Mathematically, Onduparaka do not stand a chance of winning this season’s Uganda Premier League crown with KCCA being outright favourites to clinch a second successive title under the tutelage of coach Mike Mutebi.
Call it counting eggs early but in fact, anything other than a victory may matter less when they visit second-placed SC Villa at the Masaka Recreational Ground on Saturday. However, Onduparaka are in a firm position to attain their target - a top-five place finish. The Arua-based club is currently in fifth place with 37 points, only level with Express who are fourth.
“Our focus is on finishing among the top five teams,” club captain Muhammad Shaban told this website. Coaches Leo Adraa and Livingstone Mbabazi can however see their side finish the weekend a place better if they beat Sadolin Paints at the Betway Green Light Stadium on Saturday. Onduparaka have an impeccable record at home having won seven matches and drawn six in their maiden UPL season. Stretching that decent run would be sweet revenge against Sadolin who eliminated Onduparaka 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the Uganda Cup at Namboole on April 9. On that occasion, the visitors paid for laying back a first-half that had Sadolin leading 2-0 through Fred Kyambadde and Nasser Muzamir. Ceaser Okhuti’s consolation was all the Catterpillars had to show for their efforts that day. In their recent fixture on the 5th of April, Shaban struck the only goal as Onduparaka saw off Lweza 1-0. Visitors Sadolin have not won in four outings and their last away win came against JMC Hippos on March 10.
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
4pm: SC Villa vs. KCCA, Masaka (Live on Azam TV)
4pm: Onduparaka vs. Sadolin, Arua
4pm: BuL vs. Lweza, Kakindu