Sentamu resurgence rekindles Cranes hopes

His timely resurgence - marked by four crucial goals - was on full display last Thursday when he struck the winner in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Police at Kavumba Grounds, propelling John 'Ayala' Luyinda's side into a commanding five-point lead at the summit.

With 46 points from 19 matches, the Venoms now set their sights on further solidifying their grip when they host a struggling Wakiso Giants side on Friday. 

Cranes call

Their cushion could grow even wider should second-placed Nec falter again, as Hussein Mbalangu’s side did in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Wakiso on Friday.

 As the title race reaches its most grueling phase, every contender’s mettle is put to the ultimate test. 

But for Vipers, the return of Sentamu - alongside the ever-reliable Okello - offers renewed hope of clinching the seventh league title, while the striker’s red-hot form may just reignite his national team aspirations.

As Okello all but secures his Uganda Cranes call-up today when coach Paul Put announces his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique on March 20 in Egypt and Guinea on March 25 at Namboole, Sentamu can only hope that his timely renaissance has caught the Belgian’s eye. 

Once a guaranteed starter in the Cranes' striking department, the Vipers forward now finds himself on the fringes, waiting for another shot at national team duty.

Lately, however, Sentamu has been playing with renewed purpose, conviction, and seniority - whether as a lone forward or in a supporting role - qualities that should give Put something to ponder. 

With Uganda still lacking a clinical, undisputed lead striker, the Cranes boss may be tempted to tap into Sentamu’s experience and newfound form, especially in a team still searching for a reliable goal source.

For starters, Uganda is currently fifth in Group G of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Algeria and Mozambique lead with nine points apiece while Botswana, Guinea and Uganda are level on six points. Somalia sits bottom without a point.

Luyinda optimistic

Although the Venoms were far from convincing in their narrow victory over Simon Peter Mugerwa’s Police, head coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda remains optimistic that the blossoming partnership between Okello and Sentamu will propel his side to greater heights. 

The duo’s growing chemistry, evident in their recent link-up play, has been instrumental in keeping Vipers on course for a seventh league title.

“I’m happy that our players are grinding out results at all costs. We shall take on one game at a time to finish the race,” the soft-spoken Luyinda revealed, emphasizing the team’s resolve to maintain their momentum in the final stretch of the season.

Five-star KCCA

KCCA emphatically ended their five-match winless streak with a 5-0 demolition of basement-dwelling Mbale Heroes at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Saturday.

 It was a statement victory for the Kasasiro Boys, who registered their seventh win of the campaign, climbing to sixth place on 28 points - though still a staggering 18 behind runaway leaders Vipers.

Arafat Usama, Shafik Kwikiriza,Sadat Anaku, Yian Gatbel and Sharif Ssengendo scored against Baker Mbowa's Mbale Heroes,rooted to the foot of the 16-team table with a meager 10 points.

KCCA coach Abdallah Mubiru hailed the much-needed victory, emphasizing its impact on the squad’s confidence.

 “It gives us a good feeling after going several matches without winning. Our confidence levels are rising, and we hope to build consistency. Some of our boys, like Shafiq Kwikiriza, have immense talent. We just need to be patient with them,” Mubiru remarked.

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Results 

SC Villa 0-2 Maroons 

Mbarara City 0-0 Soltilo Bright Stars

KCCA 5-0 Mbale Heroes

URA 2-1 UPDF

Wakiso Giants 0-0 Nec