Goal-shy URA test Byekwaso’s coaching acclaim
Clash. KCCA’s Herbert Achali (L) and URA’s Joackiam Ojera tussle for the ball during the first round. PHOTOS/E Chicco & J. Batanudde
What you need to know:
URA doubled up on SC Villa’s 2-1 win over KCCA with identical scoreline of their own to hand the Kasasiro two losses on the bounce
Mike Mutebi has utmost confidence in Morley Byekwaso because “no one can work under me for so long and not be good.”
After a honeymoon that started on Good Friday with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Bul in the Uganda Premier League before seeing off Big League side Nyamityobora 5-2 on aggregate over two legs in the Uganda Cup, Byekwaso’s credentials face a stern test.
It is Sam Ssimbwa in the opposite dugout at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje today and the Tax Collectors’ tactician prides in “knowing how to beat KCCA” – although this time round he has expressed doubts .
“I know how to win against KCCA but this time it may be harder because they want to close in on the six points we lead them with,” confessed Ssimbwa.
Carrying on
URA sit second in the table, level on 36 points with Vipers, yet Ssimbwa is concerned by the conversion rate of his team. With 25 goals from 16 matches, URA have score 11 fewer than Vipers and 15 fewer than Byekwaso’s fourth-placed KCCA.
“We are playing many games, have injury issues and we don’t have the luxury of having 40 players like Vipers or KCCA,” said Ssimbwa, who outwitted KCCA 2-1 in the reverse fixture in December.
Ssimbwa believes URA will gradually carry on and compete for both honours.
“The attitude was right against Mbarara City (in the Uganda Cup), we’ll continue to improve in attack. We’re determined to contest for both trophies,” he said.
League top scorer Steven Mukwala (10 goals), Cromwel Rwothomio (six) are the two men Ssimbwa will look up to.
Goal-shy up front, URA are defensively water-tight. They have conceded 12 times – like KCCA – and four worse than Express who have the meanest defence.
Byekwaso’s ultimate test
Byekwaso admits his team still operates at ‘25 percent’ but are ready to throw everything they have against URA.
“They have experienced and physical players and have an experienced coach. We’ve prepared to answer the questions URA will bring to the pitch,” he said.
With SC Villa up next after the trip to Ndejje, Byekwaso is aware that KCCA’s fourth place is up for grabs by Police and the Jogoos on their heels.
Uganda Premier League
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URA vs. KCCA
Bul vs. Kyetume
Vipers vs. Busoga United
Onduparaka vs. Kitara
Mbarara City vs. Myda
