URA FC are desperate to snap their five-match winless streak as they prepare to host Maroons FC at Nakivubo’s Hamz Stadium. The tax collectors, who have struggled for form in recent weeks, are in urgent need of a victory to move away from the danger zone and secure their top-flight status.
Their last win came back on March 11, when they defeated Lugazi 2-1. Since then, URA have been stuck in a rut, registering three losses and two draws. Their most recent outing, a 0-0 draw away to relegation-threatened UPDF at Bombo, only added to their mounting frustration.
With just 24 points from 23 games, URA currently sit in 11th place. While they are not yet in the relegation zone, they are far from safe, and a defeat could leave them in serious trouble.
Head coach Hussein Mbalangu knows the importance of securing all three points in this clash, as they look to end their barren run and climb up the table.
“We need maximum points against Maroons, there is no margin for error,” Mbalangu said, emphasizing the critical nature of the match.
Maroons, on the other hand, will enter the contest with higher ambitions. Currently 9th with 33 points, the Prison Warders have their sights set on a place in the top eight, and a win here could move them closer to that goal.
However, they will need to avoid complacency as they face a URA side desperate for a turnaround.
With the chance to move into the top eight if BUL falters in their early kick-off against NEC at the Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru, Maroons will be eager to make a statement with a win on the road.
Historically, the two teams have had close encounters, with URA holding a slight edge in their last 14 league meetings. The tax collectors have won four of those match-ups, while Maroons have triumphed three times, with seven draws in between.
In another exciting fixture, Mbarara City will play host to Express FC at Rwamanja Stadium in Kamwenge. The seven-time league champions will look to continue their push for a strong finish to the season as they face the Ankole Lions in a battle of wills.
For URA, though, the focus is clear: a must-win game against Maroons to keep their season alive and ensure they don’t slip further into relegation uncertainty.
