Vipers FC is set to kick off their title defense against newbies Entebbe UPPC at the Bugonga Fisheries Ground on Saturday.
The champions have had a delayed start to the season, first due to their defiance against playing in a three-phase format that has since been suspended, and then their participation in the CAF Champions League.
Entebbe UPPC’s technical bench has a strong connection with Vipers FC, with manager Abdallah Mubiru and first-team coach Livingstone Mbabazi having previously worked with the club.
Following a 1-0 defeat to newbies Buhimba United Saints in their opening match, UPPC Entebbe has staged a remarkable turnaround, securing two wins and a draw in their subsequent fixtures.
The Entebbe-based side demonstrated their resilience with victories over Lugazi and NEC, and a commendable draw against the illustrious SC Villa on the road.
Mbabazi acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “We give respect to them as champions and as one that carried our flag on the continent.
But the game against them is like any other, and we shall try to fight and get a good result.”
Vipers FC must make a strong statement against Entebbe UPPC to stay ahead in the title race.
With key players like Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, and Milton Karisa, Vipers will need to perform at their best to secure maximum points.
A slow start could lead to pressure on coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert, especially after failing to take the team to the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
UPPC Entebbe sits 6th on the Uganda Premier League table with 7 points in four games while Vipers SC is yet to kick a league ball this season.
Other Match
In the other match on Saturday, NEC will travel to Kamwenge to face Mbarara City. Both teams are yet to win a game this season and will be looking to get their campaigns back on track.
Fixtures
The Saturday fixtures are:
– Entebbe UPPC vs Vipers (Bugonga Fisheries Ground, 4pm)
– Mbarara City vs NEC (Rwamwanje stadium, Kamwenge, 4pm)
