URA FC head coach Jimmy Kintu and midfielder Norman Namanya have called on the Tax Collectors to turn their recent improvements into positive results when they host Entebbe UPPC in the Uganda Premier League at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.
URA head into the encounter under pressure following three consecutive league defeats, leaving them 15th on the table with three points. However, both Kintu and Namanya remain optimistic that the team can reverse its fortunes against an Entebbe UPPC side enjoying a strong start to the campaign.
Kintu believes there were encouraging signs in their recent defeat to KCCA FC and wants his players to build on those positives as they seek to end their losing streak.
“We badly need to end this run. There were some positives from the game against KCCA which we lost, and we want to build on that,” Kintu said.
The URA tactician, however, expects a difficult contest against an Entebbe UPPC side that has collected 10 points from five matches to sit third on the standings.
Kintu acknowledged the quality of Abdallah Mubiru’s team but insists the Tax Collectors must approach the encounter with a winning mentality.
“They are one of the best-coached sides, and it will be a tough game against them, but we have no option but to try and win,” he added.
Namanya shares his coach’s determination, insisting that the squad has been working hard to address its shortcomings and improve its performances ahead of the encounter.
The midfielder believes the work done on the training ground, coupled with the technical team’s continued encouragement, has strengthened the players’ belief that they can turn their season around.
“We’ve been working hard because we have not been winning games. As a team, we’ve been doing all it takes to ensure that we identify our mistakes and rectify them. So we do believe that now it’s time to give everything and collect maximum points,” Namanya said.
He also emphasised the importance of securing victory, noting that the club’s current position does not reflect its ambitions.
“Looking at the table, that is not where we belong, and everyone knows that, including the players. So a victory can place us in a much better place,” he added.
The encounter presents URA with an opportunity to translate their renewed determination into points, although they will need to be clinical in front of goal against a well-organised opponent.
Both sides favour possession-based football and patient build-up play, setting the stage for an intriguing tactical contest. With the teams sharing Hamz Stadium as their home ground, familiarity with the venue is unlikely to offer either a significant advantage.
For the Tax Collectors, the priority will be to improve their execution in the final third, maintain discipline and make the most of their scoring opportunities. Kintu could also consider changes to his starting lineup as he searches for the right combination to deliver a much-needed result.
Entebbe UPPC, meanwhile, will look to maintain their impressive start, with Ambrose Kigozi, Steven Munguchi and Reich Kokolo among the players expected to provide attacking inspiration for the visitors.
With the two teams heading into the fixture in contrasting positions, URA will be eager to halt their slide and revive their campaign, while the Printers seek to consolidate their place among the early league pacesetters.
For Kintu and Namanya, the message is clear: the hard work must now translate into results, beginning with Thursday’s floodlight encounter at Hamz Stadium.