Vipers SC head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho has blamed fatigue for his team’s 3-1 defeat to BUL FC in the Uganda Cup final on Sunday.
Oliveira’s charges fell to a brace from Karim Ndugwa and another goal from Simon Peter Oketch against their consolation goal scored by their captain Halid Lwaliwa.
“We have had a successful season despite this loss because immediately after winning the Uganda Premier League, some of our players were summoned by their national teams,” Oliveira said after the game.
“And, these are some of the most important and influential players on our team; Cesar Manzoki, Milton Karisa, and Bobosi Byaruhanga.”
“They were fatigued because of the flights and the engagement itself. Karisa was substituted with a knock but we had to play him today, so that was a challenge,” he added.
Robertinho also noted that the early injury to Paul Willa and the bumpy pitch in Masindi also had a toll on the Venoms.
“We were forced into an early change of Willa, when he got injured. We didn’t have a direct substitute and that is why we went for Musa Ssali.”
“I will not leave without saying that the poor pitch affected the proper passage of the ball but that is it and I would like to congratulate BUL,” he concluded.
The Brazilian’s first silverware as a Vipers head coach came against the same opponent when they demolished them 8-1 last year meaning it was perfect revenge for the Oil Manufacturers.
After missing out on guiding the Kitende-based side to its first domestic double, Oliveira noted that he is headed for Brazil for a holiday while discussions over his contract situation are ongoing.
This website has learnt that Robertinho signed one year, not two as reported on his arrival.
Courtesy Photos
