Vipers resume UPL bid 

Vipers’ excursion in African football this season was a truly humbling one.

The Ugandan champions finished bottom of their group with just a solitary point and goal against ten conceded in a group that featured Raja Casablanca, Simba and Horoya.

Yet there were lessons learnt on the continent regardless, and that is precisely why the Venoms will be desperate to win the Uganda Premier League again to put themselves in a position to get another crack at Africa football.

Alex Isabirye’s side travel to Maroons to resume their Uganda Premier League in a match that will not be a walk in the park by any measure. Maroons were obdurate against KCCA and will be buoyed by that performance when they host another title hopeful in the shape of Vipers.

Because of their Africa Champions League obligations, Vipers have played five games less than the league leaders SC Villa. They will want to make the most of their games in hand to throw down the gauntlet on their rivals in a title race that will also include KCCA.

Vipers’ league form going into today’s match has been indifferent with the champions managing a solitary win – a 2-1 victory over BUL – in four matches. But the Maroons match will be the first league match in the reign of Isabirye, who will be desperate to start with the bang. The club showed improvement in the 1-1 draw with Raja Casablanca and 2-0 defeat away to Horoya.

There was more coherence to their play and more purpose and urgency in the final third but Maroons are awkward opponents who will capitalise on any flaws against any side in the league.

Vipers have in recent months struggled to score goals with their forwards either struggling through injury or loss of form. The talismanic presence of Cesar Lobi Manzoki, their target man last season, has been sorely missed and none of Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karissa and Ahmed Titty has come to the fore this season.

Midfielder Karim Watambala is a doubt after picking up an injury against Horoya last Friday. The early game today sees KCCA travelling to relegation-threatened Blacks Power, who are fast running out of games to arrest their dismal situation.

On paper, Morley Byekwaso’s side are overwhelming favourites to pick three points on the road but teams fighting for their lives can be uncooperative opponents and Wakiso Giants found out.

KCCA have an in-form Rogers Mato leading their line and the Uganda Cranes striker will be licking his lips seeing how he is facing a side that have let in the highest number of goals this season.

SC Villa, who were due to host Bright Stars at Wankulukuku Stadium, have put on a magnificent run of form that has left the faithful of dreaming of the unthinkable.

It is 19 years since the Jogoos, Uganda’s most successful league side, last lifted a league championship. But five straight victories have hurled them into contention and their fans are buzzing with expectation.

For the neutrals and football enthusiasts, this is kind of championship race that will have fans on the edges of the seats. SC Villa have the history and numbers, KCCA boast of organisation and a model set-up while Vipers are the defending champions who will not want to let go of their title without a fight.