Andrew Mwanguhya
23 December 2011
Everywhere in the world top sides clamour being on top of the table over Christmas and into the New Year.
That will be the target for Express, Bunnamwaya and URA today when the seven-match Bell Super League action kicks us into the festive season. Leaders on 24 points after 12 games, Express will stay up with a win over Utoda at Namboole no matter the outcome of URA-Bunnamwaya at Lugazi.
Either of URA or Bunnamwaya, both a point behind the Red Eagles, could finish the festive season on top if they win and Express fail to pick maximum points. “Utoda is a very crucial match,” Ssimbwa told Daily Monitor yesterday as his side seek to bounce back from Tuesday’s goalless draw with Proline. “They will be very difficult to beat given that they are looking for their first win of the season.” Ssimbwa added: “But we also want to win to at least end the year on top. That way, the morale among the boys will be high and they will believe they can sustain it in the second round.” Express have an injury-free squad but will miss inspirational winger Bonny Baingana, who travelled to ancestral home in Rwanda this week.
More clinical
Bunnamwaya travel to Lugazi on a high after their 2-0 win over SC Villa on Tuesday and their hosts, URA, will have to do better than in their last outing where they dropped two points in the goalless draw with Water.
“Against Water, we played well but missed chances,” said Alex Isabirye, the URA coach. “We shall have to be more clinical against a very good Bunnamwaya side but I’m confident.” Bunnamwaya assistant coach Richard Wasswa said missing Mike Mutyaba and Owen Kasule, who have moved to Sudan and Vietnam respectively, will not trouble them.
“We were aware they would go early enough and prepared for it.” URA will miss Simeon Masaba (knee) while Bunnamwaya have a fully fit squad.
Edward Golola’s side edged Isabirye’s 2-1 at Nakivubo last season before both settled for a goalless draw at Lugazi. Pending first round games have been fixed for January 3 and 6.
Ssimbwa has turned Express into a formidable force in the Super League.
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