SCVU The True Benchmark For The Saints After Holding Lweza

Uganda Cup Quarters Tues, 1st April

The Saints Vs SC Victoria University – Namboole Stadium

Vipers Vs Uganda Revenue Authority – Buikwe Stadium

At last a comprehensively good result for Mark Twinamstiko on Saturday. A come-from-behind draw — a rare thing indeed against the free-scoring FUFA Big League Rwenzori group leaders Lweza— and a post-match show of bravado clever enough to earn some new respect from both sets of fans.

Lweza FC fans raided Namboole Stadium for the top of the tbale tie in droves. PHOTO Drake Sentongo

Twinamastiko has at times shown himself a little awed by his first season at top club in The Saints. Not on this occasion, though.

Falling to Gulu University 4-2 a week back, The Saints’ 2-2 scoreline at Namboole back from 2-0 down perhaps flattered them a little.

Top division side SC Victoria University won’t be too worried ahead of tomorrow’s Uganda Cup knockout quarter-final game at Namboole Stadium but The Saints skipper Geoffrey Bwire at least struck a positive tone.

‘If we lose a game we shouldn’t be looking at the coach, it is the team,’ said Bwire. ‘On Saturday we fought for each other, the fans and for the coach after the disappointment in Gulu. We have a very important game on Tuesday and it was great for our confidence that we held Lweza. If we had lost the confidence would have been low but now we have a good feeling.

Saints can score goals — they created some good ones on Saturday — but they look vulnerable through the centre of the defence and SCVU wingers Muwada Mawejje and Muzamir Mutyaba will certainly be enthusiastic about getting at Bwire and Brian Mukasa.

For the Saints, however, the next 24 hours or so will be critical. Nobody expects them to get past the defending champions and, remarkable as it sounds, defeat with honour would be acceptable. Another pounding, though, may still prove fatal for the Kampala side seeking FUFA Super League promotion in their first seasion of attempt.

Chris Buni wins possesion against Lweza's Arthur Semazi as Okello looks on PHOTO Drake Sentongo — Chris Buni wins possesion against Lweza’s Arthur Semazi as Okello looks on PHOTO Drake Sentongo

On Saturday SCVU’s scouts will have seen a typically determined performance from Ronald Musana and some improvement from Farouk Kawooya and Vianney Sekajugo.

In the Lweza thriller, Saadi Kibirango rifled Lweza ahead after beating Saints left back Edward Nkume. Kibirango added another with a header as the visitors took control and the hosts looked out of sorts.

But it was another tale in the second half.

The Saints started with real hunger and quickly pinned Lweza in their own half.

Within minutes, Bwire rose highest and sent a powerful header to make it 1-2.

The Saints pilled on the pressure and could have leveled matters earlier but Lweza had their keeper to thank as he smothered a powerful shot from Alex Kitata.

Midway the second half, Sekajugo delighted the Namboole faithful after collecting a long pass, beat his marker and smashed home a beauty. Lweza were silenced and the drums from their fans went mute.

Former Police FC star Arthur Semazi (C) was a handful for the Saints defence. PHOTO Drake Sentongo

The result kept Saints in third position and Lweza stayed tops with four more games to play and will make a short trip to Buziga to face Artland on Thursday April 10.

At Nakivubo Stadium, Mutundwe Lions led 2 nil by half time – thanks to Umar Bulega’s brace. Paul Mcwerezi scored the third in the 75th minute and by the 80th minute, Bulega had completed his hat trick to help Mutundwe Lions clocked three points that have elevated them to 22 points off, 15 games played.

In the Elgon group, Sadolin Paints lead with 36 points. Rwenshama are second with 30 points while Jinja Municipal in third with 25 points.