The Uganda Premier League (UPL) resumes today after the international break with a lone fixture between Police and Lugazi at the Kavumba Recreation Grounds at 4 pm.
Both teams, who were promoted from the FUFA Big League last season, are set to rekindle their rivalry in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Lugazi are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak, and come into this game with renewed confidence.
After a rocky start that saw them pick up just one point from their opening four games, they have turned their season around under head coach Steven Bogere.
With nine points from eight matches, Lugazi sit in 12th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.
Their defensive solidity has been key, with the team conceding no goals in their last four outings.
This resurgence includes a 1-0 victory over NEC and a goalless draw against Wakiso Giants before the break.
Police, on the other hand, are ninth on the table with 11 points. Last season’s FUFA Big League champions have lost just once this season, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Vipers at Kitende.
However, their home form at Kavumba has been less convincing, with only one win in four attempts; a 2-0 triumph over Mbale Heroes.
Police will aim to improve on their recent goalless draw with NEC and secure their second home victory of the campaign.
Last season in the FUFA Big League, both encounters between these sides ended in stalemates.
The game at Kavumba saw Abdul Kalanzi’s late strike cancel out Isaac Ogwang’s opener for Police, while the reverse fixture in Lugazi ended goalless.
Police will be without key players Daniel Otto, who is injured, and Obedi Brian James and Adewale Bojo, both recovering from malaria.
However, they welcome the return of Reagan Male, who is fit and ready for action.
Lugazi have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to start Sam Ssemugugu, who has scored twice in their last 3 games.
Lugazi assistant coach Oliver Mbekeka expressed confidence ahead of the clash, emphasizing her team’s preparation and tactical approach.
“We are very much prepared. We are here to compete, and our target is maximum points, which I am sure we are going to get. We know Police is strong in each department, but we have strategies to overcome them,” said Mbekeka.
For Police, a win would strengthen their mid-table position and serve as a statement of intent in their return season to the UPL.
Lugazi, aiming to climb further away from the relegation zone, will be eager to extend their unbeaten run and prove their mettle against a familiar rival.
With both teams evenly matched and eager to make a mark, fans can expect a fiercely contested game to kickstart Matchday 9 of the 2024/25 UPL season.
