SC Villa seeks first away win against arch-rivals KCCA FC

SC Villa, still searching for their first away victory of the Uganda Premier League season, will face archrivals KCCA FC this evening at the Philip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

This highly anticipated clash under the floodlights pits two of Uganda’s most successful football clubs against each other in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Villa’s away form has been a major concern, with no wins from five outings this season, including four losses and a draw. Their home performances have also been disappointing, with recent 1-1 draws against Police FC and Lugazi FC despite taking the lead in both games.

Interim head coach Morley Byekwaso is under immense pressure as fans grow increasingly frustrated with the team’s inconsistent displays. Sitting eighth on the table after 12 games, 11 points behind league leaders NEC, Villa’s title defense hopes are fading fast.

Byekwaso, a former KCCA player and coach, will also have personal stakes in this game. His departure from KCCA in April 2023 remains a contentious issue, and tonight offers him an opportunity to prove a point against his former side.

KCCA, currently third and five points off the top, have also struggled for consistency. Despite a narrow 2-1 victory over Wakiso Giants in their last game, head coach Abdallah Mubiru is under scrutiny from fans eager to end the club’s six-year trophy drought. KCCA’s recent form mirrors Villa’s, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches.

The game will feature several players and coaches with personal stakes. Villa’s forward Charles Lwanga, the league’s joint top scorer with eight goals, returns to Lugogo to face his former club, KCCA, eager to make an impact.

On the other hand, KCCA’s defender Gavin Kizito, a key figure in Villa’s title-winning squad last season, is also set for a reunion. Allegedly released by Villa after a dispute over winning bonuses, Kizito will aim to showcase his abilities against his former employers.

KCCA assistant coach Jackson Magera, once Villa’s head coach, adds another layer of intrigue. Magera is credited by some Villa fans for leading the team to the 2022/2023 league title before a controversial FUFA decision handed the trophy to Vipers SC. Now with KCCA, Magera will be keen to get revenge on his former side.

KCCA have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of their last five encounters with Villa, including a league double last season. With a combined 30 league titles—Villa’s 17 and KCCA’s 13—the two clubs remain the undisputed giants of Ugandan football.

Elsewhere in the league, second-placed Vipers SC, with 25 points, could leapfrog NEC to take the top spot if they secure a win against struggling Mbale Heroes away in Mbale City.

Uganda Premier League

Thursday Results

URA 1 Lugazi 0

Police 1 Maroons 2

Friday

Mbale Heroes v Vipers, 4pm

KCCA v SC Villa, 7pm

Saturday

Kitara v Express, 4pm