Vipers hold title hopes ahead of URA clash

Uganda premier league
Friday, 4pm
Vipers SC vs UR, Kitende (Live)
Bright Stars vs Police, Mwererwe
Saturday
KCCA vs Express, Lugogo (Shs5k,10k,20k)
Nyamityobora vs Maroons, Mbarara
Onduparaka vs BUL, Arua
Tooro United vs Mbarara City, Kavumba

Vipers SC will be aiming at keeping pressure on premier league leaders KCCA FC when they host 3rd placed URA FC this Friday afternoon at the St Mary’s stadium, Kitende. The reigning champions are second on table with 50 points, 6 behind leaders and 7 above URA with only four games to go. Their title retention hopes were further ruined with a barren away stalemate at Mbarara City last timeout. Ahead of today's tie, Vipers head coach Michael Ouma is yet to give up on the title. “The fight is still on to ensure that we manage the remaining games on the positive note. KCCA have a six-point gap and four games in 12 points; anything can happen and we still have hope. Finishing among the best could also be a motivation for the preparation for next year,” noted Ouma. The hosts welcome back forward Tito Okello from club suspension for indiscipline while Yayo Lutimba has served out his suspension over accumulated cards. Club lead scorer Dan Sserunkuma is suspended for the tie while playmaker Moses Waiswa and reliable center back Halid Lwaliwa are out with foot and groin injuries respectively. As the Tax Collectors seek to bounce back from Bright Stars loss at home last timeout, Coach Sam Ssimbwa is optimistic. “We have not played well in the last two games but we have gone back to drawing board and we can get 3 or one point at Kitende. Vipers are under pressure and we shall take advantage from their panic,” noted Ssimbwa. The Visitors, who are yet to lose away from home, will wait for late fitness tests on Ronald Kigongo, Allan Mugalu, skipper Shafik Kagimu and Saidi Kyeyune. Ssimbwa is however not moved by the fact. “We have 28 players and any can compete. We have a good record away from hope and we hope to maintain it,” he said.  The two sides played to a 1-1 at Namboole stadium in the reverse fixture.