UPL: Vipers kicks off title defence by hosting Soltilo Bright Stars -

Vipers SC will kick off the StarTimes Uganda Premier League defence with a St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende encounter against Soltilo Bright Stars FC on Friday.

We will be looking at making a strong start, as we also hope to defend our championship, a title we won with 74 points, 18 ahead of our nearest rivals KCCA FC.

Vipers SC head Coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho has assured the Venom faithful that the team is fully prepared, mentally upbeat, and hungry as ever.

“We start tomorrow with an important match against Bright Stars and we have all our attention to it,” said Robertinho to Vipers Media on Thursday.

“I have prepared the team well, with the same style and mentality as last season despite the new faces,” the Brazilian added.

The tactician also reiterated his trust in his staff and the playing personnel, especially the new acquisitions.

He believes each member of the team is up for the task ahead in what promises to be a long season.

“I trust my team, our new players too. We want to continue building one strong big family and repeat the same (success) as last season.”

Vipers is on a 19-game unbeaten run in the league, and we will be hoping to extend it to a 20th at home.

The last time they smelled a loss was in January, a 1-0 defeat to Arua Hill SC. They have gone on to win 16 times and managed just three stalemates.

Last season, they managed victories over Soltilo Bright Stars FC both on home turf and away.

Vipers edged them 1-0 in the first leg, thanks to Yunus Sentamu’s lone strike. The second leg was a 2-1 win, with Halid Lwaliwa and Cesar Manzoki the scorers.

Vipers and Soltilo Bright Stars will be meeting for the 15th time in the league with the Venoms superior having won seven times, drawn seven and without any loss in the previous 14 encounters.