By Edwin Kyle Kule

A verbal war has erupted between the camp of Uganda Hippos and that of StarTimes Uganda Premier League side, Vipers SC.

The hot eruption developed after a request that was reportedly sent to Uganda U-20 team from Vipers SC asking for their three players, Aziz Kayondo, Najib Yiga and Bobos Byaruhanga to be released back to the team.

Vipers SC head coach Fred Kajoba is said to consider the three players as a strong pillar in the team and will strongly be relied on as they face Sudan outfit Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League qualifiers.

Speaking to Football256, Kajoba expressed his frustration saying that he has had to beg for the players, but his ‘request hit a deaf ear’.

“I really wanted my players because they are very valuable players to the team as we head to CAF Champions League qualifiers against Al Hilal,” Kajoba told Football256.

“I talked to Morley Byekwaso asking him for the boys but my request hit a deaf ear. I explained to him how I badly needed them but I got a negative reply.”

“I reached the extent of asking for at least two players that is Aziz Kayondo and Bobosi Byaruhanga but still my request hardly materialised,” Kajoba explained.

However, Hippos coach Morley Byekwaso is reluctant to let either of the players go especially at a crucial time of the preparations ahead of the CECAFA U20 zonal qualifiers for the 2021 U20 AFCON.

“I have spent a good time with these players organising for CECAFA. This is a crucial time for our preparations and we can’t afford to lose these players because they are crucial to us,” Byekwaso was quoted by Bukedde newspaper.

“The system that registers players to play in the tournament by CAF was closed so we can’t add any player on to the team.”

“If we had a chance to bring on other players. You never know we could weigh possible options. I have no say on this though.”

“I have informed my bosses at FUFA noting that they are very valuable players on my team. If I lose the three players am left with only 17 players legible to participate in the CECAFA tournament,” Byekwaso added.

The Uganda U-20 team is expected to set off on Friday November 20, to Tanzania where the CECAFA tournament is set to kick off on November 23.

The CECAFA U20 qualifiers will see 11 countries competing; Uganda is in group B together with Burundi, Eritrea and South Sudan.

Hosts Tanzania were placed in group A with Somalia, Rwanda and Djibouti, while Ethiopia plays in group C with Kenya and Sudan.