We are set to resume StarTimes Uganda Premier League action this evening, hosting Mbarara City under the floodlights in a FUFA TV-televised late kick-off, with the ambition of completing a double over the Ankole Lions.
In preparation for this challenge, Hussein Mbalangu reinforced our squad during the January Transfer window, focusing on both defense and attack. Notable additions include Benjamin Ochan to bolster the goalkeeping department, along with Kiyemba and Atendele in defense. The services of Gaddafi Wahab are anticipated to be vital in our pursuit of goals. The team’s hard work, as demonstrated in the recent victory against Busoga United, aims to propel us into the 5th place on the league table, surpassing URA and Maroons (results of Kitara vs. SC Villa not considered).
Mbarara City, fresh off a 3-2 triumph over Express in their last league home outing, has set the pace for the second round, climbing out of the relegation zone by 5 points. Despite their recent success, there is no solace for Wasswa Bossa and his team, entering this game on the back of a loss to us in the first encounter at their home in Kakyeka. Bossa is determined to secure all points, while Mbalangu is equally ready for the task, aiming to complete a double against his second opponent in this campaign and elevate our position on the table.
Hoping for a Better Second Round:
Mbarara City, having secured 3 wins and 8 draws in the first round, accumulating 17 points, seeks improvement in the second round. Despite a convincing win against Express, encounters with us have historically seen few goals, with Joseph Dhata’s goal in Kakyeka being the only one in our three previous meetings. Two goalless draws in the FUFA Big League preceded our promotion to the StarTimes UPL.
Mbalangu shares the aspiration for a better second round, looking to build on the recent win against Busoga United. The focus is on avoiding mistakes in this fixture, aiming to replicate the positive results from the initial rounds. With a total of 24 points collected in the first round, the realistic target is to earn more, and Mbalangu is committed to achieving that.
Team News:
Gaddafi Wahab is set to make his debut, pending clearance from a suspension after serving a two-match ban. His presence is anticipated to make a significant impact, possibly earning him a starting place against Mbarara City this evening.
Ssebaggala returns after a suspension from an away match, providing Mbalangu with additional options in the middle of the park. Former Mbarara City midfielder, Thembo Ibrahim, has recovered and joined senior team training, leaving us eager to see if he will feature against his former paymasters.
Except Barni, still recovering from a head collision injury during our Uganda Cup encounter, the rest of the squad is available for selection.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 1900 hours and will be broadcast live on FUFA TV exclusively on StarTimes. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter under the lights, and fans eagerly await the outcome of this crucial fixture.
A win for us the DIE HARDS.