By Denis West

CAF Confederation Cup First Leg,

Playoff

Vipers 0-0 CS Sfaxien

Recently released Jamaican dancehall artiste Bunju Banton was spot on in one of his hot ballads ‘money can’t buy love’.

As such, money, it seems, can’t buy Vipers quick success in their continental quest. Vipers president Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, dug deep into his bottomless pockets at the start of this season and bought ammunition he thought would propel his budding club up to the table of men in Caf just like neighbors KCCA but midway, his dream seems to be crumbling like a pack of cards.

After offloading clueless Mexican coach Javier Martinez in December, Mulindwa saw a renewed side under Edward Golola and Michael Nam Ouma jostling with four-time Caf confederation Cup winners Sfaxien in the 0-0 draw at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday.

Still that was not enough, or may be put it this way, it left the Tunis return leg (on Saturday) about 60 percent in the hands of the Tunisians that are coached by experienced Dutchman Ruud Krol. Like KCCA, Vipers are a delicate, out of sorts side whenever they travel yet North Africa, has served us with countless walloping scenarios (the recent 7-1 Villa flattening by Fus Rabat coming on my mind first).

Lately, KCCA tried to dare Esperance and Al Ahly at their backyards, taking the game to them but the results remained in the North Africans’ favour. Vipers find themselves in a dilemma of having to attack and get that vital away goal yet they risk exposing their defence.

KCCA used their chances in the 3-2 loss to Esperance and 4-3 loss to Al Ahly but you shudder to think of any forward in the Vipers line up that can score two or one goal against the Arabs.

At Kitende, attackers Noah Wafula and Tito Okello each wasted two glorious chances yet lead protagonist Dan Sserunkuma, underprivileged by height, was literally pocketed the entire match. Away from the striking conundrum, Vipers have no leader, no abuse to skipper Tadeo Lwanga.

Apart from wearing the arm band, Lwanga still lacks the ‘driving factor’ that can intimidate the opposition – Roy Keane style – and make team mates ‘die a little for the club’.

Moses Waiswa can’t offer that either and the versatile Geoffrey Wasswa who would have done that seems to be overloaded with duties – almost filling in for anyone dull or injured.

Then there is luck, that is if Vipers can hold onto another 0-0 and the game transcends into spot kicks, but can they hold their nerves and tuck them away? I highly doubt.

Truth be told, with all the energies invested at the club, Vipers, easily dispatched by Algeria’s Constantine in Caf Champions League, is yet to be ready for the top echelons of Caf and will need a few more years to command respect, win games they should win and then start hoping of making it to the group stages.