Vipers SC captain Milton Karisa has urged caution ahead of their meeting with struggling Calvary FC, insisting the champions cannot afford to underestimate their opponents despite the gulf between the two sides on the table.
The Venoms host Calvary at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in a Uganda Premier League fixture that pits the current league leaders against the division’s bottom side.
“There’s no weaker team in the League. We respect every team but don’t fear them… We expect a tough encounter since they’re fighting relegation,” Karisa told the club media.
Vipers approach the contest in strong form following back-to-back away victories over Mbarara City FC and UPDF FC, results that have strengthened their hold at the summit.
Another victory would allow them to restore a four-point cushion at the top of the standings.
Despite their dominant position, the Venoms remain wary of Calvary, who earlier proved capable of frustrating the defending champions. The newly promoted outfit held Vipers to a goalless stalemate when the two teams first met this season at Midigo Primary School Grounds.
Calvary are still searching for their first win of the campaign and have managed just five points so far, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table as they battle to avoid an immediate return to the lower division.
For Vipers, several key players are expected to play central roles once again. Midfielder Karim Watambala and forward Usama Arafat have been influential in recent weeks, while Karisa and striker Chukwuma Odili remain vital attacking threats for the title holders.
Elsewhere across the league, KCCA FC travel to face Lugazi FC at Najjembe Stadium, while Entebbe UPPC FC host SC Villa at Bugonga Playground. Maroons FC take on UPDF FC, and Express FC face URA FC in the Nakivubo derby under the lights at Hamz Stadium.
