By 
Vipers SC began the new Ugandan football season in style after defeating Kitara FC 3–1 to claim the FUFA Super Cup at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday.
The Uganda Premier League champions showed their quality when it mattered most, overcoming Uganda Cup holders Kitara in an entertaining season-opening contest.
Abdulkarim Watambala and Gusto Mulongo were among the players who found the net for Vipers as the Venoms pulled away in the second half.
The victory gives Vipers an early piece of silverware and provides new head coach Denis Lavagne with a winning start to his competitive career in Ugandan football.
The two sides entered the contest with contrasting achievements from the previous campaign. Vipers secured the Uganda Premier League title, while Kitara earned their place in the Super Cup after winning the Uganda Cup.
Kitara had been a difficult opponent for Vipers in their previous meetings, making the Super Cup clash a significant test for Lavagne and his new-look side.
Before the match, Lavagne had warned that Kitara’s physical approach and direct style would require Vipers to compete strongly in aerial battles and fight for second balls.
His players responded with a performance that eventually saw them establish control and secure the trophy.
The match remained competitive before Vipers took advantage of their opportunities before the interval through Odili Chukwuma who headed in following wonderful play by Mulongo off the wing.
Just after the break, Martin Kizza put Kitara but that didn’t last so long as Watambala finished off a well-worked Vipers move.
To seal off the victory late on, Mulongo rose highest to head in a well executed Farouk Miya’s cross.
For Lavagne, the triumph offers an encouraging beginning to his tenure at Vipers.
The French coach had previously stressed the importance of the Super Cup as part of his preparations for the campaign, particularly with Vipers also preparing for their CAF Champions League assignment.
The victory therefore provides both silverware and confidence as the Venoms turn their attention to the challenges ahead.
Kitara, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for the new season after falling short against the reigning league champions.
Vipers’ 3–1 victory means the club heads into the new campaign with the FUFA Super Cup safely in its cabinet and momentum on its side.
