Kitara start title challenge with visit to debutants Lugazi FC
Sinan RAJUB SENOGA
Newcomers Lugazi FC will officially kick off their Uganda Premier League adventure with a home duel against one of the title favorites Kitara FC this afternoon at the Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe.
Kitara had an impressive run last season that saw them finish fourth on the league table on top of winning the Stanbic Uganda Cup and will be aiming to challenge for the league title this term.
The Brian Ssenyondo coached side are expected to heavily rely on Uganda Cranes attacking duo of Dennis Omedi and Jude Ssemugabi who were inspirational in the recent AFCON Qualifiers.
The Royals bolstered their squad with a number of decent signings who include Titus Ssematimba, Fred Amaku, Ronald Otti, David Ndihabwe, Marvin Nyanzi and Ivan Sserubiri.
Lugazi have also braced themselves for the demanding standards of the UPL with a massive recruitment and the appointment of new coach Sadick Sempigi.
Team News
Kitara will start life without striker Brian Aheebwa who has joined Ethiopia’s Arba Minch City.
Defenders Benjamin Nyakoojo and Dudu Ramadan are recovering from respective injuries and won’t be available for selection.
Monday Denis is also unavailable after picking a knock in a friendly against Kinyara while George Ssenkaaba will miss the encounter through a compassionate leave.
Lugazi will have all their players available for selection with a number of new signings expected to make their debuts.
Fahad Emuran who was the best goalkeeper in the Big League last season is expected to maintain his first choice status with Juma Mutebi, George William Oluka and Abraham Opio providing him healthy competition.
New signings Bashir Asiku, Emmanuel Obua and Rogers Atube are expected to boost the defense.
Rogers Adriko, Nelson Mandela, Denis Lubowa and Ian Amanya are expected to provide improved options in the team’s midfield department.
Sharif Yusuf Saaka and Bashamu Mugwa (formerly at Busoga United) are expected to complement Sam Ssemugugu in the search for goals.
Match Officials
Center Referee: Lucky Kasalirwe
1st Assistant: Emmanuel Okudra
2nd Assistant: Mustafa Mafumu
4th Official: Paul Turyamureeba