Bright Stars FC vs Kitara FC: Battle for Redemption on Match Day 8 in StarTimes Uganda Premier League

*By John Kusolo*

*Date: November 8, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM

Venue: Kavumba Recreation Ground*

As Uganda Premier League (UPL) Match Day 8 unfolds, Bright Stars FC will host Kitara FC at Kavumba Recreation Ground. Both teams are struggling to find form, making this fixture a crucial showdown as they aim to steer clear of early relegation concerns. With Kitara FC sitting 14th on the table with four points from seven games, and Bright Stars languishing at the bottom with just three points, Friday's game will be vital in relieving pressure ahead of the international break.

Both Bright Stars and Kitara FC come into this encounter off the back of disappointing results. Kitara, led by Head Coach Wasswa Bbosa, recently fell 2-0 to URA FC at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, while Bright Stars dismissed their head coach, Joseph Mutyaba, following a narrow 1-0 home defeat to BUL FC. This marks a critical moment for interim coach Ian Mutenda, who aims to break a three-game home losing streak and rekindle Bright Stars’ competitive spark. For Kitara, Bbosa has emphasized the need for clinical finishing and defensive resilience as his side continues to adjust to challenges in front of goal.

Historically, Bright Stars hold an advantage over Kitara, winning three out of their last four encounters. Their most recent meeting, on May 14, 2024, saw Bright Stars claim a 1-0 victory, while Kitara’s sole victory came on January 5, 2024, with a 3-1 scoreline. In 2021, Bright Stars registered commanding wins (3-1 and 5-0) over Kitara, underscoring their supremacy in past matchups. However, with both teams now struggling, the current form could add unpredictability to this clash.

14/05/2024 – Bright Stars 1-0 Kitara

05/01/2024 – Kitara 3-1 Bright Stars

02/04/2021 – Kitara 1-3 Bright Stars

14/02/2021 – Bright Stars 5-0 Kitara

Despite boasting a talented forward line, Kitara FC has struggled to score this season. Star striker Denis Omedi has managed two assists but is yet to find the back of the net, while teammates Fred Amaku and George Senkaaba have also yet to score. Kaddu Patrick and Kabon Living have each scored once, and Jude Ssemugabi leads the team with two goals, both netted in the opening game against Lugazi FC. Coach Bbosa has stressed the importance of taking chances, referencing missed opportunities in their previous game. He believes an improvement in clinical finishing could make the difference against Bright Stars.

"We must be clinical and also continue to improve the way we defend," said Bbosa. "We created three good scoring opportunities in our last game but wasted them. Things might have been different if we had converted those chances. We have prepared well for Friday, and I believe we can get the results we need."

Both teams have key absences affecting their lineups. Kitara’s Jasper Aheebwa is unavailable for personal reasons, and Maxwell Owachigiu is out due to illness. Additionally, Sabir Yassintah has been sidelined with a knock and did not participate in this week’s training sessions. However, center-back Benjamin Nyakoojo is expected to return, marking his first potential appearance since August after an injury setback in Libya. Moses Sseruyidde is also back in contention after recovering from a knock that kept him out of Kitara’s last game.

On the Bright Stars side, interim coach Ian Mutenda sees this as a golden opportunity to rejuvenate their season. Having assumed control after Mutyaba’s departure, Mutenda is optimistic that a single win could shift momentum for the struggling Bright Stars.

"One win is all we need to jumpstart our season," said Mutenda. "The players are determined, and we’ve been working hard to fix our defensive and offensive dynamics. This match could be the turning point we’ve been waiting for."

As both teams aim to snap their losing streaks, several key players will be crucial to the outcome. For Kitara, the spotlight will be on striker Jude Ssemugabi to rekindle his goal-scoring prowess, while Bright Stars will look to their midfield and defensive lines to stabilize their gameplay. With Nyakoojo’s return in defense, Kitara’s backline may receive a much-needed boost, while Bright Stars will rely on Mutenda’s tactical acumen to find a winning formula.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Bright Stars and Kitara FC meet at Kavumba. Both teams are not only fighting for points but also seeking the morale boost that comes from a hard-fought victory. As they attempt to climb out of the relegation zone, fans can expect a determined display from both sides, with Kitara looking to break their goal-scoring drought and Bright Stars striving to recover from managerial upheaval.

This encounter promises to be intense, with each team’s season potentially hinging on the result.