Mike Mutebi defiant as URA and Vipers pull away at half way stage of UPL

For the first time since returning to KCCA in 2015, Mike Mutebi finds himself in unfamiliar territory at the halfway stage of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
KCCA, on 27 points in fourth, are nine points behind leaders URA after defeat to a title rival. Vipers lie second on 33.

The collectors’ 3-0 rout of Onduparaka via a brace from Steven Mukwala and Cromwell Rwothomio ensured that they finish the first round on top. 

KCCA’s latest defeat came in the shape of a 1-0 loss to Vipers that left Mutebi defiant after the final whistle at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende yesterday.

“We set out to play well. The position we are in is not what we expected. We are still in the running for the title,” said Mutebi. He described his opponents as more efficient having played with a similar 3-5-2 approach at the start.

Over the course of the first round, however, the difference between the two teams has been the use of players in positions that best bring out their strengths. And so it proved in what turned out to be the decisive moment when left wing back Disan Galiwango’s low cross was turned in inadvertently by KCCA defender Peter Magambo for the game’s only goal before half time.

“Some said I would not last four games but I’m happy that I have been here for more than a year,” Vipers coach Fred Kajoba revered. “I’ll continue selecting the team the best way I know. We have not achieved our target. When you are at Vipers you are supposed to win every game,” he added in his post-match comments amid reports of striker Muhammad Shaban reacting angrily at having a peripheral role. Like all teams, Mbarara City and Bul will be hoping for better returns in the second round after their 1-all draw at Kakyeka that saw Swalik Bebe and Simon Peter Oketch score for the respective sides.

Bebe also missed a penalty in the host’s 100th topflight game that saw the return of coach Livingstone Mbabazi to the dugout he left two years ago.

“We have a big job to do, especially getting the team to the top level,” Mbarara City assistant coach Sadick Ssempigi said. They lie 12th on 14 points, three places and six points behind Bul.

Uganda Premier League Tuesday results 
Vipers              1-0  KCCA
Onduparaka 0-2  URA
Mbarara           1-1   Bul
Bright Stars 1-2   Villa

Today in Njeru 
Kyetume   vs.       Myda, 1pm

Busoga      vs.       Kitara, 4pm  

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