Super 8: NEC Vs Vipers: Visitors Have Kavazovic’s Back

Tuesday, August 6
*NEC Vs Vipers – Lugogo, 5pm
*KCCA Vs Kitara – Lugogo, 8pm

Vipers will have their coach Nikola Kavazovic back on the sidelines as they face NEC in the FUFA Super Eight return leg fixture on Tuesday at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

Kavazovic was absent last week when the two teams played to a goalless draw at Kitende, due to being hospitalized with malaria.

The Serbian coach’s return is a significant boost for the Venoms, who are aiming to progress to the semifinals.

This will be Kavazovic’s first competitive local football test since his appointment in June.

He previously guided Vipers to a 2-0 victory over Kenya’s Police FC in an international friendly at Kitende last month.

However, Vipers will be without new signings Nicholas Wadada and Gusto Mulongo, who are sidelined with a right eye problem and malaria, respectively.

NEC, playing on their home turf, will look to capitalize on their advantage.

They were the better team in the first leg at Kitende and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Rashid Okocha was brought down in the box by Paul Mbowa.

NEC’s aggressive and intent-driven play will be crucial if they are to upset the Venoms.

The game ended goalless in the league at the same venue last season.

Coach Hussein Mbalangu may retain the team that started at Kitende, which included new signings goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, defender Isma Kawawulo, and attacker James Jarieko.

Other new additions such as Paul Mucureezi, Muzamir Mutyaba, Amir Kakomo, and Dickson Niwamanya could make an impact from the bench.

The winner of this tie will face the winner of the match between the FUFA Select team and SC Villa, with the league defending champions trailing 2-1 after the first leg.