David GOMBE
Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC will kickoff their title defense against Abdallah Mubiru’s Entebbe UPPC on Saturday at Bugonga Fisheries Grounds.
The Venoms have had their season delayed by their involvement in the CAF champions league and were also against the now suspended new three round league format.
Following their elimination from the CAF Champions league by Zambian side Power Dynamos, Vipers Belgian head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert must have a better start to their title defense if he is to keep his job at Kitende.
His side however face Entebbe UPPC who are managed by two former Vipers coaches in Mubiru and Livingstone Mbabazi.
Former Vipers players Edward Ssali and Godfrey Walusimbi are also part of Entebbe UPPC bench.
The Entebbe based side started their campaign with defeat to Buhimba United Saints before wins against Lugazi FC and NEC FC. They also drew 1-1 away to record champions SC Villa.
With their title rivals KCCA FC, SC Villa and BUL FC having decent starts, Vipers must win at Bugonga to make a title statement.
Allan Okello, Usama Arafat, Abdul Karim Watambala, Yunus Sentamu and Milton Karisa are expected to guide the Venoms to a flourish start.
Meanwhile, NEC FC take search for a maiden win away to Simon Peter Mugerwa’s Mbarara City in the other game on Saturday.
