We don’t expect an easy game Vs KCCA FC – Vipers SC Coach
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
KCCA FC v Vipers SC
Saturday, October 22, 2022
MTN Omondi Stadium | 4:00pm
Vipers SC will be making a short trip on Saturday to Lugogo to take on rivals, KCCA FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium in the Uganda Premier League.
This will be Vipers’ second game in the league this season, after our successful exploits in the CAF Champions League that had us qualify to the group stages.
However, head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho envisages a tough outing against one of the contenders for the title.
“We don’t expect one easy game. We just have to be ready for work and for the hardest work,” said the Brazilian while addressing Vipers Media.
“The quality they have and their coach is exceptional. It’s always a tough game. Our players know we have an incredible challenge tomorrow.”
The Venoms managed a 2-1 victory last season at Lugogo. Cesar Manzoki’s header levelled matters, before Milton Karisa sealed the win.
And, Robertinho anticipates a different game with a tougher challenge despite it coming early in the season.
“It’s a very, very difficult game – hopefully for both teams – because both teams will perform on a high level.”
“That early in the season and so many things are different this season. Nothing is to compare with last season. Nothing is to compare with the season before.”
The tactician also added that the freshly acquired duo of Garcia Mpongo Mbombo and Darcy Mbaka Kipoyi has gelled well with the squad.
“The most important thing when they arrived is how they settle into the team, into the locker room and with the staff.”
“They have trained well with us since Tuesday and have shown their ability. I believe when they start, game by game they will get better and to full fitness,” he added.
“In the real world we want everything immediately. Sometimes you need time to be calm.”
Statistical View:
KCCA and Vipers will be meeting for the 35th time in the league history, and the Venoms have the edge over the former.
The Venoms have a victory more than Saturday’s hosts, having garnered 14 wins, nine draws and 11 losses. A total of 42 goals against 43 have been registered in the process.
Head-To-Head:
Vipers wins: 14
Draws: 9
Losses: 11
Goals for: 42
Against: 43
Points: 51
Ever since KCCA shifted to the MTN Omondi Stadium in the 2012/13 campaign, there has been a total 10 league meetings, with Vipers counting four wins, two draws and four losses, with a total of 11 goals against 11.
Last 7 league meetings at Lugogo
2016/17: KCCA 1-2 Vipers
2017/18: KCCA 3-1 Vipers
2018/19: KCCA 1-1 Vipers
2019/20: KCCA 1-0 Vipers
2020/21: KCCA 1-2 Vipers
2021/22: KCCA 1-2 Vipers
Overall, out of the 17 meetings between the two teams hosted by KCCA, we have registered seven wins, three draws and seven losses. We have scored 18 goals, conceding 19 in the process.
Vipers’ first ever victory over the Kasasiro lads was registered on September 28th, 2008 in a 3-1 win at Nakivubo stadium, after six faulty attempts.
It was courtesy of a brace by Yudah Mugalu and one from Samson Ceasar Okhuti while Brian Umony scored KCCA’s only consolation.
Vipers have lost only two league fixtures out of the previous 13 meetings against our opponents since the 2014/15 season.
In that particular spell, Vipers has commanded six wins, five draws and just two losses.
Team News:
Siraje Ssentamu has made very good progress since sustaining a hamstring injury at Stade TP Mazembe last Saturday. The combative midfielder will continue his rehabilitation over the next week.
Ibrahim Orit missed Saturday’s match against TP Mazembe after sustaining a strain to the shoulder. He’s not available for Saturday’s match. He will continue to be assessed and rehabilitate the injury with the medical team over the next few days.
Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye is back after contracting malaria last week and his available for tomorrow’s encounter.
Source: Vipers SC website
