Tuesday, September 26
•Mbale Heroes Vs Kataka – 3pm
Probable starting lineups:
*Mbale Heroes – Didi Muhammed, Abu Ssentongo, Abdul Bironse, Adrian Sserugo, Godfrey Lubangakene, Simon Okot, Isaaya Shaba, Dan Shabena, Akram Muzanyi, Eric Mutebi and Herbert Kibirango.
*Kataka – Rajab Akoch, Noah Kizito, Lazarus Ecaat, Stephen Namaisi, Joel Baba Onziku, Lazarus Ocire, Latif Ssenkubuge, Swamad Okur, Edmond Wamboka, Bosco Munyolo and Herbert Katongole.
The Preview
The Mbale Heroes camp is in buoyant moods ahead of their FUFA Big League opener against city rivals Kataka FC.
The highly anticipated encounter between the two Mbale city giants will be on this Tuesday, 26th September at Mbale Municipal Stadium.
The game will will be aired live on FUFA TV, and those who want to watch the action live from the stadium will have to part with 10,000/= Uganda shillings.
Unlike their visitors, who have consistently played for the past six seasons in the second division, Mbale Heroes make a grand return to the Big League after two years away, and they’ll start with their immediate neighbors!
This (Mbale Derby) fixture, will come only twice this season, and the first one of the two has come as early as the first game week. The fans are so excited, so is Mbale Heroes head coach Asaph Mwebaze is confident the Surgeons will come out victorious.
“We are ready for the game,” Mwebaze said shortly after Monday’s light last training session at Mbale stadium.
“I have been in these situations very many times before, and I have no pressure, I feel it’s rather exciting to have games like this one coming up.”
“The only headache I have right now is chosing the best eleven from all these good players I have at the moment,” Mwebaze stated.
Little Time Just Enough – Mwebaze
The CAF B-licensed tactician has had just roughly a month with his players, and he says the team is doing just fine.
“Since arriving here a few weeks ago, I have had to get to know the available players, bring in some new faces and then intergrate them. From our training sessions that have been intense and the few practice games we’ve had, I have a clear impression of what the team is like.”
“Any other adjustments, will come as the season goes on. We are looking at qualification to the top division, and we are all in this journey together; Everyone has a part to play – we’re trying our best with my technical team, the administration should continue being supportive and the fans should also come in big numbers.”
Mwebaze Calls Upon The Fans’ Support
“A time will come when the team needs the twelveth player – the fans are just as important, it’s important to play with a roaring crowd cheering you on, so the fans should come and fill Mbale Stadium on Tuesday.
Mwebaze affirmed that the fans should come expecting to watch the team play exciting football, but most importantly, they’ll play to win.
“We are just going to enjoy ourselves. We also know that our fans need to enjoy themselves too, so we need to win. We need the three points to start with, this is a game we need to win as our broader target is bigger than just tomorrow’s game.”
“This is a derby, and we want the bragging rights too. We want our supporters to walk in town on Wednesday with their heads up high because they won on Tuesday, we also want to win it for our fans,” the coach added.
Mbale Heroes Captain Confident
“We shall handle them responsibly,” Mbale Heroes captain Didi Muhammed Kasule added remarked.
Didi acknowledged the fact that Kataka have been in the Big League for a number of years now, and shouldn’t be underlooked, but he also stressed that his team is so determined to get all the three points at home.
“We’re newcomers but have the ability to perform to our expectations and go all the way to achieve our target which is qualification to the Premier League, the Mbale Heroes captain added.
Mbale Heroes available players; Didi Muhammad, Paul Mujapwani, Brian Wamakale, George William Kalyowa, Mark Bamukyaaye, Herbert Sserugo, Dauf Kisige, Daniel Shabena, Isaaya Sabiiti, Eric Mutebi, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Gerald Ogweti, Akram Muzanyi, Rama Kirevu, Blaise Nkolo, Abdul Bironse, Musa Malunda, John Ssekyewa, Cosia Waiswa, Herbert Kibirango, Azed Wambi, Fahad Nsamba and George Kalyowa.
Kataka available players; Rajab Akoch, Ali Mugaya, Solomon Okello, Willy Mapamba, Muzamir Nambobi, Joel Baba Onziku, Lazarus Ecaat, Imulla Okello, Stephen Namaisi, Hassan Wadenga, Tiff Kahandi, Noah Kizito, Herbert Katongole, Emmanuel Ocen, Akram Munyolo, Swamad Okur, Lazarus Ocire, Muhammad Biafulo, Ronald Mwokye, Michael Olinga, Richard Werikhe, Francis Mukasa, Edmond Wamboka, Latif Ssenkubuge, Nassur Nandala, Shakur Mafabi, Usama Khayemba, David Zaake and Markus Aka.
