UPL clubs ready for test matches at Nakivubo Stadium opening

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NAKIVUBO STADIUM GRAND OPENING

 JUNE 1 TEST GAMES 

URA FC v Kitara FC 4pm
SC Villa v Express FC 7pm

The captains for the four teams that are will participate in the two test matches as the Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium re-opens to the public this Saturday (June 1) have urged fans to come and enjoy a wonderful display of talent from the four teams.

SC Villa will renew their rivalry against old foes Express FC in what would be their third meeting this season.

Villa won all the league encounters 2-1 and 1-0 respectively, results that Express is looking to overturn in the Saturday encounter.

“It looks like a friendly match but it is never a friendly when it is against SC Villa," team captain Ramsy Kawooya told the media at Nakivubo on Monday.

"We lost twice against them but this is the time to redeem ourselves as Express FC."

L-R: Kitara FC Dennis Omedi, URA's Saidi Kyeyune, Event Manager Madiina Zalwango, Express FC's Ramsy Kawooya and SC Villa's Braddy Jeans Wokorach and Ham Enterprises Hakim Kasirye pose after a press conference at Nakivubo ahead of the Test Matches on June 1, May 27, 2024. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

'Expect fireworks'

Kawooya urged the fans to "come in big numbers because it is Express FC, the crowd puller, in action".

"I am also happy about such a facility which is good for us as players. It is every player’s dream to play in such a facility because it helps us bring out the best out of us.

“We are training hard for the game, so expect fireworks. For us, it is not going to be about the money but the legacy, and the best team will win,” said Kawooya.

On the rival camp, SC Villa stand-in captain, Braddy Jeans Wokorach, also thanked business Hamis Kiggundu, better known as Ham, for redeveloping Nakivubo Stadium.

He said the newlook facility will provide for a good atmosphere because the stands are closer to the pitch.

L-R: Kitara FC Dennis Omedi, Coach Brian Ssenyondo, Alex Isabirye, Event Manager Madiina Zalwango, Express FC's Ramsy Kawooya and SC Villa's Braddy Jeans Wokorach, URA's Saidi Kyeyune, Morley Byekwaso, Baker Mbowa and Ham Enterprises pose after a press conference at Nakivubo ahead of the Test Matches on June 1. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

'We shall mean business'

“We shall rest some players but we are not worried because we have good squad depth, good quality players, and always expect the very best from everyone at the club," said Wokorach in the buildup to Saturday's duel.

"Express is seeking redemption but our fans would like to see us complete a ‘triple’ over Express FC and we shall mean business as usual.

“Above all, we have great memories in this stadium. Our fans and players are aware of that, so you should expect massive football from the Jogoos. We are coming here to compete and we shall show no mercy to our rivals and you know what happens when the two sides meet."

In the other game, URA FC captain Saidi Kyeyune said they will come to play a normal game which they hope to win and enjoy the prize money.

“But we will be out to impress our fans with a good game."

A cross section of Nakivubo Stadium stands. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

'Joy'

Kitara FC’s top scorer and captain, Dennis Omedi, thanked God for enabling them to stay fit and alive. He also thanked the stadium developer for the good facility.

“It is just joy stepping on that pitch. It looks lovely and it brings out all the energy in you. Come Saturday, all we promise is to put on a great show by winning this match. I have never lost to URA and I will not allow it to happen,” vowed Omedi.

“We are all in shape following the Stanbic Uganda Cup win and everyone is prepared for the match. I just urge our fans to come in big numbers so that we subdue our opponent's fans. Our fan base is one of the best and I don't think they will manage us.

“I know it is going to be one of the hardest games but we are going to fight so hard so that the fans that are going to come for this match can enjoy and go back happy."

 COACHES' TAKE 

Alex Isabirye (URA FC):

❝I am happy to be here and I believe football is headed in the right direction with such facilities in place in the middle of the city. We are going to do our best to ensure we get back where we belong (among the top four). We are working hard to come up with a beautiful display come Saturday and win and I’m sure people will enjoy it.

Brian Ssenyondo (Kitara FC):

❝We are excited to be one of the teams to feature in the opening of Nakivubo. It is marvellous and beautiful and a piece of work well done, thanks to Ham. I believe this will be a stimulus to every stakeholder out there who can put up such a facility because such makes the game beautiful. The game will improve with such a facility. It is exciting to the eye. I welcome Isabirye to the dugout again and I anticipate a tough match against him and I want to prove to him that I also arrived.

Morley Byekwaso (SC Villa):

❝I firstly thank Ham for this great facility which looks superb. Its structure is very good and everything inside here is well organized, so I think come Saturday, all the fans will enjoy it. We are playing one of our rivals but we have many games ahead of us so we shall field our players with caution because rest is part of football. But we shall play well and don’t want to lose like we did against KCCA FC at Namboole. The available players will 'die' a little for the team.

Baker Mbowa (Express FC):

❝We are looking forward to this match because it is one of the matches that is going to determine what kind of team we shall parade next season. It is an honour to be facing such opponents with proven coaches like Byekwaso but we are also a big team despite performing below par but we shall improve. The past performances will not be on our minds but we are focused on the Saturday match.