Stanbic Uganda Cup

Saturday 

Final

At 3pm

NEC v Kitara

Fresh from losing the Uganda Premier League title to SC Villa, Kitara FC will aim to pick up silverware at Wankulukuku stadium this weekend as Brian Senyondo’s side takes on NEC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final.

Kitara will have to bite between their teeth to deny their closest rivals NEC in what is shaping up to be a fascinating final.

The two teams made it to the final for the first time, despite getting promoted a season ago. At Wankulukuku, Kitara has had good memories there this season, winning both encounters they have played from there (2-1 against SC Villa and Express respectively).

When the sides faced each other in the league, each won their home ties (1-0) respectively. To reach this stage, Kitara eliminated the Pajule Lions in the semifinals. In the earlier rounds, they eliminated SC Villa and Vipers and coach Ssenyondo feels this has given them more exposure in the competition.

“Going past top clubs like SC Villa and Vipers has enabled us to learn something from the competition. This has made us stronger and more resilient, making us well-prepared and confident as we head into the final. We know NEC is a good team and if you make mistakes they can hurt you. But we are going to give our best since we want to walk away with silverware,” noted Senyondo.

Forward Denis Omedi who has been a revelation for the Hoima side this season, believes teamwork will earn them the trophy.

“We are determined to play as a unit. When you look at our character we want to emerge champions. This game means a lot to us and we shall give our best,” reasoned Omedi.

However, NEC Coach Hussein Mbalangu said they know the magnitude of the final and they will handle it like that.

“Although the team appeared fatigued due to the long season, we have had a week to recover and hopefully by Saturday the players will have rested enough and recovered. We also know the magnitude of the game thus we shall have to work hard to win the Cup. I am not under any pressure because I have won the trophy as a player and have also reached several finals as a coach, especially in Somalia,” Mbalangu said.

Just like Mbalangu, NEC captain Marvin Kavuma has also sounded confident.

“While this is our maiden appearance at the final, we are feeling remarkably calm and composed due to the presence of experienced players who have been in such situations and also won the Cup. Their wealth of experience and winning mentality has eliminated any pressure allowing us to approach the final with confidence,” he stressed.

The winner will walk away with sh50m and also represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup while runners-up take home sh25m.