URA will disguise the shortcomings from the last two Matchdays this Saturday, December 10th, when they renew an old rivalry with Express FC. A much-anticipated encounter that will take centre stage at the Arena of Visions, Ndejje University.
These particular misgivings that have characterised Simeon Massa’s side in recent weeks, were manifested yet again during the away clash against SC Villa, where URA wasn’t good enough defensively, and thereby accounting for a 2-2 statement.
The gaffer appeared to be well aware of the need for his side to be more proactive coming into the game against the defending champions while addressing club media in a pre-match interview.
“We honestly looked poor defensively against Villa, so I think no one was surprised that we conceded goals. What hurts more was the manner under which we conceded these goals,” Massa highlighted.
“We honestly need to change something in our defending and be more proactive coming into the game against Express, we can’t afford to give them opportunities to capitalise on.”
The gaffer would also highlight the need to have a change in the upturn of results;
“We last won a league game away to Vipers, what followed was a disappointing home draw with Police FC, a game we were supposed to win if we had been more aggressive.”
“The players need to be more aggressive and proactive especially when we don’t have the ball. I thought our midfield struggled against Villa, which should never have been the case,” he reiterated.
It is also imperative to remember that Wasswa Bbosa’s Express managed a league double against URA last season, in some kind of fashion. Massa recounts the agony and narrates the ordeal like it was yesterday.
“Express got the better of us last season in both encounters and it honestly still hurts. We shall however approach the game with a more relaxed mindset as opposed to vengeance.”
“Express are a good side and have shown it this season as well, even after starting slow. That will certainly mean our approach should be hands-on and fighting for everything will be important for us,” he summed.
The Red Eagles on the other hand come to the game on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, winning four of the fixtures and drawing three. It’s clear that the run has given them the required momentum for the clash.
There are no two ways about it, Massa’s team need to show more intent from the get-go and fight for everything at home against Express, in order to not only conquer the visitors but also return to winning ways.
Team News
Shafik Kagimu, Patrick Mbowa and Joackiam Ojera are still sidelined with minor injuries while Jackson Nunda is still out with injury.
What You Ought To Know
In the last five encounters between the two sides, both URA and Express have shared the wins at two apiece and a single draw. Express has the most recent glory however with a double accruing from last season.
Cromwel Rwothomio is the current league top scorer with six goals but is closely leapfrogged by his strike partner Steven Desse Mukwala on five goals.