Coach Beto Bianchi has cast a shadow over Vipers' readiness for the CAF Champions League tie against Guinean side AC Horoya.

The Ugandan champions seek to restart their campaign afresh after being walloped 5-0 by Raja Casablanca last weekend.

The Brazillian trainer expressed his worries about the team’s fitness after engaging in an energy-sapping Uganda Cup match against Jinja North on Wednesday.

Their captain Milton Karisa and goalkeeper Fabian Mutombora had some injury concerns during the game.

Fatigue

“Our plan was to sort the match very early so that I could rest some players,” Karisa revealed his plan.

“We wanted to save the players’ energy for the Saturday game but it wasn’t possible and had to risk up to the end.”

He says that fatigue may affect his team. The Venoms had to travel through Turkey to and from Morocco.

“We have to conduct a deep recovery session to refresh the players. Honestly, it is something to worry about because our rival didn’t play during the week but we have. So, they’ll be fresher than us,” Bianchi bemoans.

Non-committal

The coach was discreet on whether he will play Alfred Mudekereza in goal on Saturday after the dismal performance in Casablanca. 

The keeper committed calamitous errors that caused early quickfire goals that pulled the rug off Vipers' balance.

“it’s just a coincidence because Fabian [Mutombora] plays the Cup games and Alfred [Mudekereza] the league,” the coach answered when asked if the Casablanca performance is the reason why Mudekereza was a no-show in Bugembe.

However, he added: “I will think about which keeper to use on Saturday. I will assess and think but can’t reveal now.”

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