Nyamityobora’s struggles continue with 1-0 defeat
Huge task. Nyamityobora captain Alex Komakech is among the star performers for the team. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
KAMPALA. They keep coming in instalments. Nyamityobora is out of contention for a possible place in the Stanbic Uganda Cup after Proline handed Asaph Mwebaze’s struggling team its latest loss on Saturday.
On paper this was a shock as Nyamityobora plays in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League where they were promoted at the end of last season by exchanging places with Proline, who were relegated to the Fufa Big League. Yet that is the only difference.
Nyamityobora, who have had a fair share of troubles ranging from player strikes to playing most of the league games at their foster home in Wankulukuku, had a perfect match.
They have now lost to Proline twice by a similar 1-0 score after another pre-season loss in the Philip Omondi invitational at Lugogo.
Mwebaze, who is rebuilding around inexperienced youngsters, most of whom are having a taste of top flight football for the first time, fell to a Mustafa Mujuzi penalty in added time to exit at the second round.
Since his appointment on October 31 to replace James Odoch, who had been humiliated by a 6-1 loss to KCCA, Mwebaze has seen his boys win once, draw twice and lose five times in all competitions.
“But I am happy that our performances keep improving and I am optimistic by the time the league returns, we shall be better,” Mwebaze said. His attention now turns on next week’s second round league opener against Police at Lugogo, a venue they are yet to win a game in all visits. Police won the first round game 2-1 at Wankulukuku.
The side funded by friends, Ali Ssekatawa and Immanuel Misagga, risks an embarrassing relegation to the second-tier Big League on their debut season. They are trapped in the relegation zone with Ndejje and Paidha, while Villa and Maroons are also skirting danger.
Elsewhere, Nebbi Central put aside their struggles in the Big League and defeated Tororo’s Admin 3-2.
Qualified teams:
Onduparaka, URA, Kyetume, Bright Stars, Vipers, Nkambi Coffee, Bul, Kitara, Police, Bukedea, Express, Proline and Nebbi Central.
