It is Ugandan football’s oldest cup competition, and it is always a special occasion every time the Uganda Cup final rolls around, and on Sunday, Vipers and BUL Bidco FC will once again go at it.
The two gigantic clubs face off yet again at Masindi Stadium desperate for silverware for very different reasons, and it is shaping up as a fascinating game of football. Who will claim the bragging rights?
Win the Uganda Cup on Sunday and it is a third major trophy for Roberto Oliveira in under 12 months. Lose it and feels like an anti-climax to what has been arguably the club’s best season.
Vipers’ quest for an unprecedented double continues, while the success of BUL’s season seems like it hangs in the balance.
Since their last cup final meeting with Roberto Vipers, fortunes have changed for BUL FC.
Following their 8-1 humbling in that final nine months ago, the Oil Makers have moved from 11th in the table to achieving their best league finish this season.
They are also making their second consecutive appearance in the cup final. But everyone at the club still craves silverware. However, there are telling signs that it might not be long till they do.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the final, head coach Alex Isabirye who promised to quench that thirst when he took over last season is cognizant of the need to deliver on that promise.
“I want to win something with this club,” he said, adding; “I said that since I came here, and I feel this is the right time for me to deliver on that.”
“We are aware that Vipers are a formidable side. They are the champions and not by mistake. We are aware that they finished 23 points ahead of that which is huge, but this is a different competition.”
“We recognize their strength, but in the final it is not about only one team. We must know our strength and carry the belief,” he continued.
Isabirye has overseen two Uganda Cup final victories against Vipers with two separate clubs; defeating them with URA in 2012 and again in 2013 with SC Victoria University which ironically came at this year’s venue Masindi Municipal grounds.
The former Cranes striker believes that such meetings and especially last year’s defeat provide crucial lessons for him as he prepares his team for skirmish
“We remember that defeat to Vipers. It was tough for us and for the team, but we cannot continue to think of that,” Isabirye explained.
“I only take lessons from that final, and one that we can use on Sunday,” Isabirye stated.
Vipers already have the league title in the bag, but even that will not feel sweet enough should they miss out on securing the league and cup double.
They have been unplayable, but with one game to attain immortal status at the club, it is crucial that they remain focused and control expectations according to goalkeeping coach Ibrahim Mugisha
“We have to think about it -winning the double – nothing can stop us from thinking about it because we want to win it. We want to make history,” Mugisha mentioned.
“We have the league title in the drawer and now we must go all out to try and win the Uganda cup.”
Vipers eliminated Mbarara City 6-1 on aggregate in the semi-final while BUL ejected third division side Booma FC 6-1 on aggregate.
Vipers are seeking their third Uganda cup final while BUL FC want to win the cup for the first time in history.
