Vipers want revenge as Kitara chase repeat glory in Uganda Cup

Photo by Vipers SC Media.

The stakes will be sky-high tonight at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende as Vipers SC and Kitara FC renew their fast-growing rivalry in the first leg of the Stanbic Uganda Cup semi-finals.

This marks the second meeting between the two sides this season, following a league clash at the same venue. Vipers, who narrowly edged SC Villa in the quarter-finals, are chasing an ambitious league and cup double. They currently lead the Uganda Premier League with 62 points and four matches remaining.

Despite a demanding schedule, coach Fred Muhumuza remains focused: “We have a busy month and a crowded fixture, but we have a squad that can maneuver through. This is a different competition and Kitara is a tough opponent, but we’ll give it our all,” he said after Friday’s training.

All eyes will be on Allan Okello and skipper Milton Karisa to inspire the Venoms to a strong start in the tie. Meanwhile, defending champions Kitara, who knocked out BUL FC in a dramatic quarter-final, are looking to continue their title defence by breaking their winless run at Kitende.

Coach Wasswa Bbosa says his side is fully locked in on retaining the trophy: “We respect Vipers, but this is the semi-final. We are defending champions and the team is ready for the task ahead.”

Kitara will be buoyed by the return of George Ssenkaaba and Patrick Kaddu from suspension, while key defender Benjamin Nyakoojo is back from injury.

The two sides last met in this tournament during last season’s quarter-finals, where Kitara stunned Vipers in a penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Masindi.