Ever since Muhammad Shaban crossed from Onduparaka to KCCA last August, the two clubs have had a sour relationship.
Onduparaka fans and a section of the club’s management swallowed a bitter pill after a controversial move that had the player shun his home club. Last season, Shaban was second best top scorer with 15 goals as Onduparaka stood tall on their debut Uganda Premier League in fifth place. Since his departure, the Caterpillars have struggled to find the back of the net even if the scoring options were increased.
Consequently Onduparaka bowed out of the title as they have won only three matches in nine second round ties, tallying 37 points from 23 matches in fifth place. Forwards Karim Ndugwa and Ceaser Okhuti have not been exceptional while Yafeesi Mubiru has not had a significant contribution. Vianney Sekajugo has been a more vital player, netting thrice in the last four matches. Onduparaka has not conceded in the last four matches against UPDF, Masavu, Proline and Maroons.
This is the form the Simeon Masaba-led Onduparaka takes when they host KCCA at the Betway Green Light Stadium in Arua on Tuesday. KCCA defeated Onduparaka 4-1 in the first round, adding to their 7-0 win in Lugogo last year. But Onduparaka won 2-1 on their first meeting thanks to Shaban’s brace in 2016. But Shaban now will be the pivot of this encounter as he turns guns to his former club.
Returning from injury, he made a brief cameo in the goalless draw against Maroons at Luzira last Thursday, which left KCCA on 44 points, five behind leaders SC Villa with a game in hand. KCCA coach Mike Mutebi knows they have to polish on the accuracy in front of goal if they have to win to keep pace with Villa who host third-placed Vipers at Masaka. Wasswa Bbosa-coached Villa, who have only conceded eight times in 23 matches, are yet to lose in Masaka this season.
AZAM UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
MATCH DAY 25
TUESDAY, APRIL 16
SC Villa vs. Vipers, Masaka
Express vs. UPDF, Wankulukuku
Proline vs. Police, Lugogo
Onduparaka vs. KCCA, Arua
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Masavu vs. Soana, Entebbe
Mbarara City vs. BUL, Mbarara
*This writer is a scribe with Daily Monitor Newspaper and, also a sports presenter with NBS Television and Radio One FM 90 in Kampala. Follow him on Twitter: @AllanDarren and his Facebook Page: Darren Allan Kyeyune
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