Edward Golola, ejected Proline and Mbarara City while Mike Mutebi’s side, that holds the inaugural trophy, made light work of Wakiso Giants and Onduparaka.
Still, the safe bet is on the two sides that have interchanged the league trophy since 2013 to dominate proceedings this coming campaign.
Wakiso Giants mean business
From owning a swanky bus, spectacular purple jersey, setting the social media trend to raking in big name players in the transfer market, Kefa Kisala’s Wakiso Giants have made their statement clear. They lost to KCCA 2-0 at Wakisha Stadium but bounced back to beat Tooro United and unfortunately lost to URA on spot kicks after a spirited 2-2 draw. Most of their new players like Duncan Seninde, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Viane Ssekajugo and Mawejje Muwadda hit the ground running. Expect them to rattle a few feathers.
Hungry for action
The tourney is now two years old but fans have embraced it by attending matches in big numbers as witnessed in the KCCA vs Onduparaka, Wakiso Giants vs KCCA and Vipers vs Mbarara City matches. Three months of the league hibernation needed nothing more than the Super 8 tourney with droves expected to descend on Wankulukuku tomorrow to witness the battle of giants – KCCA vs Vipers.
New coaches proving their worthy right away
If Kisala’s work at Wakiso Giants is taking shape gradually, so is Brian Ssenyondo’s reign as Mbarara City coach. Filling the big shoes left behind by Livingstone Mbabazi, Ssenyondo began his top flight career on a promising note, holding Vipers to a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s before losing on spot kicks before trouncing Onduparaka to finish third – and with Shs10m in the bag.

Golola’s attempt at renaissance at Vipers has also gathered pace and the same can be said of Mbabazi’s return to Onduparaka.

Endless goals
Save for the Onduparaka vs Tooro united opening 0-0 draw in Arua, the rest of the matches have manufactured goals in gluts. KCCA have netted five in two matches including the ‘routine’ whipping of Onduparaka at Lugogo, Sam Ssimbwa’s URA, now among the most eye catching sides have four like Wakiso Giants.
Fans must be anticipating more goals when the league starts on August 29.

Sunday, Wankulukuku
KCCA vs Vipers
4pm