Abdul Karim Watambala welcomed Vipers SC’s rise to the top of the Uganda Premier League with quiet satisfaction, but quickly warned that the job is far from done after Tuesday night’s 2–0 win over Mbarara City.
Speaking at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Watambala admitted the performance required patience after a slow start.
“When you go some time without official matches, the body feels it,” he said.
“We started slowly, but in the end we got the three points. That was important because we wanted to go top, and we’ve done that.”
Vipers were tested by a disciplined Mbarara City side that defended deep and denied the hosts space for long spells.
Although the Venoms controlled possession, chances were limited in a cautious first half that demanded composure.
The deadlock was broken by Allan Okello, back from AFCON duty with the Uganda Cranes, who calmly converted a penalty to give Vipers the lead.
His return added quality and confidence to the hosts, who looked more assured after the opener.
Vipers sealed the win in the second half when Watambala reacted quickest to a poor clearance by Hamza Mulambuzi, slotting into an empty net with goalkeeper Fahad Emuran stranded.
The victory lifted Vipers to 27 points, one clear at the top, ahead of KCCA, who slipped after an earlier defeat.
With a game in hand against Kitara FC, the Kitende side have strengthened their early title push.
Still, Watambala urged restraint. “We have to keep the momentum,” he said.
“The team has been working hard in training and it’s showing, but this is just the beginning. There is still a lot to improve, both individually and as a team.”
For now, Vipers enjoy their place at the summit. Their next test comes away to URA FC, coached by Hussein Mbalangu, at Hamz Stadium on January 23, a fixture that will further measure their title credentials.
