Kitende, Buddo in semis
Star Acts. Kitende’s Steven Serwadda (blue) attempts to beat Kitovu’s Samuel Lugemwa in their duel on May 16, 2019. PHOTO BY G. KATONGOLE
KAMPALA. Wakiso district giants Buddo SS and St Mary’s Kitende stormed the semifinals of the Copa Coca-Cola with routine victories over Jinja Progressive and St Henry’s College Kitovu respectively.
Kitende is back in serious business as they seek their ninth championship and first in four years since being eliminated in the second round last year in Mbarara.
Kitende scored in either half through Charles Lwanga, who latched on a rebound from Richard Basangwa’s initial shot from the left wing after 28 minutes before Basangwa finished the job in the second half with a free header after Lwanga’s initial effort hit the cross bar. Kitovu sat deep and hoped to get Kitende on the counter but coach Dan Male used Steven Serwadda to offer options on the wings.
But the recovery of Bobosi Byaruhanga has limited Andrew Kawooya’s playing time. Yesterday, the U-17 star played only for 10 minutes.
“Our first choice is Bobosi. We want to protect Kawooya because these games are very demanding yet he is injury prone because of his playing style,” Male said as he stressed that taking the trophy is the ultimate goal. School director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa has camped in Jinja and urged his coaches to stop the trophy drought. Kitende last won the title in Hoima during the 2015 edition.
Elsewhere Jipra’s journey came to an end. After surviving two scares when Jipra’s Siraje Muswabu and Owen Mukisa hit the woodwork in the first half, defending champions Buddo SS scored two games to advance to the semifinals. Jipra, who were the fans’ favourites were later neutralised by Hamza Mulambuzi in the midfield as Emma Loki scored twice early on.
COPA COCA COLA - QUARTERS
Buddo 2-0 Jinja Progressive
St Henry’s Kitovu 0-2 Kitende
Standard High 1-0 Royal Giants
Jinja SS 0(3)-0(1) Bulo Parents
Today: Semifinals
2pm: Kitende vs. Buddo SS
4pm: Jinja SS vs. Standard High, Zana
