Vipers coach Fred Muhumuza has praised the depth and resilience of his squad following their narrow 1-0 victory over SC Villa in the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinals on Monday night.
Speaking after the match at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Muhumuza underlined the importance of having a large and competitive squad as the team continues to fight on both league and cup fronts.
“You know having a big squad is relatively good,” Muhumuza said.
“Staying in one championship, then the others would slow down as coaches and the technical team. It keeps us going, knowing that we still have the two fronts to fight for, and the boys will not slow down, knowing if I don’t get a chance in the league, I’ll get a chance in the Uganda Cup.”
Muhumuza also emphasized how competing in multiple tournaments has helped maintain a high level of morale and motivation within the team.
“It keeps the positivity in camp and helps us prepare more for the next encounters. Though the pile of games keeps increasing, with the strength and depth of the squad, I think there’s no room to worry.”
His comments followed a dramatic late win secured by substitute Milton Karisa, who headed in an 89th-minute rebound after Abdul-Karim Watambala’s long-range effort was parried by SC Villa goalkeeper Jeans Braddy Wokorach.
The goal ensured Vipers progressed to the semifinals, joining KCCA FC, Kitara FC, and Kataka FC in the final four.
Despite being denied several times by Wokorach, including a strike off the woodwork by Yunus Sentamu and near-misses from Nicholas Wadada and Watambala, Vipers eventually broke through in the dying moments.
The win extends Vipers’ campaign in the Uganda Cup, a tournament Muhumuza believes will be crucial in keeping the entire squad engaged and performing at a high level across all competitions.
Next up, the Venoms turn their attention to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League as they prepare to travel to Luzira Prisons Ground on Thursday, April 24, for a league clash against Maroons FC.
