The Uganda Premier League (UPL) is set for a poignant matchday as Vipers SC, still reeling from the tragic death of their Nigerian forward Abubaker Lawal, prepare to face Mbarara City FC at St. Mary’s Stadium-Kitende.
The match, scheduled for 7:00 PM takes on added significance as the Venoms aim to honor Lawal’s memory with a victory.
Lawal’s sudden passing on Monday has cast a pall over the entire Ugandan football community. For Vipers, this match represents their first league outing since the heartbreaking event.
The team, currently second in the standings with 40 points, will be driven by a desire to overcome their grief and reclaim the top spot after NEC FC’s victory over Lugazi FC propelled them to the summit.
A draw or win against Mbarara City, led by former Vipers coach Livingstone Mbabazi, will be sufficient for John Ayala Luyinda and Fred Muhumuzza’s side to return to the top of the table.
Notably, this clash follows Vipers’ recent 2-0 victory over the same opponent in the Uganda Cup round of 32, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Earlier in the day, record league champions SC Villa will travel to Bombo Military Barracks Ground to face UPDF FC at 3:00 PM.
Villa, currently eighth with 24 points, are looking to build on their recent 1-0 win over URA FC and their progress to the last 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
A victory would propel them into the top five. UPDF, sitting just one point behind Villa with 21 points, will be aiming to upset the visitors on their home turf.
Simultaneously, KCCA FC will seek to rectify their recent struggles when they take on Maroons FC at Luzira Prisons Ground, also at 3:00 PM.
The Kasasiro Boys, seventh with 24 points, have endured a difficult run of form, winning only one of their last ten league matches.
They will be hoping to replicate their dominant 5-0 victory over Maroons earlier in the season. Maroons, currently ninth with 23 points, will be eager to avenge that defeat and climb up the table.
Weekend Recap and Upcoming Fixtures
The weekend kicked off with NEC’s 2-0 win over Lugazi, propelling them to the top of the table with 40 points.
Kitara also secured a 1-0 victory over URA FC, while BUL FC defeated Soltilo Bright Stars FC 2-0.
Mbale Heroes FC and Police FC played out a 1-1 draw.
The action continues on Monday, March 3rd, with Express FC hosting Wakiso Giants.
