David GOMBE
•Vipers Vs NEC FC – St.Mary’s Stadium Kitende
The two best teams in the country this term will clash in a colossal affair on Thursday evening at St.Mary’s Kitende Stadium.Will the result decide where the Uganda Premier League title resides come May?
Leaders Vipers host their nearest challengers NEC FC on Thursday in the game billed as the title showdown. There is no doubt Kitende will be a cauldron of noise and anticipation.
Two points separate the two sides with Vipers top on 53 points while NEC are second on 51 points.
If there is a victor neither Vipers or NEC can be sure of becoming champions. This is true, six games each will remain but fasten your seat belts as this is sure to be a humdinger and if there is a winner, the momentum will undoubtedly be with them.
The build-up has been huge, and prompted by Hussein Mbalangu just minutes after that win over Kitara last week.
Mbalangu has fired a warning to the six time Uganda Premier league champions ahead of the epic contest
“We have the courage to go to Kitende and maximize points there. They are not many teams that have collected three points there but i believe we are going to be among the few. Its only us and Vipers who are yet to lose at home but we are optimistic that we shall get three points there. Victory against Kitara motivated us and our target will be to get maximum points at Kitende.” Said Mbalangu
His side got the better over Vipers in their first round meeting with a 3-1 win at Lugogo in September last year.
Fred Muhumuza believes his charges will head into the contest with the same mentality despite the hype surrounding the game.
“The game has been hyped but it’s a game like any other Uganda Premier League game. We know alot has been said, but the game of football is a practical one.” We will have the same mentality and character, play good football and hopefully win.” Said Muhumuza
Team News
NEC FC will be without Enock Walusimbi due to suspension following his red card in the victory over Kitara.
Vipers skipper Milton Karisa is expected to start after returning in the 2-2 stalemate with Express and was involved in their late equalizer. The game however comes early for Derrick Ndahiro.
Players to Watch
The hosts will look up Allan Okello who has been in fine form this term and currently leads the scorer’s charts with 15 goals. Abdul Karim Watambala and Yunus Sentamu are the other players expected to lead the Venoms to maximum points.
All eyes will be on Paul Mucureezi on Thursday when NEC travel to Kitende in search of a victory and they will need the former Venoms’ man on top form to do just that. Veteran midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba who has impressed against the big teams is the other player the visitors are to bank on for three points at Kitende.
Fact:
This will only be fourth meeting between the two sides with each smiling to one win and the other ending in a stalemate. The previous meeting at Kitende saw Vipers thrash NEC 4-1 last season.
So, is this the title decider? No. But there is little doubt come May, this fixture will be seen as the epicentre of Vipers title win or NEC’s fightback.
Head to Head
2024/25
NEC 3-1 Vipers
Vipers Vs NEC????
2023/24
NEC 0-0 Vipers
Vipers 4-1 NEC
