Uganda Premier League action resumes on Wednesday as table leaders Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) look to widen the gap between them and second placed Vipers if they can beat on BUL FC at the Startimes Stadium, Lugogo.
The 2016/2017 champions are currently top of the league table on 41 points from 18 games, three points ahead of closest rivals Vipers. The lead could be extended to six points especially after Vipers dropped points on Tuesday against Tooro United.
But there is growing concern at Lugogo, especially regarding the number of goals they have scored since the start of the second round. The Kasasiro have scored just a single goal in their three matches so far a period that coincided with head coach Mike Mutebi’s touchline ban.
But Mutebi’s assistant Morley Byekwaso who has overseen two goalless draws and a 1-0 win over Onduparaka, however, says that he is confident the goals will start coming through and there is no need to press the panic button.
“Our players are a little bit fatigued. I think that has cost us a bit in recent games but I am confident it’s only a matter of time before we start scoring again,” Byelwaso said recently.
BUL FC lie fourth on the log and despite a deep in form midway the first round, they have restarted the second round a rejuvenated side. The visitors head into the match off the back of a morale boosting 1-0 win over Express.
Last week they received a courtesy visit from area Reverend who asked them to play with guile and make them proud and it seems divine intervention spurred them over Express and hopefully they can have the same spirit when they walk out at Lugogo.
KCCA will be buoyed by the comeback of midfielder Ibrahim Saddam Juma and he will give them much needed creativity in the middle which they have looked devoid of recently. But the Kasasiro will need to look out for Hamis Tibita, Deogratius Ojok and Jean Pierre Kambale who was their match winner last time out.
Ssemwogerere hoping to get underway at Express
Express will travel to Mbarara to face Nyamityobora with the intent of getting back to winning ways. This will be new coach George Ssemwogerere second game after the 1-0 loss to Bul.
The Red Eagles will be without Ruben Kabuye, Tony Odur, Eric Kambale, Michael Birungi who is out suspended) while the game comes early for Ivan Ocholit after he has been away on leave for a week. Badru Nsubuga is expected to be back in the squad after recovering from malaria.
Ssemwogerere is devoid of attacking options with only Brian Umony available but the tactician says they will have to assess him again as he may decide to start again with no striker as he did against BUL in Njeru.
“We are trying to work on him to see that he starts the game but we shall have to make a decision. It will be a hard match but we shall do our best to collect all three point,” he told the club’s official website.
The Red Eagles edged the past encounter 2-1 at Wankulukuku in December. Youngster Badru Nsubuga scored his first Express and UPL goal while Michael Birungi got the winner late in the game
Express will have to watch Nyamityobora striker Ibrahim Dada whose performance against Police FC at Lugogo caught the eye of many. Alex Komaketch’s marauding runs from left back and his superb set piece delivery ate what hold the key for Asaph Mwebaze’s side.
