2025/26 Uganda Cup | SF | First Leg
- Kitara FC Vs Vipers SC
Jacky Ivan Minaert has challenged Kitara to “play football” as Vipers head into a tense Plascon co-sponsored Uganda Cup semi final clash in Hoima.
The Belgian coach, still unhappy with the physical nature of past meetings, did not hold back when reflecting on the rivalry ahead of Sunday’s first leg at Royal Park Butema.
“We hope this time, they play football,” Minaert said after the semi final draw.
His comments point back to their last meeting on the pitch, a goalless draw in Kitende marked more by hard tackles than fluid play.
It is that edge that has come to define recent encounters between the two sides.
But Minaert’s tone softened after Vipers’ 1-1 draw with KCCA, where he expressed belief in his team’s approach heading into Hoima.
“We have a plan and we shall execute it to get the desired result to take home,” he said.
Vipers arrive with pressure of their own. Their push to defend a domestic double faces a serious test against a Kitara side desperate for silverware.
Five points behind in the league, the hosts may view the cup as their best chance this season.
They also remain the only team to claim a ‘win’ over Vipers this campaign, even if it came off the pitch.
Recent history adds to the stakes. In 2024, Kitara knocked Vipers out of the competition on penalties on their way to a first title.
A season earlier, Vipers beat Kitara home and away at this stage and went on to complete a double.
Team news could shape the tie. Kitara may recall Murushid Jjuuko and Isa Lumu after resting them against SC Villa.
For Vipers, Minaert must choose between Yunus Sentamu and Usama Arafat in attack.
With the second leg just two weeks away, Sunday’s game is about gaining an edge.
