The Stanbic Uganda Cup heats up on Monday with a fierce Kavumba derby taking centre stage as Police and Soltilo Bright Stars clash for a coveted Round of 16.
At Kavumba Recreation Grounds, the familiar foes will renew their rivalry in a high-stakes clash.
Police, under head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa, come into this fixture with confidence after salvaging a late 1-1 draw against Uganda Premier League title contenders NEC in their last outing.
Sitting 13th in the league standings, just above the relegation zone, the Cops see the Uganda Cup as an opportunity to breathe life into their campaign.
They reached this stage after a narrow 1-0 win over Karadali and will be banking on their strong cup pedigree, having thrashed Bright Stars 4-0 in the Round of 16 last season.
However, they will miss the services of Isaac Ogwang, who scored a brace in that memorable victory but has since moved to Vipers SC.
Coach Mugerwa, facing his former employers, believes his side is ready for the challenge. “The boys are upbeat, and we know what’s at stake. We respect Bright Stars, but we are focused on progressing,” he noted.
Soltilo Bright Stars, on the other hand, are desperate to turn their fortunes around.
Currently second-last in the league after a 2-0 loss to Kitara, the team has struggled, managing just one win in their last five games.
Coach Ian Mutenda remains optimistic despite the rough patch. “Past results don’t define today’s game. We are prepared, and the Uganda Cup gives us a chance to reset,” Mutenda remarked.
With both teams battling relegation threats in the league, the cup offers a welcome distraction, but only one will advance.
Over at the Gaddafi Arena, BUL will be aiming to avoid a cup upset when they host second-division side Bugoigo Leopards in another Round of 32 encounter.
The Eastern Giants have enjoyed a strong start to the second half of the Uganda Premier League season, with back-to-back wins against Mbale Heroes and Express boosting their morale.
Head coach Abbey Bogere Kikomeko is determined to keep the momentum going but remains cautious. “We are playing a lower division team, but we shall not underrate them. Every game matters, and we’ll approach it with full commitment,” Kikomeko told the club’s media.
With the league title seemingly out of reach, BUL are setting their sights on Uganda Cup silverware that they won in the 2021/22 season.
Bugoigo Leopards, representing the Kitara region, have already caused an upset by knocking out Big League side Booma FC with a 1-0 win.
While they face an uphill battle against BUL, they will be hoping to channel the magic of the cup and stun the Eastern Giants.
With Kaaro Karungi, Kitara, Vipers, SC Villa, Total, and Rwenzori Lions already through to the Round of 16, Monday’s fixtures promise more drama as teams fight for a coveted spot in the next stage of Uganda’s most prestigious knockout competition.
Monday Fixtures – 4 PM Kick-off:
- Calvary vs. Lugazi – Yumbe
- Kataka vs. Odramachako Central – Mbale
- Police vs. Soltilo Bright Stars – Kavumba
- BUL vs. Bugoigo Leopards – Gaddafi Arena
