Ssimbwa takes on Ayala
David GOMBE
Vipers SC will make a short trip to Sam Ssimbwa’s URA FC under the lights of Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Saturday seeking to return to winning ways in a battle of new coaches.
Both sides have had a poor start to the league campaign which led to technical changes, with Ssimbwa returning to the Tax Collectors to replace Jimmy Kintu Mwera earlier this week.
Vipers on the other hand named John Ayala Luyinda, the man who served as co-coach with Fred Muhumuza during their 2024/25 League and Uganda Cup triumph. He replaced Frenchman Denis Lavagne who was sacked last weekend.
Ssimbwa registered his first win at the club in his first game in charge with a narrow 1-0 victory over UPDF FC, but his side is still languishing in the drop zone with seven points in seven matches.
Reigning champions Vipers are currently eight points adrift of table leaders BUL FC and come into this game after a 1-0 defeat to Mbarara City. The Venoms have so far suffered two defeats, drawn twice and managed three wins this term. They need to find their rhythm quickly if they are to mount a serious title charge.
Head to Head
In their last 20 meetings across all competitions, Vipers SC hold the upper hand against URA FC with 10 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses. Last season, Vipers cruised to a 3-0 win over the Tax Collectors at Nakivubo while both sides shared spoils in a 1-1 stalemate at Kitende.
Players to Watch
Ssimbwa will hope that former Venoms Moses Waiswa and Dissan Galiwango can hurt their former paymasters while Isma Mugulusi and Abraham Tusubira are all expected to give a fight for the revenue collectors.
Vipers will hope Abdul Karim Watambala gets his mojo back and will rely on Usama Arafat, Chukwuma Odili and Gusto Mulongo for maximum points.
Before the URA vs Vipers clash, Nakivubo will first host UPDF FC taking on Kitara FC. The Royals return to the league after their 6-1 aggregate demolition of Al Ahly in the CAF Confederation Cup.