Tuesday November 15, 2016 fixtures
Onduparaka Vs Vipers – Betway Green Light stadium, Arua
SC Villa Vs Bright Stars – Mandela National stadium, Namboole
Sadolin Paints Vs Bul FC – Bugembe stadium, Jinja
Following a two weeks’ international break, the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) returns with three matches on card.
But the eyes will be keenly at Namboole and Arua where former champions SC Villa and Vipers are desperate for victories to trim the log leaders, KCCA’s lead at the top.
SC Villa come into the game on the back of a disappointing 3-1 loss at Lugogo that left them a whole seven points behind KCCA.
Coach Shafik Bisaso’s side welcome skipper Mike Sserumaga and Bernard Muwanga who have been out injured for over two months.
The duo’s return is already good news to the record league champions as Bisaso reveals. “It’s glad to have them back as they give us more options,” he told upl.co.ug.
On the game itself, the former Proline tactician says it’s an important tie in their quest for the league title; they last won 12 years ago.
We have option but to pick three points. It’s still early days but the wider the gap, the lesser our chances of winning the title.
Vitalis Tabu, Umar Kasumba, Alex Kitaata and on form Godfrey Lwesibawa will be crucial for the Jogoos who face a side that will be without Ayub Bogere (on loan from SC Villa), Baker Lukooya (unfit) as well as Jimmy Kakooza (suspension).
At the Green Light stadium in Arua, hosts Onduparaka will be eager to avenge a Cup final defeat against Vipers.
The Venoms beat the Caterpillars 3-1 at Nakivubo in June to deny them a Cup triumph and since then, a little rivalry emanated.
It will be interesting to see how the two-time champions fair at a ground where first and second placed KCCA and SC Villa were beaten.
But Abdallah Mubiru and company will draw inspiration from the fact that lowly ranked sides like Proline and JMC Hippos picked a point from the intimidating venue.
Maximum points from the fixture will take Vipers to within five points of log leaders.
At Bugembe, Frank ‘Video’ Anyau’s side visit neighbours Sadolin Paints in another Jinja derby in a game to be broadcast live on Azam TV.