URA in stern Pirates test

URA face their sternest test yet when they take on South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the first round first leg of the Caf Confederations Cup this Saturday.

Alex Isabirye’s men will be hoping to pick a decent result from Johannesburg to keep in with a chance of progressing to the second round when the two sides face off in the Kampala return leg in a fortnight.

But they go into the Johannesburg tie at Orlando Stadium a weakened side. They are without suspended star forward Robert Ssentongo and injured James Kasibante.

First choice central defender Jonathan Mugabi did not also travel, with the club believing the player is still serving a suspension following his dismissal in the first leg of their preliminary tie against Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus.

But according to the 2015 Caf regulations, “a player sent off the field by the referee is to be automatically suspended from playing the subsequent match of the clubs competitions without prejudice to other sanctions, which the organising Committee might impose on him subsequently.”

Deo Othieno is likely to replace Mugabi alongside Sam Senkoomi in central defense while Oscar Agaba, Ali Feni, Saidi Kyeyune, Yassar Mugerwa should ensure the Buccaneers dangerman Lehlohonolo Majoro has limited space.

Frank Kalanda, a brace hero their previous game against non-league KCCA Corporate in the Uganda Cup, is expected to lead the line.

“I will not say we are going to defend entirely because we also have players who can cause them problems,” said Isabirye.

The last time Ugandan opposition faced Orlando Pirates was in 1995, then the South Africans edging Express 2-1 on aggregate.

Express lost the tie in Johannesburg 1-0 and drew 1-1 in Kampala. URA will hope to post a better first leg result than their colleagues back home. Orlando have been in good form recently, winning their last 10 league games.

CAF CONFEDERATIONS CUP

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

FIRST ROUND, FIRST LEG

Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs URA