Uganda: Ura Dreaming of Double Glory

James Ssekandi

24 April 2011

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) coach Alex Isabirye feels his side has got enough resources to see off challenges in their quest for what would be a famous League and Cup double this season.

Isabirye was visbily delighted after his side avenged last year’s Uganda Cup exit to Bunnamwaya to storm the semifinals of this year’s tournament.

“After this game, no one can dare us to dream of a double,” the thrilled coach told Sunday Monitor after URA’s 4-3 penalty victory against Bunnamwaya at St. Mary’s Kitende on Friday. Regulation time had ended 1-1.

Captain Manko Kaweesa, Hamis Kizza, custodian Allan Owiny and Robert Ssentongo converted while Bunnamwaya’s striker Tony Odur and defender Ayub Kisalita missed to ensure URA’s progress.

“In the shoot-outs, you must be clam, focused and experienced. And if we can produce that in the next two-weeks, we shall have a double,” Isabirye added.

The tax collectors are also sitting top of the Ecobank Super League on 47 points with five games left to play. They are eight points ahead of nearest challenger KCC though the Lugogo side have two games in hand.

Ssentongo impact

URA’s new home ground Lugazi has become a fortress, with only Bunnamwaya managing to pick a point there. A largely experienced squad and strength in depth have made Isabirye’s team formidable while the form of strikers Kizza, Ssentongo and midfielder Steven Bengo has stood out.

Ssentongo, a January signing from Tanzania, who scored against Bunnamwaya on Friday in normal time has been a pronounced addition for the club, taking weight off league leading scorer Kizza.

“Robert is one player who will give 110% on the pitch and his goals have proved vital lately,” Isabirye noted of Ssentongo who has five goals to his credit for the team.

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