Mike Mutebi believes that arch-rivals Sports Club Villa have an advantage over his KCCA FC side as the Uganda Premier League enters its final stretch over the coming weeks.
Defending champions KCCA FC are currently second with 44 points after 22 points, five behind leaders SC Villa, who have played a game more.
"SC Villa have a slight advantage over us because they are in the lead on the table and they are winning games while we are struggling to win games," Mutebi told KweséESPN on Friday. "We create so many scoring chances, but we don't score.
"We simply need to wake up and start scoring because we are still in three tournaments," he added, "and we need the team to be converting their chances to be able to get positive results."
KCCA were held to a disappointing goalless draw against sixth-placed Maroons FC on Thursday, as they missed the chance to close the gap to the league leaders.
The team are also battling injuries as they look to battle on three fronts, with the Kampala heavyweights still standing in the Uganda Cup and the CAF Champions League.
Domestically, they find themselves in a three-horse race for the title, with SC Vipers - in third on 43 points after 22 games - also in the running.
"We keep working hard to defend our title," Mutebi added, "but it is an interesting scenario even for the fans because they will keep coming to watch games since nothing is clear cut."
Having become the first Ugandan side to qualify for the group stage of Africa's premier club competition, KCCA will also have one eye on their opening fixture of the round - against Botswana's Township Rollers FC on May 4.
"We are not worried about the local fixtures because they are also good for us to prepare the players better to get that spark ahead of the big games to come," he added.
By contrast, SC Villa only have to focus on domestic football.
"We are so hungry to win back the league trophy for the first time since 2004 and this calls for seriousness from everyone," coach Wasswa Bbosa told KweséESPN. "We do not sleep well these days because we are busy planning for every game."
SC Villa will face a tough hurdle on April 17th when they host third-placed SC Vipers at the Masaka Recreation Ground.
The same day, KCCA FC will play away to fifth-placed Onduparaka FC in Arua, a fixture which is increasingly looking like a must-win clash for the Kasasiro Boys.
While traditional giants SC Villa are chasing their 17th league title, KCCA FC are targeting their 13th and SC Vipers their third.