Vipers braced for tough final Premiership round

KAMPALA- Buoyed by new signing and KCCA two-time league winning old boy Paul Mucureezi, coach Edward Golola’s Vipers SC will want to quickly restore the four-point lead on KCCA when they welcome Kyetume at St Mary’s Stadium today.

Golola knows it will take something special to wrest the championship from KCCA, who reduced Vipers lead at the summit to just one point with victory over Mbarara on Wednesday.

The experienced coach expects a tough run-in as Vipers start their second round of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) today.
“We have prepared ourselves well knowing that this campaign is not easy,” said Golola, “It’s going to be tough and we need to be ready for anything.

“We also have one or two new faces that are charged and motivated to give their best,” he added in reference to Mucureezi, who arrived from Mbarara City early this month, and a few new promoted players from St Mary’s Kitende.

Vipers won the first round fixture against Kyetume 2-1, and will look to complete the double. On their part, Kyetume have their own worries; off pitch, especially. The club assistant coach, David Mutono, explained: “Like most clubs we are being troubled by the licensing process,” he said.

“We played on temporary licenses in the first round and I pray we make more than 12 players against Vipers.
Tooro versus Onduparaka failed to take off on Tuesday because of player licensing issues, and SC Villa had to make changes from their starting line-up because of the same.

“If we get through it,” added Mutono, “I believe we are going to battle at least for a draw even though we will be taking on a team fighting for the title.

“We have practiced at Njeru artificial turf to give Vipers the same challenge we gave them in the first round match at Namboole.” St Mary’s Stadium also has an artificial turf.

At Luzira, ninth-placed Maroons welcome bottom side, Proline, looking to build onto the first rounding returns.

Proline arrive knowing only victory can suffice if they are to strengthen survival chances. “I can assure you we are ready for maximum points,” said Proline trainer Baker Mbowa, who also revealed striker Brian Umony had joined them but would not play against Maroons.
Elsewhere, Express could go sixth if they beat Busoga United and results elsewhere go their way.

UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
TODAY’S FIXTURES
Busoga United vs. Express, 4pm
Vipers SC vs. Kyetume, 4pm
Bright Stars vs. Bul, 4pm
Maroons vs. Proline, 4pm
Saturday
Bright Stars vs. BUL,
Kavumba Recreation Centre, 4pm
Wakiso Giants vs. Police,
Kabaka Kyabaggu Wakisha, 4pm

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