Onduparaka vow to squeeze venom out of Vipers

By Martin Kaddu

Azam Uganda Premier League; Tuesday Fixtures

Onduparaka vs Vipers, Betway Green Light stadium- 4:30PM

SC Villa vs BrightStars, Namboole- 4:30PM

Sadolin Paints vs BUL FC, Bugembe- 4PM

The first and last time Onduparaka FC played Vipers was in the 2016 Uganda Cup final in June this year at Nakivubo stadium.

Vipers turned out 3-1 winners but the West Nile Side stayed over achievers having played in the finals on first attempt and stormed the top tier in similar Cinderella season.

Months down the road, a few changes have emerged with both sides having new head coaches.

Leo Adra replaced Allan Kabonge at Onduparaka while Abdullah Mubiru took over at Vipers as George Nsimbe was demoted to deputy.

As the two sides meet for the first time in the league on this Tuesday at Betway Green Light stadium, Onduparaka Skipper Shaban Mohammed is optimistic that their revenge mission will be realized.

The Caterpillars will bank on the their sweet home record where they are unbeaten since 2013 as the team played in West Nile regional league.

Giants KCCA FC and SC Villa have already fallen at the “Valley of no return”. “We are set and well-motivated for a win. Our fans felt bad when we lost to vipers in Uganda Cup finals and are eager to see us revenge with a win,” noted Shaban who was shortlisted for the Airtel FUFA player of the year award on Monday.

The 20 year old striker who was an unused substitute as Cranes defeated Congo Brazzaville 1-0 on Saturday is the current league second top scorer with six goals, one behind KCCA FC’s Geoffrey Sserunkuma and five of his goals have come from home. Vipers coach Abdullah Mubiru is well versed with the challenges of playing at a crowded Betway Greenlight stadium.

“They are dangerous upfront and make use their frightening home support but we have an organized plan to stop them,” vowed Mubiru.

Vipers welcome back anchor man Siraje Sentamu from injury but defender Halid Lwaliwa needs late fitness test just like Onduparaka’s Alex Gasper Adriko.

The Hosts are currently 8th with 15 points in 11 games while the Visitors are with 20 points in similar games, 8 below leaders KCCA FC that have played a game more.