UPL returns with Maroons at Express as Paidha take on Nyamityobora

The StarTimes Uganda Premier league returns Thursday with the first set of fixtures in the new year – Express Fc visiting Maroons as strugglers Nyamityobora host bottom placed Paidha Black Angels..

Keefa Kisala’s Express are currently ninth on the table with 19 points from 13 games. The Red Eagles seem to have moved on from their struggles last season and head into the game high on confidence after their 2-1 home win over Nyamityobora last year, but it seems they have work to do after scoring 16 goals while conceding 15 so far.

Their hosts, however, lie 6 points below them in 13th and have had their own struggles as they didnt register a win in the opening six games but recovered well to win three and draw four of their next seven games ending the year with a 3-2 win over.

This will not be an easy encounter especially with the resilience Maroons have always had at home and the Red Eagles will surely have to work hard if they are to walk away with all points.

“Basically we are looking at getting a win through hard work because nowadays we are being told a lot to work as a team and even in the team now that’s the spirit even in training we work together so on Thursday we are going to work together to get that win,” Express defender Shafik Kakeeto told the club’s website.

There will be no love lost as Maroons coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe, who saved Express from the drop last season before joining Maroons, challenges his former team for the three points. And Kakeeto has nothing but respect for the experienced tactician.

“He is my coach without a doubt but we shall put that a side on Thursday and battle for three points”.

Kisaala will be without midfielder Arthur Kigundu while striker Tony Odur and Mubarak Nsubuga will require a late fitness to ascertain his availability. Youngster Badru Nsubuga, Isaac Mutanga and Robben Kabuye are back and available for selection.

The hosts are not faced with any serious injury concerns will look to former KCCA and Express striker Herman Wasswa to provide the fire power upfront with Saif Batte and Ovuya Pius charged with providing the creative spark in midfield.