Ex-Maroons star Fred Amaku leads Kitara FC against old team in UPL showdown

Forward Fred Amaku returns to Luzira Prisons Grounds today with Kitara FC to face his former side, Maroons FC, in what promises to be a thrilling Uganda Premier League encounter.

Amaku, a proven striker during his time at Maroons, was a dependable source of goals for the team. Last season, he netted 12 league goals, helping Maroons secure a seventh-place finish with 41 points from 29 matches. Known for rising to the occasion against top teams, Amaku left a lasting impression on fans, including those of KCCA FC, whom he consistently troubled during his tenure with Maroons.

Although Amaku had a slow start at Kitara this season, both he and the club have shown signs of resurgence. In the last three matches, he has scored three goals, including a brace in Kitara's emphatic 6-0 victory over Mbale Heroes in Hoima last week. Today, all eyes will be on him as he returns to Luzira, a ground he called home for over three seasons. Fans will be keen to see how he is received and whether he can find the back of the net against his former side.

Another player in the spotlight is midfielder David Ndihabwe, who also joined Kitara from Maroons at the end of last season.

Both teams head into this clash in excellent form. Maroons, currently sixth on the table with 16 points, are unbeaten in their last four matches. Under head coach Mohamed Senfuma, they have secured three wins: a 3-0 triumph over Mbarara City, a 2-1 victory against URA, and a 1-0 win over Soltilo Bright Stars. Their only draw was a goalless affair against BUL, showcasing Senfuma's tactical masterclass.

Kitara, on the other hand, have also turned their season around after a frustrating start that saw them lose six of their first eight matches. Under new head coach Wasswa Bbosa, who replaced Brian Ssenyondo in October, Kitara has found stability. They have won two of their last three matches in convincing fashion, including a 4-0 victory over UPDF and the 6-0 thrashing of Mbale Heroes. A goalless draw against Vipers further highlighted their growing confidence.

Bbosa's impact has been significant, with the team climbing out of the relegation zone to 13th place with 11 points, two clear of danger.

Last season, Maroons edged Kitara 1-0 away from home, while the reverse fixture in Luzira ended in a goalless draw. Interestingly, it was Amaku who scored the decisive goal in the away match, adding extra weight to his return today.

Elsewhere, Lugazi FC, unbeaten in their last seven matches, will host struggling Mbarara City at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe, Buikwe District.

Uganda Premier League

Thursday

Maroons v Kitara, 4pm

Lugazi v Mbarara City, 4pm

Friday

SC Villa v Police, 4pm

Express v URA, 7pm

Saturday

Vipers v BUL, 4pm

Sunday

Wakiso Giants v KCCA, 4pm