SINAN RAJUB SENOGA
Masindi’s Katusabe grounds will host Dove FC against rivals Kitara FC in their fourth ever Bunyoro derby as the Fufa Big League resumes on Sunday.
The game between the two neighbors, one from Masindi another one from Hoima is always one of tensity and overwhelming atmosphere with pride, revenge and three priceless points at stake.
The first round encounter this season ended prematurely with only five minutes left on the clock after play was interferred by tear gas around the Dove FC goal area.
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The match was 2-0 in favour of Kitara who were the home side, courtesy of a brilliant first half brace from offensive midfielder Nvule Jamir Kisitu.
Nvule had struck a free kick from about 30 yards as early as the second minute before scoring another stunner right at the end of the opening half.
The match was later awarded as a 3-0 win for Kitara via a boardroom decision.
Talking Points
1. Coach Twinamatsiko faces former side
The Kitara FC head coach Mark Twinamatsiko ditched Dove FC to join their rivals at the start of the season. He faces a side he inspired to the coveted promotion playoffs last season.
2. Contrasting Results
Whereas Kitara, (alongside Ndejje University and Kigezi Homeboyz) are still unbeaten after eight games, Dove FC come into the derby as the only side yet to win a game in the Big League this season.
Unlike their better placed rivals Kitara, Dove sit on the bottom of the nine-team Rwenzori group table with only three points.
Kitara are in contention for the top spot and are placed second on the table with 16 points having won four games and drawn the other four as well.
3. Dove intent of improvement
Following a disappointing start, Dove seem to have picked themselves up in a bid to save their horrible season that already pits them as one of the candidates for the three relegation slots despite featuring in the promotion playoffs the previous season.
There is light of optimism around the Masindi outfit who have already hired former Maroons coach Robert Ssekweyama as their new head coach.
Dove have convincingly won their two Stanbic Uganda Cup games against fellow Big League opponents New Villa (5-0) and Water FC (2-1).
Kitara are also in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16 after overcoming regional league sides Luweero United (2-1) and Six O’clock on penalties.
4. Key players
Kitara have greatly rotated around Nvule, who has scored five goals for them from the midfield coupled with a number of assists. Striker Brian Mayanja Mululi (three goals) has also been a key figure for the Hoima side since switching from Dove at the end of last season.
Former SC Villa and Express striker George Senkaaba has some good memories in this derby having scored a hat trick in Hoima last season and is expected to lead Kitara’s offense.
Dove will mainly put their trust in new signings Ronald Kirumira, Jesse Kajuba and former Wakiso Giants and SC Villa forward Ali Magomu Octo.
Midfielders Johnson Tusubira and Deo Bedijo are also expected to be crucial in Dove’s revival mission.
5. The Edward Golola factor
After being relieved of his duties at Vipers last month, Edward Golola returned to Kitara to boast their chances as far as fighting for promotion is concerned. His position is still undefined probably under the pseudo of a technical director of sorts.
6. Head to head
The previous three meetings between the two sides have seen Kitara emerge winners twice while the other duel ended in Dove’s favour.
Dove won the first ever meeting 1-0 at Masindi thanks to a late winner from winger Bright Haguma. Kitara revenged with a 3-0 comprehensive victory at Hoima through a Senkaaba hat trick.
Kitara can clinch the first ever double in this derby following their first round victory.
Other Big League games
Kasese’s New Villa played a 1-1 draw with Water FC at Luzira in a lunch time kick off on Saturday.
There are five other fixture on Sunday with Nyamityobora taking on Kigezi Homeboyz, Ndejje University host New Villa, Kansai Plascon renew acquaintances at Mukono while Paidha Black Angels host Kiboga Young at Pece in Gulu.
Debutants Saviours will host Light SSS at the Akii Bua stadium in Lira.
Sunday Fixtures
• Saviours FC vs Light SSS – Lira
• Paidha Black Angels vs Kiboga Young – Pece, Gulu
• Dove FC vs Kitara FC – Masindi
• Ndejje University vs New Villa – Ndejje
• Kansai Plascon vs UPDF – Mukono
• Nyamityobora FC vs Kigezi Homeboyz – Mbarara