Saturday April 2, 2016 JMC Hippos Vs Bright Stars – Kakindu @ 4pm
Kawempe based club, Bright Stars make their third trip to Jinja in search of a double over JMC Hippos on Saturday afternoon at the Kakindu stadium.
Statistically, the hosts are good defensively at home having conceded just two in their own back yard while the visitors – another defensively organised side have only netted four times away from home and conceded as many.
JMC assistant coach James Odoch has belief his boys can finish in the top five in their maiden appearance in the top flight.
“I have a fresh and energetic team of young fellows who have high ambitions,” he told upl.co.ug. “Our main target this season was not only to survive relegation but also finish in the top five. A win today can push us to our best ever position and that’s what we aim at,” he remarked.
The only previous league encounter between the two sides was on October 3rd last year when Gerald Bagoole netted a first half rebounder of Mathias Kigonya’s superb free kick.
The Stars last visit to Kakindu was a fruitful one picking three points off Bul then with a full technical bench.
But now, they have to do without head coach Fred Kajoba who was admitted at Nakasero hospital on return from national duty in Ouagadougou.
“We need your prayers so that our coach can fully recover and return to his job,” club Chairman Ronnie Mutebi said. “At this moment our able technical team of Paul Kiwanuka, Francis Mugerwa, Eddy Kaweesa and Stephen Lwanga will continue performing extra roles in the absence our coach,” he added.
Stand in Coach, Kiwanuka has already urged the charges to win the game for the ill Kajoba.
“The players want to win for him and that is extra motivation,” said Kiwanuka.
JMC will be without Patrick Onyango who is out injured and youngster Dan Shabena who is on the national duty with the Hippos (U20) in Rwanda.
The visitors will also be without Allan Male and midfielder Jimmy Lule who are out with injuries.