Wakiso Giants return to action in the Premier League with a home tie against UPDF at Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium, Wakiso on Friday.
The Purple Sharks are desperate to return to winning ways after going five games on the bounce with no victory.
The team will miss a number of key players through injuries, school commitments and one suspension but experienced midfield gem Tom Masiko and goalkeeper Samson Kiirya have confidence in those available to do the job.
“It’s absurd that we are going to miss several of our teammates but the onus is on us the available players to do the job, win and bring the pride of the club back on track,” Tom Masiko said.
“We have been unfortunate in the previous games despite playing well but we feel the game against UPDF is one to use to get our first win in the second round,” Samson Kiirya said.
“We were close in Lira but only denied on several occasions by the post. It’s high time we started winning games as a way to appreciate our fans for the endless support and we shall do all it takes to get three points.”
Apollo Kagogwe suffered a dislocated arm in the friendly with KCCA last week and hasn’t trained since.
Ambrose Arinda is suspended after accumulating three bookings
Shariph Kimbowa remains out after the injury he suffered in the Uganda Cup game against Vipers.
Norman Ojik is out after getting injured in the away game to Blacks Power.
Jerome Wamusi (Gombe SS), Marvin Mukiibi and Ronald Madoi (St. Mary’s Kitende) are playing in the Post-primary schools football competitions.
Mikdad Ssenyonga hasn’t played since he was stretchered off in the game against maroons and remains on the sidelines despite returning to training a few days ago.
Ramathan Ogene (malaria) and George Kaddu (concussion) are also ruled out of the encounter.
Titus Ssematimba who missed the trip to Lira could be available for selection after returning to training while Moses Aliro is a big doubt as injury has kept him out of training since he got off in Lira.
For UPDF FC, defender Moses Kiggundu is suspended after he was sent off in the last game against Soltilo Bright Stars and will miss out.
The visitors are buoyed by the return of Rogers Mugisha from national duty.
They come into the game in buoyant mood after beating Bright Stars 1-0 in their last outing but have not won an away game this season picking just two points on the road.
There have five Premier League meetings with Wakiso Giants winning 4. [D1]
Overall, there have been eight meetings in all competitions with the Purple Sharks winning 6. [L1,D1]
Friday 31st March 2023
Express FC Vs Onduparaka FC, Muteesa II Stadium-Wankulukuku (2:00pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV.
Busoga United FC Vs SC Villa, Kakindu Stadium-Jinja (4:00pm) Live on FUFA TV
Wakiso Giants FC Vs UPDF FC, Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium-Wakiso (4:00 pm)
Saturday 01st March 2023
Soltilo Bright Stars FC Vs URA FC, Kavumba Recreation Grounds-Wakiso(2:00pm) Live on FUFA TV
KCCA FC Vs Maroons, MTN Omondi Stadium-Lugogo (4:00pm) Live on Sanyuka Prime TV.
