David GOMBE
Vipers Vs BUL FC
Venue:FUFA Technical Center
Date: Sunday 26th September
Match officials
Referee:George Olemu
1st assistant: Mustapha Mafumu
2nd assistant: Ahmed Kakembo
Fourth official: Lucky Kasalirwe
Referee Assessor: Brian Miiro Nsubuga
Vipers SC and BUL FC will return to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for Stanbic Uganda Cup Final on Sunday.
A brace from Caesar Manzoki against Police FC in the semifinals was enough to send Vipers SC to their fifth final of the competition.
BUL eliminated Uganda Premier League champions Express FC 1-0 to progress to their first ever final thanks to Owen Mukisa’s sole goal.
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This will be Vipers fifth Uganda Cup final, they have only won once in the previous four finals.
The Kitende outfit lost to URA FC in Gulu during the 2012 edition before suffering a painful 5-3 penalty shootout to now defunct Victoria University the following year in Mbale after a 1-1 stalemate.
In 2016, the Venoms beat Onduparaka 3-1 to clinch their first Uganda Cup trophy courtesy of a brace from Pius Wangi and Erisa Sekisambu netted the other.
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Their last appearance in the final was during the 2017/18 season when they lost to KCCA FC 1-0 in Bukedea with Julius Poloto scoring the only goal of the game.
BUL FC under the stewardship of Alex Isabirye will be eyeing their first Uganda Cup glory.
Isabirye as a coach will be looking for his third Uganda Cup triumph, he was the man at the helms as URA FC and Victoria University beat Vipers in 2012 and 2013 finals respectively.
“Vipers has a good set of coaches with experienced players so the game will not be an easy as many may think we eliminated Express FC but the style and character of both sides differ.”
“My players are more than ready and set for the game where I do not expect to make many changes so I call upon our supporters to rally behind us as they support from home we need their prayers to take the trophy.”
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Revealed Isabirye.
Vipers assistant Marcelo Cardoso says that they are focused about winning their first trophy for the club
“The only aim, the only focus, and all our energy is going to be on winning that trophy, it doesn’t matter where we start. BUL FC being in the final means they have so far this season where they are but we are going to go for it.” Stated Vipers assistant coach Cardoso
Vipers captain Halid Lwaliwa is expected to have a late fitness test but the rest of the squad is fully fit.
BUL will welcome back skipper Walter Ochora, Hamisi Tibita who recovered from their respective injuries.
Richard Wandyaka and Simon Peter Oketch return to the side after serving their suspensions.
Head to head
Last 10 meetings
Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC
BUL FC 2-3 Vipers SC
Vipers SC 2-1 BUL FC
Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC
BUL FC 1-3 Vipers SC
BUL FC 0-0 Vipers SC
Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC
BUL FC 1-2 Vipers SC
Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC
Vipers SC 0-1 BUL FC
