2026 Uganda Cup | R32 | Tuesday February 24
- Vipers Vs Pajule Lions – 8 pm
At a club where expectations never dip, even a cup tie against lower league opposition is treated with caution.
The holders of the Plascon Co-sponsored Uganda Cup return to action on Tuesday against Pajule Lions at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
It may look like a straightforward tie, but head coach Ivan Minnaert has warned his players against complacency.
“We are preparing the game like we always do, game by game,” Minnaert said. “You cannot think further than the next match, and our next game is Pajule Lions.”
The Belgian insists the approach does not change because the opponent is from a lower division. Cup football, he says, is known for surprises.
“In such games, there are always shockers when a big team plays a small team,” he noted.
Vipers will complete one final training session before the coach decides on his team. For now, he says nothing changes.
“We still have one training to go and after that we will decide what’s going to happen.”
A strong line-up is expected as the defending champions push for a place in the Round of 16.
Minnaert’s main concern, however, is mentality. Vipers come into the match after two draws, and the coach wants a response.
“Against Vipers, there are no small teams. Everybody wants to show himself against us, so there are always big battles. We are prepared for that,” he said.
He believes improvement lies in small details.
“I hope after these two draws it’s not a question of mentality. Players must stand back up and learn from the mistakes. We are working on small details and that can give better results.”
Nigerian forward Chukwuma Odili scored the winner in the previous round and could again play a key role as Vipers seek safe passage.
Related Posts
Elsewhere, Kitara host Entebbe UPPC at Royal Park, Butema, while KCCA have already reached the Round of 16 after beating Mbarara City 1-0.
