Bright Stars dare record champions Express FC
Bright Stars captain Nelson Ssenkatuka (L) and his colleagues will come up against the seasoned campaigners of Express with stars like Michael Birungi. PHOTOS BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
- Remarkable storyline. Bright Stars are the underdogs of this 48-year-old Cup and will be fancying their chances.
KAMPALA. What are the odds stacked against a debutant locked in a semifinal duel against a veteran side that has won the title 10 times and lost in the final on four occasions?
A lot, one would think. Yet today’s first leg tie between Bright Stars and Express at the Champions Stadium in Mwererwe, there is more to it than what meets the eye, with undercurrents of disenchantment reeling under the weight of Express’ last line of success this season.
Going by history books, Bright Stars are ostensibly underdogs hoping to become the 25th champions of the Stanbic Uganda Cup in its 48-year history (barring the period between 1972 and 1975 when the competition was not held).
“History means nothing,” Henry Kiwanuka, Bright Stars’ assistant coach said during Friday’s press conference at Kati kati Restaurant.
Kiwanuka’s story in the competition that was once Kakungulu Cup and Uganda Cup does not give a good reading as his attempts as a player at Utoda and Kinyara ended in futility. At Hearts as a coach, he did not impress either. “But we badly need this trophy and that is why the bonuses for this particular game have been increased.
“Our funders are confident that we can even represent the country if we win,” he added.
Calling his side ‘Big Horn’, a superior car to a Toyota Vitz, his counterpart George Ssimwogerere referred to his tame side in a recent loss to Vipers, Kiwanuka warned that it will not be a walkover for the record 10-time winners, who last tasted victory in 2007.
Bright Stars have already held Express 1-1 at Mwererwe in the league and only once has Express won in five visits.
Potato garden
Ssimwogerere has already expressed concern over the state of Mwererwe ground likening it to a ‘potato garden’ but the former Uganda Cup winner is confident he will overcome the ‘game of fitness.’ “I am blaming the federation for allowing such a pitch to be used in a prestigious competition,” Ssimwogerere said. He will miss Isaac Mutanga and Erick Kambale for today’s fixture although he will be boosted by the return of striker Tony Odur.
STANBIC UGANDA CUP
TODAY - SEMIFINALS (FIRST LEG)
Bright Stars vs. Express, 3pm
*Champions Stadium, Mwererwe
Tomorrow
Kyetume vs. Proline, 3pm
*Nakisunga Ssaza grounds
