Vipers SC will be seeking to become the fourth club in Ugandan football history to lift a cup double when they face off with Police FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final on Saturday at Akii-bua Memorial Stadium in Lira.
The Venoms lifted the unpredictable Uganda Premier league title on the grand finish of the league season last week.
The three clubs to have won a double are SC Villa (1986, 1988, 1989, 1998, 2000 and 2002), Express FC (1995), KCCA FC (2017)
Alex Isabirye Musongola the Vipers tactician is aiming to clinch the Uganda Cup trophy with a fourth club as a coach. He has previously won it three times with URA FC, SC Victoria University (now defunct) and recently with BUL FC.
Isabirye has warned his troops to not underestimate Police
“We cannot underestimate Police, reaching the final is not for the weak or small teams. We have prepared for it like we would prepare for any strong team. I know they are also prepared for us but we shall win the trophy.” Said the Vipers tactician
He will also join Geoff Hudson (SC Villa), Polly Ouma (SC Villa), Mike Mutebi(KCCA FC), Jimmy Muguwa(Express FC and Milutin Sredojevic alias Micho (SC Villa) who are the five coaches to have won a Cup double.
To prevail to the third consecutive final, Vipers SC eliminated Bujumbura United FC, Jinja North United FC, Wakiso Giants FC, Calvary FC and Soltilo Bright Stars FC in the round of 64, round of 32, round of 16, Quarter Final and Semi Final respectively.
Police FC head coach Angelo Lonyesi stands in Vipers way to history. The Cops tactician expects a tough game but is confident his charges will deliver the maiden Stanbic Uganda Cup trophy.
“This is going to be one of the easiest games for us this season. We have had enough time to prepare, and the boys are so ready to take on Vipers. Many never expected us to reach here and we are here & we shall also surprise them by winning the trophy.” Said Lonyesi
The Cops had a disappointing FUFA Big League campaign as they failed to gain topflight status.
Against Vipers on Saturday, they will be playing in only their second Uganda Cup final in 20 years.
In 2003, the Cops lost to Express FC 3-1 in their first ever final. The Red Eagles were then under the stewardship of the late Paul Hasule.
Lonyesi is also aiming to become the first coach to guide the 2005 league champions to Uganda Cup glory.
To reach the final, Police
eliminated Apuutun FC, Pajule Lions FC, Ndejje University FC, BUL FC and Adjumani TC FC in the round of 64, round of 32, round of 16, Quarter Final and Semi Final respectively.
