Maroons FC return to Uganda Premier League action this Tuesday afternoon with a difficult test at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, where they welcome unbeaten Blacks Power FC in a Matchday Three encounter.
Kick-off is at 4:00pm, with both sides heading into the contest with plenty to prove. For Maroons, the match presents an opportunity to build on their emphatic 3-1 victory over Ntugasaze FC and register their first home victory of the new campaign. For Blacks Power, it is another chance to demonstrate that their perfect start to life in the top flight is no coincidence.
BLACKS POWER: TWO GAMES, TWO WINS
Blacks Power have made an impressive return to the Uganda Premier League, winning both of their opening fixtures without conceding a goal. The newly promoted side defeated Ntugasaze FC 1-0 before producing the same scoreline against Uganda Police FC.
The two victories have given Blacks Power maximum points and a perfect defensive record heading into their first league fixture at Mutesa II Stadium. Interestingly, both of their opening matches were played at Hoima City Stadium, as the club has been unable to use its preferred home venue, Ebenezer University Grounds, after the facility failed to meet the required equipment and infrastructure standards.
That has meant Blacks Power have had to begin their Premier League campaign away from their intended home environment. Despite that inconvenience, the team has remained composed and effective.
Head coach Mugerwa Simon Peter – Blacks Power
MUGERWA’S INFLUENCE
One of the major talking points around Blacks Power’s impressive start has been the stewardship of Simon Peter Mugerwa, a coach with previous experience handling Uganda Premier League sides. Mugerwa has previously worked with clubs including Police FC, Mbarara City and Lugazi, giving him valuable experience at the highest level of Ugandan domestic football. His experience could prove important as Blacks Power navigate the demands of top-flight football.
The early signs have been encouraging. Two matches have produced two victories and two clean sheets, evidence of a side that understands how to manage tight games. Against Maroons, however, that defensive organisation will face one of its sternest tests yet.
MAROONS LOOKING TO BUILD MOMENTUM
Maroons arrive at Wankulukuku with renewed confidence following their 3-1 win over Ntugasaze. Jackson Nunda was the star of that victory, scoring twice, while Marvin Oshaba added another from the penalty spot. The result provided the perfect response after the Jailers opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat against URA FC.
With four goals from their opening two matches, Maroons have demonstrated that they possess attacking weapons capable of troubling the Blacks Power defence. The challenge will be breaking down a side that has yet to concede. Head coach Umar Abdallah Loi knows his players will need patience, intensity and concentration against a disciplined opponent. “We are fully aware of the history against Blacks Power. They have started the season very well and will come here organised and dangerous,” Umar said.
For midfielder Abel Michael Eturude, the historical record against Blacks Power provides motivation.“We know the record and it is something we want to change,” Eturude said.
HISTORY FAVOURS BLACKS POWER
Tuesday’s game carries an added storyline because Maroons are yet to defeat Blacks Power in the Uganda Premier League.
The two previous top-flight meetings ended in victories for Blacks Power, a 1-0 win in April 2023 and a 3-1 victory at Wankulukuku in November 2022. Maroons therefore have an opportunity not only to collect three points but also to rewrite their recent history against their opponents.
A victory would end that unwanted record and potentially provide another important step in Maroons’ development under Umar.
TEAM NEWS
Maroons will be without goalkeeper Amir Nalugoda, who remains unavailable after failing to fully recover from the injury that forced him off against Ntugasaze. Captain Edward Kabona is also suspended following his red card in the previous fixture. There is positive news, however, with Ronald Orombi and Hillary Adima returning to the Matchday squad after missing the opening two league games while representing Uganda Prisons Service at the Interforces Games in Gulu.
Their return gives the technical team additional options as Maroons look to maintain the attacking momentum generated in their previous match.
A CLASH OF CONTRASTING STARTS
Tuesday’s encounter brings together two teams whose opening campaigns have taken different paths. Maroons suffered an opening-day defeat before responding with an impressive victory.
Blacks Power, meanwhile, have been perfect two matches, two wins and no goals conceded. That makes the contest particularly intriguing. Maroons have the attacking momentum, while Blacks Power have demonstrated defensive resilience and an ability to win close games. The question is whether Maroons’ attacking quality can finally breach the Blacks Power defence, or whether the newcomers will extend their perfect start. For Blacks Power, another victory would further underline their credentials as a side capable of competing at this level. For Maroons, victory would mean much more than three points. It would be a statement of intent, a first home win of the season and, perhaps most importantly, a chance to finally rewrite their history against Blacks Power.
