SC Villa eye crucial derby win to close gap in UPL title race

Uganda Premier League

Today, 8pm

Express FC v SC Villa

SC Villa has a chance to tighten their grip on the Uganda Premier League (UPL) title race when they face arch-rivals Express FC under the lights at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, today.

Victory for the Jogoos would see them move to within a single point of table leaders Vipers and strengthen their hold on third place.

Villa starts the day fourth on 23 points, behind Vipers (27), KCCA (26) and Police (24). However, Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat of KCCA by Police means Villa would still trail the Kasasiro Boys on head-to-head even with maximum points.

The record league holders come into the fixture in buoyant mood after back-to-back home wins, a commanding 3-0 victory over URA and a narrow 1-0 success against Cavalry at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. Villa have lost just twice in 11 league outings this season, both defeats coming away from home against KCCA and Maroons.

Historically, the biggest fixture in Ugandan football, the Express–Villa rivalry has recently tilted in favour of the Jogoos in recent seasons in terms of success. Under Serbian coach Zeljko Kovacevic and club president Omar Mandela, Villa have been revitalised and now look every inch title contenders.

They were crowned champions two seasons ago, claiming a record 17th league title under another Serbian tactician, Dusan Stojanovic.

Express, by contrast, are enduring a difficult campaign. The Red Eagles occupy ninth position on the table with just 12 points from 11 matches and have been rocked by off-field turmoil.

Reports of unpaid salaries and allowances have led to player departures and coaching exits, while frustrated fans have threatened to boycott matches until the club’s issues are addressed starting with today’s game.

Forward Richard Basangwa and defender Hakim Wandera are both reported to have joined NEC, while assistant coach Richard Malinga has also left his position, leaving head coach Jimmy Kintu to navigate the crisis with a demoralised squad.

Express head into today’s derby on the back of two heavy away defeats, 4-0 to Maroons and 2-0 to Entebbe UPPC, and have already lost to fellow giants Vipers and KCCA both at home.

Villa, on the other hand, arrives confident and focused on maintaining momentum in the title race. Hassan Mubiru, Ibrahim Kasinde, Frank Ssebuufu and Najib Yiga are expected to provide the spark for the Jogoos, while Express will look to John Asiimwe, Ramz Kawooya and Peter Onzima for inspiration.

Last season’s encounters ended evenly, with each side winning 1-0 at home.