Friday April 1, 2016
Vipers Vs SC Villa – Buikwe @ 4pm Live on Azam TV
Buikwe Stadium plays host to the day’s only league game on Friday when champions Vipers entertain SC Villa in a clash of titans.
The clubs played to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture last season. That game was marred by controversial refereeing with either coach blaming match-day official Robert Donney for being biased against their side.
Then, the hosts were under Edward Golola as head coach while Sam Ssimbwa – now at KCCA – was in charge of the visitors.
Things have since changed with George ‘Best’ Nsimbe taking charge at Vipers and then Ssimbwa assistant at Villa – Ibrahim Kirya – now head at the Jogoos.
Nsimbe, whose side sits four points adrift of log leaders KCCA, has urged his charges to pick maximum points if they are to keep hold of the title.
“It is always important to win such games. And on the other hand we can no longer afford to drop more points if we are to retain the title,” said Nsimbe.
For Kirya, whose side haven’t scored in four successive league games, is wary of his side’s profligacy.
“Hope we don’t extend the non-scoring streak,” he told upl.co.ug. “It’s something we have been working on and am optimistic goals will come.”.
The Jogoos have dropped to 10th on the log with 26 points albeit with a game in hand over the champions.
Team News
The hosts will miss the services of defender Halid Lwaliwa, striker Joseph Semujju and goalie James Aheebwa, who are travelling with the U-20 national team to Rwanda.
Midfielder Keziron Kizito is also out due to injury but good news is the return of Shafik Bakaki but William Wadri isn’t in the match day squad despite resuming training a week ago.
For SC Villa, they are without attacking midfielder Martin Kizza whilst ex-Vipers’ star Mike Sserumaga is doubtful with malaria.