Vipers SC will be targeting a place in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final when they take on Kitara FC in the decisive second leg of their semi-final clash in Hoima.
The Venoms head into Saturday’s encounter with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, courtesy of Yunus Sentamu’s strike at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Buoyed by their recent success in the Uganda Premier League where they secured their seventh league title after a 2-0 win over Kitara on Wednesday. Vipers now have their sights set on a domestic double.
Head coach Fred Muhumuza praised his players’ determination throughout the campaign but emphasized the importance of staying focused.
“I’m proud of the character the boys have shown all season. We’ve already achieved one goal, but we have another big challenge ahead. We must approach it with the same seriousness. Remember, the sun doesn’t forget the village just because it’s small,” Muhumuza said.
Vipers have enjoyed dominance over Kitara this season, with two wins and a draw in three meetings. They head into the tie with a clean bill of health, and key players Milton Karisa, Allan Okello, and Yunus Sentamu are all available for selection.
On the other hand, Kitara will be looking to overturn the first-leg deficit and keep their Uganda Cup title defence alive. Head coach Wasswa Bbosa made several changes in their midweek league loss to Vipers, resting players with this crucial cup fixture in mind.
“We lost in the league, but that was with a rotated squad. We’re fully focused on the Uganda Cup now and ready to fight at home,” Bbosa said.
However, Kitara will be without influential forward Jude Ssemugabi, who misses out due to injury. Despite the setback, they will draw confidence from last season’s quarter-final triumph over Vipers—when they knocked them out on penalties—and look to returning stars Living Kabon, Patrick Kaddu, and Frank Zaga Tumwesigye to inspire a comeback.
