Kitara head coach Wasswa Bbosa has urged his players to approach today’s Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 32 clash against Kampala Regional League side CATDA FC with caution, warning of the tournament’s history of upsets.
The Uganda Cup produced another major shock on Wednesday when joint-record holders Express were eliminated by West Nile Regional League side Total FC, a result that underscored the unpredictability of the knockout competition.
Speaking during his side’s pre-match interview on Wednesday, Bbosa warned that although CATDA are a regional league side, they are very organised and this could pose a threat to their title defence ambitions
“CATDA is one of the most organized teams in the Kampala Regional League. We respect them, but we are a top-flight side, and we are taking the game seriously.”
“We want to win because this is a knockout game. Our players are aware of the task and mentally ready,” Bbosa emphasized.
Kitara will be without attacking midfielder Titus Ssematimba due to injury, while Fred Amaku and Solomon Okwalinga face late fitness tests.
The reigning champions eased past Young Simba with a 4-0 win in the previous round, but Bbosa remains wary of the threat CATDA could pose.
“We are playing a team that has good players from the Masaza Cup competition. We give them respect but we shall handle that game like we always do. It’s a knockout game and we have to win to progress to the next stage,” he added.
CATDA head into the tie full of confidence after a convincing 3-0 victory over Mawokota United in the round of 64 and will be hoping to pull off an upset against the defending champions.
Elsewhere, three-time Uganda Cup winners Vipers SC will make history when they host Mbarara City under the floodlights at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende—the first-ever Uganda Cup match to be played at night.
Vipers will be keen to avoid any slip-ups as they continue their hunt for silverware.
In another fixture, Kaaro Karungi will entertain Busia Young at Ntungamo, with both sides targeting a place in the round of 16.
