UPL: Vipers targets second victory as they visit Blacks Power

Vipers SC will be keen on picking up a maiden away win in the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League in our encounter against Blacks Power FC at the Akii-Bua Stadium, on Friday.

It will be our second match away from home in three days, following the 1-1 stalemate with Wakiso Giants FC on Tuesday.

Vipers head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho is fully confident his charges will put up the right fight to pick the much-needed victory.

“Its an important game tomorrow away from home and we have laid our strategy for it well,” began Robertinho while speaking to media on Thursday.

“Our objective is to win the match because as a big team, Vipers has to win every game. We have proved in the past that we can win these difficult games away and we have to the same.”

The pitch conditions at the Aki Bua Stadium are not very appealing because of the continuous rains, but Robertinho is optimistic the players will cope.

“It is normal for us because we have experienced players inside and outside the pitch and we shall continue playing the offensive football.”

It’s a tightly packed month of action as the Venoms will play within an average of three days till the start of December, but defender, Murushid Juuko feels the team has everything it takes to sail through.

“It’s a tough time for us but we are fully prepared for this because we knew it and planned for it.”

Juuko went to reiterate his coach’s optimism, asserting that the team’s sole mission is to pick maximum points.

“It’s a vital game for us, we expect three points and we are going to fight to get them such that we can push further up the table.”

A number of players will be unavailable through respective injuries and illnesses including Olivier Osomba, Paul Mucureezi, Abdu Lumala, Bright Anukani and Livingstone Mulondo, but Robertinho holds firm confidence in the available team.

“They’re all key players but we trust the available players. I trust Karim (Watambala), Zaga (Frank Tumwesigye) and they have played well in the last games.”

“They have been with me for one year and a half and their talents will help to improve my team,” he added.

Attacking midfielder Bright Anukani looks set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury in our last game against Maroons FC, requiring further assessments.

Colossus centre-back Livingstone Mulondo is still out after suffering a foot injury in a training session last week.

Fast-paced winger Abdu Lumala was given a month’s rest to fully recover from a disturbing hamstring injury, as he goes through a set rehabilitation process.

Star-midfielder Paul Mucureezi is also out after injuring his foot and his expected return date remains unclear.

Midfielder Olivier Osomba is out of tomorrow’s game after contracting malaria after the game against Wakiso Giants FC.