By Wabomba Sports
Mbale Heroes FC Vs Kataka FC- Mbale Stadium
Mbale Heroes FC is set to face off with Kataka FC in what promises to be an intense Mbale City derby at Mbale Stadium in their opening match of the 2023/2024 FUFA Big league season.
Both teams are eager to secure victory in order to gain bragging rights and kickstart their FUFA Big League season on a positive note.
Mbale Heroes’ head coach Asaph Mwabaze targets to start with maximum points in his first task at his new club, he has promised an exciting game as he aims for victory in the first derby game of the season.
“The preparation has been good and we are ready for the game. I have been in this position very many times before, it is just exciting to be here -not pressure, I love football and the boys love to play. We are going to come here, enjoy ourselves and most importantly ensure that our fans enjoy the game and possibly give them a win in the derby” said Asaf Mwebaze.
“We shall play a very good game, exciting game and play to win because we need the three points to kick start the season and bragging rights of the team and ours fans, who need to go to work on Wednesday with heads High after a win on Tuesday” He added
Mbale Heroes earned their promotion to the FUFA Big League after overwhelming Bukedea Central FC 7-0 on aggregate in the double-legged promotional play-off. The team has undergone significant changes, hiring former Bright Stars Coach Asaph Mwebaze and recruiting experienced players like Gerald Ogweti, Ibra Nsimbe, and Daniel Shabena.
In preparation for the season opener, Mbale Heroes played four friendly matches, losing 1-0 to BUL FC, beating Mbale City Select 3-1 and Amus College 4-1 before drawing 2-2 with Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in their final buildup game.
For Kataka FC who failed to secure promotion to the Startimes Uganda Premier League last season hence maintaining their stay in Big league seem to have a upper hand against Mbale Heroes.
Head coach Godfrey Toldo Awachango has set his targets on finishing the season in qualifying places and a positive result against Mbale Heroes will be key in their battles despite facing a few injuries.
“We are well prepared for tomorrow’s game but our focus is not on only tomorrow’s game but many games and the entire season. My target is victory and all players are in good shape, without injuries and ready for the game apart from striker Nandala Nassur who is unfit for tomorrow’s game but will be available for the next games” Godfrey Toldo Awachango told Wabomba Sports.
“The new players who replaced the departed stars are also all fit and fine” Coach Toldo spoke with confidence
Probable Lineups;
Mbale Heroes FC (4-3-3): Didi Muhammed- GK (C); Abu Ssentongo, Musa Malunda, Godfrey Lubangakene, Kalyowa George William; Isaaya Sabiiti, Mark Bamukyaaye, Daniel Shabena; Akram Shafic Muzanyi, Gerrald Ogweti, Herbert Kibirango.
Kataka FC (4-3-3); Rajab Akoch (GK); Stephen Namaisi (c), Imulla Okello, Lazarus Ecaat, Joel Baba Onziku; Swamad Okur, Lazarus Ocire, Herbert Katongole; Markus Aka Christian, David Zaake, Latif Ssenkubuge
Head -to-head;
Kataka FC defeated Mbale Heroes 3-0 in the final of the 2022 Mbale Super 8 tournament. However, in their last four encounters, the teams have seen one win each, with two games ending in draws.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the Mbale City derby.
Previous 4 meetings;
FUFA Big League 2019-2020 1st Round
•Kataka Fc 1-1 Mbale Heroes (2nd leg was played due to Covid 19)
FUFA Big League Sunday 25th April 2021
•Kataka FC 1-2 Mbale Heroes FC
FUFA Big League Sunday 13th June 2021
•Mbale Heroes FC 0-0 Kataka FC
Mbale Super 8 Final Saturday 17th September 2022
•Mbale Heroes FC 0-3 Kataka FC
