Villa aims at Uganda Premier League title (insider)

 

SC Villa entertain Wakiso Giants on match-day seven of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) at the Wankulukuku stadium on Friday, November 11.

For Wakiso Giants, it will be another tough game, coming off the back of a clash against Vipers SC last evening at the Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium. Yet, for Villa, whose previous game was on Saturday, November 5, should be fresh, following a week’s rest.

The mood in the Villa camp is upbeat, following that 1-0 win over Soltilo Bright Stars in Kavumba recreation ground, Wakiso. This is because in the 2021/22 season, they lost twice to the same team in the league. So far, the Jogoos have won four, drawn and lost one of their first six fixtures, placing them second on the league table with 13 points.The shift in fortunes has raised suggestions that maybe Villa could be on course for a first league title since 2004, extending their record to 17 championships. Asked about whether that was a realistic prospect, following Villa’s hard-earned victory over Bright Stars, coach Jackson Magera said winning the championship is the ultimate goal. The former KCCA FC assistant coach was, however, quick to add that it is one thing to dream, and it is another going out there, and getting the job done.

With only five points dropped this season in six games, Magera can be pleased that his charges have not disappointed. The defending champions, Vipers, have already dropped five points in three games. KCCA FC, who are 13-time champions, have dropped six points in five games while Express FC have dropped seven already in five games.

The situation is even looking more perilous at URA FC, who have dropped 12 points from a potential 18. Based on that, the Villa faithful have every reason to believe that their team is onto something.

Magera said: “One thing that has helped us have a good start to the season is the team spirit. Everyone, from the management, technical staff and the players, are pulling in one direction. That good atmosphere around the club has restored the drive.”

Last season, Villa started the league a lot later than other teams, because of the feud between the club management and Fufa, the governing body. In addition, the recruitment of new players was not right in terms of quality and experience, to challenge, as is the case now. The team relied so much on upstarts without league experience, and inevitably, they were fazed by
the pressure.

Yet, what Magera did this time, was to recruit seasoned players like left-back Hassan Musana, who won with KCCA between 2018 and 2019. Add veteran midfielder Pistis Barenge from Mbarara City and midfielder Ivan Sserubiri, who was at URA for three seasons, two under coach Sam Ssimbwa, a period in which they just lost the league by one point in 2021, and the team has some real characters.

Also, an attack spearheaded by Sheif Batte, who has been in the league since 2016 and striker Ivan Bogere, who inspired Proline FC to the 2019 Uganda Cup success, has given Villa real steel and fight. The Jogoos may not be the best football playing team, but Magera is confident they will get there. Ian Mutenda, Bright Stars’ technical director, noted that Villa kept their shape quite well, giving them the defensive solidity.

He credited Magera for a good job. Villa’s display is in stark contrast with their form at this time last season, when they had five points, and were hovering above the relegation zone. Last season, Villa finished twelfth; five points above the relegation zone. They were six points behind Wakiso, who finished seventh. In the corresponding fixture last season, Wakiso beat Villa 3-1.

But in the second round one, Villa won 2-1. Such statistics point to an interesting clash ahead.