The MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, is the venue for Friday’s highly anticipated Uganda Premier League opener, where two football giants, KCCA and URA, will go head-to-head to kickstart the 2024/25 season.
This showdown not only marks the season’s beginning but also the reunion of coaches Abdallah Mubiru (KCCA) and Alex Isabirye (URA), both eager to launch their campaigns with a victory.
Match Preview
KCCA heads into this game following an unconvincing FUFA Super 8 campaign, managing just a single win. Last season, the 13-time champions had a sluggish start, ultimately finishing in 5th place. However, the appointment of Abdallah Mubiru, who replaced Portuguese coach Sergio Traguil, revived their form mid-season. Now in his first full season, Mubiru will be keen to avoid another shaky start, knowing how crucial this opener could be for their ambitions to end a five-year title drought.
KCCA will also begin life without last season’s top scorer Muhammad Shaban, now plying his trade in Libya. In his place, the team has signed experienced forward Derrick Nsibambi, who is expected to lead the attack and fill the void left by Shaban.
On the other hand, URA finished 8th last season and has been underperforming for over a decade. Coach Alex Isabirye, who guided URA to their last title, is determined to change that narrative. “I want to compete for trophies, not just participate,” Isabirye stated. “We’re rebuilding, but we aim to be competitive and take each game with the focus on securing three points.”
Team News
KCCA will miss the services of Usama Arafat, who sustained an injury during pre-season. URA has reported no injuries, and they enter the match with a clean bill of health.
Key Stats
KCCA lost only one of their last 10 home games last season, winning 8, including a 3-2 victory over URA.
URA holds the advantage in their last 29 meetings, with 13 wins compared to KCCA’s 9.
KCCA has only managed consecutive league wins over URA twice in the last ten home meetings, in 2015 and 2026.
Other Matches on Day One
Saturday, September 14, 2024: Lugazi vs Kitara – 4 pm
Sunday, September 15, 2024:
Wakiso Giants vs Soltilo Bright Stars – 3 pm
Maroons vs UPDF – 3 pm
NEC vs Vipers SC – 6 pm
Monday, September 16, 2024:
Police vs BUL – 4 pm
SC Villa vs Mbarara City – 4 pm
Express vs Mbale Heroes – 7 pm
