Karisa urges Vipers to 'stick together' ahead of Simba clash

Vipers has four league games pending. (Courtesy)

CAF CL Karisa urges Vipers to 'stick together' ahead of Simba clash

Shafic Kiyaga 21:33 - 24.02.2023

Vipers are currently undergoing a dismal run of results, with the Uganda Premier League champions failing to win any of their last five games.

Captain Milton Karisa has urged Vipers fans and players to ‘stand together as one’ and fight their way back from the torrid time that the club find itself in at the moment.

Vipers are currently undergoing a dismal run of results, with the Uganda Premier League champions failing to win any of their last five games.

That run has included a 5-0 thumping to Raja Casablanca and underwhelming stalemates against third-division sides Bujjumbura United and Jinja North in the Uganda Cup.

The terrible run of results was compounded by back-to-back goalless draws against AC Horoya in the CAF Champions League, and Wakiso Giants in the league on Wednesday.

The Venoms will go again in search of their first victory this year, as well as under new head coach Beto Bianchi when they host Tanzania’s Simba SC in the Champions League at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Speaking ahead of the game, Karisa said; “Big game ahead. No matter what – the only way is standing together as one.”

“We know the last few games have been hard on us and everyone at the club, and we are in a situation we don’t want to be in.”

“But in football, you expect to face such hardships. There are always ups and downs, but what is important is how you react in every situation.”

“Everyone is concerned especially the players, we all want to give the best for the club and help. And that is why I also want to call upon the fans to stay by our side.”

“Tomorrow, a lot of things can change because Simba is also not doing well. It is a case of one match at a time and we’re not thinking about the past. That’s history now.”

“If we can have everyone on board then we can prevail. I am therefore calling upon all the fans to come in huge and be behind us for the game,” he continued.

Vipers are currently third in Group C on one point and will want to collect maximum points against Simba to keep their chances of progressing to the knockout phases of the competition alive.

Vipers has confirmed that Abdu Lumala has returned and took part in this week's training after recovering from his recent injury.

Defender Murushid Juuko suffered a knock to his ankle in the goalless draw against Wakiso Giants FC on Wednesday, while midfielder Olivier Osomba is still out and started his rehabilitation process this week after suffering a knock to his hip in the last game against Horoya Athletic Club.

Marvin Joseph Youngman suffered a setback in his rehabilitation process and is expected to be out for a few more months.