Prime
Wobbly Bul look to turn the tables in Venoms' den
Vipers' Allan Okello (R) shields the ball from Jerome Kirya of Bul last season. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
One of those new faces, Congolese import Gusto Mulongo, who scored his first goal for Vipers in his first start in 11 matches at Kavumba, could be pushing regular starter Yunus Sentamu for a spot in the starting lineup against limping Bul.
Bul's season has been a classic case of falling short of the mark, as they continue to defy their preseason lofty expectations.
Once tipped as genuine StarTimes Uganda Premier League title contenders, they now languish in 10th place, looking disjointed, out of breath, and passive.
Their struggles have left stakeholders scratching their heads, wondering what went wrong. But today, they face an unwavering Vipers side, hungry for victory at their fortress, St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.
Dehorned
This is a far cry from the Bul side that humbled Vipers both home and away last season.
Under the guidance of coach Abbey Kikomeko, who has yet to taste victory in his last four matches against Mbale Heroes, Express, Maroons, and UPDF, the team now finds itself struggling.
With only three wins in 11 outings, Kikomeko is reportedly hanging by a thread, with his job on the line.
It is clear that the gritty, one-dimensional approach that served them last season may not be enough to overcome John 'Ayala' Luyinda’s Vipers, a side that has developed a knack for grinding out results, even against the toughest of opposition.
Familiar foes
With the formidable Allan Okello, fresh off a seven-goal spree, and a rejuvenated Milton Karisa, a former Bul forward, leading the charge, the Venoms will sense this is the perfect moment to sting a Bul side that is no longer the rock-solid unit it once was.
The visitors are vulnerable at the back, weak in midfield, and lack punch up front, where their attacking trio of Dickson Mataama, Anwar Ntege, and Isaac Wagoina have managed a mere four goals this season.
Ultimately, the fired-up hosts will look to capitalize on these cracks, knowing that if they strike now, they can deliver a decisive blow to Bul’s already fragile confidence.
Vipers’ assistant coach Fred Muhumuza reflected on their recent 2-1 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars, saying, “We didn’t play well in the win, but the boys exhibited character and energy and scored two good goals. They are getting to understand each other very well. We will see more of that in the next game (against Bul).”
Fresh faces
Second-placed Vipers, just two points behind Hussein Mbalangu's Nec, continue to have the luxury of giving game time to fresh faces.
One of those new faces, Congolese import Gusto Mulongo, who scored his first goal for Vipers in his first start in 11 matches at Kavumba, could be pushing regular starter Yunus Sentamu for a spot in the starting lineup against limping Bul.
If Ayala opts for a gangly and speedy forward to unsettle Bul’s usually slow but physical defensive duo of Walter Ochora and Najib Fesali, Mulongo could be the ideal choice to cause problems up front and break down the Jinja side’s porous backline.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Saturday at 7pm
Vipers vs. Bul, Kitende
