By URN
The StarTimes Uganda Premier League returns on Friday after nearly three months of inactivity.
Three new clubs including Mbale Heroes, Lugazi FC and Police FC have joined the league from the FUFA Big League and will need to rise to the challenge to compete with established Premier League giants.
Thirteen-time league champions Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA FC) will host Uganda Revenue Authority Football Club (URA FC) today in the season opener. Both teams have made significant signings to bolster their squads.
URA FC has added goalkeeper Derrick Ochan, Faizo Matovu, Abraham Tusubira, Bright Vuni, George Masembe, and Isma Mugulusi. KCCA FC, meanwhile, has secured former Vipers Midfielder Bright Anukani, Derrick Nsibambi, Issa Mubiru, and Muhamuud Hasan, among others.
KCCA FC is eager to start the season positively, hoping to avoid the poor start they experienced last season when they lost their first four matches against BUL, Maroons, Express, Kitara, and NEC FC.
The dismal start led to the sacking of coach Sergio Moniz, who was replaced by Abdallah Mubiru. Mubiru’s arrival stabilized the team, and KCCA FC managed to finish the season on a strong note, restoring their status as one of the league’s powerhouses.
In their last 29 meetings, URA FC has won 13 times, while KCCA FC has claimed victory in nine encounters, with seven matches ending in draws. URA FC has scored 37 goals compared to KCCA FC’s 36.
Speaking to media in the pre-match Press conference, the KCCA FC Head Coach said they have prepared well hoping to adjust all that went wrong the previous season and hope to have a better start.
“We are prepared very well knowing our goals and targets and the obligations we have as a team, we have prepared physically Psychologically, and technically, and I can say we are ready to challenge our opponent. The league is a marathon, we are beginning the race, it will be a pleasure for us to begin on a high note.”, he said.
Today’s opening match will be followed by two fixtures on Saturday. Express FC will open their campaign at the new Nakivubo Stadium against Mbale Heroes in a night match. Earlier in the day, Kitara FC will play against Lugazi FC.
The weekend matches continue on Sunday, with Vipers SC travelling to NEC FC.
On Monday, SC Villa, under coach Morley Byekwaso, will begin the defence of their 17th league title against Mbarara City FC.
