Saturday, May 27,2 2023

• KCCA FC 5-0 Bright Stars

KCCA FC ended the season on high with a five-star performance but were short of the glory by goal difference.

The Kasasiro Boys registered a 5-0 victory against Bright Stars in their final game of the Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium.

KCCA FC levelled points with rivals Vipers SC Villa on 53 points but had a 19-goal difference while the latter had a superior edge of 27.

It was a tight first stanza, as the two sides fired blanks before the home side got fired up in the second half.

Two minutes into the second stanza, Rogers Mato tapped in from close range to give the boys in yellow an advantage.

Seven minutes later, Lwanga Charles controlled a low cross from close range before he slotted it into the back of the net.

At the hour mark, Mato registered a personal brace to ignite the home side that was on a goal hunt.

With three minutes to the final minute, Mato completed a hat trick before he scored his fourth to seal off his best performance of the season.

Jackson Mayanja’s troops put up a tremendous show but it could only earn them a second position on the 15-teamed log.

The Uganda Premier League secretariat has announced the adjustment of the kick-off time for the games that will be played on the final day of the campaign.

The new kick-off time will be 3:00 pm switched from the usual 4:00 pm.

“As we draw closer to the season’s end scheduled on Saturday, May 27 with one match left yet the difference between the top three is two points the UPL secretariat has adjusted the time for the last match from 4:00 pm to 3:00 pm,” the document partly read.

“This is done to enable us to hold a successful crowning event at any of the venues for the Club that emerges Champions for the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League,” it continued.

Going into the final day of the league, three teams still have the chance to win the title.

SC Villa sits on top of the 15-teamed log with 52 points after playing 27 games. The 1-0 hard-earned victory against Blacks Power sent the latter to the FUFA Big League while the 16-record champions Villa assumed the summit.

In the second position sits Vipers SC at 50 points. The defending champions lost the top spot after failing to pick maximum against BUL FC. The Venoms have been poor on the road and it was the same as they were held at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru in a one-all draw.

KCCA FC are third on the log at 50 points after playing to a goalless draw against Busoga United.

On the last day, SC Villa will host URA FC at Wankulukuku, Vipers SC will set a date with Busoga United while KCCA FC will lock horns with Bright Stars FC.

Tuesday, May 22, 2023

• Busoga United vs KCC FC
• BUL FC vs Vipers
• SC Villa vs Blacks Power

KCCA FC Head Coach Jackson Mayanja has called upon his charges to exhibit the highest level of confidence in the tough clash ahead of them.

The Kasasiro Boys will be o the road to take on Busoga United at Kakindu Stadium in their second-last Uganda Premier League game of the current campaign.

The duel will see the gaffer Mayanja return to the touchline for his side after serving a two-game ban that saw the vocal tactician watching from the stands.

“We need to be at our best in terms of confidence ahead of the clash against Busoga,” Mayanja said in the press conference before adding; “Busoga is still doing everything to see that they are not relegated and the game will not be easy at all.”

“Busoga has a good style of play and it’s the only thing I think they do better than most of the teams around. They always pass the ball intentionally and it’s an interesting team to watch. So if they are fighting relegation then am sure they will stage a real challenge.”

Mayanja also underlined that his side still has the chance to lift the trophy and he will not stop talking about it.

“First of all, I want to stress that KCCA FC wants the trophy and I will stick by my word. For any professional coach, I can not take my team out of the picture at this time not until the race is done.”

“We are still active in the title race, we are planning and doing all it takes to see that we win tomorrow’s game as we pray for the other teams against us to drop points and that’s soccer.”

“It was not good that we lost points in our previous games and now it has put us in a trick. So we shall mind winning our games as we keep an eye on the other games,” he concluded.

Both sides won their previous games, KCCA edging BUL in a 1-0 victory at home while Busoga United thrashed Arua Hill SC 4-1 in their den. While KCCA beat Busoga 2-1 in the reverse fixture in the game Laban Tibita was the star of the duel despite being on the losing side.

In the last five meetings, KCCA has been the victor and will seek to bag a routine win while Busoga United will be yearning to spoil the party for the Citizens.

KCCA are second on the table at the same points with the log leader on 49 points but shy of six goals while Busoga United are 13th with 27 points.

• Tuesday, May 16 
• KCCA FC 1-0 BUL FC

KCCA FC edged BUL FC to keep part of the title talk that is yet to take a snapshot finish.

In the game that was played at MTN Omondi Stadium, KCCA overcame BUL FC in a 1-0 slim victory on Tuesday evening.

The Kasasiro Boys returned to winning ways to end a three-game winless run that had caused tension in the yellow camp.

In the eleventh minute, Walter Ochora nearly directed the ball into his net but custodian Tom Ikara was quick to read the roving ball and came to the rescue.

Filbert Obenchan teed up Denis Iguma who pulled off a powerful effort but Ikara made equally a stellar save in the 27th minute.

Seven minutes later, Allan Onello was brought down in the box and the hosts were awarded a penalty.

Okello’s effort from the 12-yard spot found the back of the net to kick KCCA a deserved edge in the tight duel.

Simeone Masaba’s troops tried to restore parity and came close a number of times but lacked enough steam to guide the ball past the dotted line.

The loss meant the Jinja-based side had not won any game in the second round so far and are winless in 12 games.

KCCA FC will be happy that their gaffer Jackson Mayanja’s ban is now done and he will be back on the touchline as they play Busoga United in their next game.

The victory leaves KCCA FC in the second position with 49 points leveled with log leaders Vipers who have more six goals.

Uganda Premier League | Fixture

Tuesday May 16, 2023

• KCCA FC vs BUL FC
• UPDF FC vs SC Villa
• Vipers SC vs Express
• Arua Hill vs Busoga United
• Blacks Power vs Gaddafi
• Maroons vs Onduparaka
• Wakiso Giants vs Bright Stars

BUL FC are winless in their last 11 Uganda Premier League games. The oil manufacturers were a splendid side in the first round but things have looked so different in the second round.

BUL FC head coach Simeone Masaba is confident that the poor run can be brought to an end as they visit KCCA FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Tuesday.

“We have not won any game in the second round. But am glad we have prepared well ahead of the game against KCCA FC, I am positive we can win this game because the boys have prepared well,” Masaba said after the final training session ahead of the clash.

“Yeah! I know the previous games have not been easy but we can start with tomorrow’s game and win all the remaining encounters so that we can finish on a high,” he added.

BUL’s remaining three fixtures will see them lock horns with KCCA FC, Vipers SC and Maroons and Masaba is strong and firm that they can pick maximum points from these duels.

“It’s very possible in football if the boys are confident enough. We need to only do the right things and follow the set-up plan so that we hardly create room for error,” he concluded.

BUL will be motivated by KCCA’s recent poor form. The Kasasiro Boys have not won a game in their last three games.

The team has also faced suspensions that keep head coach Jackson Mayanja off the touchline as well as Tshingu Kankonde out of action.

The last two meetings of these sides have been all stalemates. BUL are eighth on the log with 34 points while KCCA is second on 46 points.

 

KCCA FC seeks to bounce after falling to Vipers SC in a 1-0 loss.

The Lugogo-based side will visit old rivals Express FC in a game they badly want to win.

KCCA are third on the log with 45 points, two behind-log leaders Vipers and SC Villa, gathered in 24 games.

A win in the clash will take them to the summit and a statement would also take them about the Jogoo.

“We badly need the win against Express. When two elephants meet on a battleground, it’s energy and confidence that creates the edge,” Charles Nsanziro said in the presser ahead of the Kampala derby.

“We need to forget our previous game and get our sight on the future. We have prepared well and want to put it into action so that we pick the maximum points,” he added.

The Kasasiro Boys have picked only a point in the last two games. Nsaziro has underlined that the duel against the old rival is a must-win if they are to keep their chances of winning the title bright.

“Getting back to winning ways will get us back on the right path going forward. We are in a crucial time with our eyes on the title and that means we have no room for error.”

“I am so thankful to all the fans who have stood beside us. We love them and call them to keep by our side. The 12th man is always important because he creates a conducive environment for football to be played,” he concluded.

KCCA will as well miss the services of Tshisungu Kakonde who was slapped with a fine keeping him out of action for the next eight games.

They will also have to wait for a report from the sick bay weighing the fitness levels of both Mustapha Kizza and Domic Ayela who have been part of the training amidst suffering knocks previously.

As the ongoing Uganda Premier League comes to an end the secretariat has taken a decision to adjust the fixture and allow the top three teams to play their last three games on the same dates.

Now, Vipers SC are left with five games, KCCA is left with four while SC Villa has only three on their menu.

After Vipers SC beat KCCA FC 1-0 on Friday, the log became more interesting as the two teams are level at 45 points, one behind table leaders SC Villa.

Jackson Magera’s charges were supposed to host Blacks Power on Tuesday, May 9 but the duel was extended to Tuesday, May 23.

“As you are undoubtedly aware, the SUPL is in its final stages of conclusion with the title not yet decided with four matches (on average) to go,” the document read.

“In the spirit of fair play and equal opportunity, UPL secretariat has made the following fixture arguments to ensure the last three games involving KCCA FC, SC Villa and Vipers are played on the same date and time,” he added.

Remaining fixtures for the three sides

Vipers SC

• Bright Stars (A)
• Onduparaka (A)
• Express FC (H)
• BUL FC (A)
• Busoga United (H)

KCCA FC

• Express FC (A)
• BUL FC (H)
• Busoga FC (A)
• Bright Stars (H)

SC Villa

• Blacks Power (H)
• UPDF FC (A)
• URA FC (H)

Friday May 5

• Vipers SC 1-0 KCCA FC

Milton Karisa’s late strike helped Vipers SC to register a 1-0 victory against KCCA FC in the Uganda Premier League at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Friday.

It was a green light for the Kitende-based side in the chase of the title defence.

Both sides had several chances on the goal but only one crossed the dotted line late.

Abubaker Lawal thought he had given the hosts a lead after five minutes only to see his effort bounce off the goalpost. This was after Milton Karisa’s delivery met the Nigerian forward at the far post.

Six minutes later, Rogers Mato warmed up Fabien Mutombora’s gloves with a hard shot after being set up by Allan Okello on the left flank.

Close to half an hour mark, the Kasasiro Boys created a moment of wonder with Mato, Okello and Saidi Mayanja exchanging passes with a quick pace but Mato’s final shot sailed out.

With three minutes to end the first stanza, Okello started a freekick early to find Mato unmarked but the latter’s first touch was heavy and Mutombora was in the right place to pick the ball.

Eight minutes into the second, emotions sparked off as Mustafa Mujuzi dangerously fouled Lawal.

Players and officials exchanged words and pulled each other which resulted in a red card to Vipers custodian Ibrahim Mugisha.

In the 65th minute, Vipers were lucky as they watched Okello’s curling effort go off the post after beating goalkeeper Mutombora.

In the 88th minute, Karisa found the back of the net with a low hard shot to light up the stadium that was full to the rafters.

In added time, Angolan defender Miguel Nzau nearly doubled the lead but his mistimed effort rolled narrowly wide of the frame.

After full-time, players went straight to the referee and Congolese striker Kankonde Tshisingu was shown a red card.

The victory takes Vipers second on the log with 45 points level with KCCA FC.

Friday, May 5, 2023

• Vipers SC vs KCCA FC

KCCA FC interim head coach Jackson Mayanja has revealed that his side cannot be intimidated by Vipers SC.

Mayanja opened up ahead of the clash of titans that will see Vipers host KCCA at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Friday.

“We can not travel to Vipers intimidated. I know they are from the Champions League but KCCA is a great club,” Mayanja revealed during a press conference at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

“We need to win the game against Vipers tomorrow. I just want to tell them (Vipers) that they should just wait for us tomorrow. They should be on guard because we are coming to Kitende to have the game done,” he added.

The winner of the clash will draw closer to the title ahead of the season photo finish.

If KCCA win then they will go on top of the log with 48 points, two ahead of the the current log leaders SC Villa.

However, if Vipers win the duel, they will go second on the log with 45 points levels with KCCA but with a better goal difference and having played a game less.

“We are still in the title race. Yes we drew our last game but it was not a loss. Its normal in football that the last team on the table can come and upset a bigger side.”

“The surprises are still on, you saw Villa lose to Maroons after beating Vipers. So the title is still alive. So we only need to keep focused and win our games.”

Having a win on their minds, Mayanja underlined they plan to go all out and hurt their rival without shying away.

“When you go to win then you have to go all the way and attack. So the game plan is clear, we are going all out to look for the win. There is nothing to hide about it and Vipers should know that.”

“We have no thoughts of defending. We are going to attack Vipers until we get the result. If we do not get the result it will be God’s plan but we need a positive result badly,” he underlined strongly.

Team News

Rogers Mato and Brian Aheebwa will require a late fitness test to tell their fate in the game.

Head to Head

KCCA are second on the log with 45 points while Vipers are third on 42.

In the last 10 meetings, Vipers SC has been the better side registering four wins while KCCA has been beaten the Venoms twice and they have shared points on four ocassions.

KCCA FC squandered a two-goal lead to share spoils with Onduparaka FC in the Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Kasasiro Boys have a chance to return to winning ways as they take on Vipers in a mouth-watering contest on Friday.

KCCA head coach Jackson Mayanja has called upon his charges to stand and be ready to take something ‘special’ to Vipers SC.

“We are going to Kitende and pull off something special. We need to respond as soon as possible,” Magera told the press in a post-match interview.

Moses Waiswa and Allan Okello gave KCCA the lead early in the second half but Emmanuel Oketch’s late double restored parity for the Caterpillars in a four-goal thriller.

Mayanja was left puzzled about how the result turned around after his side dominated the game for the largest part of it.

“Such a team like Onduparaka, we led 2-0 and dominated the game all through but then gave it away in the last four minutes. That was not normal at all,” he added.

“But we are still continuing to fight for the title. That is football, we need to move on and seek a recovery plan going forward. We have a big game on Friday so we need to bounce back”

The tactician added that the team was undone by the substitutes who did not do enough to fight for the club.

“I do not think the players did enough more so those that came in as substitutes. They did not execute their role, I thought coming off the bench they would add more fresh legs in the park but that was not the case,” he concluded.

KCCA are second with 45 points after 23 games played and will face Vipers at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Friday at 7:00 pm.