Vipers coach Fred Muhumuza has urged his team to maintain focus and treat each game as a final as they face Express in the Uganda Premier League at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Friday, April 11.
Speaking ahead of the match, Muhumuza emphasized the importance of staying grounded and not underestimating any opponent despite Vipers’ position at the top of the table.
“Another hectic week but we look at game for game. But like I keep saying, it’s no longer a marathon but a sprint,” said Muhumuza.
“Every game that you finish is long gone. You only have to now focus on the next one. We’ve been working hard and the lads are in high moods.”
Muhumuza acknowledged the historical stature of Express, currently 10th on the log with 28 points, and stressed that their recent form in the second round cannot be overlooked.
“Remember we’re playing Express, one of the big clubs in Ugandan history,” he added. “We’ll put up a very good fight and we don’t look at where they stand on the table, but we look at how they have actually performed in the second round.”
Vipers lead the league with 52 points from 22 matches, one ahead of NEC who beat Kitara 2-1 on Thursday. Last week, Vipers defeated Lugazi 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Karim Watambala.
In terms of squad news, team captain Milton Karisa is fit again after missing seven games due to injury and is available for selection.
Congolese forward Gusto Mulongo also returns to the matchday squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, midfielder Marvin Joseph Youngman is suspended after accumulating a third yellow card in the Lugazi game.
Left-back Derrick Ndahiro remains sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from a head injury.
Vipers boast a dominant record over Express in recent meetings, with 18 wins, 12 draws, and 8 losses in 38 league encounters since 2006.
The Venoms were 3-0 winners in the reverse fixture earlier this season at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, with goals from Milton Karisa and Fumador Asiwome.
