The StarTimes Uganda Premier League takes a break as Uganda Cranes prepares to take on both South Africa and Congo in the decisive matches for the Afcon 2025 qualifiers.
With eight rounds in the UPL, the table has started to take shape although there remains congestion with several teams on same points but here are the talking points as we head into the International break.
Vipers – KCCA now the biggest game in the land
The debate on which is the bigger game in the land at the moment in the UPL seems to have been settled.
On a weekend traditional giants SC Villa and Express locked horns at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo and Vipers hosted KCCA at Kitende, the debate was settled.
The hype pre-and post, the attendance and the football on the pitch left many agreeing that currently, the fixtures involving two sides that have dominated the league in the last 10 years (Vipers – KCCA) is arguably the biggest.
New staff at Kitara, Mbale Heroes same old results
When Kitara and Mbale Heroes parted ways with coaches Brian Ssenyondo and Richard Malinga respectively, results were expected to change positively – at least for the sake of new manager bounce.
However, the more things change, the more they have remained the same with Kitara, under Wasswa Bbosa losing all two games in charge while Asaph Mwebaze has won none of four matches in charge drawing twice and losing as many.
The break maybe comes at a right time for the two gaffers to iron out issues that have denied them victories.
Ian Mutenda gets Soltilo Bright Stars off the mark
After seven rounds without victory, Soltilo Bright Stars let go of Joseph Mutyaba leaving Ian Mutenda in charge and boom – Kitara was slaughtered.
The result moved the Stars out of the relegation zone leaving the Royals under the bus.
Bengo needs to work on Wakiso Giants’ profligacy
Steven Bengo’s Wakiso Giants started the on fire with 5 goals in 3 matches but have since gone cold.
The Purple Sharks are on a run of five successive matches without a goal and much of that can be attributed to the injury to Herbert Asiimwe who scored three of the five goals before he got injured in the 2-0 defeat to Vipers.
Fortunately, the create chances as witnessed in defeats against the Venoms and NEC as well as the draw with Lugazi but for how long are they going to solve the issue?
“It is an area that we work on every day,” said Bengo. “I am confident the goals will come but for now, it is a worry because you can’t win without scoring,” he added.
SC Villa can’t win away from home
Champions SC Villa find themselves seven points adrift of the top but much of that has been their poor form on the road.
The Jogoos’ defeat at fierce rivals Express meant they have just managed one point on the road in a draw at Maroons suffering losses at Mbale, Vipers and Express.
Will Morley Byekwaso and his staff work to change that in the break? We wait to see.
Every title contender needs a Karisa, Mugume
Vipers and KCCA will go head-to-head in the title race it appears but much of that will depend on the attitude embodied in the fight, quality and character that is required of a title contender.
Besides scoring goals that earned their teams a point, Karisa and Mugume showed exemplary attitude and professionalism.
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