Vipers’ continental blues a reflection of our slow progress 

While watching the recording of Vipers FC’s 0-1 loss to Simba over the weekend at St Mary’s Stadium, I noticed the home team was actually playing as the away team.

They were disjointed and could not make meaningful passes, while some players showed little interest in at least walking away with a draw. On the other hand, Simba played with purpose and poise, often luring Vipers players into mistakes. Just about six months ago, roles were reversed when Vipers travelled to Tanzania and humiliated Yanga, Simba’s arch-rival, in similar fashion.

What could have caused such a dramatic shift in fortunes in such a short period of time, I wondered? It is easy to look at the change of coach, the lack of experience at the top level, or even the departure of some key players. However, the underlying truth is that the underwhelming Uganda Premier League (UPL) is hurting Vipers on the continent.

Going from playing UPL sides that are keen on avoiding conceding to continental sides that play free-flowing football and are tactically astute can be a big challenge, as the Vipers found out.

Losing to Raja Casablanca away from home is understandable, while drawing with Horoya at Kitende is forgivable. But to have no goal in three matches is inexcusable when two of them were played at home. I know Vipers has already punched above its weight to reach the group stage of the Caf Champions League, but it will not bode well if they exit without leaving an impression.

Simba may be the larger club, but I believe Vipers have better talent. However, it is the management of the players that is important at this stage, and this is where Vipers falls short. For instance, with such a deep squad roster at its disposal, many promising talents are rotting on the Vipers bench without kicking a ball. Some don’t even make the matchday squads.

Villa did this in the 1980s and dominated the domestic league, but they struggled to make an impact on the continent until they allowed disgruntled players to gain experience elsewhere. So, many of the Vipers’ players would have ordinarily been playing on loan at other UPL clubs to keep match-fit.

This can only be achieved if the UPL relaxes its tough rules on loan deals. Vipers also needs a well-organised, proactive UPL to prepare them to take on the continent’s best.

For instance, it should be in UPL’s interest to have Vipers’ league matches strategically scheduled so that they have some rest before continental ties.

Until changes are made, teams that represent the country on the continent will remain on their own when things are not going according to plan. The regulators only come into force when they achieve a milestone.

The author is SC Villa first vice president in charge of mobilization