Wednesday, March 6
•Vipers Vs Iganga Young – Kitende, 4pm
Vipers Sports Club’s assistant coach, Richard Wasswa, has sounded a note of caution ahead of their Stanbic Uganda Cup encounter against Iganga Young.
The defending champions face off against the Eastern Regional League outfit on Wednesday at Kitende, with Wasswa acknowledging the potential threat posed by their lower-division opponents.
Despite being heavy favorites due to their top-tier status, Wasswa emphasized the importance of approaching the game with the mentality of defending champions. “We are coming into this game as defending champions and we need to play as defending champions,” he asserted.
While recognizing Iganga Young’s journey to the fixture, including notable victories in previous rounds, Wasswa stressed the need for Vipers to secure a win to advance further and boost confidence. “We are not going to underestimate them, we are ready to get the job done,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of cup competitions, Wasswa highlighted the necessity of seizing opportunities and maintaining a balanced approach between attack and defense. “In such games, everyone comes to attack. It’s a one-way game and you have to capitalize on every opportunity you get because you may not get a second chance,” he cautioned.
Iganga Young earned a walkover in the Round of 64 against Ndejje University and secured a 2-1 victory against Big League side Kyetume in the Round of 32.
Despite their lower division status, Wasswa acknowledged the potential of experienced players within their ranks who have previously featured in the Uganda Premier League.
With Vipers currently trailing leaders Kitara by seven points in the league, progression in the Uganda Cup presents an opportunity for silverware this season and a chance to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
Their journey in the competition hasn’t been without challenges, as they needed penalty shootouts to overcome Rugarama FC in the Round of 16 after overcoming Lugazi Stars in the previous round.
The Venoms have drawn their last two games at Kitende, both in the league against Gaddafi and Bright Stars
