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Kitara seeks to reach the round of 16 for the first time since 2020, but they need to conquer third division side Uganda Pentecostal University at the Round of 32.
Sam Ssimbwa says he would love a lengthy Stanbic Uganda Cup run this year with Kitara FC, and end its recent wretched record in the competition.
Ssimbwa, who is tasked with helping Kitara return to the top flight, feels a run in the Uganda Cup is a good opportunity to boost the club’s growing status and fuel their chase for promotion.
Kitara seeks to reach the round of 16 for the first time since 2020, but they need to conquer third division side Uganda Pentecostal University at the Round of 32.
“I like the Uganda cup. It is a good opportunity to try and do something in this way,” Ssimbwa said ahead of the game at the Kigaaya playground in Hoima.
“We are preparing for the match, thinking the objective is to try and get as far as we can, because I believe we can achieve something special this year.”
Kitara have been unconvincing recently in the Uganda Cup facing elimination at this stage in each of the last two editions, losing to Tipsa FC last year, and falling to Kigezi Homeboyz in 2021.
To be among the last 32 teams in the competition, Kitara needed penalties to edge another third division side Free Stars FC following a goalless draw in normal time.
Against Pentecostal University, they face a side not fazed by the occasion, after they twice came from behind before eventually causing the biggest upset thus far by eliminating one of Ssimbwa’s former side URA FC.
And Ssimbwa who will be taking charge of only his second game at the club has warned his players against underestimating their opponents.
“We should not underestimate Uganda Pentecostal University because we all saw what they did against URA. They are a good team with very good and promising young players,” he stated.
“I have been with these players for not long, but I am familiar with most of them and so far I am impressed with their response in training and I know they will put up a strong performance.”
“We shall be playing from home and we should be able to win because we want to go as far as we can in this competition,” Ssimbwa noted.
Ssimbwa joined Kitara in the January transfer window alongside a host of experienced players including Mucureezi Paul from Vipers and the midfielder is looking forward to representing his new club in the Uganda Cup.
Meanwhile, the other cup game that will be played on the same day will be a meeting between UPL sides Blacks Power and Wakiso Giants at Akii Bua Memorial Stadium in Lira.
In the Round of 64, Blacks Power eliminated North Eastern Region side Bukedea Central 1-0 while Wakiso dumped out Kitara Region side Fort Portal Boda Boda 3-1.
Stanbic Uganda Cup 2022/23 - Round of 32
Kitara vs Uganda Pentecostal University
4 pm, Kigaaya-Hoima
Blacks Power vs Wakiso Giants
4pm, Akii Bua Stadium-Lira
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