Kitara eye momentum, URA target consistency in UPL clash

Kitara’s recent surge in form will face a stern examination tonight when they lock horns with URA FC under the floodlights of Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Thursday night in a highly anticipated Uganda Premier League (UPL) encounter.

The Royals from Hoima City are currently sixth on the log with 13 points from seven matches, they are eyeing a third consecutive victory following hard-fought wins over Police (2-1) and BUL (1-0).

URA, meanwhile, remain a team in transition under interim coach Edward Golola who replaced former head coach Alex Isabirye last month after the club endured a shaky start to the season. Isabirye was dismissed after six games in charge of the current campaign.

Golola is keen on building consistency as the club continues its search for a permanent tactician. The former Vipers tactician has already delivered an immediate impact after his side recorded a morale-boosting 7-3 triumph over Buhimba United Saints in his first game in charge.

Fred Amaku netted a hat trick in that game, with David Ssemujju, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Denis Kisiriko, and Living Kabon all getting on the scoresheet, lifting the Tax Collectors to seventh place on 11 points from eight matches.

Tonight’s match will also serve as a reunion for several players who have recently switched allegiance between the two clubs. Amaku, goalkeeper Chrispus Kusiima, Arthur Kiggundu, Kabon, and Ronald Otti all now at URA will face their former team. Kitara’s Benjamin Nyakoojo, who spent three seasons with URA, will be lining up against his old teammates.

Last season, Kitara fell 2-0 on their visit to Nakivubo but later avenged that defeat with a 1-0 win in Hoima courtesy of Frank Tumwesigye’s strike.

Golola says his focus has been on tightening URA’s defence following lapses in previous games. “The win against Buhimba lifted our spirits, but we have been conceding unnecessarily. We have worked hard to fix our defensive mistakes, and I am hopeful we shall improve,” he said.

For Kitara head coach Wasswa Bbosa, he believes their 2-1 away victory over Police was crucial for building confidence on the road.

“We are very prepared to face URA, they are a good team with good players but the win against Police was very important to us, it motivated the players and also being our first away win. It gave us confidence to approach URA which is also another way game with the belief that we can win it,” said Bbosa.

Forwards Patrick Henry Kaddu and Isaac Amutuhiare, who both scored in that match against Police are expected to lead the hunt for goals.