The Cops secured a 1-0 victory over Kitara at Royals Park in Hoima to hand last season’s revelation their third consecutive loss.
Kitara’s wait for a win at their new home in Hoima City continues after another defeat to StarTimes Uganda Premier League returnees Police.
The Cops secured a 1-0 victory over Kitara at Royals Park in Hoima to hand last season’s revelation their third consecutive loss.
Despite a relatively low turnout of supporters at Kitara’s home ground, Police, with support from a few fans and district police officers, took the lead in the 28th minute.
Gaddafi Kacancu netted the only goal after Kitara goalkeeper Jamil Kiyimba failed to clear a free kick properly, punching the ball back into play.
Two minutes later, Police’s Ssali Masood appeared to double the lead, but his goal was disallowed by the referee for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Although Kitara’s fans rallied behind their team with vocal support, Police maintained control of the match.
Not even the tactical substitutions by Kitara’s coach Brian Ssenyondo could change the outcome, leaving Kitara without a point from the fixture.
Assistant Inspector of Police and head of Police fans, Hassan Semakula, expressed his delight over the long-awaited victory.
“We have been playing good football, but we were just unlucky in our previous games. We had three draws, so this win was crucial for us,” Semakula said.
“I urge fellow police officers to keep supporting the team—whenever they hear fans cheering, they gain more energy. Other teams should watch out, Police are no longer a joking team.”
Deo Kasozi, president of Kitara, admitted that while his team played well, their midfield was the weak point. He acknowledged the team’s failure to capitalize on opportunities and lamented their third straight loss.
“We had many chances, but the midfield struggled, and we couldn’t convert them into goals. It’s painful to lose three games in a row, but we’ll sit down as management and players to figure out what’s going wrong because we have top players. Once we find the problem, we’ll start winning,” Kasozi said, assuring fans that Kitara is still on track to compete for the Uganda Premier League title.
Kasozi also called on fans to remain calm and supportive, emphasizing that their upcoming match against Mbarara after the international break will be pivotal in determining the team’s competitiveness this season.
Fr Vincent Museveni, director of communications at Hoima Catholic Diocese, who had led prayers for the team, remained hopeful despite the recent setbacks.
“We prayed for the team during the Way of the Cross yesterday. Though we lost, that doesn’t mean the team isn’t blessed. God’s blessings may take time, but we are optimistic Kitara will rise again. They just need to reorganize and make better selections,” Fr. Museveni said.
Kitara now stands at one win and three losses in the Uganda Premier League.
After winning their season opener against debutants Lugazi 3-0, they have since lost 2-1 at home to NEC, 2-0 away to KCCA, and now 1-0 against Police.
Although their title chances have taken a hit, Kasozi maintains that Kitara are still in contention for the trophy.
