URA FC Prepares for Kitara FC Clash with Boost from CEO and Former Skipper Allan Munaaba

URA FC (9th) vs Kitara FC(14th) : A Pivotal Battle as Kitara Seek Redemption and URA Eye First Home Victory*

*By John Kusolo*

In an inspiring turn of events, Uganda Revenue Authority Football Club (URA FC) received a morale boost during their last training session at Hamz Stadium ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Kitara FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. The team's preparation on the pitch was enriched by a visit from none other than their former captain and current CEO, Allan Munaaba. Known for his passion and leadership, Munaaba addressed the team, offering words of encouragement that resonated deeply with both the players and coaching staff. After his motivational talk, Munaaba even joined the players on the field, engaging in training drills and actively participating in their warm-up routines, adding a unique touch to the final practice session.

Allan Munaaba’s visit carried special meaning, especially for younger players who may not have seen him play but recognize his legacy. Munaaba served URA FC as a dedicated captain for several seasons, bringing resilience and a strategic mindset to the team. Since taking on the role of CEO, he has continued to advocate for player welfare, infrastructural improvements, and team performance—reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to the club.

During his talk, Munaaba reminded players of the pride and responsibility that comes with donning URA FC's jersey, encouraging them to remain focused and driven. He shared personal anecdotes from his days on the field, illustrating the determination it takes to excel at the highest level. “The kit you wear is a badge of honor. Play with pride, and remember that every effort you put in reflects our club’s legacy,” he said, inspiring applause and nods from players.

The training session, led by head coach Alex Isabirye, was aimed at refining both offensive and defensive strategies tailored for Kitara FC’s style of play. Emphasis was placed on teamwork, positional play, and precision in finishing—areas where the team intends to gain an edge in the upcoming match. The presence of their CEO actively participating in drills brought a renewed energy and enthusiasm, visibly raising team spirits.

Several players, expressed appreciation for Munaaba’s involvement. “Having our CEO out here working with us shows how much the club believes in us and wants us to succeed. His presence alone brings motivation, but his guidance on the field reminded us of the intensity and focus needed to achieve victory,” [captain’s name] noted.

URA FC is poised to face Kitara FC in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive match. With Kitara known for their aggressive play and counter-attacking ability, URA FC's coaching staff has been working tirelessly on tactics that prioritize quick transitions and solid defensive organization. The team's key players have been practicing high-pressure tactics to disrupt Kitara’s midfield and deny them space to build momentum.

The upcoming match will also be an opportunity for URA’s rising talents to showcase their development under the club's progressive training regime. With players looking sharp and motivated after Munaaba’s visit, fans have reason to anticipate a spirited and dynamic performance.

Munaaba’s visit served as a reminder of the solidarity within URA FC, demonstrating the unity that runs from the executive level to the field. As the team heads into the season with ambitious goals, the presence of a CEO who understands the game from a player’s perspective adds invaluable insight and reassurance.

With Munaaba’s words echoing in their minds, URA FC heads into their fixture against Kitara FC not only prepared but deeply motivated. The former captain’s involvement has bolstered their spirits, and as they step onto the field, the players know they are supported by a leader who shares their vision and commitment to excellence.

URA FC’s final training session ahead of their clash with Kitara FC has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling game. Allan Munaaba’s influence has re-energized the team, reminding them of the pride and responsibility that comes with playing for URA FC. Fans can look forward to an impassioned performance, as the team seeks to honor the legacy of their club with a victorious display on the field.

Meanwhile, on Friday, November 1st, 2024, Kitara FC will clash with URA FC at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, marking an intense encounter in Matchday 7 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL). Scheduled for a 7 PM kickoff, the match holds significant weight for both clubs, each facing pressure to perform and turn around their fortunes in this early phase of the season.

This fixture represents the start of a new era for Kitara FC, with Wasswa Bbosa stepping into the managerial role following the exit of Brian Ssenyondo, who was dismissed after a disappointing start to the season. Ssenyondo’s 16-month tenure ended abruptly due to the Royals’ struggle to find form, leaving them vulnerable in the relegation zone. With only one win and one draw from their last six games, Kitara sits precariously at the bottom with a meager four points. Bbosa faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing Kitara’s season, instilling confidence, and steering the team toward their initial season goals.

Kitara’s campaign began with a strong opening win, defeating Lugazi FC 3-0 away at Lugazi Stadium. However, their momentum quickly faded as they failed to secure another victory in subsequent matches. Their recent fixtures reveal a downward trend, with defeats to strong sides like KCCA and BUL FC. Their most recent result—a 1-1 draw against the Ankole Lions in Mbarara—provided a brief glimmer of hope, but Kitara’s defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency in front of goal remain concerns that Bbosa will need to address immediately.

Adding to Kitara’s woes, the team will be without key defender Benjamin Nyakoojo for this fixture, a setback as they look to reinforce their defense. Nyakoojo, who would have faced his former club, is ruled out due to a lack of match fitness but is expected to return in the upcoming games.

URA FC has also faced their share of early-season challenges, notably their struggle to secure a win on home turf. The tax collectors, coached by Alex Isabirye, have shown flashes of potential with a dominant 4-0 away victory against Mbale Heroes. However, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Mbarara City and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to BUL at home last month, adding pressure on Isabirye to break the home win drought.

URA’s squad has demonstrated defensive resilience in certain games, but an inability to capitalize on home advantage has left fans and management eager for a turnaround. Isabirye will be keen to harness the support at Hamz Stadium and deliver a solid performance that could spark a resurgence in their season.

The history between Kitara FC and URA FC adds a layer of intrigue to this fixture. Since their first meeting in the 2020/21 season, these sides have faced each other three times, with URA leading the head-to-head record with one win. Their initial encounter saw URA edge out Kitara 3-2 at Kavumba Recreation Center, where Steven Mukwala, Brian Majwega, and Shafik Kagimu provided the winning goals despite resistance from Kitara’s Robert Kyamanywa and Denis.

Last season, the teams played to an exciting 2-2 draw at the Metha Stadium in Lugazi, followed by Kitara’s impressive 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture in Masindi. As the two sides prepare to face off again, Kitara will be aiming to replicate last season’s success, while URA will be driven to reclaim dominance and notch their first home win of the current campaign.

Both teams enter this matchup with mixed recent performances:

*Kitara FC’s Last Four Matches:*

KCCA 2-0 Kitara

Kitara 0-1 Police FC

Mbarara City 1-1 Kitara

Kitara 1-3 BUL FC

*URA FC’s Last Four Matches:*

URA 1-1 Mbarara City

Mbale Heroes 0-4 URA

URA 0-1 BUL

UPDF 0-0 URA

These recent results highlight the pressure on both managers to find the winning formula, with Kitara hoping for a fresh start under Bbosa, while Isabirye aims to leverage URA’s home advantage to satisfy fans.

For Kitara, experienced attackers like Patrick Kaddu, Jude Semugabi and Denis Omedi will be central to any offensive efforts. The absence of Nyakoojo in defense adds a challenge, but Bbosa may rely on other squad members to rise to the occasion and offer stability at the back.

URA, meanwhile, will look to their attacking players to lead the charge in pursuit of goals, especially as they seek to end their home struggles. URA’s defense, which has occasionally faltered, must tighten up to avoid lapses that Kitara’s forwards could exploit.

With Kitara languishing in the relegation zone and URA looking for consistency, both clubs are well aware of the high stakes in this Friday night showdown. A win for Kitara could be a turning point under new management, setting the tone for a potential resurgence, while a URA victory would solidify their presence in the mid-table and restore fan confidence.

As the teams prepare to battle at Hamz Stadium, the clash promises intense competition, with both sides eyeing a critical three points to change the trajectory of their seasons. Whether it’s Kitara reclaiming pride or URA breaking their home curse, Matchday 7 is poised to be a thrilling encounter for StarTimes Uganda Premier League fans.