UPL: Caterpillars scent Vipers trail
Alert: Onduparaka custodian Michael Kagiri will need to be at his best against Ssentamu who has scored five times in four games. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO.
What you need to know:
UPL fixtures today
- Onduparaka vs. Vipers 1pm
- KCCA vs. Kitara 4pm
- Mbarara City vs. Kyetume 4pm
- SC Villa vs. UPDF 4pm
- Bright Stars vs. Police 4pm
Their mixed fortunes aside, there is no love lost between StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) leaders Vipers and mid table Onduparaka.
Even in the animal world, Vipers rarely associate with Caterpillars.
Look, Vipers have won UPL title twice since Onduparaka gained promotion five years ago but have failed to win at the Green Light Stadium in Arua.
To break the jinx, Vipers hope former Caterpillars Muhammad Shaban and Rashid Toha can inspire the side.
Vipers coach Fred Kajoba plots to unleash the Shaban-Yunus Ssentamu attacking tandem on to the hosts’ suspect defence that swallowed three goals against Police on Wednesday.
“We expect a tough game in Arua but like we did in our last win against Bul, we use all the options we have to return with victory,” Kajoba told SCORE.
Vipers can retain the lead by returning with maximum points from Arua.
Onduparaka have their share of troubles, with a reported unrest in the dressing room threatening to deflate their on-the- field efforts.
“We are not having our head coach [Vialli Bainomugisha] because he still has issues to iron out. That said, I’ll help the club push on,” stand-in coach Mubarak Wamboya said.
“Vipers should know that we are going to challenge them to the limits.”
The Caterpillars were seventh before yesterday’s round of matches and will look to Kabon Livin and Emmanuel Okech for salvation.
Battle for Bombo
At the Bombo Military Barracks, two host teams – SC Villa and UPDF – will square off for bragging rights.
Whereas Edward Kaziba’s Jogoos needed luck to overcome Kitara on Tuesday, UPDF regained their winning touch with a 2-0 win over Mbarara City.
Kefa Kisala’s side lad lost four on the bounce but their resurrection faces a daunting fixture that has Villa, URA and KCCA in quick succession.
UPDF and Villa are tied on 15 points with the former in fifth by virtue of a better goal difference.
Meanwhile, after dispatching Onduparaka 3-1 at Lugogo on Wednesday, Abdallah Mubiru says he is happy to welcome a host of players back from injury as Police face Soltilo Bright Stars at Kavumba, with sights at the table top.
Onduparaka Vs Vipers SC Head to head
Last seven meetings
02/02/20 Vipers 1-0 Onduparaka
26/10/19 Onduparaka 0-0 Vipers
26/02/19 Onduparaka 0-0 Vipers
08/01/19 Vipers 3-0 Onduparaka
13/02/18 Vipers 2-0 Onduparaka
28/10/17 Onduparaka 0-0 Vipers
09/05/17 Vipers 4-1 Onduparaka
