URA travel to the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku this Friday, March 18th to lock horns with the defending champions, Express FC in what promises to be a mouthwatering encounter.
The tie, which will only be a representation of Matchday 21 of the 2021/22 edition of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, presents the Tax Collectors with a rare opportunity of registering a victory against the Red Eagles after four times of asking.
The head coach, Sam Timbe was not in any way oblivious to this reality and highlighted the need for his players to have their mental strength ready to be tested, for this will surely be a challenge.
“I understand Express is that one side we haven’t won against in five games. They did a double against us last season and won their home fixture in the Stanbic Uganda Cup,” he told URAMedia.
“We only managed a single point against them in four games last season and that wasn’t good enough. The first leg against them at home this season will tell you how hard a team to play against they remain to be.”
“While we drew that game goalless and had nothing much to show, we shall need this to change this time round. We shall require mental strength going into the fixture,” he reiterated.
Timbe had a bit of a tongue-in-cheek reaction when asked about the kind of predicament his hosts find themselves in, as headlined by the departure of their former head coach, Wasswa Bbosa.
“They must miss him honestly and I think it’s evident in the turn of results that happened, especially after he left. He had built a strong philosophy there and we were all surprised to see him leave.”
“That said though, I don’t at all expect Express to be lacklustre, this being a big game where they don’t need any extra motivation. I expect them to bring the game to us as they did against KCCA and I expect a tough game tomorrow.”
“The good news is that the boys are ready for the challenge. The training sessions have been encouraging and I am positive that come tomorrow, we shall give it everything,” he summed.
A victory for URA will see us close in on the second-placed team, within a single point of reach as we shall gain 41points. The boost is that the Red Eagles haven’t won a game in their last six league fixtures.
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URA is currently on a four-game unbeaten run, registering four wins against Gadaffi, Wakiso Giants and Onduparaka while the game against Mbarara City returned a stalemate.
Express has dominated this particular fixture in the last five encounters, winning twice as compared to URA’s single victory while the two games account for draws.
Express completed a league double against URA last season, winning 1-0 in the first round of fixtures at the Arena of Visions and 3-1 at the then Betway Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.