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The Stars whitewashed North Eastern Regional side Nakapelimen 8-0 in the round of 64 to reach this level. In Mbale, they will meet another regional league side that wears the face of a top-flight team.
A battle between a Uganda Premier League Club and a third division is almost a no-contest, they say.
However, when Soltilo Bright Stars travel to Mbale Heroes on Wednesday in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 32, they should expect one.
The Stars whitewashed North Eastern Regional side Nakapelimen 8-0 in the round of 64 to reach this level. In Mbale, they'll meet another regional league side that wears the face of a top-flight team.
Apart from former Busoga United coach Abbey Kikomeko, the club boasts several experienced faces. They include keeper Didi Muhammed, defenders Umar Mukobe, Musa Malunda, Junior Mukisa, James Otim and Amos Etoju all previously at BUL.
Others are Patrick Gonahasa, Shaka Ssozi and Nazir Sserwada.
With such a composition, Kikomeko is confident that his team has all it takes to match Bright Stars pound for pound.
“The players that I have are worthy to be in the [Uganda] Premier League, some have played before and can match them,” Kikomeko measured his team’s strength.
“We’re playing a team that is well-motivated but we are as well. Besides the difference in the division, I don’t see a lot of difference in the playing unit.
Compact game
Kikomeko was on and off on Busoga’s touchline but during the decade-long stint, he faced either the Bright Stars or a team coached by Mwebaze. He has an idea of his opponent’s approach and how to counter it.
“I have played against them numerous times before and understand the kind of football that they play. They play a good game of passing so, we shall not give them chance on the ball,” he promises.
Mwebaze was coy about his plans but is wary of the threat posed by the 1999 cup winners.
“They are a good team with a good coach and they’re at home. We expect a good but tough game because he knows how to organise his teams very well,” Mwebaze commented briefly.
Bright Stars bowed out at the same stage last season while Heroes reached the round of 16.
Stanbic Uganda Cup
Wednesday 15th, 2023: Mbale Heroes vs Soltilo Bright Stars
Mbale City Stadium
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