Uganda: Ura Double Charge Faces Victors Hurdle Test

James Ssekandi

14 May 2011

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)’s dream of double glory faces a major test today as the Super League champions-elect visit defending champions Victors for a duel in the Bell Uganda Cup semifinals at Kakindu stadium in Jinja.

Of the two foes, the tax collectors are the hungrier lion due to the fact that their tactician Alex Isabirye tries to win his first silverware as head coach having taken over from Moses Basena mid last season.

“We have not yet won anything. We are just on the brink of things and we need to make it count,” Isabirye said without hiding the mood in his camp and insurmountable pressure on his charges. “But there is passion, commitment and it is important we use it to progress through to the final.”

Good hunting ground

Although Victors will be in their own backyard, URA will not be short of confidence as they managed to pick three points from their last visit to Kakindu.

That win came as a result of right back Simeon Masaba’s serene header in the first round of the Ecobank Super League – a scenario that augurs well for the club’s technical bench as it proves that the players have been able to share the goal-scoring burden in their search for trophies.

But despite such a reputation, there is every reason to be wary of the champions.

“Victors have a strong mentality and a tricky side in every sense,” Isabirye offered an insight into their rivals’ camp.

“To say we will beat them would be a bullish statement. But we need victory and it means we shall have to work twice as hard to ensure our Cup ambitions remain on track.”

Inspirational winger Dan Wagaluka will, though, miss the match through suspension after being sent off last month when URA eliminated Bunnamwaya at the quarterfinals stage.

Modest campaign

Even after a modest campaign in the Caf Confederations Cup, George ‘Best’ Nsimbe isn’t ready to hand over the Uganda Cup without a fight. “We have a game plan to follow. The players know that game plan because it will help us create the right atmosphere in front of our partisan fans,” said Nsimbe while not letting off too much information about the team’s tactics on the day.

“If we play to our plan, it will be our day and our fans will have every reason to celebrate a vital win,” added Nsimbe. Victors, off a shock 1-0 home defeat to Maroons, have been boosted by the return of midfielder Fred Muhumuza (suspension) plus strikers Yuda Mugalu and Hassan Mubiru from injuries.

“Against Maroons, we lacked that cutting edge and hopefully, the three returning players will enable us put up a strong finish to what has been an okay season,” added Nsimbe.

Today – Bell Uganda Cup

Victors v URA

Kakindu stadium (4 pm)

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