Monday, September 16*SC Villa Vs Mbarara City – Wankulukuku*Police Vs BUL – Kavumba*Express Vs Mbale Heroes – Nakivubo, 7pm
Team News
SC Villa have all players available for selection
Ronald Ssekiganda who missed the last FUFA Super 8 game against Maroons, is in the squad
Mbarara City set to hand debut to new signings including Jamil Kalisa, Hassan Jurua, Joseph Kafumbe
They start the season without Yunus Sibira, Hakim Nsamba, Amir Kakomo, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Ronald Mutebi, Bakali Magumba and Pius Wangi who left the club.
Probable Lineups
*SC Villa – Braddy Wokorach, Aslam Ssemakula, Edward Masembe, Tonny Atukunda, Cyrus Kibande, David Owori, Ronald Ssekiganda, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Elvis Ngonde, Charles Lwanga, Hakim Kiwanuka
*Mbarara City – Abdul Kimera, Innocent Wafula, Henry Musisi, Joseph Kafumbe, Hassan Jurua, Francis Odongo, Gibson Adinho, Jamir Kalisa, Henry Kitegenyi, Joseph Akandwanaho, Seiri Arigumaho
Preview: SC Villa Gears Up for Title Defense with Season Opener Against Mbarara City
SC Villa will aim to kick off their Uganda Premier League title defense with a strong performance as they host Mbarara City at Wankulukuku Stadium.
The Jogoos secured the league title last season in dramatic fashion, clinching their 17th championship on the final day with 57 points, ending a 20-year wait for the trophy.
However, the club has faced significant changes since then.
The departure of title-winning coach Dusan Stojanovic and captain Kenneth Ssemakula has raised concerns.
Additionally, the team’s recent performances in the CECAFA Kagame Cup, CAF Champions League, and FUFA Super Eight have also left doubts about their current title credentials.
New head coach Morley Byekwaso, previously the assistant coach, will seek to overcome these challenges and lead the team to success.
The squad has not seen major new signings, with Tony Atukunda, Isaac Mpagi, Francis Onekalit, Najib Yiga, Denis Kaka, Hassab Mubiru, and Geoffrey Lubangakene among the few new arrivals.
Key players for SC Villa will include Patrick Jonah Kakande and Ronald Ssekiganda, who will play crucial roles in their campaign.
The team will once again call Wankulukuku home after failing to secure Namboole Stadium.
In their last encounter with Mbarara City at Wankulukuku, SC Villa secured a 2-1 victory, with Umar Lutalo opening the scoring and Hakim Kiwanuka netting the winner after Henry Kitegenyi had equalized for the visitors.
The Jogoos’ opener last season was a 2-1 defeat to Kitara, a newly promoted team.
Mbarara City, who finished 10th with 32 points last season, have made changes of their own.
The Ankole Lions, under new head coach Livingston Mbabazi, are aiming to improve their standing and compete for higher positions in the league.
Mbarara City fell 1-0 to NEC at Kakyeka Stadium in their opener last season, and they will be looking to start the new campaign on a positive note.
Head to Head
2024/25SC Villa Vs Mbarara City
2023/24SC Villa 2-1 Mbarara CityMbarara City 0-0 SC Villa
2021/22SC Villa 2- Mbarara CityMbarara City 1-0 SC Villa
2020/21Mbarara City 2-1 VillaSC Villa 3-0 Mbarara City
2019/20Mbarara City Vs SC Villa (not played)SC Villa 3-1 Mbarara City
2018/19SC Villa 2-1 Mbarara CityMbarara City 2-1 SC Villa
2017/18Mbarara City 1-1 SC VillaSC Villa 1-0 Mbarara City
SC Villa Vs Mbarara City: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and Stats
