Kitara FC Intensify Preparations for Al Ahly Clash as Hoima Stadium Food Stalls Sell Out

Kitara FC have intensified preparations for their CAF Confederation Cup Round of 32 first-leg encounter against Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC, with the Royals confident of delivering a positive result when the two sides meet at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

The highly anticipated match, scheduled to kick off at 4:00pm, is expected to attract thousands of football fans to Hoima as Kitara prepare to welcome one of Africa’s most successful football clubs for their first-ever meeting.

The growing excitement surrounding the continental showdown is already evident, with all food stalls at Hoima City Stadium reportedly fully booked ahead of the match, signalling strong demand from vendors and supporters preparing for the occasion.

Kitara are determined to make home advantage count as they seek a favourable result against the Egyptian powerhouse before travelling for the return leg. 

Bbosa Confident as Kitara Report Full Squad Fitness

The Royals have quickly shifted their attention to continental football following last Saturday’s 2-1 away victory over Kataka FC in Bukedea in the domestic league.

Head coach Wasswa Bbosa has overseen a carefully structured training programme this week, beginning with recovery sessions in the gym that included light cycling and mobility exercises before the players returned to the pitch.

The team held a ball session at Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday morning, focusing on tactical organisation and preparations for the challenge posed by the Egyptian side.

Bbosa expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, revealing that he had no fresh injury concerns and that all players were available for selection.

“First of all, we are feeling good because there is no fresh injury news. All the players are fit and available. We have trained well, from recovery work in the gym to the pitch, where we have focused on balancing the backline, midfield and attack,” Bbosa said.

The coach emphasised the importance of discipline, compactness and effective movement against opponents capable of punishing defensive mistakes.

“Against good sides like the one we are facing on Saturday, small moments can decide the result. We want to be organised, compact and mobile, and have numbers when we go forward. We shall have our chances and we are ready for a positive result,” he added.

Bbosa’s remarks underline Kitara’s intention to combine defensive stability with purposeful attacking play as they seek to unsettle their more experienced opponents.

CAF Appoints South African Referee for the Encounter

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a South African officiating team to handle the first-leg encounter between Kitara and Al Ahly.

South African referee Eugine Nkosinathi Mdluli has been appointed as the centre referee for the October 17 fixture. 

Mdluli has officiated in South Africa’s top-flight league since 2015 and has been on CAF’s international referees panel since 2019. In July 2026, he was named the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) Referee of the 2025/26 Season.

He will be assisted by compatriots Khamusi Razwimisani and Abi Kamohelo Ramutsindela, who will serve as the first and second assistant referees, respectively.

Another South African, Sikhumbuzo Patrick Gasa, has been appointed as the fourth official.

Ethiopia’s Gizate Alemu Mazengia will serve as the referees assessor, while Rwanda’s Sekamana Abdoul Abdoul Khaliq has been appointed match commissioner.

The appointments come as Kitara prepare for one of the biggest continental tests in the club’s history, with the officiating team expected to oversee the encounter under CAF’s competition regulations.

Food Stalls Fully Booked as Hoima Anticipates Continental Football

The booking of all food stalls at Hoima City Stadium ahead of Saturday’s encounter highlights the commercial and public interest surrounding the match.

The fixture offers Hoima an opportunity to host a major continental football event, bringing together supporters, vendors and other businesses expected to benefit from the influx of visitors.

For Kitara, the occasion also represents an opportunity to showcase their growing ambitions on the African stage and strengthen their connection with supporters in their home region.

Facing Al Ahly, a club renowned for its continental pedigree, presents a significant challenge for the Ugandan side. However, the Royals will hope that a supportive home crowd, tactical discipline and efficient finishing can help them secure an encouraging first-leg result. 

Tickets Available Online and at Physical Outlets

Kitara FC have urged supporters who have not yet secured tickets to purchase them early to avoid missing out on the highly anticipated encounter.

Ordinary tickets cost Shs20,000, while VIP tickets are selling at Shs100,000. 

Both categories are available through online and physical sales channels.

Supporters can purchase tickets online through the official booking link: 

https://book.tkt.ug/kitara-fc-vs-al-ahly-sc

Physical tickets are also available at Kitara FC’s head office on Hoima Main Street, opposite Stanbic Bank, and at the club’s Kinuubi office, opposite St Patrick Primary School.

The club has encouraged fans to make their purchases in advance as preparations for the match continue. 

A Major Test for the Royals

Saturday’s encounter will mark the first meeting between Kitara FC and Al Ahly, placing the Ugandan side against one of Africa’s most decorated football institutions.

For Kitara, the match is more than a continental fixture. It is an opportunity to measure their progress against elite opposition, demonstrate their competitiveness and give their supporters a memorable performance on home soil.

With the squad reporting full fitness, the coaching team focusing on tactical balance, CAF having confirmed the match officials and food stalls already fully booked, anticipation continues to build ahead of the showdown.

The Royals will now look to translate their preparations into a strong performance at Hoima City Stadium, where a positive first-leg result could give them renewed confidence heading into the return fixture in Egypt.