Why head coach Livingstone Mbabazi missed Vipers' Uganda Cup win over Iganga Young

Vastly experienced tactician Charles Livingstone Mbabazi was absent from the touchline as Vipers SC comfortably beat Iganga Young FC 3-0 in the Round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

Strikes from Karim Watambala, Mohammed Salem Ekbad and Fazil Tumwine at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende, on Wednesday sunk Iganga in the absence of Mbabazi.

His non-appearance raised concerned voices from the Kitende crowd, as there had not been a communication from the club before the game.

However, it was later revealed that Mbabazi had failed to make the game through illness.

"Down with malaria," Vipers responded and cleared to a concerned fan under their official X handle.

Mbabazi joined Vipers in January on a two-year contract and has been in charge of seven domestic games.

He has yet to witness defeat and has won five games and two stalemates, both of which have come in the last two Uganda Premier League matches.

Meanwhile, Vipers have joined KCCA FC, BUL FC, Kitara, NEC, Pajule Lions FC and Police FC in the quarterfinals of the Uganda Cup.