URA tops at halfway point of Uganda football league

This has not been the most dominant of seasons for URA in the Bell Super League. Nonetheless, the tax collectors still found themselves leading the log as the first round climaxed on Friday.

The champions thumped Fire Masters 4-1 in Lugazi on Friday to move to 29 points. Express are one point behind upon the completion of the 14-game skit.

URA have been playing catch-up despite Robert Ssentogo ruling the scoring charts. The striker has eight goals with Express’ Julius Ogwang the closest, one goal adrift.

URA coach Alex Isabirye will have no complaints, after all, they were fourth at the same stage last season as KCC set the pace.

Masaka have made the early running this time whereas the Red Eagles, thanks to Bonny Baingana, a two-time Player of the Month award winner, have received most of the attention.

The roles will be reversed now. Pursuing URA could be the name of the game from January 20 when the second round starts. URA continue to assemble quality, quantity and experience easily because of their deep pockets.

A fifth title in the last seven attempts is almost visible but Express, Masaka and Maroons must be pleased with the eventful journey so far. The transformation from no-hopers to dreaming of a first title since 1996 makes Express the team of the round by a country mile.

Forget drop

The latter two, fourth and fifth on 21 and 20 points respectively, can almost forget about the customary fight against the drop which defined them in the past two seasons.
Express, held goalless by KCC at Wankulukuku on Friday, missed the opportunity to assert some kind of pressure. “There is pressure from URA and the media,” Sam Ssimbwa, the Express coach, said.

“You have raised these young players too high and it got into their heads.”

Media reports on Thursday indicated that five of Ssimbwa’s players don’t have legally-binding contracts and could be enticed to leave. Edgar Luzige, Baingana, Julius Ogwang, Ibrahim Jjingo and Yusuf Juuko are the players mentioned.

“Those reports are not true. Only two players don’t have contracts. Even myself, I have none but we must work for football,” he explained, refusing to substantiate the allegations.

To keep in touch with URA, Ssimbwa, flanked by one of his two daughters, went philosophical to state the success so far.

“My children might want chicken for Christmas when I can only afford ground nut stew. So when I buy it, they can still enjoy. “We need to buy players but there is no money so we will work with young players like the ones we have now.”

Ssimbwa and Express are ahead of third-placed Bunnamwaya (24 points), who needed a Tony Odur equalizer to draw 1-all with Simba in Bombo.