"We may talk about attitude and character, but everyone has to be ready physically because we won't need anyone that's not 100% fit."
"Whoever will need it more will win it," stressed Vipers SC head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi ahead of their crunch affair with arc-nemesis KCCA FC later today at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende.
The tactician has implored his players to play their hearts out to stand a chance of picking maximum points on home turf.
"I would love to see each player give 110% tomorrow,“ he said: "Vipers will try to do everything possible to have us push and stay in the (title) race."
"We may talk about attitude and character, but everyone has to be ready physically because we won't need anyone that's not 100% fit."
10:30 - 14.03.2024
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE Vipers Vs KCCA: Combined XI of the players available for selection
The bout will also present the two most successful sides in the last decade. Vipers and KCCA have managed five and four UPL titles, respectively, over the last ten seasons.
"Then, that's when character and attitude will come in. Which players need it more? Who wants to start? 22 players here all ready," Mbabazi assured.
Mbabazi further added on his expectations from KCCA, who won the tie 3-1 in the first round of the campaign.
17:24 - 14.03.2024
Vipers - KCCA Buildup: Vipers in vengeance mood ahead of clash with their first-round punisher
The Venoms, who lost 3-1 in the first half of the campaign to the Kasasiro Boys are expected to retaliate in front of their fans.
"It will be a good game, especially for the fans. KCCA will come with good football because they don't want to lose too. The boys are ready for it."
Victory for Vipers will lift them from fourth to third on the log with 38 points, five adrift of leaders Kitara FC, who would have played two games more.
08:50 - 15.03.2024
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE Vipers - KCCA Buildup: Massive injury blow for KCCA
Wasswa adds to talisman Muhammad Shaban (suspension), and attacker Usama Arafat Kizza, plus defender Haruna Lukwago, who are away for international engagements with the Uganda U20 team in the All Africa Games in Ghana.
On the other hand, KCCA occupy 10th on the 16-team log with 26 points in 20 matches, and a win would have them ascend to ninth.