Vipers, Sundowns friendly rescheduled

FOOTBALL Vipers, Sundowns friendly rescheduled

Shafic Kiyaga 10:28 - 17.08.2023

Initially scheduled for this Wednesday [August 16], the high-profile encounter had to be deferred owing to unforeseen complications with visa acquisitions for Vipers.

The international friendly match between Vipers SC and African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns has been postponed to a yet to be confirmed date, the club has confirmed.

Initially scheduled for this Wednesday [August 16], the high-profile encounter had to be deferred owing to unforeseen complications with visa acquisitions for Vipers.

In a statement issued by Vipers SC, the club confirmed, “Our friendly against Mamelodi Sundowns FC that was planned for yesterday (Wednesday, August 16, 2023) didn't happen because of complications with the acquisition of South Africa visas.”

“However, a new date has been agreed upon between the two clubs to have the friendly game.”

“First on card will be the Vipers' encounter with Botswana Premier League champions Jwaneng Galaxy in the first preliminary round on Sunday.”

The much-hyped clash between the reigning Uganda Premier League champions and the victors of the 2022/23 Premier Soccer League was set to be a showcase of African football prowess.

This excitement was further heightened by the fact that Mamelodi Sundowns, home to Uganda Cranes' former captain Denis Onyango, showcased their might by routing Ismail Watenga's Golden Arrows 4-0 in a recent PSL match.

Although the victory came less than a day before the planned face-off with Vipers, sources revealed that the friendly would not have been affected.

Masandawana, had reportedly strategized to deploy other members of their squad who had not played against Arrows for the Vipers showdown.

For Vipers SC, this friendly was not just another match. It was seen as a critical warm-up ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary round duel against Botswana Premier League champions Jwaneng Galaxy.

The Venoms are eager to kick off their Champions League campaign on a high, aiming for a favourable result in Botswana before the second leg at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende on August 26.

While the postponement is a slight setback for Vipers, it is clear that the club is focused on the tasks ahead and is working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that both the friendly and the Champions League tie are executed seamlessly.