Vipers, KCCA vie for early bragging rights in Super 8 final
Energy To Burn. Exciting youngster Tumwesigye (L) and Rahmat Ssenfuka will have to set the pace and control the midfield if Vipers are to get their season off to a flyer. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- Upfront Golola is spoilt for choice too with striker Daniel “Mzee” Sserunkuma having renewed his contract to join Tito Okello, Abraham Ndugwa and new recruits Dennis Mwemezi, Henry Kitegenyi and Muhammad Shaban, who was previously at KCCA before going to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.
KCCA manager Mike Mutebi aptly described his side’s Pilsner Super 8 final clash against Vipers as a game between the two best teams in the country.
The pair having won the last seven league titles on offer now have an opportunity to start the season with another trophy and Shs20m from the pre-season tournament winners.
And with league winners earning Shs60m in prize money that financial boost as well as the need to get an early psychological advantage over a direct rival will be among the push factors at Wankulukuku this afternoon.
KCCA arrive in confident mood having progressed to the first round of the Caf Champions League after Friday’s 2-0 second leg result over Namibia’s African Stars sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory.
“The young lads showed character and belief even against a very organised side that defended smartly,” Mutebi said of the result.
With the goals scored by Mustafa Kizza and Allan Okello coming in the final 10 minutes of a laboured performance, Mutebi could be forced to rest some of the players who played the entire game.
Case of tired legs
Mike Mutyaba, who set up the second goal against African Stars, appears a prime candidate in that regard as well as Gift Ali, who was replaced late on by Nicholas Kasozi.
On the other hand, Vipers head coach Edward Golola holds belief that his side can better the reigning league champions who finished seven points ahead of his side.
“They have Okello and we have Zaga,” Golola said drawing comparisons between the KCCA forward and his enterprising midfielder Frank Tumwesigye.
He is expected to start in midfield with Abdul Karim Watambala away with St. Mary’s Kitende for the East African Secondary School Games in Arusha.
Upfront Golola is spoilt for choice too with striker Daniel “Mzee” Sserunkuma having renewed his contract to join Tito Okello, Abraham Ndugwa and new recruits Dennis Mwemezi, Henry Kitegenyi and Muhammad Shaban, who was previously at KCCA before going to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.
PILSNER SUPER 8 FINAL
TODAY IN WANKULUKUKU
KCCA vs. Vipers, Lugogo
3pm, Muteesa II Stadium
