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German StarTimes UPL: Vipers SC visit rejuvenated Onduparaka FC
StarTimes UPL: Vipers SC visit rejuvenated Onduparaka FC
Newly crowned StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC travel to Greenlight Stadium to face in-form Onduparaka FC in a second-round StarTimes Uganda Premier League fixture on Tuesday 3 May 2022.
The Venoms won the reverse fixture at St. Mary’s Kitende. Skipper Halid Lwaliwa’s goal was the difference as the kitende-based side bounced back to winning ways in the 1-0 win over Onduparaka FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Prior to this fixture, Vipers had endured a 2-2 draw at Express and the win against the Caterpillars kept them in close range with then League leaders KCCA.
The Caterpillars endured a tough start to the 2021/22 season that sparked wide fears of relegation to the second tier ( FUFA Big League). However, after the 3-1 loss to KCCA FC, the caterpillars were a rejuvenated side. During the month of April, they won 3 games, 1 Draw, and collected 10 points out of a total of 12.
Onduparaka FC comes into this game after a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Bul FC at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Jinja. This fixture will usher the Green army into the famous Arua Derby slated for Friday 6 May 2022. This means the Caterpillars play three high-profile matches in a space of seven days.
Interim manager Dudu Bosco returns to the touchline after a one-match suspension. The gaffer was sent off during Onduparaka’s 2-0 win away at Wankulukuku against Express FC.
The caterpillars welcome back Mathias Muwanga from suspension and Mansoor Safi who missed the draw against Bul FC. Loanee Amayo Ahmed will not feature against his mother club Vipers SC. Meanwhile, left-back Okocha Rashid and forward Agau Rashid remain sidelined.
Goalkeeper Muwanga Mathias, who conceded only two goals in April is confident that the home side has done enough homework to collect maximum points against the champions.
“We are ready, every department is okay. We have tried to improve on the few mistakes we’ve been making, and we’ve also tried to improve on whatever we’ve been doing right. We are ready to perform tomorrow, we are ready for the three points.”
Vipers SC has a fully fit side for the much-anticipated fixture against the Green army.
The venoms have had a progressive season all through. They scored a whopping 12 goals in 5 games in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and also progressed to the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after winning 3-1 away at Wakiso Giants, all in the month of April.
Dudu Bosco speaks ahead of Vipers SC encounter
“Throughout the month of April, we played very well, players were disciplined in terms of performance and playing under instructions and one most important thing is that we never lost a game in April, the worst was a draw against Bul (FC).
“We are getting into the new month with a very tough fixture against the champions (Vipers SC). We are well set. This season, so many of the good teams survived us, but I think the remaining ones will not survive because we built confidence towards the end of the season, the team spirit, combination, and everything is working now. We shall give Vipers a guard of honor from the tunnel but no guard of honor inside the pitch.”
Vipers SC Head Coach Roberto Oliviera Speaks
“It’s a good atmosphere (at Onduparaka FC). We respect our opponents. We have come here to play and win. Everybody awaits our victory, me too. I have prepared my team very well and will give opportunities for two or three players in the second half and for a good balance, but when we start the game my objective will be victory.”
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