The pressure is mounting fast in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, and for two of its traditional powerhouses – Express and URA – Thursday’s fixtures could define the direction of their seasons.
For seven-time champions Express, coach Badru Kaddu must hastily rediscover the team’s sharp claws to overcome what has been a diabolical league start.
Since their opening-day 1-0 victory over equally struggling UPDF on September 26 at Nakivubo Stadium, the Red Eagles have looked unrecognizable from their once-feared selves.
They have since slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Police, a 1-0 loss to KCCA, and battled to uninspiring draws-0-0 with Bul and 1-1 with URA. That poor run leaves them languishing in 10th place on five points from five matches, a far cry from their traditional giant status.
Kaddu’s men now face a must-win situation this evening at Nakivubo, hosting a wounded Mbarara City outfit that has also forgotten how to win.
The Ankole Lions, under Simon Peter Mugerwa, remain second from bottom with just two points from five matches and are reeling from a 1-0 home defeat to Nec – a result that handed James Odoch’s charges their first victory of the campaign.
Mbarara’s struggles have been both psychological and structural. They have lost 1-0 to UPDF and 3-2 to Kitara, while managing only draws – 1-1 with Bul and 1-1 with Police.
Their defensive frailties and lack of cutting edge up front have condemned them to the early relegation mix. For the visitors, anything less than a point tonight could spell disaster, as another slump would likely trap them in the bottom two.
Express, however, will have to cope without creative attacking midfielder John Asiimwe, who is away in Qatar with Uganda’s U-17 World Cup team.
Kaddu will instead pin his hopes on forwards Richard Basangwa, Muhamad Ssenoga, and Rashid Kawawa to deliver the crucial goals against Mbarara’s fragile backline.
With the Nakivubo crowd expectant and patience wearing thin, the Red Eagles’ faithful will demand nothing less than a return to winning ways if any trophy hopes – however faint – are to remain alive.
Taxmen invade Luzira
Meanwhile, at Luzira Prisons Grounds, Muhammad Ssenfuma’s Maroons, 11th on four points, welcome URA FC, who are seventh with seven points.
The Tax Collectors, led by Alex Isabirye, finally broke their winless streak with a thrilling 3-2 triumph over UPDF last Wednesday at Nakivubo Stadium.
Skipper Moses Aliro struck twice – including a decisive penalty – to secure URA’s first win in five matches and promised to extend his goal-scoring form today.
But Maroons, still smarting from a 2-1 defeat to Police in Kamwokya, will look to capitalize on home comfort and frustrate the inconsistent Tax Collectors.
With both sides seeking stability, this encounter promises tactical discipline and flashes of attacking flair as the season’s early tension begins to bite across the league.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Thursday
Maroons vs. URA, 4pm
Luzira Prisons Ground
Express vs. Mbarara City, 8pm
Nakivubo Stadium
Express first five league matches
Bul 0-0 Express
Express 0-1 KCCA
URA 1-1 Express
Police 2-1 Express
Express 1-0 UPDF