By 
Defending Champions Vipers and Mbarara City FC meet in the semifinals of the 2021/22 Stanbic Uganda Cup on Wednesday at Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara .
The teams return to action for the third time this season with the defending champions coming out as victors on both legs.
Unlike last season’s FUFA format of playing the semifinals in one place due to the pandemic, this time the Stanbic Uganda Cup last 4 will be played on home and away basis.
Looking back at their previous Uganda Cup campaign to present, not alot has changed for Vipers SC who have the same players and head coaches.
But the club has grown over the season, adapting to a different style of play since the arrival of the Brazilian coach Roberto Oliviera. This press and possession style is believed to have helped different venom players like Cesar Manzoki, Yunus Ssentamu and a couple of young stars like Bobosi Byaruhanga, Najib Yiga and many others flourish .
Speaking to the press at FUFA House before the game on Wednesday, the Brazilian tactian affirmed that he will base on his team’s experience to get results.
“Mbarara City is a strong team at home, it is always hard to pick results from their home but I’ll base on my team’s experience to get the deserved result & seal the business at Kitende.” said Robertinho before adding;
“Our target is reaching the final and win the trophy once again” He added.
On the other hand, they play a relegated side from the Startimes Uganda Premier League in Mbarara City FC , who have had only two wins in their last seventeen games in the league.
Mbarara City head coach Sadiq Ssempigi though calls this an “opportunity to give back to the people in Mbarara”
“We are aware that Vipers SC is a strong team but we have the best approach for them thus we know how to get results from them.”
“We have been relegated from the League and this is one opportunity to give back to our people.” said Mbarara City FC head coach Sadiq Ssempigi
Last result.
The two sides have met two times this season and the Venoms have won both of them. They beat the Ankole Lions early on in the season at Kakyeka 2-1 before completing a league double in Kitende with a 2-0 victory.
Team News:
Apart from the Long term absentees, Fabien Mutoboora and Ibrahim Orit, the other players are available.
The Ankole lions also don’t have any major injury concern ahead of the game.
Probable Lineups
Vipers SC – Dennis Kiggundu, Hillary Mukundane, Disan Galiwango, Halid Lwalila, Livingston Mulondo, Siraje Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Bright Anukani, Caesar Manzoki, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa
Mbarara City- Martin Elungat, Jasper Aheebwa, Najib Tusaba, Steven Othieno, Ronald Ocitti , Pistis Barenge, Gadaffi Kacancu, Seiri Arigumaho, Solomon Okwalinga, Jude Ssemugabi.
Previous engagements in the Cup.
Vipers SC
Played four finals- Won 2 and Lost 2
Won – (2020/2021, 2015/2016)
Lost – (2012/2013, 2017/2018)
Mbarara City FC
Played – none.
