“We might face an enormous staff after we see off Mogadishu Metropolis Membership however we solely have respect for them however we don’t worry them,” Atugonza mentioned as Kitara brace for his or her first continental dwelling recreation in Hoima.
It’s a daring assertion from a membership getting ready for under its second continental marketing campaign, however Kitara are now not content material with merely displaying up.
This time, the goal is the group stage; “The goal shouldn’t be now honouring. It’s group phases,” Atugonza mentioned.
“We’re struggling to make sure we see all after which go as much as the second spherical.”
Earlier than that ambition can develop, Kitara should first navigate a difficult preliminary spherical tie in opposition to Mogadishu Metropolis Membership, who come into the competition with current aggressive publicity from the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Kitara FC beginning XI that confronted SC Villa of their opening day match of the 2026/27 UPL season on the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku
However the greatest story on Sunday might be unfolding off the pitch as a lot as on it.
Hoima is getting ready for a soccer event it has by no means witnessed earlier than continental membership soccer on dwelling soil.
Atugonza believes the importance has not been misplaced on the neighborhood.
“It’s going to be the primary of its sort and we’re enjoying a continental recreation at dwelling, not in Uganda however in Hoima and in Bunyoro at Hoima Metropolis Stadium,” he mentioned.
“It’s fairly a historic second and we pray and consider that the followers are going to benefit from the first recreation of its sort at a continental degree.”
The thrill is already constructing, with supporters from throughout Uganda displaying curiosity within the match;
“This recreation shouldn’t be for Bunyoro alone. This recreation is for all Ugandans as a result of Kitara is representing Uganda,” Atugonza mentioned.
“We’ve had calls from Arua so far as Mbale, so far as Mukono and all the nation.”
Tickets are reportedly shifting, whereas demand for Kitara jerseys has added to the match day buzz.
With the stadium cleared for 17,000 spectators, Atugonza believes even that determine might be examined.
“Folks have purchased tickets on-line and persons are coming. If the digicam particular person would even present how persons are skipping in to purchase tickets and jerseys, I might count on a whole lot of flip up. It may even exceed the 17,000 individuals you’re speaking about.” whereas speaking to CK Sports activities Africa’s Clive Kyazze on NTV’s Sport At the moment.
For Kitara, the event is historic however the ambition, nonetheless, is greater, their first continental look was about collaborating and honouring the fixture away in Libya the place they performed each legs, this time, Atugonza says, merely being there isn’t a longer sufficient.
“The primary time we mentioned the mere undeniable fact that we honour the fixture was additionally credit score to us,” he mentioned.
“This time we mentioned the goal shouldn’t be now honouring. It’s group phases.”
The continental journey begins on Sunday, September 6, when Mogadishu Metropolis Membership host Kitara at Hoima Metropolis Stadium within the first leg, with kick off set for 4pm.
The return leg will come six days later, on Saturday, September 12, on the identical venue, additionally beginning at 4pm.
That offers Kitara two dwelling dates to take advantage of their acquainted environment as they chase a spot within the subsequent spherical of the CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary spherical.
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