URA targets top spot as Villa look for revival

By Douglas Mazune and Bruno Mugooda    

Uganda Super League

Tuesday

UTODA v Villa (Wankulukuku)

Victors v URA (Kakindu)

Friday

Express v KCC (Wankulukuku)

URA v Fire Masters (Lugazi

Simba v Bunamwaya(Bombo)                                

URA will be without skipper Simeon Masaba but a punchy strike partnership of Augustine Nsumba and Robert Ssentongo should put a smile on Coach Alex Isabirye as he takes on Victors at Kakindu stadium Friday.

Cranes right-back Masaba is yet to recover from a knee injury, joining Bengo who has accumulated cards, but the hitherto wasteful strike-force should be sharper with the return of Nsumba who has missed the Uganda Super League champions’ previous three encounters.

Isabirye reckons that Ssentongo who has scored seven (40%) of URA’s 17 goals, Nsumba and reliable midfielder in Farouk Usama, Manko Kaweesa, Vincent Kayizzi and Sula Bagala have what it takes to prevail.

URA who are a point behind leaders Express but with a match in hand, will wind up the first round atop the 16-team table if they beat Victors today.

“We have been wasting a lot of chances. We have to win our games and retain the trophy. The title race is still open even Bunamwaya, Masaka and Proline are still in contention. Victors are a serious team that is hungry for victory, it is a tough game for us in Jinja today,” Isabirye stated.

The tax collectors, who thrust from fifth position at the halfway mark to lift the 2010/11 league title, are better positioned this time round.

The URA tactician is confident of his defence that will have goalkeeper Brian Bwete with Sam Senkoomi and Allan Munaaba on the right and left respectively, while hardtackling Sam Mubiru will be in central defence.

Victors coming off a 1-0 defeat to BIDCO in the Jinja derby before the Christmas break are yet to recover from an ‘injury crisis’ but coach George Nsimbe is optimistic despite having only 14 players at yesterday’s training.

“Almost the entire team is injured but we shall field the available players. The boys are in high spirits and with that kind of attitude we can get a result although they are betterin every aspect,” Nsimbe warned.

At the basement of the table SC Villa are looking forward to their second win when they face UTODA at Wankulukuku.

Coach Mike Mutebi looking for an elusive victory, must surely get it from minnows UTODA. Anything short of victory has the potential to heighten anxiety among the Jogoos faithful who are enduring their worst spell in two decades.