Vipers SC welcome regional neighbours Simba SC in what promises to be a pulsating CAF Champions League encounter at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.
The Venoms will be looking to pick their first ever three points of the group, and this encounter provides the perfect opportunity for home team to garner maximum points against the Tanzanian powerhouses.
Skipper Milton Karisa is optimistic that despite enduring a tough spell with the recent results, the team is ready to compete for all available points.
“I can’t say we are doing well, but we are ready for the game,” Karisa told the media.
“I believe that the tactics the coach has given us will enable us give a good game, and hopefully we get the desired win at the end of the day.”
The Venoms have gone six games in all competitions without scoring a goal, but Karisa is confident a number of things can change.
“We going through a tough spell, not scoring goals but that happens in football. Tomorrow, a lot of things can change because Simba is also not doing well. It is a case of one match at a time and we’re not thinking about the past. That’s history now.”
Vipers and Simba head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho will be making a return at a venue he’s so familiar with and a reunion with players he tutored, but current gaffer Beto Bianchi is fully aware of what is at stake.
“I am not intimidated, I know him, and it will be a pleasure to meet him again,” said Bianchi.
“I faced him in one of my previous assignments in Angola, and it’ll be a pleasure to meet him.”
This game will be the first between the two sides, and it’ll be a chance for either team to write their own history scripts.
Vipers lie third in Group C with one point, but the Tanzanians are rock-bottom without a single point. Raja Casablanca and Horoya AC are top and second, respectively.
Abdu Lumala is back and took part in this week’s training after his recent injury issue.
Defender Murushid Juuko suffered a knock to his ankle in our goalless draw against Wakiso Giants FC on Wednesday.
Midfielder Olivier Osomba is still out and started his rehabilitation process this week after suffering a knock in the hip in our last game against Horoya Athletic Club.
Too soon for Marvin Joseph Youngman who suffered a setback in his rehabilitation process and could be out for months.
