The champagne is on ice for Vipers, who are favourites to win their third league title tomorrow, but KCCA will be hoping to spoil the party, again, writes William Kasoba.
Following Vipers SC’s 5-0 thumping of Express FC at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Tuesday, title celebrations erupted as the stadium announcer falsely declared KCCA FC’s game had ended 1-1. True, after 90 minutes KCCA was level against BUL FC, but Derrick Nsibambi’s late winner in added time meant Vipers has to wait until closing day which is this Friday to have their title celebrations—if they win.
After a three-year wait for a league title, Vipers is one win away from claiming the 2017/18 the Uganda Premier League title. The Venoms will again play host to another relegation battler in UPDF FC. For the Kasasiro Boys, they will have to win away against Police FC as they pray for Vipers to slip up. Vipers lead the table with 62 points while KCCA are on 60.
Besides the title chasers, the relegation scuffles are just as exciting with the question of who survives to be sorted on deadline day. Only three points separate the bottom four teams; UPDF, Proline, Express and Masavu respectively. Soana FC could also be relegated if they fail to win and results go the way of the other relegation battlers. Express host rock bottom Masavu, UPDF travels to Vipers, while Proline play host to URA.
UPL Final Round Fixtures (All games to be played Friday, May 25 at 4pm)
Mbarara City v Jinja SS, Kakyeka
Onduparaka v Bright Stars, Green Light Stadium
Police v KCCA, Namboole
Proline v URA, StarTimes Stadium
Soana v Maroons, Kavumba Recreation Grounds
SC Villa v BUL, Masaka Recreation Grounds
Vipers v UPDF, St Mary’s Stadium